Can Flaxseed Gel Tame Your Frizz and Smooth Your Curls?

Flaxseed gel and oil can offer several advantages for your hair, including taming frizz, supporting stronger growth, and keeping strands hydrated.

Do you battle frizz or have naturally curly locks that could use a touch of extra help? Applying flaxseed gel to your hair might be the answer. It’s simple and inexpensive to prepare at home.

Flaxseed is among the most versatile seeds and is prized for numerous nutritional qualities. It has a long history as a functional food and has been used for centuries in traditional remedies.

You might already toss them into smoothies or use them as an egg substitute when baking.

Beyond dietary and skincare perks, flaxseed is also known as a beneficial ingredient in hair care routines.

What is it?

Flaxseed, or flax, is an annual plant cultivated for both its fiber and seeds.

Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, flax was likely used first by the ancient Egyptians. Historically, its fiber made fabrics and nets, while the seeds were used for food and medicinal purposes.

Flaxseed is nutrient-dense and supports hair and overall health because it contains:

• protein
• omega-3 fatty acids
• fiber
• antioxidants
• vitamin E
• lignans (bioactive compounds)
• vitamin B
• magnesium
• manganese
• selenium

What is flaxseed gel?

To get the hair benefits of flaxseed, you can’t simply sprinkle ground seeds on your hair and expect results.

Instead, you’ll want flaxseed gel. This is produced by heating or processing flaxseeds to extract their natural mucilage, producing a thick, jelly-like substance you can apply to hair.

Flaxseed gel is easy to make at home — recipes are provided below.

Flaxseed gel vs. flaxseed oil

Flaxseed oil can be helpful for hair as well. It’s produced by grinding and pressing flaxseeds to release their oil.

You can find flaxseed oil in grocery or health food stores, typically in the cooking oil aisle. People use flaxseed oil for:

• cooking
• complementary health practices
• home remedies

Although flaxseed gel and oil differ in texture, their potential hair benefits are largely similar.

Benefits of flaxseed gel for hair

“Flaxseed gel helps hair grow faster and longer by nourishing the hair follicles,” says Celeste Arnold, senior stylist and owner of Celeste Arnold Hair and Makeup. “Vitamin E in flaxseed feeds the scalp and lessens free radical damage.”

For curly hair

“Flaxseed gel excels at forming defined curl clumps and minimizing frizz,” Arnold explains. “Many people struggle to clump their curls, especially when they first embrace their natural texture. Flaxseed gel helps curls come together more easily than some styling products, which significantly reduces frizz.”

Vitamin E in flaxseed helps protect against damage, combats free radicals, and can reduce scalp inflammation. It also may improve hair elasticity and add shine.

“Flaxseed gel is particularly useful for curly or wavy hair, as it doesn’t become overly stiff but gently defines and hydrates the hair, allowing movement,” says Holly Zoccolan, Holistic Lifestyle & Nutrition Coach and Founder of The Health Zoc.

For hair growth

Flaxseed is a nutrient-rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that may help to:

• nourish the scalp
• prevent hair shedding
• support hair growth

For straight hair

Though flaxseed gel is famed for curl definition, it can also help keep straight hair sleek and hydrated.

For 4c hair

Many people report excellent results using flaxseed gel on 4c hair.

“The gel can be used on the hair and scalp as a moisturizer and to help encourage growth,” Arnold says. “It’s commonly used to smooth edges and define curls.”

For locs

Because flaxseed gel provides hydration and moisture, it may make locs feel softer.

See the loc-specific flaxseed gel recipe below.

For dry or damaged hair

“Flaxseed is rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids,” Arnold notes. “These nutrients can help nourish dry, damaged hair, and the fatty acids are often praised for their moisturizing properties.”

For wavy hair

Much like curly hair, wavy hair types commonly use flaxseed gel, and anecdotal evidence suggests it’s effective.

How to prep your hair

Preparing your hair for flaxseed gel is straightforward.

“Ensure your hair is shampooed, conditioned, and rinsed thoroughly,” Zoccolan advises.

That’s all you need to do before applying the gel.

How to apply

To use flaxseed gel as a hair mask, Arnold suggests pouring a small amount into your palms and massaging it into your hair. Leave it on for up to 15 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as usual.

You can also use it as a pre-conditioning rinse after shampooing.

Flaxseed gel recipes

Making flaxseed gel at home is simple, although prepared options are available if you prefer to buy.

Here are several options you can try:

• CurlMix Pure Flaxseed Gel with Organic Jojoba Oil for Moisturizing Hair & Lavender Fragrance
• Cantu Flaxseed Smoothing Oil
• Briogeo Curl Charisma Chia + Flax Seed Coil Custard

Flaxseed gel recipe with aloe vera

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup flaxseeds
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel (optional)
• 1 tsp collagen peptides (optional)
• 15–30 drops of oil (optional)
• 1/2 tsp magnesium sulfate (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine flaxseeds and water in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally to avoid burning or sticking.
3. When the mixture becomes slimy (about 6 minutes), remove from heat.
4. Add collagen while still warm, if using.
5. Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl to strain.
6. Mix in any optional ingredients and stir well.
7. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

This Aloe vera version, shared by Arnold, can be made with or without aloe vera; the plant gel may add extra hydration.

Simple flaxseed hair gel recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp whole flaxseeds
• 2 cups water
• muslin cloth
• glass jar with lid

Directions:

1. Place flaxseeds and water in a small pan and simmer over medium heat.
2. Stir often to prevent sticking.
3. Remove from heat after 2–3 minutes or when the water becomes gel-like.
4. Stir while it cools briefly.
5. Strain through the cloth into the glass jar.
6. Allow it to cool for up to 2 hours before use.
7. Store chilled in the refrigerator.

Zoccolan provided this straightforward flaxseed gel method. You can add extras for scent or additional moisture if desired.

Flaxseed gel with coconut oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 5 tbsp golden flaxseed
• 1/2 tsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp aloe vera (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Add flaxseeds right away.
3. Stir and boil for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour through a metal strainer to separate seeds and collect the gel into a glass container.
5. Mix in coconut oil and any optional additions.
6. Keep refrigerated and use within 1 week.

Eve at Organic Beauty Recipes advises making small batches to avoid needing preservatives.

Flaxseed gel for locs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/8 cup whole brown flaxseeds
• cheesecloth (or pantyhose)
• Mason jar
• pot or pan
• 2–3 drops of oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add flaxseeds and stir for several minutes.
3. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until a gel forms.
4. Strain through cloth into a jar.
5. Add optional oils and stir.
6. Allow to cool.
7. Retwist locs using small amounts at a time.

The creator at Faith n Turtles recommends coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or vitamin E oil.

They also suggest preparing a fresh batch right before retwisting, typically done about once a month.

Flaxseed gel recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown flaxseed
• 2 cups distilled water
• 2 oz hemp seed oil
• 1/4 cup marshmallow root
• 1 tsp xanthan gum
• 20 drops fragrance
• 1 oz aloe vera juice or gel (optional)
• other oils (optional)

Directions:

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil.
2. Add marshmallow root and boil for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the marshmallow infusion into a Mason jar.
4. Return liquid to the pot and simmer on low heat.
5. Whisk in xanthan gum, stirring to prevent lumps.
6. When it turns gel-like, remove from heat and pour into a jar.
7. Set aside to cool.
8. Bring additional water to a gentle boil, then add flaxseed and boil 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Remove and strain into a jar.
10. Add hemp seed oil or fragrance and blend well.
11. Chill in the refrigerator before use.
12. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Kimberly Lewis of CurlMix shares this recipe along with helpful photos and a video guide.

Frequently asked questions

How to store it?

Make flaxseed gel in small quantities and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week, unless the specific recipe indicates a longer shelf life.

How long does the gel last?

Some folks add preservatives to extend shelf life, but most prefer to make small, preservative-free batches.

Can you eat it?

It’s generally not recommended to consume raw whole flaxseed, as it’s harder for the body to absorb. Ground flaxseed is commonly eaten in smoothies or baked goods.

Pregnant people should avoid flaxseed supplements since they may affect hormones.

Pro tips

• If your flaxseed gel or seeds smell off, discard them.
• Flaxseed gel forms a film; using too much can cause flaking. If you see a white, powdery residue, you can brush it out.
• If you have low-porosity hair, adding oils or creams to homemade flax gel can weigh your hair down.

Safety and side effects

Avoid flaxseed gel if you have a flax allergy.

Pregnant or nursing people should consult their healthcare provider before topical or oral use because of possible hormonal effects.

As with any new product or DIY treatment, perform a patch test before applying it to your entire scalp or head.

There are some potential adverse effects from ingesting flaxseeds or oil, including:

• digestive issues such as cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation
• toxicity from unripe seeds
• lowered blood pressure
• a possible elevated risk of prostate cancer
• increased estrogen levels
• interactions with medications like blood thinners, cholesterol drugs, and insulin
• skin sensitivity to topical oils

Takeaway

While more rigorous clinical studies are needed to fully validate flaxseed’s effects on hair, considerable anecdotal evidence supports its benefits.

Furthermore, research demonstrating flaxseed’s positive health effects suggests it could be a valuable element in hair care.