Category Archives: Flax Seed

Easy Two Ingredient Flaxseed Gel for Smooth Sleek Hair

Hello Maicurlies,

I had mentioned my simple two ingredient Flaxseed Gel (FSG) that I usually use whenever I am travelling/away from all my extra goodies at home; in a video I made about all my favorite DIY’s/Store bought products (while travelling) and was asked to share the recipe, so here it is!

This recipe is honestly one of the simplest gel’s I make and while it doesn’t involve a lot of ingredients, it is still packed with nourishment for the hair AND still does an excellent job at providing shine, definition and hold (without any crunchiness).

I have a few videos and posts about other FSG recipes that are more intricate and involve a lot more ingredients here and even a protein FSG to make a strengthening Gel). They also include more details about the benefits of using FSG for the hair (you know I have to give props to the fact that this gel is ALL natural, doesn’t include any chemicals and actually provides nourishment to the hair)!

So let’s get to the good stuff!

Ingredients/Tools:

1/2 cup Flaxseeds
2.5 cups Rosewater (reserve 1/2 cup for after boiling)
3 teaspoons Almond oil

Pot
Spatula
Container
Pump bottle
NEW stocking cap

Additional/Optional Ingredients:

Instead of Rosewater, you can use plain water and/or a combination of both (Rosewater has been my go to because of its nourishing benefits for the hair and skin). In place of Almond oil, you can use any carrier oil of choice.

Method:

In a pot, I start by adding the Flaxseeds to the Rosewater, making sure that all of the seeds are submerged. Slowly allowing the water to form a gentle rolling boil on low-medium heat, while stirring, till I have the consistency of egg whites. I let the gel cool down completely to room temperature (the seeds still in the gel). I add the additional 0.5 cups of Rosewater to the gel and seeds, while in the pot to make it easier to strain the gell from the seeds. I add the oil to the gel, stir really well so that the oil and gel combine and then transfer into my pump bottle.

Additional Information:

FSG has a relatively short shelf life in general and should ALWAYS be stored in the fridge, especially since I don’t use preservatives, nor do I add ingredients that help to extend the shelf life in this particular recipe (to keep it simple). I ordinarily do eg Essential oils and Vitamin E oil. It is best to keep the gel in the fridge for no more than 2 weeks. An alternative option is to freeze the gel in an ice-cube tray and then when ready take out a few FSG blocks to defrost and use. You can reuse the Flaxseeds by storing in a container/airtight zip lock bag.

I would love to hear what you think of this recipe Maicurlies!

Maicurls

Wash and Go using Avocurl Conditioning Butter (Brand Ambassador)

Products/Tools used:

DIY leave-in conditioner
Avocurl Conditioning Butter
DIY Flaxseed Gel
Afro Pick

My next post shall be product reviews on both the conditioning butter and the daily moisturizer.

P.s I have a discount code you can use to purchase Avocurl products from their site using: MARIANNE

(Disclaimer: all thoughts and experiences expressed are my own honest review).

If you happen to buy any of Avocurl please let me know what you think of the products!

Maicurls

DIY Conditioning Bars with Cleansing Properties

10 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

It has been a while (a little over a month) since I last shared a DIY and over the last few weeks I have been asked “when will you share a DIY again”, you request and I shall deliver 😉

DIY Conditioning Bar With Cleansing Properties

My “DIY Conditioning Bar with Cleansing Properties” is a mix that my hair LOVES! As the name indicates it helps to condition my hair while leaving my curls feeling clean (thanks to cleansing properties) but it does not result in dry or stripped clean hair thanks to the conditioning elements!

Ingredients/Tools:

DIY Conditioning Bar With Cleansing Properties - Ingredients

1.1 oz Amla
1.5 oz Shikakai
0.7 oz Water
3 oz Unrefined Cocoa Butter (I got mine from SheaButter Cottage)
0.7 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15 oz)
2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil (optional) – use any Essential Oil you like*
0.2 oz Glycerin (optional)**
Pot & Bowl for double broiler
Spoon
Container
Silicon Moulds & Cling Film (if you choose to make blocks)

Note: *If you are pregnant please do not use any Essential oil. Essential Oil needs to be sufficiently diluted & certain oils have more “strength”. ** If you hair does not like Glycerin skip this ingredient (see Alternative Suggestions for other options).

Mixing Method:

I first combine the dry ingredients (powders) together and mix them well. I then add the water and stir before adding the butter and remaining ingredients. When I add the butter and oils etc it is done step-by-step (do not pour everything in one go since you want to make sure you are not adding more than you want and to make sure everything is mixed well).

Storage/Setting:

If you are going to use this right after making the mix, then skip this step and move onto “Adding Your Mixing Liquid” (below). If you are making blocks, pour into silicon molds which will be covered with cling film in order for them to set (Once set, I store mine in a sandwich bag for future use).

Adding Your Mixing Liquid:

Bars in double broiler

Melting bars

Depending on your preference you can basically add any liquid of choice (e.g. Flax Seed Water, Tea, Water, Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream). First gently double broil the blocks (do not completely melt them down) you just want them to melt a little since you will be adding warm mixing liquid which will completely melt down the bars. My mixing liquid of choice is Flax Seed Water. I literally let the seeds (2 oz) just reach a gentle rolling boil in plain water (8.8 oz) for no more than 5 minutes on low heat. I immediately sieve the seeds (which I store for reuse) and pour the Flax Seed Water to my semi melted blocks and stir stir stir.

Application:

Melted Conditioning Bars

Once the Flax Seed Water has been added it turns into this lovely consistency and I highly recommend applying on lightly damp hair (best on detangled hair to avoid tangles and to allow for easy application). I cover my hair with a shower cap and scarf for a minimum of 20 – 30 minutes and then rinse it out with a dab of conditioner (the conditioner is optional but I prefer using it to make sure I don’t have any “bits” in my hair).

Ingredient Benefits:

Amla – holds conditioning properties, provides shine, strengthens the hair, helps slow down early on set greying/darkens the hair (subtly), helps keep a clean & healthy Scalp.
Shikakai – helps to cleanse the hair & scalp.
Water – best moisturizing ingredient.
Unrefined Cocoa Butter – helps moisturize the hair, reduces hair loss, reduces breakage & alleviates scalp itching and irritations.
Virgin Coconut Oil – provides shine and strength, penetrates into the hair shaft to strengthen from within, soothes an irritated scalp & helps elimate frizz.
Vitamin E Oil – helps extend homemade products shelf life, rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp & hair.
Peppermint Essential Oil – helps to stimulate blood flow to the scalp which results in hair growth, soothes an irritated scalp, cleanses the scalp & also helps extend the shelf life of homemade products.
Glycerin – a humectant that attracts water in the air (humidity) to the area applied.

Alternative Ingredients:

Unrefined Cocoa Butter – can be replaced with any other butter of choice e.g. Shea Butter, Mango Butter or a combination.
Virgin Coconut Oil – can be replaced with any carrier oil of choice.
Glycerin – can be replaced with Honey or Agave Nectar (if you hair likes Humectants).
Shikakai – can be replaced with Aritha (soap nut) which has even more cleansing abilities.
Water – can be used together with Rose Water e.g 0.35 oz Water & 0.35 oz Rose Water.
Peppermint Essential Oil – you can replace this with any oil of choice or omit it completely.

When To Use:

There is no “time frame” for this, you can use it whenever you like. I do suggest that if your hair is in need of a little TLC and you want to switch between deep conditioning you can use this in place of a Deep Conditioner from time to time.

I would love to hear what you think! If you use this recipe or change a few things please let me know, I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Coconut Conditioning Cream

4 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

It is yet again time for a Do It Yourself (DIY) because I of course do not share enough of these normally ;).

DIY Coconut Conditioning Cream

So as the name indicates today I have got a DIY Conditioning Cream recipe and surprise surprise the mix contains…….coconut cream!!! Jokes aside, apart from the Coconut Cream it also contains Flax Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds and two different types of infused carrier oils (coffee bean infused almond oil and coffee bean infused coconut oil) along with some Essential Oil at the end. Another additional ingredient is a moisturizing conditioner with can be added to the mix otherwise should be used after rinsing the mix from your hair (more details about this below). For now, let’s break down the ingredients and their benefits.

Flax Seeds:

Helps with hair growth due to the rich source of vitamin E.
Due to the Vitamin E oil it is said to help slow down premature grey hairs.
Contains Omega-3 fatty acids which helps provide the hair with strength and elasticity.
Helps fight hair loss (excessive shedding).
Can help ease scalp irritations such as dryness and dandruff.
Nourishes the hair roots, shaft, and the scalp.

Fenugreek Seeds (aka Methi):

(Tip: Fenugreek is a popular ingredient in Asian dishes (mainly India) so in case you can’t find the seeds in your local supermarket/grocery store – (the “ethnic” isle) check your local Indian markets you will be able to find them there).

Aids in hair growth thanks to the proteins and nicotinic acid
Provides strength to the hair thanks to lecithin
Provides moisture to the hair
Helps fight dandruff
Soothes an irritated scalp
Conditions the hair

Coconut Cream*:

Helps to sooth scalp irritations
Penetrates the hair strands
Provides the hair with luster & shine
Provides strength to the hair
Enforces hair growth
Reduces hair shedding
Reduces hair breakage
Makes the hair soft
Said to help slow down premature grey hairs

*NOTE: Due to the presence of protein in coconut cream some of you might find that it makes your hair feel hard. It is recommended that if you do not use a moisturizing conditioner as part of the mix that you rinse your hair with a moisturizing conditioner after you rinse your hair.

Oils:

I use coffee based oils since it has a whole number of benefits e.g stimulates blood flow therefore growth in the hair, helps keep the scalp clean, provides luster to the hair, provides shine, helps to subtly darken the hair and so much more. I have a lot of details about coffee infused oil here but you can use any oil of choice.

Products/Tools Used:

DIY Coconut Conditioning Cream

2 oz Flaxseeds
2 oz Fenugreek Seeds
8 oz water (used the night before to soak the seeds)
7 oz coconut cream
0.2 oz Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil
0.5 oz Coffee Bean Infused Coconut Oil
7 oz water (to boil the seeds)
– Optional – Essential Oil (after the mix cools)
– Optional – 2 – 3 tablespoons Rinse out conditioner
Pot
Sieve
Bowl/container
Spoon
Gloves (optional to keep things sanitized)
Squeeze bottle (clean and disinfected)
Funnel (to pour the mix into your squeeze bottle)

Method:

Before I begin the recipe I first soak the seeds in 8oz of plain water overnight (you can choose to soak them for less time or skip this all together). Boil the seeds in 7oz of plain water on low heat just until it starts a rolling boil (string the whole time). Pour the liquid through a strainer and reserve the seeds (they can be stored and reused later if kept in the freezer). Rinse out the pot and warm up the coconut cream just till it starts to thicken (no more than 3 – 5 minutes). Add the warm coconut cream to the liquid and stir thoroughly. (If you choose to add conditioner to the mix directly, do so now) then add the oils, stir and pour into the container. Once the mix cools you can add Essential oil (optional).

Instead of adding the conditioner to the mix I like to use it after I have rinsed my hair and the water runs clear. I do this because I am not the biggest fan of the scent of Fenugreek seeds. Some have said that they get a “maple syrup” scent when they use Fenugreek seeds, I get no such smell! To me the seeds have a spice scent that I am not a fan of but that is way I add essential oil (usually peppermint) once the mix cools and then do a final rinse with conditioner.If you use conditioner in the recipe this will give your mix additional slip and that will help detangle the hair even further.

Application/Rinse:

Apply the mix to freshly washed, clean and detangled hair going from the ends to your roots. Use your fingers to gently “finger comb” and distribute the mix, cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse your hair using warm water. If you feel like you need to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner do so after the water runs clear.

You should be left with hair the feels stronger but not dry, shiny but not sticky, basically your hair should be feeling happy!

NOTE: If you have any leftover conditioning cream you can store it in your freezer for future use (I always have some left over). You also can freeze your coconut cream in case you don’t use the rest for cooking – it is delicious in curries btw ;).

I would love to hear if you have ever used Fenugreek seeds before. If you have, please let me know if you get that “maple syrup” scent from your seeds.

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Hair Setting Lotion

6 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

Today I have yet another DIY to share! 😀

DIY Hair Setting Lotion

This baby is my DIY Hair Setting Lotion and before I begin I want to point out that while I consider this a “lotion” the name comes from the fact that it has a lotion-ish consistency. It does not contain the main ingredients included in most normal hair lotions/creams you can buy from the store. What this recipe does contain is Flax Seed Gel (FSG) and Whipped Butter, along with a little natural honey. It is an all natural (no parabens, no chemicals, no alcohol) product that helps enhance your curls, provides you with light hold while at the same time provides moisture and seals in that moisture.

As I have always mentioned in all of my DIY recipes, you do not have to follow my recipe step by step (it is good to experiment for yourself) but just so you have an idea of what I do, I include my: DIY Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel and my DIY Double Coffee Whipped butter. (I will provide you with ingredient alternatives below).

I have used this product in a number of different ways and loved the results of each for example to set a rake & shake (similar to a wash and go), perm rod curls, twist-outs. I like to apply this as a final product after I have moisturized my hair with a leave-in conditioner. I do not follow up with a butter/oil/gel since this basically has it all!

Ingredients/Tools Used:

Ingredients used

1.3 oz Double Coffee Whipped Butter (use any whipped butter you like)
3 oz Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel (you can use regular FSG)
0.2 oz Raw/Natural Honey (optional – for additional moisture)
Emulsifier/Blender
Spatula
Bowl/Container
Clean & disinfected Squeeze bottle

Mixing Method:

Hair Setting Lotion

1. I put my (super fluffy and delicious smelling) double coffee whipped butter in a tall container and pour in the FSG. 2. Using an emulsifier (you can use a blender) I pulse the butter and gel together until it starts to combine, add the honey and continue to pulse till it starts to turn into a lotion-ish consistency (usually no more than 3 – 4 minutes). That is it! Simple 😀

Storage:

You MUST I repeat you MUST store this in the fridge. FSG has a short shelf life on its own and while the honey does help to extend the shelf life, you are combining butter together with a liquid; therefore in order to avoid bacteria from growing too quickly it has to be stored in the fridge. You also only want to make small amounts so that you can use it up quickly and then just remake some more. Again, this will reduce the chances of your product growing mold before it is used up (avoid wasting it).

Ingredient alternatives:

Instead of the Protein FSG I use you can of course use regular FSG. The whipped butter used is completely up to you, whipped Shea butter, mango butter, a combination of butters will work just as well. Honey is an optional ingredient that can either be skipped all together or replaced with glycerin or agave nectar. The addition of this helps to provide the mix with a little extra moisture and again helps to extend the shelf life of the product (just a little nothing major). You could also opt to try and use a store bought gel (however the consistency of the end product will probably be much thicker and more like a DIY hair custard which is great too)!

Benefits:

Provides light hold (none crunchy hold)
Helps enhance curl defintion
Proivdes moisture
Provides shine
Helps seal in moisture

This product has the ability to provide your hair with hold and curl definition while at the same time it provides moisture due to the Flax Seed Benefits such as the Omega fatty acids present in the seeds. Depending on your FSG recipe you might have extra moisturizing elements e.g. I use rose water, and plain water which is great for the hair and scalp. The addition of carrier oils in the gel also helps with providing the hair with sheen and the ability to seal in moisture. The same applies for the whipped butter which helps to soften the hair, smooth the hairs cuticles, provides shine and seals in moisture. If you added Essential oil in the process of your gel/butter making this again helps with the overall health of your hair and scalp. Overall this is one goody in a squeeze bottle!

Here is my “how to” video:

I would love to hear what you think if you try this recipe and if you attempt this with a store bought gel I really would love to hear how it turned out!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Rosewater Flaxseed Spray Gel

8 Replies

Hi Maicurlies,

So I have been experimenting again! And I am excited to share my…

Flaxseed Spray Gel

Yes you read that right, DIY Flaxseed Spray Gel!

Now let me clarify, it is basically Flaxseed Gel that I dilute down to make it thin enough to pass through a spray pump and spray out evenly… I LOVE it!

I have a video up explaining my process (below)

How I make it

To make my mix I use my DIY Rosewater infused Flaxseed Gel recipe and then add extra

Rosewater*
Plain bottled water*

to thin it out. I also throw the mix in my blender to pulse it and that is it!

*To water it down you can use any liquid of choice. I choose to use Rosewater and plain water because I actually use them in my Flaxseed Gel recipe and because I my hair loves them.

You watch the video of how I make my DIY Rosewater infused Flaxseed Gel below:

Remember

When making the spray, there are two things you need to make sure of:

You are using a spray bottle that will evenly mist out the spray instead of “spit out” the gel.
You have the right consistency so that the pipe of the spray will actually pickup the gel.

*It might take a bit of trial and error till you find the right container and get the right consistency for your spray.

Flaxseed Spray and Regular Gel

When do I use the spray?

I like to use this on dry hair since it is gives a light hold so using it on wet hair would just further dilute down the gel.
I use it to help tame flyaways
Lightly holdup an updo
When I do not want to dampen my hair with too much products (e.g. when my hair is stretched)
When I want to have gentle hold on a twist-out with out resorting to using a lot of gel (e.g. if I need to touch up a twist-out but do not want to waste products on hair that will be washed in a day).

Do you use a spray gel? If so what do you use? I you try Flaxseed Spray Gel I would love to hear about your experiences!

Thanks

Maicurls

Wash and Go with Flax Seed Gel

Rosewater Flaxseed Gel

4 Replies

Hi Maicurlies,

I have mentioned the benefits of Rosewater for Hair and Skin and in honor of Rosewater (which I LOVE) I have been experimenting. What did I do? Rosewater Infused Flaxseed Gel (FSG)! Verdict? I LOVE it!

Apart from that delicious Rose smell I love the moisturizing effects I get from the gel. I normally make FSG with either plain distilled water or distilled water and Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ) and my hair does feel moisturized from it but the Rosewater seems to give it that edge!

So after weeks of experimenting (I have to do trail and error for a few weeks before I announce anything) I can say I absolute love incorporating Rosewater to my gel!

This is the recipe I use:

2 cups of Distilled Plain Water
1/2 cup Rosewater
1/2 cup Flax Seeds – (use less seeds if you want a thinner gel)
1 teaspoon Grapeseed oil (use any carrier oil of choice)
1/2 teaspoon Glycerin (optional – not everyone hair likes Glycerin)
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (use any EO of choice)

I manage to get 3/4 cup of thick FSG with this recipe. If you do not like your Gel to be thick you can use less flaxseeds. While the Gel is thick I do not get any flaking or crunch (if I use too much gel and my hair does feel a little “stiff” it goes away once I scrunch my hair.)

I have a video demonstrating how I make my Rosewater Infused Flaxseed Gel on YouTube and as always have linked it here on my Video Page. I also have my “original” FSG recipe listed on my Blog here. I love experimenting so I am sure that Rosewater Infused Flaxseed Gel will not be my last experiment but I must say this is going to be my staple.

Have you used Rosewater in your FSG? If so, what is your recipe and how does yout hair respond to it? If not, how do you make your DIY Gel?

Thanks

Maicurls