Hey Maicurlies,

Today I wanted to share another updated recipe: my Protein Hibiscus Flaxseed Gel (FSG).

                                                                 Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel (FSG)

This is an updated mix from my previous recipes (here) and (here). There are a few similarities but the major difference is the addition of Gelatine (the protein) and Hibiscus Petals.

Those that have protein sensitive hair might think you need to skip this recipe however, it can be modified since the protein is an optional ingredient. I have been using this recipe for a while now since I have fine hair strands and protein gives the hair strength and elasticity and that is what I need. A lot of the times we are very diligent on making sure we moisturize our hair, use moisturizing based products, deep condition etc but sometimes forget that we still do require some protein in our routine. So if you feel that your hair is weak, if you are going through some chemical or heat damage or if you have fine and fragile hair strands and are only using moisturizing products then you might want to switch to a protein gel from time to time when it comes to styling your hair. Make sure to switch between the protein gel and non protein gel so you do not get a protein overload and whenever you are using a protein gel, ensure that you are using a moisturizing leave-in conditioner.

Now another point I want to make is that I like to use hibiscus since my hair loves ayurvedic herbs but please keep in mind: not to wear your favorite light top while setting your hair with the gel since hibiscus does give the gel a red/purple tone which could potentially stain your top while you hair is wet and touching it. Once you hair dries the colour will not rub off it is just while setting/as your hair dries. Since it does give a red/purple tint to the gel it could potentially do the same to the hair of those that have blond/light/bleached hair. If this is something you want to avoid then please avoiding adding hibiscus, those with dark hair will not really notice a major colour difference.

Ingredients/tools used:

                                           Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel (FSG)

• 12 oz Water (bottled water)
• 2 oz Rose water (Optional – not really required, can be replaced with plain water but a good addition)
• 2.5 oz Flax Seeds (this makes a thick gel – use less for a thinner gel)
• Roughly 0.2 oz hibiscus petals (optional)
• 0.2 oz Gelatine (protein optional – those with protein sensitive hair will want to skip it)
• 0.2 oz DIY Coffee Bean infused Almond Oil (you can use any carrier oil)
• 0.2 oz Glycerin (optional)
• 5 drop Grapefruit Essential Oil (you can use any Essential Oil or none at all)*
• 3 Capsules vitamin E oil – roughly 0.15 oz
• Non Stick Pot
• Spoon/spatula
• Sieve
• Disinfected container (squeeze/pump bottle is best)

*If you are pregnant do not use any essential oil.

Alternatives:

Rose Water can be replaced with regular water if you do not have any however, rose water does have its own nourishing properties (read here). If you do not want to use Hibiscus it can be skipped all together otherwise you could also use dried rose petals. Glycerine is a humectant that does not always play nice with peoples hair therefore, it can be skipped all together otherwise you can replace it with honey or agave nectar which also are humectants. (Humectants provide the hair with moisture from the air (humidity) however, it always depends on the weather conditions in the area where you live). If you have too much humidity it can cause frizz and if you do not have enough humidity in the air the results can be the opposite; drawing moisture from the hair outwards to the air which causes driness. Aloe Vera Juice can also be added to the mix if you have any on hand for its moisturizing properties. If you prefer your gel to be thinner either add more water e.g. 13 – 14 oz or reduce the amount of flax seeds use e.g. 1 – 1.5 oz.

Mixing Method:

1. I first warm up the water and rose water together in a pot, once it starts to lightly warm up I throw in the flax seeds and begin to stir. 2. After about 5 – 7 minutes of the liquids and flax seeds have started to boil I throw in the hibiscus petals and let that boil for a further 5 – 7 minutes while continuing to stir (you must stay by the pot the whole time and continue to stir). As the hibiscus boils you will notice the colour of the gel starts to change and as it boils the liquid starts to become thicker. 3. Depending on how thick you want your gel, remove it from the stove (the longer on the stove the thicker the gel) and immediately pour it through a sieve. (As soon as the seeds are out of the pot be sure to cover the pot with water to help with the clean up). 4. I squeeze out any excess gel from the seeds with a spoon/spatula and then transfer the seeds into a container. Let the seeds cool down before covering with an airtight lid and storing it in the freezer to be reused next time. 5. Let the gel cool down a little (it should still be warm) before adding the gelatine (skip if not making a protein gel). 6. I sprinkle half the gelatine evenly over the top of the gel and begin to stir then add the remaining and repeat. 7. I use an electric whisk to help breakup any lumps and clumps and also to help loosen the gel a little (otherwise it can become really thick and “jello- like” once it cools). 8. Let the gel completely cool down before adding the oils otherwise the heat will destroy their properties. I add the Coffee Infused Oil, Essential Oil, Vitamin E Oil and the Glycerine (optional) and stir before pouring it into a clean & disinfected pump container.

Storage:

FSG has a short shelf life so it is essential to store it in the fridge whenever it is not being used! It generally will be go for 2 weeks 3 weeks  maximum however, you can save some of your gel if you know it won’t be used up before it goes bad by pouring some into ice-cube trays in the freezer. Put the gel ice-blocks in a sandwich bag and remove some cubes whenever you need some gel.

Benefits:

                             Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel (FSG)

So while I have previously written about all the nourishing benefits of FSG (yes this gel actually has more than the ability of giving your hair some hold) I will quickly jot down some of the benefits of FSG in general along with the benefits of a protein FSG:

• Its rich source of vitamin E holds the power to help with hair growth.
• Provides the hair with shine.
• It contains moisturizing elements (along with the additional moisturizing ingredients added) helps keep the hair moisturized.
• Provides nourishment to the hair roots, shaft, and the scalp.
• Gives the hair a light hold that is not crunchy or flakely
• Helps smooth the hairs  cuticle
• Said to help prevent early hair discolouration thanks to the Vitamin E in the flax seeds.
• Contains Omega-3 fatty acid that helps nourish the hair follicles.
• Provides additional elasticity thanks to the Omega-3 fatty acid.
• The addition of protein provides the hair with strength especially for those with fine/chemically damage/heat damaged hair.
• The addition of protein also helps reestablish the elasticity of the hair (when you use a moisturizing leave-in and follow up with a protein gel).

This is the “how to” video:

I would love to hear what you think of this recipe. If you try the protein version (or skip it) I would really like to hear how it worked for you.

Thanks

Maicurls