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 hereand even aprotein 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!
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!
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!
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)
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.
Maicurls 