There is no doubt that I owe my newly hydrated hair twists to the hair benefits of flaxseed oil. With just a week of my trusty flaxseed oil spray, I've seen a vast difference in the moisture of my twists. I still continue to boast about castor and shea butter benefits for hair growth and moisture, but using heavy oils in my hair can promote breakouts leaving me wondering if hydrated locks was worth the eyesore that has become my hairline. Flaxseed oil has given me moisture and nutrients sans breakouts.
When I first wrote about flaxseed oil I was completely focused on its ability to heal wounds and less on the fact that it is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids. According to sources at Black Hair Planet, lack of these essentials can lead to a weakened scalp making hair growth next to impossible. The anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseed are actually going to promote a healthy environment for hair growth in your scalp. Choosing the right flaxseed oil can make or break a natural hair treatment, cold pressed flaxseed oil preserves nutrients such as vitamin E, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
You can make your own flaxseed oil or purchase your own oil. I personally find that straining out seeds in flaxseed gels can be incredibly annoying and you definitely don't want those tiny seeds ending up in your strands.
1. Flaxseed Hair Spritz
Spectrum Organic Flax Oil, $13, Amazon; Flaxseed, $11, Amazon
A homemade flaxseed hair spritz can make all the difference between drying locks and hydrated tresses. Wearing my hair in protective styles for multiple days can dry out my hair because it doesn't get its usual dose of moisture as it does when my hair is out. I made a hair spritz with one part water, one part flaxseed oil, one part sunflower oil, and a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin. I added lavender oil and clary sage to make my mix smell scrumptious and less oily. Spritz your hair when you're feeling dry and let the amino acids work their magic.
2. Flaxseed Oil Scalp Treatment
Scalp treatments are great for stubborn hair that has trouble growing, whether you're transitioning from chemical treatments to a natural routine or suffering from hair loss, massaging flaxseed oil directly on your scalp in the evening and rinsing out in the morning can help your scalp promote healthy hair growth. I blended flaxseed oil, aloe vera oil, chia oil, and few drops of lavender oil together to make one amazing hair growth mask.
3. Flaxseed Oil Hair Gel
Flaxseed, $11, Amazon; Chia Seeds, Amazon
Making your own flaxseed hair gel is growing in popularity, I like to mix chia and flaxseed oil with a tiny bit of aloe vera. Flaxseed gel gets its thickness when left overnight while chia seeds seem to get thick in consistency when water is added. Regardless of if you choose to make your own or purchase your oil, this is one hair gel that won't leave you with product build-up. Remember, a little bit goes a long way.
4. Flaxseed Treatment For Dead Ends
Spectrum Organic Flax Oil, $13, Amazon
Nothing is more annoying than having your hair on fleek, but your ends looking like a natural disaster. Instead of weighing down the hydrated parts of your hair, simply take flaxseed oil and apply on those brittle ends to alleviate the dryness. I spray a tiny bit of water on my hands and rub it on the ends before I add flaxseed, this allows the flaxseed to retain the moisture of the water instead of just adding oil to dry ends.
5. Flaxseed Hot Oil Treatment
Nothing says hydration and hair growth like a spa-like hot oil treatment. Whether you choose to use a hot towel, a blow dryer, or a hair dryer, be sure to use the right oils. A combination of flaxseed oil, jojoba oil, and a few drops of sandalwood applied to wet hair for about 20 minutes should get your tresses drinking in some serious moisture.
There's no need to spend a ton of money on hair products when you can just open your kitchen cabinet and go to town, am I right?
Image: Kristin Collins Jackson (5)
