Curls Eagerly Drink Up Flaxseed Gel: Here's Why + How To Make One At Home

Curl community, gather. If you're on the hunt for soft, bouncy strands, allow us to introduce you to the common ingredient that may be missing from your vanity: flaxseeds. You might be familiar with sprinkling them over a cozy bowl of oatmeal or as a vegan egg substitute in baking recipes. But for hair care? Not so much. 

For those with curly or natural hair, you'll want to have a flaxseed gel in your hair care arsenal. Why? Because it offers the perfect balance of moisture and definition. "The biggest concerns for curly hair are dryness, lack of growth, and frizz," explains O'Connor. Flaxseed gel targets each hair care woe, without any fear of flaking or becoming too stiff.

That's because flaxseeds are rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which can nourish dry, damaged hair. Fatty acids have been touted for their ability to provide moisture (for your hair and your skin, it turns out). Check their molecular makeup: Fatty acids have a hydrophilic end that aids in moisture retention and a hydrophobic end that boosts shine.

Vitamin E, on the other hand, plays a significant role in fending off damage; a popular antioxidant, the vitamin can combat free radicals as well as reduce scalp inflammation. When used topically on the hair shaft, it can "create greater elasticity in the hair while adding shine," Austin-based hairstylist Sarah Lund tells us about vitamin E in hair care.

Have your gel at the ready? Don't just slide it through your hair and call it a day. Rather, mind the prep work: Because the gel works best for curly-haired folk, you may want to begin with a deep conditioner in the shower. After all, coarser hair may require heavy conditioning to keep the texture soft and frizz-free. You also want to make sure your hair is super clean—you may want to go the extra mile and remove any buildup or product residue on your scalp. (Here are some great physical and chemical scrubs to choose from.) 

First things first: Always apply flaxseed gel on wet hair. That way, it'll be much easier to work with and render the best results. "It'll glide through your strands and deliver an ease of application. This will give your curls all over definition," Brook adds. While you can totally use the gel for precise edging or styling needs, for that all-over moisture you'll want to use it post-shower. 

And on that same note, don't run your hands through your hair after you've applied the gel. As with all air-drying products, trust that the flaxseed gel is working its magic. "The more you touch your curls, the more likely your hair will frizz," Alicia Miller, hairstylist and national master trainer for Davines North America, tells us about a stellar air-dry game. Of course, you can use hot tools if you so choose—O'Connor is partial to a diffuser in order to set the curl.

In terms of layering products, be mindful of what you pair with flaxseed gel. Using it alone is best, but if you wish to layer, O'Connor recommends only using water-based products to avoid flaking.