Seeds are powerful but mighty, packed full of nutrients for your body, skin, and hair. Flaxseed is no different and in recent years this golden seed has become more and more popular in the worlds of beauty and wellness. This little seed has plenty of nutrients that can promote health and improve functions all over the body. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of flaxseed and how you can use it to naturally improve your hair.

What is flaxseed?

Flaxseed’s Latin name is Linum usitatissimum, which means ‘very useful’. This versatile seed has been around for centuries with reports of it dating back to 3000 BC in Babylon. Since then, this golden seed has been used to treat anything from abdominal pain to heart disease. Whole flaxseed doesn’t allow for easy absorption, which is why it’s often ground down into a powder or condensed into oil form. For beauty uses, flaxseed works best in an oil or gel form.

Benefits of Flaxseed

Because flaxseed contains lots of macro and micronutrients, it can nourish hair and help combat frizz and breakage. The nutrients in this seed which help hair are:

• Omega-3 fatty acids – The fatty acid present in flaxseed is called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Similar to fish oil, flaxseed’s fatty acid can promote heart health. When it comes to hair, this acid helps reduce inflammation, something which is believed to affect hair growth.
• Vitamin E – This vitamin is famous for its antioxidant and anti-ageing properties. Often used in skincare, Vitamin E also helps improve hair health by fighting free radicals which can irritate your scalp. Enough of this vitamin can promote hair growth and even strengthen hair follicles.
• B vitamins – We hear all about the positives of B vitamins for your health, but did you know that they can also strengthen your hair? This group of vitamins boost hair growth, helping it grow back faster, as well as allowing it to grow stronger.

How to Use it

Considering all the ways you can use flaxseed, we understand the reasoning behind the Latin name. Below you’ll find a few ways in which you can incorporate flaxseed into your natural beauty routine.

Eat Flaxseed

Consuming flaxseed is an easy way to take advantage of all its health and wellness benefits. Sprinkle flaxseed onto your yoghurt, oatmeal, or salad for quick meals. For those who are fans of smoothies or protein shakes, adding ground flaxseed to the mix will help you get the most out of this golden seed. Lovers of baking can also stir ground flaxseed into batters to make cake, cookies, or bread. Although it can be used in many ways, it’s best to avoid cooking with flax oil as it loses a lot of its nutrients when heated.

Make a Hair Gel

Hair gels made of flaxseed are becoming all the rage, especially with people who have curly hair! This natural hair gel helps tame wild curls and tone down frizz without causing product build-up. Crafting a hair gel from flaxseed is very simple as this seed expands when in water. Simply boil flaxseed in some water and strain the liquid into a separate container then allow it some time to cool. Leaving this gel* overnight will allow it to thicken up and become more viscous, so you’ll only need to use a little bit to get the desired effect.

*This fresh hair gel will only last a few days in the fridge. After that, it should be discarded.

Use Flaxseed Oil

You can find flaxseed oil at most supermarkets, which is great if you’re short on time but still want to reap the benefits of this seed. In oil form, flaxseed can be used as a hair oil in any of your normal hair care products. Add a few drops into your shampoo or conditioner for improved moisture, protection against the elements, and nutrients that will strengthen your hair from the inside out. Massaging flaxseed oil or whole seeds into your scalp can also help soothe the scalp, encourage hair growth, and stimulate hair growth. Depending on what your hair needs, you can wash the oil out or leave it in until the next wash.

The Takeaway

Welcome healthier hair with open arms by using flaxseed and these natural remedies for all types of hair. If you’re looking for more natural beauty resources, we have plenty to offer! Discover the wonders of soapmaking with WapoBeauty’s Soapmaking eBook. For guided learning, check out WapoBeauty’s Complete Facial Skincare Online Course for Beginners and discover how to make professional, safe, and stable natural beauty products. Join the ranks of students who found this class valuable and rewarding! 

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER:

Ashuni Pérez is an American writer based in Valencia, Spain. She has a passion for natural beauty and the environment. Ashuni loves to cycle and drink smoothies in the sun. Follow her on Instagram at @ashuuuuni