Talk to me re: flaxseed gel

C

Cherokee-n-Black

Well-Known Member
I mean, it looks messy, and nasty, and I feel like the process looks and sounds easier than it is, but I wanna hear some real experience, here.

After several busted up braidouts in a row, I've decided that I'm bunning for the summer. However, my NG is majorly getting it's fro on, and that's going to make bunning a challenge. I mean, my natural hair has decided that it's the 70's all over again "big and round" is the name of its game!

I've already seen what ecostyler does to my hair (think Spongebob, out of water). But I needs some slickback!!! So, what's with this flaxseed? Any drying? Anything I should know before I start cooking stuff on the stove?

You know, I wanted to document my hair journey on a blog, or a vlog, with product recs and techniques, but after all the multiple FAILs I've had, I'm thinking I should just do a straight up natural hair comedy site. It may not be informative, but perhaps it will make you feel better about your own hair! :lol:
 
I watched a video of it being made and it looked like mucus to me....:nono:. I'm not knockin' its effectiveness @ all, I have never tried it. But I don't believe I will just because of the way it looks, I couldn't put it on my hair. I hope you like it. EcoStyler works just fine for me. Even slicks down my growing out bangs when I want to bun or pony.
 
Cherokee-n-Black said:
You know, I wanted to document my hair journey on a blog, or a vlog, with product recs and techniques, but after all the multiple FAILs I've had, I'm thinking I should just do a straight up natural hair comedy site. It may not be informative, but perhaps it will make you feel better about your own hair! :lol:
Click to expand...

:lachen::lachen: Cherokee-n-Black
do it! i would support a channel like that 100% :lol: someone needs to show the not so easy breezy side of natural hair care
 
alive said:
:lachen::lachen: @Cherokee-n-Black
do it! i would support a channel like that 100% :lol: someone needs to show the not so easy breezy side of natural hair care
Click to expand...

Laughter is the best medicine. Yeah, it's time to come out of the natural hair disaster closet. I have a ton of respect for all those ladies out there doin' it and doin' it well, but I have to say, at this point, I'm not relaxing because I committed to going natural, and I want to see it through (to what end, I don't know). But I really haven't found any tips that have manifested into reality in my hair! :lachen:
 
yeah as the women above me stated, its great stuff!!

I make mines using naptural85's recipie, granted the stuff looks (and feels) like mucous but my hair feels SO hydrated when I use it!!! It's definitely a staple for me and I really enjoy it!!! :)

P.s. you can make it for pennies on the dollar and add ur own scents to it but when made at home it has a relatively short shelf life(3-4weeks) and it has to be stored in the fridge.
 
I have been using it for a week now for my braidouts. Love love love! No drying, no flaking. My braidouts have been holding quite well through the humidity this week and I have been getting a lot of compliments. I am transitioning and it doesn't take much for my braidouts to fail in the rainy hot and humid weather. The gel is slimy which is why I hadn't tried it before now. However, it really doesn't feel nasty and I actually love sticking my hands in it, lol!
 
tiffal1922 said:
yeah as the women above me stated, its great stuff!!

I make mines using naptural85's recipie, granted the stuff looks (and feels) like mucous but my hair feels SO hydrated when I use it!!! It's definitely a staple for me and I really enjoy it!!! :)

P.s. you can make it for pennies on the dollar and add ur own scents to it but when made at home it has a relatively short shelf life(3-4weeks) and it has to be stored in the fridge.
Click to expand...

+1
i used naptural85's recipe too and my hair absolutely loves it...no drying, no flaking, no smell to it...when i use shea butter to seal~my hair has moisture for days:yep:
 
reeko43 said:
I have been using it for a week now for my braidouts. Love love love! No drying, no flaking. My braidouts have been holding quite well through the humidity this week and I have been getting a lot of compliments. I am transitioning and it doesn't take much for my braidouts to fail in the rainy hot and humid weather. The gel is slimy which is why I hadn't tried it before now. However, it really doesn't feel nasty and I actually love sticking my hands in it, lol!
Click to expand...

theNaturalWonders said:
+1
i used naptural85's recipe too and my hair absolutely loves it...no drying, no flaking, no smell to it...when i use shea butter to seal~my hair has moisture for days:yep:
Click to expand...

Very helpful, thanks! I need something for my braidouts.
 
I'm glad to read that so many people like this gel. I have not tried it but have been researching it for a while. I use Kinky Curly (which I like but it's $$$). Eco Styler is okay but not as good as Kinky Curly.

I have no desire to make my own products, but this may be something I try after I take out my crochet braids.
 
Has this filled in bald spots for anyone? Or regrew thinning scalp areas, edges? How about slowed down shedding?
 
great stuff and incredibly quick to make. LOL I am a flaxseed gel activist in this forum, I appear wherever it is nominated but I just love it.

for those who enjoy playing in the kitchen:
I add lavender flowers to the boiling water just for the smell. And if you want to upgrade it to "super hold", a very small pinch of xanthan gum to your final whisk once the gel is strained and hot will do the trick (very cheap, baking department of health food stores).

I agree, it really works well with butters as the gel makes the butter supershiny, and the butter makes the gel rich and moisturizing (I use them in conjuction or I whip them together). I am addicted to this stuff, mainly because you can never overdo it (I slather my dry hair everyday and I never get buildup)
 
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ciccina said:
great stuff and incredibly quick to make. LOL I am a flaxseed gel activist in this forum, I appear wherever it is nominated but I just love it.

for those who enjoy playing in the kitchen:
I add lavender flowers to the boiling water just for the smell. And if you want to upgrade it to "super hold", a very small pinch of xanthan gum to your final whisk once the gel is strained and hot will do the trick (very cheap, baking department of health food stores).

I agree, it really works well with butters as the gel makes the butter supershiny, and the butter makes the gel rich and moisturizing (I use them in conjuction or I whip them together). I am addicted to this stuff, mainly because you can never overdo it (I slather my dry hair everyday and I never get buildup)
Click to expand...

Wow, thanks for the tips! I have been using the lavender essential oil but will try the flowers. I will definitely get the xanthan gum. I think I could use a little extra hold in the summer for certain styles. I had read honey would work but I was a little afraid of that.
 
chicha said:
Has this filled in bald spots for anyone? Or regrew thinning scalp areas, edges? How about slowed down shedding?
Click to expand...


chicha. I have not used the gel long enough but I do notice that this gel is not harsh and drying (from alcohols) so it would be less stress on my delicate hair areas. My hair is thinning due to PCOS so I have to be very careful.
 
I made it, but it came out very "mucousy" and slimy so I was a afraid to use it. I used Naptural85's recipe, but maybe I did something wrong. I think i'll try it again and add it to my shea butter mix.
 
reeko43 said:
@chicha. I have not used the gel long enough but I do notice that this gel is not harsh and drying (from alcohols) so it would be less stress on my delicate hair areas. My hair is thinning due to PCOS so I have to be very careful.
Click to expand...

reeko43 Thanks. If it helps with that or by filling in bald spots please let me know. I suffer from the same thing that is a by product of PCOS - the female equivalent of Male Pattern Baldness, where the testosterone and dht chokes the hair and makes it fall out and thin.
 
i just made it the other day and it is mucousy but its interesting to me...im weird like that. anyways, i added some honey to it but i dont think i added the right honey, because now there is a light bit of it that doesnt mix with the gel, its gel but its not fully incorporated into it, i can easily scoop it off though. i added lavender, rosemary and jojba oils to it as well as evoo and coconut oil to it only because i had it layin around the kitchen.

i have used it on my edges and i have no complaints it leaves my hair so soft. im going to try it headstrong tomorrow on a freshly washed hair and do a twistout with it. i will show you guys the results and let you know if its a yay or nay for me. i will probably use it in conjunction with, coconut oil, and givanni leave in conditioner...i was gonna use scurl because of how soft it leaves my hair but im not sure if it will work well with the flaxseed gel since it is made with water.
 
reeko43 said:
Wow, thanks for the tips! I have been using the lavender essential oil but will try the flowers. I will definitely get the xanthan gum. I think I could use a little extra hold in the summer for certain styles. I had read honey would work but I was a little afraid of that.
Click to expand...

honey does work as well. just make sure you use very little (I learned the hard way, too much xanthan and your hair will be GUMMY and hard lol you only need like 1/8 teaspoon for 500ml gel but the good thing of xanthan is that it is easy to wash out in case you use too much.) I find plain flax more versatile and moisturizing.
 
ciccina said:
honey does work as well. just make sure you use very little (I learned the hard way, too much xanthan and your hair will be GUMMY and hard lol you only need like 1/8 teaspoon for 500ml gel but the good thing of xanthan is that it is easy to wash out in case you use too much.) I find plain flax more versatile and moisturizing.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much! I am glad to know I have options. I love the flax seed gel the way it is but I know that I may try some styles that require a stiffer hold in the future. It is good to know that I won't have to break down and get the store bought for that. Trying to stay natural with my products when possible.
 
Ok. How bout I just whooped up a batch of this tonight and I am in total and complete awe.

1. This stuff is like slime (think Nickelodeon) and I find that awesome. Yep, I too am weird like that lol.

2. IT WORKS!!! The definition I got from this was CRAZY. I just may be able to pull off a WNG! :yep:

3. You can't get any cheaper and more natural than water and seeds. For those hesitating, don't. This is actually pretty cool. No buildup at all and pretty good shine. It has a soft flexible hold. (I used it over Giovanni Direct Leave in and Coconut oil)

4. If you want greater hold, pile more of it on. Weird but it's working for me so far. :yep:
 
Cherokee-n-Black...so I want to aid you by giving you names for your comedy hair site...how about:

Natural Di-HAIR-ster

Kinks, Coils & Cussing

Or

The Hair Junkie Flunkie.....just let me know girl I gotcha on the set-up..lol
 
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growinghealthyhair said:
Whats the recipe??
Click to expand...

I started very basic. 1/2 cup of seeds to 2 cups of water. I threw it in a pot and I did everything over high heat (I forgot to do it on medium lol) but it didn't take long. When you see foam start to form.... stop and strain. If you wait too long, you're going to have a congealed mess on your hands. You could probably do 1/4 cup to 2 cups of water if you don't want it super thick. I think this is a recipe to play around with to see what works for you.

I'd imagine that you could up the amount of seeds to the amount of water to create a stronger product. This mixture will be off putting if mucous-like textures bother you. I kinda like it though. If you can get a pump bottle for gel, I think it'd be perfect for dispensing. :yep: It would beat having to scoop out some with a utensil or your hand. :look: It can get a little messy.
 
Flax seed gel is one of the best. I just made me a batch! I sometimes add aloe vera gel, an oil, and eo oils. And sometimes add the bold items below :yep:

ciccina said:
great stuff and incredibly quick to make. LOL I am a flaxseed gel activist in this forum, I appear wherever it is nominated but I just love it.

for those who enjoy playing in the kitchen:
I add lavender flowers to the boiling water just for the smell. And if you want to upgrade it to "super hold", a very small pinch of xanthan gum to your final whisk once the gel is strained and hot will do the trick (very cheap, baking department of health food stores).

I agree, it really works well with butters as the gel makes the butter supershiny, and the butter makes the gel rich and moisturizing (I use them in conjuction or I whip them together). I am addicted to this stuff, mainly because you can never overdo it (I slather my dry hair everyday and I never get buildup)
Click to expand...
 
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