DIY Hair Care (Locs and Loose) - For Locs (Dreadlocks)

How to make Flaxseed Gel to Retwist Locs

Flaxseeds have been around for ages and they make the perfect hair product for loose naturals as well as people with locs. So, why not learn how to make flaxseed gel to retwist locs. 

When looking to retwist locs, there are many products that you can use to add shine and hold to your hair. Now, keep in mind that products do not loc your hair. Your hair locs as a natural process. If you leave your hair uncombed it will inevitably knot together, forming what we call dreadlocks, locs, dreads, or whichever name you prefer. 

Since restarting my locs, I have been using natural products only. Everything I use on my locs must be either oil or water-based. In my search for the best product to retwist starter locs, I came across flaxseed gel.

When I was a loose natural, I used flaxseed gel only once or twice for my hair because I didn’t like the way it felt on my hands. However, I always had flaxseeds at home because I put it in my cereals and often baked goods. 

Being that I had some, I decided to try making homemade flaxseed gel once more, this time to retwist my locs. I made a small batch and did the first retwist on my locs with the gel. I ended up loving the results and have been using that product for most of my loc journey.

In this article, I will be sharing with you my recipe and a guide on how to make flaxseed gel for locs. 

FAQ:

What is Flaxseed Gel?

Flaxseed Gel is an all-natural jelly substance that emits from boiling flax seed. The jelly substance that forms, is strong and thick enough to act as a form of hair gel. The flaxseeds that are used to make the gel, comes from the flax plant, which offers many benefits.

What are the benefits of Flaxseed gel? or What does flaxseed gel do for your hair?

Flaxseed is often considered as a superfood that is great for nutrition and beauty. Flaxseed gel benefits your natural hair because you get access to some of the amazing benefits of the plant. Flaxseeds are rich in Vitamin E, which increases circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which helps a-lot with reducing dandruff and repairing hair loss. Lastly, flaxseed gel will help to nourish your scalp.

How long should I boil Flaxseed for gel?

When making gel, flaxseeds should be boiled for 5 – 15 minutes. The length of time that you boil you flaxseed depends on the desired thickness. For a lighter gel, boil for 5-8 minutes and for thicker gel boil for 8-15 minutes. Be mindful that thicker gels are harder to strain.

How long does homemade Flaxseed gel last?

Homemade flaxseed gel can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. When making flaxseed gel, you have the option of adding a preservative. With preservatives, you may have the gel for up to a year.

Without a preservative, flaxseed gel will last only a day or two outside of the refrigerator. If you decide to refrigerate the gel, it will last for about a week.

How to make flaxseed gel for retwisting Locs 

In order to make homemade DIY flaxseed gel you will need the following:

  • 1 pot 
  • 1 cup of water (7-8oz)
  • 1/8 cup whole brown flaxseeds (2 tbs)
  • 1 pantyhose or sock
  • 1 mason jar 
  • 4-8 drops of essential oil(s)* (optional)
  • 2-4 drops of carrier oil* (optional)
  • 2-3 drops of Vitamin E oil (optional)

*Lavender essential oil promotes growth and tea tree is great for cleansing and stimulation which also promotes growth. * For carrier oil, you can use coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or other. *Vitamin E oil acts as a minor preservative.

Find all the products needed in my Amazon storefront for men and women with locs.

Directions:

1. Add 1 cup of water to a pot and place it to boil on medium. Once the water is boiling, reduce heat to low and add 2 tbs of flaxseed and stir for a few minutes. Next, reduce heat to a little below medium and let it boil. 

flaxseed in boiling water.

2. While it’s boiling, take the socks or pantyhose and place it inside your mason jar, with the opening going around the top of the mason jar. 

3. Check occasionally, once the top looks foamy, remove the pot from the stove. 

homemade DIY flaxseed gel

*If you let the gel cool in the pot for a few minutes, it will be harder to strain. I prefer to let it sit but can choose otherwise.

4. Use a potholder, to hold the pot and pour the gel into the sock. Use tongs to squeeze the gel from the socks as it strains it. Be Careful here.

Homemade flaxseed gel being poured into jar.

5. Once extracted, add your vitamin E oil, essential and carrier oil (s). Let it cool then use it to retwist your locks. Use only a little at a time. 

Now that you know how to make flaxseed gel, make sure to note the items in the FAQ section as it relates to shelf-life and storing.

As you noticed, this flaxseed gel is super easy to make. Because it’s so easy to make, the best thing to do is make a fresh batch just before you are ready to retwist your locs. 

I retwist my locs once per month so I have no issues with making a new batch of flaxseed gel to retwist locs each month.

Lastly, as I said earlier if you are planning to make this gel then all the products can be found in my amazon store. I really do appreciate the support. Click here

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Loc talk- What is your go-to product for your locs?

See you in the comments.

Love, light and peace.

Shanice DK.

Shanice DK is a Freelance Writer within the beauty and wellness niche. She enjoys spending time in nature, writing, and crafting handmade items. You can catch up with Shanice on her business website - Shanicedk.site. Or on Instagram @faithnturtles.

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