When it comes to natural hair treatments, few things are as simple, affordable, and effective as flaxseed gel. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium, flaxseed gel deeply conditions the hair, reduces frizz, adds shine, and even supports new hair growth. It’s one of my favorite hair masks to make at home, and today I’ll show you exactly how I prepare my DIY flaxseed gel for hair growth and use it in my routine.
Benefits of Flaxseed Gel for Hair
Flaxseed gel is one of my favorite natural hair treatments because it offers so many nourishing benefits. Whether you’re using it to promote growth, smooth frizz, or hydrate your scalp, here are some of the top reasons to love flaxseed gel:
- Promotes Hair Growth
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, flaxseed gel supports a healthy scalp environment that encourages stronger, longer hair growth. - Adds Shine and Softness
It smooths the hair cuticle, leaving your hair feeling noticeably softer and looking naturally glossy — without any heavy buildup. - Reduces Frizz and Flyaways
The lightweight hydration helps tame frizz, smooth out rough ends, and prevent static, especially in dry or humid conditions. - Detangles Easily
Flaxseed gel adds just enough slip to help detangle long or thick hair with minimal breakage, making brushing much gentler. - Soothes the Scalp
Its natural anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties can calm irritation, reduce itchiness, and provide a cooling effect — especially when applied cold.
What You’ll Need
- ¼ cup flaxseeds
- 2 cups water
- A saucepan
- A mesh strainer (or nut milk bag/pantyhose)
- Optional: squeeze bottle for application
Optional Add-Ins for Customizing Your DIY Flaxseed Gel Hair Mask
- Fenugreek seeds – help with hair growth
- Aloe vera gel – for extra hydration and slip
- Essential oils – like rosemary, lavender, or peppermint
- A few drops of jojoba or argan oil – for added richness
- Vitamin E oil – acts as a natural preservative
How to Make DIY flaxseed Gel for Hair Growth
- Add flaxseeds + water to a pot
Combine ¼ cup flaxseeds with 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. - Simmer + watch the texture
Once it starts boiling and you see a white froth, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The longer you simmer, the thicker your gel will be. For conditioning, a looser gel is better. For styling (especially curls), go a bit thicker. - Check for “stringy” texture
You’ll know it’s ready when the liquid starts looking slightly stringy as you stir it. - Strain immediately
Strain the gel while hot using a mesh strainer. If it thickens too much before straining, it can be hard to separate. If needed, use a nut milk bag or pantyhose to squeeze the gel out. - Cool + store
Pour your gel into a bowl or squeeze bottle. It will thicken more as it cools. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
How I Use DIY flaxseed Gel for Gair Growth
- I like to apply the flaxseed gel on dry hair
- First, I brush my hair to remove tangles
- I apply it generously to my scalp (to support growth)
- Then I apply it to the length of my hair for moisture and shine
Because my hair is long, I usually use the whole batch in one treatment, but if you have shorter hair, you can get multiple uses from one batch. This DIY flaxseed gel for hair growth recipe can also be frozen in icecube trays if you don’t use it all at once.
I tuck my hair into a cap and leave the gel on for about 45 minutes. As a bonus, I often apply the extra to my face — it’s incredibly nourishing for skin, too.
Rinsing It Out
This DIY flaxseed gel for hair growth rinses out easily with shampoo and conditioner. After washing, my hair always feels soft, smooth, and shiny.
Storage + Shelf Life
Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 7–10 days. You can also freeze it in silicone ice cube trays and defrost a cube as needed for single-use treatments.
💡 Extra Tips
- Styling Use: If you have curly hair, use a thicker gel as a leave-in to define curls without the crunch
- Add-ins: Try adding a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil for a calming scent and extra scalp support
- Squeeze bottles make application easier, especially for the scalp
Check out my haircare essentials here
