DIY FLAXSEED GEL & Benefits of Flaxseed Gel

I have been eyeing this recipe for a while now so I decided to head to Holland and Barret and was lucky to find this crazy deal (two packs for £2.75). In addition, I am not so keen on the ingredients in the very popular eco-styler gel.

Benefits
via LiveStrong.com

Flaxseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant, is rich in essential fatty acids, which can be beneficial to your health in a number of ways. In addition to helping with skin disease, cholesterol and digestive problems, flaxseed oil may also assist with hair growth and the replenishment of brittle hair or dry scalp. While evidence supports the use of flaxseed oil to promote healthy hair, there is no solid proof of its effectiveness.
Why Flaxseed Oil Helps Hair
One of the reasons flaxseed oil can promote hair health is because it is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are known to support scalp health, while a deficiency can result in dry scalp and dull hair, says Jim White, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, according to “Men’s Health.”
Flax seeds also contain lignans, disease-fighting compounds that may help fight hair loss. But because lignans are found in the shell, whole seeds are a better source than oil

via Urbanbushbabes 

• Leaves hair soft, shiny, and moisturized
• Promotes hair growth
• You can reuse the flax seeds
• Cost effective (more for your money)
• Nourishing for the hair rich in omega 3
• Gives great curl definition
• Gives hold with no crunch/non flaking/not drying to the hair/doesn’t cause breakage/or shedding
• Fast drying
• Mixes well with oils/conditioners/ many products
• All natural

My experience

Simply put: I have never had curl definition like I have had with flaxseed gel. Added to my staple? Yes, why not. It gives my tresses that extra moisture boost as I twist up my hair and makes detangling much easier.

What you'll need
- Strainer or stocking sock

- Wood spoon
- Air tight container ( you can use an old product container and place stocking sock over the top part to strain it)
- 3 cups of water
- 1/4 of flax seed (linseed) depending on how thick you want it
- 3 drops of lavender oil (preservative and scent)

My Video for more tips

My Heat Cap: Aphrodite Hair Conditioning Cap

Price £32.99

I often use a heat cap to condition my hair and the benefits are great. It is insulated and gives more heat to allow all of that good moisture to penetrate into your hair strands. Amazing.

My mum bought it for herself but I decided to try it on and I love it. My staple product. I've used it in my Conditioning video:

Life in the living.

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits

My Experience

So I have changed from water to aloe vera juice because it just changed how my hair feels. My hair feels soft, conditioned and super healthy when I moisturise it. I also feel like with aloe vera juice, you don't have to deal with the hard water vs soft water issue that you do with tap water (unless ofcourse on wash day). It's a great natural alternative to water with all of these loaded benefits:

Benefits

via Aloevera.com

Aloe Vera is a plant that originated in North Africa and has been used historically as far back as 6000 years ago in Egypt where the plant was depicted in stone carvings. It is a legendary healing plant used historically by the North Africans, Greeks and Native Americans. The aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used topically (externally on the skin, scalp and hair). The green part that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called a latex) that is taken orally (by mouth).

The Chinese call it ‘the harmonious remedy’, the Egyptians ‘the herb of immortality’ and the Russians ‘the elixir of youth’. It’s also mentioned in the Bible in John 19:39 -40: He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.

Promotes hair growth

Aloe vera can be used as a safe and natural treatment to prevent hair loss. It is great for both men and women to promote new hair growth in places that have experienced hair loss or significant thinning. Aloe vera stimulates the production of new hair and may even lessen the effects of Alopecia.

According to University of Hawaii researchers, using aloe vera for hair growth can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who caught on to the miraculous healing and balancing properties of the spiky green plant.

Packed with replenishing enzymes and proteins, aloe vera provides all the necessary nutrients for strengthening lackluster strands. The enzymes help to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the scalp hindering hair growth, as well as deliver a proper pH level to the roots – a necessary component to growing hair.

Reduces dandruff

The natural enzymes found in aloe vera can soothe and moisturize the scalp, helping to eliminate the scaly dryness that causes dandruff. It also helps to increase blood circulation in the scalp, which works to stimulate the production of moisturizing oils. Aloe vera reduces the dry, itchy feeling that accompanies dryness or oiliness. It keeps the hair’s natural oils in balance to prevent excessively oily or dry scalp. Aloe vera also brings a refreshing and cooling sensation to the scalp.

Natural Conditioner

Aloe vera acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores the hair’s sheen, luster, and shine. It not only makes the hair soft, but it also enhances strength and suppleness. It naturally combats frizz but does not have the greasy buildup that many hair care products leave behind.

Regardless of the scalp or hair’s condition, whether too oily or too dry, aloe vera can restore the proper balance.

• Improved detangling

• Moisturisation

• Scalp healing

• Restoration of pH levels

• Decreased frizz

• Anti-inflammation on the scalp

• Hair growth stimulation

I love this stuff!

Fun video!

STYLE: BANTU KNOT ON A TWIST OUT

Here's how I achieve my best stretch and curl: