DIY: Flaxseed Gel

On the hunt to find the "perfect" styler, I decided to try flax seeds to make a hair gel...

Last month I started making homemade Flaxseed Gel to use as a styler.  It took me three attempts to get it to the consistency I wanted.  I watched a few YouTube videos and did some additional research before putting together a recipe I liked.  I had great results with the gel and found it to be extremely moisturizing.  The only thing I didn't like was the roasted smell which doesn't seem to go away no matter how much essential oil I use o_O but that smell doesn't linger in the hair.  Oh, I also store any remaining gel in the fridge. 

Overall, I love flaxseed gel!  Its inexpensive and have great benefits for the hair.  I got my bag of Flax Seeds from Trader's Joe for about $3.  I tried making a custard like styler by adding some of my shea butter mix but it didn't blend too well...maybe I'll revisit that another time :)  Urban Bush Babes pretty much sums it up below and I have to agree with everything stated.

-From Urban Bush Babes

{There are 2 types of Flax seed (linseed), a light golden yellow and brown. The brown Flax seeds are slightly higher in omega 3 fatty acids.

Benefits:

-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

-Great for wng's /sleek styles/twists and twist outs and sets the twists once dry for a lovely twist out

-Mixes well with oils/conditioners/ many products

-All natural..organic.

-A lot of reviews compare it to Kinky Curly’s Knot Today, but say Flax seed Gel  is actually better (maybe they meant KCCC ?)

-Great for all hair types}

**Update- I didn't put the steps on how to make the gel (silly me).  It is very easy to make, you can watch Naptural85 video HERE.**

Here are some pics of my flaxseed gel and my daughter's hair after using it to style her twists...

Before adding additional ingredients

Two Strand Twists Using Flaxseed Gel

Have you tried Flaxseed Gel?  If so, how do you like it and if not, would you try it?

Back to Protective Style Mode (Two Strand Twists and Bantu Knots)

After enjoying a few days of big hair during BBH's Frotective Challenge, we are back to our protective styles.  But before twisting it up, I decided to do a little trimming of BG "S" ends.  I did things a little different this time.  In this post (BG "S" First Trim-Healthier Hair, Here We Come...) I discussed trimming the hair while in mini twists but I decided to trim her hair the way Precious Curls discussed in this post.  I was much more comfortable this go' round! 

I deep conditioned, co-washed and banded on Saturday night.  On Sunday morning, I trimmed the hair as I removed the banded sections. However, before trimming I applied Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee, detangled, then trimmed and re-banded.

This is after the trim...not too much right?!

On to the Protective Style...

I went to my favorite style of course...two-strand twists.  Although the hair was stretched from banding, I lightly spritz the hair with my aloe vera mix, applied a mixture a QB Amla & Olive Heavy Cream and QB Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm (review to come) and the twisted.  OMG...her hair has never felt so soft and moisturized,  I couldn't keep my hands out of her hair!  She wore her two-strand twists out today but then I decided to do something different and try bantu knots on her tonight.  I simply gathered a section of her twists, twisted to the left and began to roll and tuck.  I think I did pretty good for my first time, I didn't use anything to secure the bantu knots, so I have no idea how long  the hair will stay put, lol...

**Product Reviews: Qhemet Biologics**

Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee

Cost: $15.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)
This is the old packaging and size

Size: 5 oz

Scent: Light Cocoa Scent
Consistency: Thick, Rich Creamy

What They Say: Restores manageability, softness and elasticity to normal to very dry hair. Smooths cuticles, improves combing ability and reduces breakage.

What I Say:  It does EXACTLY what it claims! It makes the hair extremely soft and manageable, it melts away tangles like you wouldn't imagine.  I tried this on damp and dry hair and it made it very easy to comb through the hair (I prefer using it on dry hair).  The comb literally glides thru your hair after applying this product, it is moisturizing and absorbs nicely.  This stuff is definitely amazing and worth every penny.  Great product.  Check out Vlogger CharJay's review here.

Ingredients: Contains pure, prime pressed Cocoa Butter to smooth, soften and seal in moisture, Horsetail, Nettle and Barley to strengthen and condition and sulfur rich MSM to nourish follicles and support growth. Enhanced with carefully selected mild and eco-friendly detangling actives, it instantly restores manageability, pliability and elasticity to matted and tangled hair.  Does not contain mineral oil, lanolin, silicones, parabens or artificial fragrances.

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Qhemet Biologics Castor & Moringa Softening Serum

Cost: $10.00 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)
This is the old packaging

Size: 2.5 oz

Scent: Citrus/ Orange
Consistency: Thick Oil

What They Say: Contains 100% pure Castor and Moringa Oils. Moringa Oil is a highly valued emollient used in African and Indian hair and skin care traditions for over 2000 years. Moringa seed oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and C and copper and calcium, important nutrients for the skin and scalp. It is also an excellent pre-wash hair conditioner as it naturally possesses cleansing and nourishing proprieties. African Castor Oil has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4000 B.C. The castor bean plant is native to the Ethiopian region of tropical East Africa. This thick, shiny oil acts as a barrier agent and protective medium against harsh conditions and extremes. It is a natural humectant and possesses hair conditioning, thickening and softening properties. Protects ends and moisturizes dry, brittle and coarse hair.

What I Say:  I don't know what it is about this oil but it makes the hair super soft.  It has multiple uses which is always a plus.  I applied this serum to freshly washed hair and was amazed at the results which I didn't expect because I was thinking its just an oil...boy was I wrong!  I will continue using this oil as a sealant and leave in treatment. Another great product.

Ingredients: Pure Castor Oil, Pure Moringa Oil, Pure Essential Oil Fragrance

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****

Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream

Cost: $16.50 (www.qhemetbiologics.com)

Size:  8.5 oz

Scent: Citrus/ Orange
Consistency: Thick, Rich Creamy

What They Say: Our nourishingly rich blend of old world oils, organic herbs and natural humectants leaves coarse, dry and brittle hair extra soft, healthy and supple! A perfect all-in-one for moisturizing and softening afro's, coils, curls, pony puffs, two strand twists, braids, cornrows, fades, chemical and color processes, softening new growth and restoring softness and elasticity to dry brittle ends. Also helps weigh down kinks and coils. Use as a:

• Soothing and regenerative scalp butter
• Post-shampoo conditioner
• Overnight Deep Treatment
• Moisturizing daily leave-in
• Replenishing body butter
• Evenly distribute a small to moderate amount through dry or slightly damp hair

What I Say:  This one is my FAVORITE!  This stuff is awesome!  If your hair desires moisture, this is for you.  It makes the hair so soft and it is very moisturizing, the hair stays moisturized for a few days without reapplying.  I didn't like it on dry hair but it is A-mazing on damp/wet hair.  I have used this product as a leave-in, moisturizer and styler and it is by far one of the best products I have ever used in BG "S" dry hair!  There is also a lighter version of this cream called Burdock Root Butter Cream.  Staple product for sure!  Update: 7/12- I recently mixed this product with the QB Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm and fell in LOVE!  I have officially found my styling aid for twists, twist-outs, etc.

Ingredients: Our ultra thick cream contains Amla, Brahmi and African Aloe, premium Afro-Indian botanicals used for thousands of years to nourish the scalp and strengthen and condition hair. MSM sulfur nurtures follicles and encourages healthy hair growth, Mediterranean Olive Oil delivers emollience and lubricity while Vegetable Glycerin and pure African Castor Oil lends sheen, softness and intense moisture.  Does not contain mineral oil, lanolin, proteins, silicones, artificial fragrances, dyes or parabens.

**** I give this product a 5 out of 5 Baby Curls****