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Using Flaxseed for Hair: A Good Option?

If you are aware of the superfoods and their benefits then you must already know about the goodness of flax seeds but if not then you are on the right page. We intend to introduce you to flax seeds, their benefits especially when it comes to taking care of your hair. Flaxseed is a miracle grain with is loaded with a never-ending list of nutrients. It is one of the oldest crops cultivated by humans and can be easily found in the market.  

Flax seeds are a great combination of essential macro and micronutrients. They are golden brown in colour and are packed with fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants and many more. They can be used as seeds or you can grind them into a paste or even extract oil from it to use for different reasons. They are super healthy and a great way to keep yourself beautiful.  

These seeds come from the flax plant are grown in Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. With all the necessary minerals and vitamins it also has phytoestrogens which are very similar to hormone estrogen as well as omega 3 fatty acid alpha-Linolenic acid. It can be very beneficial for people suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and kidney issues. But above all, you can use this superfood for your hair.

Since flaxseed is loaded with nutrients it keeps your scalp nourished and hydrated. Applying flaxseed oil on the scalp and hair blocks the cuticles and does not allow your hair to frizz up as well as reduces hair breakage. Flax seeds are a great source of vitamin B which makes your hair stronger and boosts hair growth and the vitamin E present in flax seeds makes your hair shine and feel smoother.

Benefits of Flax Seeds for Hair : 10 Reason Why You Should Add it to Your Hair Care Routine

Here is a detailed list of how flax seeds are beneficial for your hair and including it in your beauty regime can get you hair to die for.

Rich in Vitamin E

Source timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Flax seeds are packed with vitamin E. Vitamin E is a wonderful vitamin for both hair and skin. The nutrients in vitamin E promotes healthy skin and scalp. It reduces the free radical damage in your scalp and makes your hair healthy and strong. Vitamin E also improves blood circulation and boosts hair growth as well as reduces hair breakage. Including flax seeds in your beauty routine will also prevent premature graying of hair and give you glowing strands from the root to the tip.

Balances PH Levels and Oil Production

Source www.everydayhealth.com

Maintaining your scalps' pH levels and oil production is very important for healthy hair. It plays an important role when it comes to strengthening your hair. The pH scale is from zero to 14 from which 0 to 6 is the acidic side, 7 is neutral and 8 to 14 is alkaline. A healthy pH level is between 4.5 to 5.5 but external factors like colouring treatment, using of heat tools, pollution, as well as the use of harsh chemical laden shampoos, disturb the pH levels and damages your hair. An unbalanced pH level causes hair breakage and unwanted frizz. Your scalp has too much alkaline it will be prone to contracting bacteria and cause dandruff. A balanced pH level seals the hair cuticles and locks in the natural oils in your scalp and protects your hair. It also supports hair growth as well as maintains moisture to your hair.

Flax seeds are great when it comes to maintaining pH levels and oil production in your scalp. Eating flaxseeds or using flaxseed oil on the scalp calms the sebaceous glands and protects your hair from damage.

Reduce Scalp Inflammation

If you feel pain or a constant itch with red bumps you may be suffering from scalp inflammation. Inflammation of the scalp may be due to staph bacteria or fungi. It usually starts from where the hair grows and causes itchy bumps on the skin. This condition causes a lot of discomfort and hair loss.

Since flax seeds are high in Omega 3 fatty acids and have an ample amount of anti-inflammatory properties they are miraculously in treating scalp inflammation and other infections like dandruff, itchy scalp, cicatricial alopecia. The essential fats present in flax seeds keep your hair highly moisturized and boost hair growth. Using flax seeds can give you back the peaceful sleep that you lost due to an itchy scalp and breaking hair.

Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids

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If you have been experiencing dry and brittle hair or even nails then you might be having Omega 3 deficiency. Essential fatty acids are known as the building blocks for our body but it is not produced in our body in adequate amount therefore it is essential to take them in from external sources. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats produce prostaglandins which help tackle low immune system and inflammation in our body. Different studies have proven that Omega 3s provide the much-needed nourishment to your hair and boosts hair growth as well as keeps our skin young.

Flaxseeds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and can play a vital role in taking care of your damaged hair. If you are a vegetarian then eating flax seeds for obtaining Omega 3 is a great idea. You can also use flaxseed oil as it boosts collagen production which keeps your hair and skin looking youthful. It also repairs the hair follicles that have been damaged due to sun exposure and other pollutants.

Keeps Your Hair Conditioned

Source vedix.com

If you like to use natural ingredients to keep your hair shiny and smooth then you need to start using flax seeds. They work as a great conditioner and makes your hair manageable. They seal the moisture within your hair shaft and prevent hair breakage, split ends and dryness. Here is a simple recipe for a DIY flax seed conditioner for your hair.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup of Flax (seeds)
  • 1 cup of Water (distilled)

    Method:

  • Take the flax seeds and put them in a pot with distilled water.
  • Boil it for 3 minutes.
  • Take it off the heat and strain it but do not throw the water.
  • Put the water in a jar and put it in a fridge.
  • Add a tsp of coconut oil and 5 to 10 drops of your favourite essential oil to it.
  • Leave it for a while for it to thicken.
  • Wash and condition your hair then apply small amount of the flaxseed gel on your hair.
  • Massage your scalp well and leave it on for a few minutes then wash it off.

Soothes the Scalp

Source sofialatif.com

Flax seeds have both soluble and insoluble fibres in it therefore it works on repairing damaged air. It prevents acute hair loss, treats scalp eczema and gets rid of dandruff with regular use. You can use flaxseed oil to massage your hair twice a week or eat flax seeds to obtain the needed vitamins and minerals you need to keep your hair healthy and shiny.

Reduces Brittleness

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Dry and brittle hair makes your hair look very unattractive and unkept. If you want to mend your brittle hair then consuming flax seeds or applying flaxseed oil regularly on your hair and scalp can improve the quality of your hair. Flax seeds improve the elasticity of your hair and prevent it from breaking.

Protect Hair from Thinning

Source www.nytimes.com

Another major concern for people around the world is hair thinning. Flax seeds are loaded with lignin which is an organic substance similar to fibre and is an antioxidant. It decreases the ageing process of the hair cells and prevents them from breaking. Lignin also has estrogenic properties which reduce hair thinning which is usually caused by hormonal imbalance. Taking flaxseed on regular basis can help you solve this particular problem permanently.

Strengthen Hair from Within

Source www.istockphoto.com

Flax seeds are high in soluble and insoluble dietary fiber therefore they are easy to digest. They are known to boost your immune system as well as help you maintain a great body. It is proven that when our internal digestive system works the way it should it absorbs a right amount of nutrients which helps the hair grow and stay strong.

Loaded with Vital Nutrients

Another great reason to have flax seeds in any form is to provide your body with vital nutrients like proteins, minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, selenium and many more. It also gives you an adequate amount of Vitamin B and E, all of this makes flax seeds a superfood. If you take flax seeds regularly you will be providing your body with all the necessary nutrients it needs to stay strong and will give you healthy and strong hair. It will stop premature graying and will keep your hair hydrated naturally.

Ways of Using Flax Seeds for Hair

Source www.bebeautiful.in

There are different ways of using flax seeds for your hair. You can either use flax seeds in different dishes or simply apply flaxseed oil on regular basis. Eating flax seeds will make your body and hair strong. You can take in a tbsp of flax seeds directly. You can also dry roast them and chew them like a snack. You can grind them in a mixer and use them in your smoothie to make it more nutritious. You can also make a paste of it and use it is your dosa, roti and other things you make regularly at home. Other than that you can also buy flax seeds pill and have them daily as a supplement.

Using Flaxseed Gel for Hair

Source steptohealth.com

You can easily make flaxseed gel at home and get rid of many hair issues at once. It is easy to make and keeps your hair moisturized as well as keep dry and frizzy hair away.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons flax seeds
  • 1 bowl water

    Method:

  • Take two tbs of flaxseed and soak them in water overnight
  • In the morning heat 1 cup of water in a pan
  • Now add the soaked flax seeds in the hot water and keep stirring them till it all settles at the bottom of the pot
  • You will see a layer of gel form on the top, turn the heat off and let it cool
  • Strain it and keep the gel in an airtight container
  • Use this gel on wet hair and leave it on for an hour
  • Wash it off with a mild shampoo twice a week for smooth and shiny hair.

Coconut Oil and Flaxseed Mask

Source woofwoofsupplies.com

You can also make an effective hair mask with coconut oil and flax seeds. Simply grind flax seeds and mix it with coconut oil. Apply this mask to your hair and leave it on for an hour. The mask will provide your hair with all the goodness of fatty acids and give your hair a silky finish.

Egg and Flax Seed Oil Hair Mask

If you like to use egg for hair then you will like the egg and flaxseed hair mask. It is a great way of providing your hair with essential nutrients. Eggs are loaded with proteins and keep your scalp clean and flaxseed will provide your hair moisture to keep it soft. The mask also has fenugreek is it which keeps dandruff at bay.

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp methi seeds (fenugreek)
  • 2-3 tsp of olive or flaxseed oil
  • 1 tsp coffee powder (optional)
  • Juice of a half lemon

Method:

  • Start with separating egg white and yolk especially if you have oily hair. If you have dry hair you can use whole egg.
  • Beat the egg properly.
  • Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them into a paste in the morning.
  • Mix it with the egg and add flaxseed oil.
  • You can add coffee and lemon juice at this point if you like.
  • Apply the mask on your hair from the roots to the ends and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
  • Cover your hair with a shower cap.
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water and use a mild shampoo and a conditioner if you like.

Hydrating Flaxseed and Banana Hair Mask

Source www.stylecraze.com

Another great hair mask can be made with banana and flax seeds.

Ingredients :

  • 2 Tbsp Flaxseed
  • 1 Over Ripe Banana
  • 1 Tbsp Almond/Olive Oil.
  • 1 Egg(Optional)

Method:

  • Take flaxseeds and grind them into a fine powder.
  • Take a chopped banana and run it in a blender to make a smooth paste.
  • Add the flaxseed in it and run it again to mix it.
  • Transfer the paste to a big bowl and add honey, almond oil and egg to it.
  • Now, divide your hair into parts and apply this mask on your scalp and all of the hair till the end.
  • Leave it on for 2 hours and wash it off with a mild shampoo once a week.
Writer
Sarita Tiwari
Sarita worked in the development sector for 20 years but found her passion in writing. She is a blogger, a content writer and a ghost writer for various industries. When not writing, you will find her spending time with her family, cooking and traveling. She is an introvert and feels that writing gives a voice to her thoughts.

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Conclusion!

You don't have to give another thought before adding Flaxseed and flaxseed oil to your daily meals. In some cases, you may be allergic to it. Ask your doctor if that is safe for you to take. You can also apply flaxseed oil to your hair for instant smoothness and conditioning. However, when you take your flaxseed, remember that it’s important to practice other healthy hair care practices too, including regular cuts or trims, shampooing sessions, and conditioning.