For centuries, flaxseeds have been used to complement health in treating various illnesses ranging from cancer to heart disease. The high nutritional and antioxidant value makes flaxseeds a superfood for the body. It is also widely used in beauty treatments. Using flaxseeds for hair to treat various hair conditions has given successful results consistently.
Hair is one aspect of the body that needs additional care and maintenance. Hair is also one organ that easily gets affected by the health and condition of the body, so it is very important that we make sure our hair is provided with much-needed nutrition. Flaxseed hair treatment has been found to provide complete nourishment for the hair to develop and grow healthy.
Flaxseeds Good for Hair Loss?
Flaxseeds are rich in essential nutrients like good fats, vitamins, minerals, micro, and macronutrients that satisfy the entire nutritional requirements of the hair and scalp. Thus, flaxseed for hair loss is very beneficial and gives very effective results. The vitamins and minerals in flaxseeds help to nourish the scalp and hair, making them strong and healthy for better development and sustenance. The rich content of essential proteins in flaxseeds help in developing and nourishing hair cells, thus preventing hair breakage and hair fall.
Benefits of Flaxseeds for Hair:
Let us look at the various benefits of flaxseeds on hair:
1. Boosts Hair Growth:
Flaxseeds are one of the few natural foods on earth that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are very effective in promoting hair growth. Vitamin B, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and iron content in flaxseeds aid in hair growth by nourishing and activating the scalp and hair follicles. Thus, using flaxseeds for hair growth gives a big boost for growing hair.
2. Prevents Damage and Ageing:
Flaxseeds are high in antioxidants and vitamin E that eliminate free radicals that damage the hair cells and scalp. Flaxseeds not only control the damage, but the properties present in flaxseeds help repair damaged hair cells, thus making the hair and scalp healthy. Damage prevention helps in slowing the ageing process and making the hair look young and shiny.
3. Improves Scalp Health:
Flaxseeds are very effective in treating scalp conditions like eczema, itchy scalp, dandruff, flaky scalp, etc. that damage the scalp and affect hair growth and development. Flaxseeds have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation on the scalp and making it healthy and strong.
4. Moisturizing and Conditioning:
Flaxseeds are very effective in treating dry hair and dry scalp conditions that affect hair health. It helps in balancing natural oils in the scalp and hair by controlling sebum production. It is very effective in hydrating the hair and making it smooth and silky.
5. Prevents Hair Loss and Breakage:
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help in making the hair roots and hair follicles stronger and healthier. Vitamin E and other antioxidants in flaxseeds help in improving blood circulation and preventing hair breakage. Using flaxseed oil for hair loss is very beneficial as the proteins and minerals like manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, and calcium present in flaxseeds help in making the hair cells stronger and less prone to breakage or loss.
How to Use Flaxseeds for Hair Growth:
Flaxseeds are shiny hard seeds with thick outer layer loaded with essential fibres. These seeds are used in powder, oil, or gel form; whole flaxseeds are not recommended, as they are difficult to absorb. Let us look at the various ways flaxseeds are used for hair growth.
1. Flaxseed Gel for Hair Growth:
One of the best ways of using flaxseeds for hair is by making a flaxseed gel hair mask at home. Though there are many flaxseed gel products available in the market, it is recommended to prepare it at home to avoid preservatives or other chemical additives. Flaxseed gel benefits for hair are numerous due to its high nutritional content. Apart from conditioning the hair and preventing dryness and damage, flaxseed gel for hair loss and hair growth is known to give significant results in stimulating the scalp and hair follicles for hair growth.
Ingredients: One-fourth cup of flaxseeds, two cups of water and one tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Take some flaxseeds and water in a pot and boil until the water starts to thicken. Keep boiling until it becomes like a gel.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool.
- Strain the gel using a strainer and collect it in a jar.
- Add a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera juice to the flaxseed gel and mix thoroughly.
- Apply this gel to the hair and scalp thoroughly. Apart from a topical application on the scalp for hair growth, flaxseed gel can be used to style your hair too.
- You can store the gel by refrigerating in an airtight container and is to be used within a week.
Frequency of Use: Everyday
[ Also Read: Rice Water for Hair Growth ]
2. Flaxseed Oil for Hair Growth:
Flaxseed oil has been used for centuries, used both internally and externally, for various health and beauty benefits. Flaxseed oil for hair regrowth has been used widely with a high success rate. It is known to soothe the scalp and nourish it with several vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids, making it healthier for growing strong hair. Flaxseed oil benefits for hair are remarkable, as it is very effective in reducing inflammation and curing various scalp issues that hinder hair growth like eczema, dandruff, itchy scalp, etc.
Ingredients: Four tablespoons of flaxseed oil, preferably cold-pressed.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Heat some flaxseed oil until it becomes warm.
- Apply this oil to your scalp and hair, making sure it is covered well from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp gently for 10 minutes, making sure the oil is well absorbed.
- Cover your head with a towel and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Thrice a week.
3. Eating Raw Flaxseeds:
Flaxseeds have numerous health benefits due to its rich content of nutrients, dietary fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is recommended to have a daily dose of flaxseeds to fulfil the body’s nutritional requirements and treating various illnesses, especially heart disease, cancers, lung and liver diseases, skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, etc. Flaxseeds are best to be consumed in powder form, as whole flaxseeds may go unabsorbed if not chewed well.
Ingredients: Half cup of flaxseeds.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Slightly dry roast the flax seeds in a pan.
- Cool them down and blend them into powder.
- Add a tablespoon of this powder in a glass of water and drink it every day.
Frequency of Use: Everyday
Precautions: Limit intake to one tablespoon a day. Consuming flaxseeds is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as it may affect the hormonal system.
[ Also Read: Guava Leaves for Hair Growth ]
4. Flaxseed Powder for Hair:
As much as the topical application of flaxseeds gives significant benefits to hair health, consuming flaxseeds is known to contribute to hair and scalp health very much. Consuming flaxseeds is especially beneficial in treating certain types of baldness. Flaxseeds are rich in a compound called lignin, which helps treat hair problems caused due to hormonal imbalances like hair thinning and alopecia. Flaxseeds also enhance the health of the body, enabling better nourishment to the scalp and hair.
Ingredients: Half cup of flaxseeds.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Slightly dry roast the flax seeds in a pan.
- Cool them down and blend them into powder.
- A tablespoon of this powder can be added in smoothies, yoghurt, curries, soups, salads, and other foods. The nutty taste of flaxseeds also enhances the flavour of the food.
- Including flaxseeds in your daily diet can significantly improve hair and skin health.
Frequency of Use: Every day.
Precautions: Limit intake to one tablespoon a day. Consuming flaxseeds is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as it may affect the hormonal system.
5. Flaxseed and Coconut Oil for Hair Fall:
Coconut oil is one of nature’s best remedies for hair fall. The fatty acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins in coconut oil nourish the scalp; the proteins in coconut oil make the hair follicles and hair stronger, thus preventing hair fall or breakage. Flaxseed gel and coconut oil make a great combination in fighting hair loss. Vitamin B, vitamin E, and fatty acids in flaxseeds help make the roots stronger and increase the elasticity of hair and make it less prone to breakage or fall.
Ingredients: One-fourth cup of flaxseeds, two cups of water and four tablespoons of coconut oil.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Take flaxseeds and water in a pot and boil it until the water starts to thicken. Keep boiling until it becomes like a gel.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool.
- Strain the gel using a strainer and collect it in a jar.
- Add coconut oil to the flaxseed gel and mix thoroughly.
- Apply this gel to the hair and scalp thoroughly.
- Leave it on for 2 hours.
- Wash hair with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
[ Read Also: Coconut Water for Hair Growth ]
6. Flaxseed Paste for Hair Regrowth:
Though flaxseeds are popularly used as oil or gel, a flaxseed hair mask with flaxseed paste is also very effective in aiding in hair regrowth. Soaked flaxseed paste is very good at hydrating the scalp and hair fibres and giving them the necessary elasticity and strength. When this paste is mixed with castor oil, it becomes a good combination for hair regrowth. The fatty acids and proteins in flaxseeds and castor oil strengthen the scalp and hair follicles and stimulate hair regrowth.
Ingredients: One-fourth cup of flaxseeds, 4 tablespoons of castor oil and a few drops of lemon.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Soak the flaxseeds in a cup of water overnight.
- Blend the soaked flaxseeds into a fine paste.
- Add castor oil and lemon juice to the flaxseed paste and mix well.
- Apply this mixture to wet hair and scalp thoroughly, making sure it is well absorbed in the scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with mild shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
Additional Benefits of Flaxseeds:
Let us look at some additional benefits of flaxseeds:
- Flaxseeds can treat premature greying very effectively. It is a rich natural source of vitamin E that helps in boosting blood circulation in the scalp and eliminating toxins in the scalp that lead to premature greying. Not only preventing grey hair but it is also found that flaxseed oil reverses grey hair very successfully by eliminating free radicals and reducing inflammation and boosting scalp health.
- Flaxseeds provide natural hydration to the hair making it smooth and soft. Using flaxseed gel for curly hair and wavy hair helps in reducing the frizz and giving a natural and healthy curl to the hair. Using flaxseed oil for curly hair enhances the curls and makes it better manageable by giving it a natural hold.
- Flaxseeds for hair straightening gives very effective results as the vitamins, and fatty acids in flaxseeds help nourish the hair fibres and reduce dryness, frizz, and dullness. It makes the hair smooth and naturally straight and soft.
- Flaxseed oil is good for hair due to its rich content of minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, protein, and zinc that help prevent split ends and dull hair.
With a ton of benefits to hair, flaxseeds ought to be part of your regular hair care regimen. These simple seeds are not only affordable but are free of any side effects. The natural chemical-free flaxseed hair treatment is very easy to use and works for all hair types giving the best results. Regular use of flaxseeds in your diet not only enhances your hair health but also makes your body healthy and strong.