Flax seeds, used in cooking as an ingredient for nutritious and tasty dishes, also have several beneficial properties for our skin and hair .
Thanks to their organoleptic characteristics, flax seeds for hair are particularly indicated for the health of the skin and scalp. This is because they contain essential fatty acids and alpha linoleic acids, substances very useful for strengthening the hair and skin .
Flaxseeds for Hair: What They Are and Their Benefits
The flax plant, belonging to the Linaceae family, boasts an ancient history and is cultivated for the production of fabrics and oil . But flax seeds also provide good quantities of essential fatty acids such as omega 3 , omega 6 and 9 , which help lower cholesterol , have an anti-inflammatory action and help in case of intestinal disorders. In addition, they provide essential mineral salts and vitamins . For this reason, they are also consumed raw , becoming the protagonists of tasty dishes with an extra kick.
Linseed oil , on the other hand, applied to the skin, hydrates and improves skin elasticity thanks to linoleic acid . Suitable for the face and body, it is also ideal for the areas of the body most at risk of dryness such as elbows and knees. But it is also perfect for damaged or dry hair.
Benefits of flaxseeds for hair
Flax seeds are appreciated for their beneficial properties for hair and scalp thanks to the presence of omega fatty acids that nourish and strengthen the hair, improving elasticity and counteracting breakage.
They are therefore ideal for healthier, stronger and more resistant hair but also for effective do-it-yourself treatments to do at home. Rich in vitamin E, they offer an antioxidant action that can help and even slow down the appearance of gray hair.
Furthermore, they help to rebalance the pH of the hair , promoting its growth and regulating the production of sebum. An excellent natural remedy, therefore, also to block inflammation of the scalp and for the treatment of eczema and dandruff . Specifically, they nourish the hair and the follicle, preventing the formation of split ends and making the hair more manageable, easy to comb.
Flax seeds therefore have a double action: they help prevent the appearance of dandruff and itching and prevent inflammation and possible hair loss. Finally, they nourish the hair follicles, thus giving strength to the hair and promoting the regrowth of damaged hair .
Linseed oil for hair
Linseed oil is an excellent treatment for dry and damaged hair thanks to its restructuring and polishing properties. It is an oil that helps prevent split ends and give new vitality to the hair.
It is ideal to use it as a mask before shampooing , applying a few drops to damp hair and leaving it on for about ten minutes before washing.
To calm inflammation of the scalp, such as in the case of dandruff or eczema, a flaxseed compress can be useful.
How to prepare it? It’s very simple: just soak 30 g of flax seeds in 250 ml of water overnight. The next day, bring the water to a boil for ten minutes and then filter it.
To the resulting mixture, add three drops of sweet orange essential oil and apply to the scalp with a gentle massage . It is an excellent natural remedy to reduce inflammation of the scalp.
Flaxseed for curly hair
If you have curly hair, flaxseeds are a great choice for your hair care . In fact, they are especially useful in this case, because curly hair requires more effective treatments due to its natural tendency to dryness and frizz .
Thanks to the phytocompounds and omega fatty acids, flax seeds are an excellent restructuring agent that regenerates and defines curls, reducing frizz and giving softness and shine.
Soak the flax seeds in water overnight. The next day, bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and filter the resulting gelatinous mixture. Add your favorite essential oils and let the gel cool in a jar.
You can use this treatment as a conditioner , applying it to washed hair. Ideally, do it the night before going to sleep and leave it on overnight.
Flaxseed for skin
Flaxseeds are rich in nutrients that are beneficial not only for hair but also for skin . Regular use of flaxseed compresses or products containing them can improve the elasticity and resistance of the skin .
This effect is mainly due to the linoleic acid present in the seeds, which is known for its hydrating and elasticizing properties.
If, on the other hand, you have dry skin , flax seeds are the perfect solution. Their antioxidant properties fight skin aging and offer a natural treatment against psoriasis and other conditions related to dry skin .
How to prepare a nourishing and hydrating mask
With flax seeds you can also prepare a nourishing hair mask, very useful in case of very dry and damaged hair.
A recipe that can be easily prepared at home could be one based on two oils, flaxseed oil and coconut oil (or extra virgin olive oil ).
Ingredients:
- 63 g whole flaxseeds (light or dark brown).
- 500 g of water.
- 30 g of coconut oil or organic extra virgin olive oil.
- A few drops of essential oil of your choice.
You will need:
- 1 strainer.
- 1 small saucepan.
- 1 bowl or small container.
- 1 shower cap.
- 1 hair clip.
Preparation:
Pour the water and flax seeds into a saucepan and cook over medium/low heat, until boiling, stirring the flax seeds often with a spoon.
Turn off the heat when you see white foam on the surface.
Mix the oil with the water a little and then filter the liquid through a sieve, into a bowl below.
Let it cool and then set aside 1/4 of the bowl and place the rest in a small container, to be stored in the refrigerator.
The flaxseed mixture will have a consistency similar to egg white. Now place the coconut oil in a small bowl and heat it in the microwave to form a liquid.
Then, pour 1/4 cup of flaxseed water into a large bowl along with coconut oil and a few drops of essential oil. Mix everything together.
How to apply:
- Spread the mask on your hair, with the help of a simple spoon.
- Massage with your fingertips and place a shower cap over your hair.
- Leave it on for at least half an hour and a maximum of two hours.
- Finally, rinse your hair well and proceed with shampooing.
Flax seeds and well-being
Flax seeds are also a real panacea for general health and physical well-being .
These seeds, in fact, have therapeutic, soothing and regenerative properties , strengthening the skin’s natural defenses and acting as anti-inflammatory agents.
From a nutritional point of view, however, they are an excellent supplement of essential fatty acids for our body which, if correctly included in the diet, can help balance and stimulate the metabolism .
The properties of flax seeds are also recognized for their positive impact on cardiovascular health, but also for hormonal balance. They are also known for their laxative properties, fully belonging to the natural laxatives.
Conclusions
Flaxseeds for hair are an excellent natural and economical remedy for healthier, stronger and shinier hair . Making a flaxseed gel at home is very easy and only requires a few ingredients. But you can also use flaxseed oil and not just for your hair. Your skin will also enjoy the benefits of a beauty mask based on these precious seeds.
