Flaxseed is a plant-based superfood that has gained a great deal of popularity lately in the health and wellness world. But how does flaxseed help hair grow? Very few people know the amazing benefits flaxseeds has on hair. And this is exactly what I will discuss in this article today.
When we consume flaxseeds, in either powder form or as whole seeds, we are not only improving our overall health but also our hair health. Flaxseed oil, however, can do wonders to the quality of hair and it speeds up the rate at which the hair grows when massaged regularly on your head.
It is easy to find in stores, cost-effective, and lasts a very long time. I usually buy in bulk from Costco or Bulk Barn and store it in an airtight container in my freezer to keep them fresh. I add them to most of my food and I love the nutty taste it brings to all my meals.
Flaxseed Oil Hair Benefits
How exactly does it help hair grow, though? Before we dive into all the amazing benefits flaxseed oil has to offer for our hair, let me first explain how the oil is made and how it is different from whole flaxseed.
Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, is extracted by cold-pressing the brown, nutty seeds of flax. Flax is rich in fiber, but the oil itself, isn’t. Also, whole flaxseed isn’t readily absorbed by the body, which is why the best way to reap its benefits is to either ground it into a powder form or to extract it into an oil. The oil is filled with protein, Omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that are all fantastic for promoting hair health and hair growth.
Here are the three main benefits of using flaxseed oil for beautiful and strong hair that grows healthy and long.
1. Soothes & Cleans the Scalp
Sebum, natural oils secreted by the scalp, is regularly produced to protect the scalp from dryness. A dry scalp leads to conditions like scalp eczema, dandruff, and dermatitis, which all adversely affect hair growth. An itchy and flaky scalp can increase hair loss due to poor scalp hygiene. Applying flaxseed oil soothes and cleans the scalp by balancing the pH levels as well as the oil production of the sebaceous glands so that they produce the right amount of natural oil for healthy hair growth.
2. Nourishes Hair Strands
Omega-3 fats, especially plant-based ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) found in flaxseed oil is a heart-healthy essential fatty acid known to reduce inflammations throughout the body. These inflammations contribute to conditions in the body that cause hair loss or negatively affect hair growth. The plant-based ALA in flaxseed oil helps to nourish hair strands so that hair becomes smooth, strong, and less prone to breakage. This is because the oil helps to seal the hair cuticle so that it remains fully conditioned and moisturized, reducing frizz and split ends in the process as well.
3. Promotes New Hair Growth
Flaxseed oil is loaded with B-vitamins, a group of vitamins known to increase hair growth, and antioxidants like Vitamin E that promotes stronger, healthier hair follicles. B-vitamins make the hair grow at a more rapid rate, making hair unbelievably smoother and softer, while Vitamin E reduces the effects of free radicals on the scalp. Together, these vitamins improve blood circulation in the scalp that leads to new and fast hair growth.
Flaxseed Oil Health Benefits
Now that we know how beneficial flaxseed oil is to our hair, how do we use it to grow our hair? Below, I will list the three most effective ways to use flaxseed to obtain optimum hair benefits. But before I do that, I would just like to mention a word of caution.
Although flaxseed is a natural plant-based product, which makes it quite safe to use and consume for the most part, it is important to remember that consuming large doses of flaxseed daily (30 grams or higher) can lead to serious bloating, loose stools and bowels, and even diarrhea.
This is because of the high fiber content in whole flaxseeds, as mentioned earlier. Pregnant or breast-feeding women must consult with their doctor before they start using flaxseed as it may lead to early pre-term labor.
For everyone else, here are some very effective ways to use the superfood.
1. Flaxseed Nutrition
Add it to a whole variety of your daily meals. Use the powder form in your favorite smoothie or even add a teaspoon to a glass of water to drink as your daily source of fiber. Alternatively, you can use it as an oil dressing over your favorite salads.
Recipe for Flaxseed Powder: You can easily make your own flaxseed powder at home. For example, take 1/4 cup of whole flaxseed and grind it in a blender to a fine powder. Transfer it to an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator for added freshness.
If you don’t have time to make the powder at home, you can get it at your local whole foods store or if you love to shop online like me, you can buy it here.
Recipe for Salad Dressing: add flaxseed oil to equal parts of organic honey and fresh lemon juice and you have yourself a very delicious, wholesome, and nutty-tasting salad dressing.
2. Flaxseed Oil For Hair Loss
Massage the oil on your scalp with your fingers and also apply it to the length of your hair. Wrap a hot towel or wear a shower cap to allow the oil to penetrate deeper into you hair shafts. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner after 30 minutes. Do this at least 1-2 times a week for best results.
You can feel free to mix flaxseed oil with another carrier oil or you can even add a few drops of essential oils for added benefits.
3. Flaxseed Gel Hair Growth
Use it as a leave-in hair conditioner by making your own flaxseed gel to nourish and moisturize the hair so it grows smoother and stronger fast.
How To Make Flaxseed Gel
Ingredients
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1/4 cup whole flaxseeds
Method
- Place flaxseed and water in medium saucepan and allow it to come to a boil.
- Keep stirring so the mixture does not stick to bottom of pan (5-7 minutes).
- Reduce heat and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the mixture starts to stick to the back of the spoon.
- Keep a watch out as this mixture will thicken quickly and you do not want to over-do it (Once it becomes a gel-like consistency, remove from flame). A mixture that is too thick will be hard to squeeze out.
- Pour mixture through a strainer (or a nut milk bag) and allow it to cool to room temperature. Your flaxseed gel is now ready to use!
Apply
Add a few drops of essential oils to the gel and apply it to your scalp. You can do this on damp hair too and then allow the gel to naturally air dry. If it doesn’t bother you, you can leave it in as a conditioner or you can also wash it off after an hour. The key is to allow it to dry completely before washing it off. Use this gel as often as you would like and watch your hair become shiny and strong!
Storing Instructions:
Transfer the gel to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. If you start to notice an off-putting smell, chances are the gel has gone bad and that it is time to discard and make a new one.
Try Flaxseed Hair Oil Yourself
There you have it! Everything you need to know about how flaxseed oil helps hair grow.
Do give it a try and let me know what the results are.
Please remember to be patient and diligent in order to allow it ample enough of time to work. With regular use, you will notice your hair becoming smoother and stronger while new hair grows healthier and longer.
Good luck!
10 Responses
Interesting recipe about flaxseed gel. I’ll try it at home because it’s simple and easy to prepare. I do consume ground flaxseed which I prepare myself. I mostly add it as an ingredient to my smoothie. I love it and will never trade it for anything. Yes, It has been reported to have those benefits you’ve mentioned. I love the nutty taste it elicits.
Thanks for the article especially the recipe.
Maggie
Awesome- so glad it is something you are already consuming Maggie! Try it for your hair now as well 🙂
Wow, this post is great! I am always looking for ways to help keep my hair nice and healthy. I have heard a lot about coconut oil for your hair but I have never heard anything about flaxseed oil. I am definitely going to look out for it next time I go shopping. Also, thanks for the recipes on the powder, gel, and salad dressing. I am going to make some of that gel. I have been making things from scratch more often to help cut down on sugars and sodium in my family’s diet so I am always looking for new recipes and ideas.
Making things yourself is the best way to go because you know exactly what it is you are putting into it!
Yes, do try my recipes and let me know how it goes..flaxseed oil is a hidden gem that most people are only finding out about now.
Thank you for your article. I was not aware until I read this article that flax oil soothes and cleans the scalp, nourishes hair strands and promotes new hair growth. I will include this in my diet and also use it as a treatment for my hair .
Keep up the good work , great article!
Kind regards,
Yoana
Totally! Flax seed oil has all those benefits and more! Your hair totally deserves all the care and attention!
Thank you for your kind words and stopping by to read my post:)
Amazing information. Although I use flaxseed I didn’t know the benefits for your hair or even that I could use the oil itself for that. The way I use the flaxseed is to add it on my yogurt together with other variety of cereals. It’s a very practical way to consume it. I really like the idea of making flaxseed powered. I must try it out. It is piratical, simple, and as you said fresh. I think it will go very well with my yogurt. Thank you for sharing so good content.
Instead of adding the whole seeds to your yogurt, try the powder next time! Our body cannot digest the seeds; so they come out exactly as we put them into our system (sorry about being so graphic!). Using them as powder or oil form makes it easier for our body to reap the benefits from these little guys!
Thanks for sharing this:) Though I’ve heard of flaxseed I didn’t realise how it can benefit your hair. I like your recipe for a salad dressing and may try that one. I also like the recipe for hair gel. I often use leave in conditioners, but the gel sounds really good:)
The gel is quite simple and easy to make and you will love it when you try it! …and so will your hair!:)