Flaxseed Oil for Hair: Ingredient Deep Dive
In recent years, you’ve probably heard a thing or two about flaxseeds. These small but mighty seeds come from the flax plant and are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. For that reason, they’re touted as a healthy food that protects against everything from heart disease to certain cancers.
But, it turns out that flaxseed (and the oil it makes) is not only good for your internal health, but – because of its moisturizing and antioxidant properties – it’s great when used topically for skin and hair, too. So, if you’re keen to know more about the flaxseed benefits for hair, here are some fun facts you should know about flaxseed oil and why it may become a staple in your hair care routine.
The history of flaxseed
Flaxseed is far from a new ingredient. In fact, it’s been used in food and medicine for thousands of years. It’s thought to have originated in the Mediterranean area of western Asia. But, today it’s predominantly grown in temperate and subtropical regions of Europe and the Americas. (In case you wondered, we get our flaxseed oil for hair from France.)
Fun fact: The benefits of flaxseed are so convincing that it’s rumored that in the year 700 A.C., Charlemagne, the emperor of Rome, passed a law mandating that his people eat flaxseeds. Charlemagne wasn’t the only celebrity fan of the seed. Apparently, Hippocrates also recommended it as a skin moisturizer in the year 400 B.C. It may seem like he was ahead of the trend, but it’s long been used topically to hydrate skin and also soothe burns as well as other skin irritations.
While its many benefits may be easy to swallow, the flaxseed is actually pretty tough to digest. It’s therefore often ground into a fine powder (maybe you’ve sprinkled some over your oatmeal) or cold pressed into an oil.
Flaxseed benefits for hair
So, we know that flaxseed is a popular and highly sought-after superfood ingredient. But what are the flaxseed benefits for hair?
In addition to omega fatty acids, which hydrate your hair and the skin on your scalp, flaxseed extract contains many hair-friendly ingredients. These can have a positive impact on your hair in a range of different ways. So, without further ado, let’s answer some of your most pressing questions about the flaxseed oil benefits for hair.
Can you use flaxseed for hair growth?
Flaxseed is rich in vitamin B, which plays an important role in healthy hair growth (you’ve no doubt heard some buzz about biotin, a B vitamin). It’s also rich in vitamin E, which plays a protective role against free radical damage, promoting a healthy scalp and follicles to maximize hair growth. So, if you’re wondering how to use flaxseed for hair growth, getting plenty of it into your diet is a great place to start.
Is flaxseed good for your hair health?
Research has also suggested that flaxseed oil can help strengthen strands, and that the vitamins and minerals in flaxseed oil can improve hair’s elasticity. Flaxseed oil can therefore make your hair less brittle and less prone to breakage.
Do you have to eat it to get the flaxseed benefits for hair?
While a good diet is key for healthy hair, you can use flaxseed extract topically too. When applied directly to hair, the ingredient helps to moisturize dry hair, smooth unwanted frizz, and boost shine on dull strands. Flaxseed oil for hair is especially nourishing for curly hair, which tends to be dry and coarse. It also helps give curls some control and definition without weighing them down.
How to use flaxseed for hair
One way to use flaxseed for hair hydration and definition is to go the DIY route and make a hair mask using food-grade flaxseed oil.
- Coat dry and clean strands in the oil from midway down the hair shaft to your ends. Make sure you avoid your roots.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the flaxseed oil sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse clean after 15 minutes. If too much of the oil remains on your strands, wash with a shampoo and conditioner then rinse again.
- You can also use a dab of the oil ( the size of a pea for short strands and a dime-size for longer, thicker hair) to smooth dry ends or flyaways.
If you’re looking for a less messy and more convenient way to get the flaxseed oil benefits for hair, take the easier route and use a product that contains the extract.
For example, flaxseed extract is one of the key ingredients that can be used in our custom Prose curl cream. Combined with other plant-based ingredients including argan oil, shea oil, and jojoba oil, the flaxseed oil extract helps to soften, smooth, and moisturize dry curls, leaving them more defined and full of shine. You won’t get any flaking or drying from the mega-moisturizing formula. And, if you follow our top tips on unlocking the power of your curls, you can enjoy nourished, bouncy, and healthy-looking curls every single day.
Reap the Benefits of Flaxseed Oil For Hair with Custom Products Made for You
Flaxseed oil went from superfood to super-hair ingredient—and it’s easy to see why. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants, the plant-based oil has everything dry hair needs to shine. If you think your hair could benefit from the powers of flaxseed oil, or need some advice on the right nutrients and ingredients for your hair, book in for a consultation with the prose hair care experts today. Together, we’ll build a range of custom hair products designed around your hair type, goals, and lifestyle.
Comments [0]