Flaxseed For Hair Growth How To Use Precautions

What Are Flax Seeds?

Flax seeds, scientifically known as Linum usitatissimum, are tiny, nutrient-dense seeds harvested from the flax plant. Flax seeds and their oil are rich in essential nutrients and known for their potential health benefits, including promoting heart health, reducing inflammation, and aiding digestion (2), (3), (4). These seeds can be ground into flaxseed meal or used whole as a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. They add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to various dishes, such as smoothies, cereals, and salads. Flax seeds are a popular choice among health-conscious individuals due to their nutritional value. Learn more about their ability to boost hair growth in the next section. Flat, oval-shaped seeds whose oil or gel can be applied for hair health. What Are Its Benefits? It can prevent premature hair graying, reduce hair fall, strengthen hair, and promote hair growth. Who Can Use It? While it is safe to be used on all hair types, those with damaged hair and scalp might find it beneficial. How Often? You can consume 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed a day or apply the oil or gel to your hair daily or as needed. Caution Avoid using flaxseed if you experience any digestive issues or skin allergies.

Why Are Flax Seeds Good For Hair Growth?

1. Great Source Of Vitamin E

Vitamin E contributes to hair growth because of its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent hair and scalp damage (5). Vitamin E can also help prevent premature graying due to oxidative stressi A discrepancy between antioxidant defenses and free radicals in the body that lead to cell damage and various diseases. (6).

2. Rich In B Vitamins

Deficiency in B vitamins (riboflavin, folate, biotin, and vitamin B12) is associated with hair loss (7). Flax seeds are rich in vitamin B12, biotin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and folic acid (1). Consuming flax seeds can help replenish the low B vitamin levels, strengthen your hair, and promote hair growth.

3. Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) helps lower inflammation in the body, which can help reduce hair loss and hair weakness (8).

4. Replete With Protein

Protein is essential for hair growth. Flax seeds are a vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free source of protein (9). Consuming flax seeds helps reach the recommended daily protein intake easily, which, in turn, helps strengthen the hair.

5. Balance pH Levels And Oil Production

Anecdotal evidence suggests that flax seeds can help balance the scalps pHi A scale used to identify the acidity or basicity of a substance by measuring the potential of hydrogen ions in it. levels and oil production. These factors directly affect the rate at which your hair grows and its health. Flax seeds soothe the scalp and help calm the sebaceous glands so that they produce the right amount of oil for healthy hair growth.

6. Keep Your Hair Conditioned

Flax seeds help condition your hair, making it smooth and manageable. They help bind moisture to the hair shafts, controlling breakage, split ends, dryness, and frizz. Joyo, a blogger, shared her experience of using flax seed gel for her naturally curly hair. She said, “This gel gave my hair an amazing shine. It softens and made my curls pop.Flax seed gel helped me appreciate my shrinkage more, as it made my curls and twist outs super defined and gorgeous without the dryness and crunchiness (i).”

7. Soothe The Scalp

An itchy or sensitive scalp can weaken the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help soothe scalp inflammation and sensitivity. These are the 7 ways flax seeds benefit hair growth. But how can you use flax seeds for hair growth? Check out the following section to know more.

How To Use Flax Seeds For Hair Growth

1. Flax Seed Oil For The Hair

You Will Need

2 tablespoons of flax seed oil A hot towel

Processing Time: 45 minutes Steps How This Helps The heat from the oil and the hot towel enables the goodness of flax seeds to penetrate your hair roots and shafts. Using flax seeds for hair nourishes your scalp and hair and helps in healthy hair growth. This treatment nourishes the scalp, fortifies hair strands, minimizes breakage, and enhances overall hair health.

2. Flax Seed Hair Gel

You Will Need

1/4 cup of flax seeds 2 cups of filtered water 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Processing Time: 5 minutes Steps How This Helps This natural hair gel does not leave product buildup in your hair and boosts hair growth. If you have curly hair, you can also try this DIY flaxseed gel for curly hair to maintain its health and boost your curl definition.

How To Include Flax Seeds In Your Diet For Hair Growth

1. Eat Raw Flax Seeds

Consume 2 tablespoons of raw flax seeds daily when you need a snack. Sprinkle a spoonful of flax seeds over stir-fried vegetables. Add a spoonful of flax seeds to your salads.

2. Ground Flax Seeds

Grinding flax seeds to a fine powder makes it easy to include in your diet. Grind the flax seeds and store the powder in an airtight jar. Keep it refrigerated and use in the following ways:

Add the flax seed powder to your oatmeal or soup. You can also add the powder to smoothies, cookies, muffins, or milk.

3. Flax Seeds And Yogurt

This is one of the most delicious flax seed snacks out there. You Will Need

1 cup of low-fat yogurt 1/2 cup of chopped strawberries 1/2 cup of blueberries 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Directions Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve. If you do not like how flax seeds taste, you can consume their nutritional supplements. Consuming flax seeds is good for your hair and overall health. However, it comes with a set of side effects. Scroll down to know what they are.

Probable Side Effects You Should Know

Stomach cramps Diarrhea Low blood pressure Increase in estrogeni Female sex hormones responsible for the development of sexual characteristics and maintenance of reproductive health. levels, which is unfavorable during pregnancy. May interact with blood thinners and medicines for diabetes. Topical application may cause skin irritation.

Note: Stop using or consuming flax seeds immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms. Consult a doctor if things get severe. How frequently should you apply flaxseed gel? Flaxseed gel can be used 2 to 3 times a week to nourish your scalp and promote healthy hair follicles. Can flaxseed oil enhance scalp health? Yes. Flaxseed oil can improve scalp health by moisturizing, reducing inflammation, and providing essential fatty acids that promote a healthy environment for hair growth. Does flaxseed cause hair loss? Though it is uncommon, flax seeds may cause the scalp to become itchy and irritated. If you scratch your scalp aggressively, it could lead to hair follicle damage, indirectly causing hair loss. Perform a patch test to check for irritation or allergic reactions before applying flax seeds to your hair for hair loss prevention. How long does homemade flaxseed gel last? Homemade flaxseed gel lasts for about a week or two. But, if you add essential oils to it, it may last for 3-4 weeks when refrigerated. Can I leave flaxseed gel overnight on hair? Yes, you may leave flaxseed gel on your hair overnight. It is often used as a leave-in conditioner. However, rinse it off immediately if you experience any irritation or itchiness. Can I apply flaxseed gel to wet hair? Yes. In fact, it is ideal to apply flaxseed gel to wet hair as it is easier to work it through the strands. Does flaxseed gel thicken hair? Flaxseed gel helps strengthen hair strands and promotes hair growth. Hence, it also may help make your hair appear thicker. Does flaxseed make your hair curly? No, flaxseed does not make your hair curly. However, it can add definition and bounce to curly hair and make it frizz-free.