Although used for centuries in nutrition and complementary health practices, flax seed has created buzz for a whole other purpose: your hair.
Whether you apply flaxseed topically as an oil, or perhaps eat more ground flaxseed on a regular basis, there’s a belief that doing so will make your hair stronger for better growth and overall manageability.
While research is slim, there’s no doubt that ground flaxseed and flaxseed oil offer numerous potential health benefits.
What is flax seed?
Known for its golden-brown color, flaxseed is considered a nutritional powerhouse for its combination of essential macro and micro nutrients. These include protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
Despite its nutrients, whole flaxseed isn’t readily absorbed by the body. This is why its either ground into powder form to eat, or cold-pressed to extract the oil for cooking and flavoring certain dishes.
Flax seed oil is also used in a variety of complementary health practices and for home remedies, including hair health.
How flaxseed may help hair
When applied to your hair, any type of plant-based oil may help seal the cuticle, which helps prevent breakage and frizz for optimal growth. Flax seed oil offers even more specific benefits based on its overall nutritional profile.
To get the most out of the nutritional benefits of flaxseed, you’re better off eating ground up seeds or oil. Topical applications may help aesthetically on a temporary basis, too.
How to use flaxseed for your hair
There are multiple ways you can reap the hair-health benefits of flaxseed. When using flaxseed directly in your hair though, you don’t simply add whole or crushed seeds — instead, you’ll want to use the oil.
You can find flaxseed oil in the cooking oil section of your grocery store, as well as in specialty wellness stores.
To use flaxseed as a hair mask, pour a small amount of the oil into your hands and massage directly into your hair. Leave on for up to 15 minutes, then rinse out and shampoo as normal.
You can use flaxseed as a pre-conditioning rinse after shampooing as well. Simply rinse the oil out of your hair before you use a conditioner.
You can also make a gel out of flaxseed. Instead of rinsing it out like you would a mask, flaxseed hair gel is designed to stay in your hair throughout the day until your next shampoo session.
Flaxseed oil is available in capsules to take as a nutritional supplement. Ask your doctor before taking any supplements, including flaxseed. Supplements can have adverse health effects.
While the dosage depends on the manufacturer, some brands instruct that you take as many as six flaxseed capsules per day.
Finally, you can reap the benefits of flaxseed by eating crushed seeds. You can add flaxseed for a nutty flavor to everyday meals such as oatmeal, salads, and grains.
Over time, your hair may become smoother and stronger thanks to the fatty acids and antioxidants in flaxseed. As with any “super food” though, flaxseed is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
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