What's the best Flax Seed Gel recipe?
I'm really interested in trying FSG. I'm going to Whole Foods on Monday (it's 1.5 hours away), so I can pick up ingredients then. My dd is crawling all over me, so I don't have time to look at all the recipes...can you guys just tell me what the best recipe is so I can make some? Thank you so much!!
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I've heard golden flax seeds have more hold, but never tested that theory myself.
You can add the essential oil of your choice for scent.
Add a pinch citric acid as a preservative, or you'll have to store it in the fridge, and even then it will last less than a couple weeks.
Add 1/4 teaspoon epsom salt for curl enhancement.
Be prepared for a little trial and error. Some people boil the seeds for 10 minutes, but on my stove, it's more like 6. It also depends how runny you want it. More time = thicker gel. But cook too long and it won't strain very easily, or at all.
But it's really not hard, once you get it down. GL!
Thank you SO much! May sound like a dumb question, but where do I find citric acid? If I just add a little, will it keep on my counter for a couple of weeks? I don't mind refrigerating it...I can just pour out how much I think I'll need the next day and let it "warm" on the counter over night if I need to. But, it would be nice to have it last a little longer. Will epsom salts not dry the hair out?
I bought mine online at www.iherb.com. I've also found golden flax seeds on ebay for less than you'll pay at whole foods, even after paying for shipping.
I use the basic recipe above, but for every cup of FSG I end up with, I also add about 1 tbsp of FOTE, 1 tsp of agave nectar, 1/2 tsp of hemp seed oil, 1/4 tsp citric acid, a few drops of grapefruit seed extract, a little vitamin E oil, and about 10 drops of an EO. I've found most items (with the exception of the FOTE and agave nectar) on iherb also. And I find that if I add the epsom salt to the water when I'm boiling the seeds, it doesn't dry my hair out. When I've added it after I make the gel, it seems more drying. And one other tip for you - I use distilled water rather than tap water, because the gel I made with tap water was pretty much useless. You might want to keep that in mind when you make it. I'd certainly try it with tap water first though, since it's basically free. HTH! :blob8:
wash: alternate co-washing with V05 & soap bars
Rinse out: Rotate TJ's N&S, AOHR, LVPNG, GVP K-Pak, CJ CA Daily Condish
ACV rinses 2x/wk (high pH water)
LI: if I use one, it's usually CJ CALI CJ H&B LI, or GDLI
Styling: FSG with AVG, AN, hemp seed oil & slippery elm (winter only), KCCC, CJ CCCC, CJ SG, CJ AFG, AOMM & BRHG
Currently experimenting w/DM Miracurls CG & MM
COs: Yes to Cucumbers
Stylers: Miss Jessies Coily Custard, KCCC
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Live Simply. Use Soap
www.TheLatheredLamb.com
www.EweniqueEssentials.artfire.com
Also, clean the strainer immediately after straining — it will be easer to clean.
I get about a 3-4 applications of FSG from that recipe, and my hair is BSL when wet. But I do use it with other products, so maybe I don't use as much as others.
It does thicken as it cools, so don't concern yourself too much with the consistency when you're straining it. It should be pretty runny at that point, when it's still warm or hot, but also very much like egg whites.
I use the same type of strainer, so that's definitely not the issue.
To store it, I put it in a bottle with a top that works like a dish soap bottle [you pull the top up in order to open it]. I find it works well with the consistency of the gel.
Making FSG takes time and patience to learn. I did it successfully the first time, but I took an hour or so and read up on it here first. I understand that you might not have that kind of time, but that is the reality of the situation.
GL!
Morrignu
Curl Wiki - Hair Recipies - Hair Photos
Put the seeds in the water and then bring to a boil, when the seeds suspend in the water and the water gets a white foamy film, turn to med to med-low. Using a wire wisk, keep wisking until desired thickness. I've tried continuous boiling on high and wisking and it came out too thick. Total process takes anywhere from 6-10 minutes, watch closely. Then strain and add your additions (if you are using epsom salts add before boiling). Better to strain when a little thin, you can always put it back in the pot and boil to make thicker.
I use 1/4 C flax seeds to 2 C water and get at least 12 ounces.
Styling: GDLI, CK and any gel
VISIT MY ETSY SHOP: www.dreambelledesign.etsy.com
fotki pw: hair
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
i has no hair type? (medium, f-iii), normal porosity, LOW elasticity.
CG journey began 2/8/09 - 4-08-09.. and then mod cg 4/14/09 -... 03/02/10- Barely CG but I like CG products
wash with Low Poo or Poo
condition with GVP Conditioning Balm or CJ BC Daily, Loreal Color Vive for Color Treated Hair Thats Normal
Leave ins- Garnier S&S; Marrakesh oil
style with - Ohm SHP; KCCC- BRHG or Boots- KCCC- BRHG; CIAB; CCCC
Protein- GVP Joico K-Pak
Play with ACV
I usually add the AVG, along with some agave nectar, hemp seed oil, and preservatives after I boil and strain the flax seeds, then whisk it all together.
wash: alternate co-washing with V05 & soap bars
Rinse out: Rotate TJ's N&S, AOHR, LVPNG, GVP K-Pak, CJ CA Daily Condish
ACV rinses 2x/wk (high pH water)
LI: if I use one, it's usually CJ CALI CJ H&B LI, or GDLI
Styling: FSG with AVG, AN, hemp seed oil & slippery elm (winter only), KCCC, CJ CCCC, CJ SG, CJ AFG, AOMM & BRHG
Currently experimenting w/DM Miracurls CG & MM
Awesome! thanks!
i has no hair type? (medium, f-iii), normal porosity, LOW elasticity.
CG journey began 2/8/09 - 4-08-09.. and then mod cg 4/14/09 -... 03/02/10- Barely CG but I like CG products
wash with Low Poo or Poo
condition with GVP Conditioning Balm or CJ BC Daily, Loreal Color Vive for Color Treated Hair Thats Normal
Leave ins- Garnier S&S; Marrakesh oil
style with - Ohm SHP; KCCC- BRHG or Boots- KCCC- BRHG; CIAB; CCCC
Protein- GVP Joico K-Pak
Play with ACV
"Do not brush curly hair, it makes it look like bad scribbles"
my 5 year old curly haired girl, now a teen
I've never had that problem. Once you mix it in with the FSG, the AN isn't sticky anymore. And I've never had bugs swarming my head. :flower:
wash: alternate co-washing with V05 & soap bars
Rinse out: Rotate TJ's N&S, AOHR, LVPNG, GVP K-Pak, CJ CA Daily Condish
ACV rinses 2x/wk (high pH water)
LI: if I use one, it's usually CJ CALI CJ H&B LI, or GDLI
Styling: FSG with AVG, AN, hemp seed oil & slippery elm (winter only), KCCC, CJ CCCC, CJ SG, CJ AFG, AOMM & BRHG
Currently experimenting w/DM Miracurls CG & MM
Morrignu
Curl Wiki - Hair Recipies - Hair Photos
"Do not brush curly hair, it makes it look like bad scribbles"
my 5 year old curly haired girl, now a teen
Fruit of The Earth brand aloe vera gel.
http://mixology101.ning.com/profiles/blogs/flax-seed-gel-my-way
Co-wash: Suave naturals (coconut and ocean breeze) Acct baking soda to clarify as needed
DC: olive or almond oil with EO rosemary
Style: Homemade flaxseed gel with aloe vera juice, epsom salt, and EO rosemary and lavender. Exploring various conditioners to use with the tightly curly method
Want to try: adding different EO's to HFSG, growing out hair
Always ISO: natural remedies for 3b curls!
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http://curlyhairwiki.wetpaint.com/
In depth wikis :sign9:
http://curlyhair.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
http://curltalk.net:8080/web/guest/wiki;jsessionid=56628865A9EAD858B89DF7BC9CB6D285
2b/3a medium/coarse semi-porous/iii
White Rain Ocean Mist GVP conditioning balm. Bioterra/LA Looks. Air dry. SOTC w/LOOB..I think its my first HG. :love1:
Experimenting with homemade recipes.:happy5:
Co-wash: Suave naturals (coconut and ocean breeze) Acct baking soda to clarify as needed
DC: olive or almond oil with EO rosemary
Style: Homemade flaxseed gel with aloe vera juice, epsom salt, and EO rosemary and lavender. Exploring various conditioners to use with the tightly curly method
Want to try: adding different EO's to HFSG, growing out hair
Always ISO: natural remedies for 3b curls!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
i saw one at Publix (a supermarket) and i saw one in ikea. the one i saw at publix was big and seemed bulky and was like, 8 dollars. the one in ikea was small and not as bulky and was like, 2 dollars. i bought the ikea one. first time i tried making the FSG, i put it in a coffee filter. i noticed that the water was still water, and it was evaporating. come to find out it was all gelling up inside the coffee filter! i went with the small straining ball thinking that the big one might provide too much space for the water to just want to get in there and not create any gel in the pot (if that makes sense?). i haven't tried it yet tho.
i has no hair type? (medium, f-iii), normal porosity, LOW elasticity.
CG journey began 2/8/09 - 4-08-09.. and then mod cg 4/14/09 -... 03/02/10- Barely CG but I like CG products
wash with Low Poo or Poo
condition with GVP Conditioning Balm or CJ BC Daily, Loreal Color Vive for Color Treated Hair Thats Normal
Leave ins- Garnier S&S; Marrakesh oil
style with - Ohm SHP; KCCC- BRHG or Boots- KCCC- BRHG; CIAB; CCCC
Protein- GVP Joico K-Pak
Play with ACV
i has no hair type? (medium, f-iii), normal porosity, LOW elasticity.
CG journey began 2/8/09 - 4-08-09.. and then mod cg 4/14/09 -... 03/02/10- Barely CG but I like CG products
wash with Low Poo or Poo
condition with GVP Conditioning Balm or CJ BC Daily, Loreal Color Vive for Color Treated Hair Thats Normal
Leave ins- Garnier S&S; Marrakesh oil
style with - Ohm SHP; KCCC- BRHG or Boots- KCCC- BRHG; CIAB; CCCC
Protein- GVP Joico K-Pak
Play with ACV
TY for the info on the tea ball!
http://curlyhairwiki.wetpaint.com/
In depth wikis :sign9:
http://curlyhair.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
http://curltalk.net:8080/web/guest/wiki;jsessionid=56628865A9EAD858B89DF7BC9CB6D285
2b/3a medium/coarse semi-porous/iii
White Rain Ocean Mist GVP conditioning balm. Bioterra/LA Looks. Air dry. SOTC w/LOOB..I think its my first HG. :love1:
Experimenting with homemade recipes.:happy5:
The first batch is in the freezer now...
2 C Water
4 T Flax Seed
1 T FOTE
1/2 t Epsom Salt (Mag. Sulfate)
1/2 t Hemp Oil
1/2 t Agave Nectar
4 Drops Clove Oil (natural antibiotic)
1/8 t Nag Champa (EO blend with antibiotic & antifungal properties)
On the advice I've seen in another thread, I'm freezing it so that I can fluff it with a fork to improve the texture and make it easier to apply once its thawed.
I just made it with filtered water, not distilled. We brew beer with our water here just filtered and that works out ok.
Next batch brewing on the stove now...
2 C Water
4 T Flax Seed
1 T FOTE
1/2 t Epsom Salt (Mag. Sulfate)
1/2 t Raw Shea Butter
1/2 t Agave Nectar
4 Drops Clove Oil (natural antibiotic)
1/8 t Grapefruit Seed Extract
Will let every know how it turns out/works.
Morrignu
Curl Wiki - Hair Recipies - Hair Photos
Could some one tell me what HETT and BRHG mean?
Thank you!
HETT- Herbal Essence Totally Twisted (gel or mousse) and BRHG- Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee. there is a sticky note on the general discussion about curly hair section. Enjoy!
i has no hair type? (medium, f-iii), normal porosity, LOW elasticity.
CG journey began 2/8/09 - 4-08-09.. and then mod cg 4/14/09 -... 03/02/10- Barely CG but I like CG products
wash with Low Poo or Poo
condition with GVP Conditioning Balm or CJ BC Daily, Loreal Color Vive for Color Treated Hair Thats Normal
Leave ins- Garnier S&S; Marrakesh oil
style with - Ohm SHP; KCCC- BRHG or Boots- KCCC- BRHG; CIAB; CCCC
Protein- GVP Joico K-Pak
Play with ACV
Batch A got its initial test last night and its getting a tenative wonderful. I got excellent curls with zero product feel and very soft hair. I say tentative because I had to sleep on it so I had some loss of curl and some frizz which I'm attributing to sleeping with wet hair.
I got up this morning, misted my hair, and put in some more. It's drying now. I have to say that I'm getting great spiral and ringlets. I'll post pics once its completely dry.
Morrignu
Curl Wiki - Hair Recipies - Hair Photos
Also, my hair felt very rough and dry from the little bit of mag sulfate I'd added to this batch -- but I really liked the curls it gave me. Last night, I took a bit of jojoba oil on my hands and smoothed it over my canopy & scrunched some into the rest of my hair, and the dry rough feeling was gone. This morning (after pineappling), I have better than average hair, better curls, and my hair feels soft. I think I won't be buying much gel anymore. :love4:
Loewin, as for straining balls, if you have a good-sized Asian grocery or housewares store, they usually have a whole range of these, in all sizes. They also have make-your-own teabag things, a kind of cloth-like paper pouch (very handy for tea drinkers on the road/at work!), and they come in a whole range of sizes from regular teabag to quite large. However, I have had no trouble straining the gel thru a regular mesh kitchen strainer -- but I do it right away, while it's still hot.
Washing COs: VO5 Blackberry, Suave Cherry
Detangle and leave-in: Sally's GVP Conditioning Balm -- I found my HG CO!
Seal with camellia oil
Leave-in: Aura cherry almond
Gels: Homemade FSG, Eco-styler
Plus: SOTC or smooth with camellia oil, JC Nourish & Shine
Homemade food-based DTs
RC color
http://public.fotki.com/morrighu/hair-flax-seed-gel-/
Morrignu
Curl Wiki - Hair Recipies - Hair Photos