If you're looking for a hybrid hair product that offers versatile benefits, you might want to try the flaxseed & seaweed "Tamer". This product has a slippery gel consistency and some oils that seal the ends of your hair, helping to lock in moisture and prevent them from splitting, just like a serum would. In this blog post, we'll outline the uses, benefits, and tips for using this product.
The Game Changer: Irish Moss Seaweed Extract!
Flaxseed gel has been around for a long time, and it's been well-known in natural hair forums and curly pages online. In fact, it's been used for hair care purposes for centuries!
I discovered the power of Irish moss seaweed, and it was a total game changer for the flaxseed gel product. This ingredient is collagen-rich and is the closest thing to a commercial silicone that can come from a raw, edible ingredient once boiled in water. The result is magical mermaid hair! The seaweed seems to be suitable for all hair types, and it can be used in various ways.Uses of Flax & Seaweed Tamer:
The flax & seaweed tamer can be used in multiple ways to enhance your hair care routine. Here are a few examples:
- Styling and hold: This product can be used to style and hold your hair in place, similar to a hair gel. No drying alcohols involved here to linger on your locks!
- Finishing the ends: Apply the tamer to the ends of your hair to prevent splitting and promote healthy growth.
- Moisturising treatment/mask: Use the product as a leave-in/rinse-off treatment to add moisture and shine to your hair.
Tips for Using Flax & Seaweed Tamer:
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this product:
- Experiment with the amount: Start with a small amount of the product and work your way up to find the right amount for your hair.
- Use it on wet hair: This product works best when applied to wet hair, especially for styling hold on curls.
- Store in the fridge: Since this product is made from natural ingredients, it's best to store it in the fridge to prevent spoilage, unless you are adding preservatives.
The KEY to achieving the best results with any hair product is how you use it. Many people tend to use more product than they actually need, be it shampoo, oils, conditioner, or gel. That's why I am going to share my top tips for using seaweed gel.
- Always start by applying a small amount of the gel, about 1/4-1/2 tsp or a couple of pea-sized blobs, into your hands and then spread it through your hair with raking and smoothing motions. Repeat as needed.
- To make the gel last even longer, you can "reactivate" it by giving it a spritz with some (soft/filtered) water the next day and reworking your hair, either scrunching, twisting, or smoothing.
- You can apply the seaweed gel as you would any normal hair gel, either scrunch or smooth it throughout your hair. This can be done when your hair is wet, damp or dry, depending on what works best for you. Most like to apply to wet hair and comb through to distribute before "squelching" and scrunching/twisting a curl.
- For finer hair types, use the gel minimally, as too much of it can overload your hair. This is due to protein. You can use the tiniest bit as you would a serum for the tips of your hair to seal them off and help split ends.
- You can "break the cast" by scrunching it when it goes crispy. It will not leave a sticky, tangly mess like most gels. Lightly oil your hands and scrunch it all through again to soften! Ta-da!
- If you have straight hair, you can use seaweed gel to get a nice "set" that will hold a curl for several days. Wash your hair, wait until it is about 60-80% dry, then brush it into sections and apply a couple of pea-sizes on each section. Brush it through, then twist & pin, braid, headband wrap, buns, rollers, or however you get your hair wavy/curly without heat. This needs to be done before the gel and water dries.
- You can use a teeny bit of seaweed gel as a primer for makeup.
- Seaweed gel can soften your hands and strengthen your nails.
- Be careful when combining seaweed gel with too many other products, as it may weigh down your hair. It's best to try it on its own first. You can combine it with a little hair oil or leave in conditioner if necessary. The lighter the coverage, the bouncier your hair will be!
Remember that seaweed gel contains protein, which some hair types do not like in excess, as it can cause brittleness. So, it's advised to apply it sparingly once or twice a week is suitable for most.
Before applying anything on your face, you should always patch test a small area, perhaps on your neck/jaw to check for allergies.
You can make your own pure seaweed gel or flax gel at home very easily. I shall post again soon about the best way to use seaweeds and prepare them. I have opened a small apothecary at the salon so that you can buy your own RAW INGREDIENTS (such as seaweed) and recipes to make yourself nutritious hair extracts & treats at home! This includes in nominal quantities so that you don't have to buy more than you need.
The recipe for the flax & seaweed Tamer is simple, and the ingredients are listed below. Give it a try, and let us know what you think!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup flax seeds
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1 tbsp Irish moss seaweed extract
- 1 tsp Olive oil (or any oil of your preference such as Vit E, jojoba, castor etc)
- 5 drops of essential oil (optional)
