Homemade Chia Seed Hair Gel
Similar to flaxseeds, chia seeds can also be reused. They offer the same benefits of an all-natural hair gel: moisture and hold without crunch or flakes. Chia seeds are a mixture of tiny black and white seeds, with virtually no odor and no flavor. Chia seeds can feel gritty or grainy on your tongue. When chia seeds get wet they form a gelatinous coating.
Chia is the Mayan word for “strength.” And for good reason, too. Adding chia seeds to your daily diet can be beneficial. They are easily accessible (you can find them in local grocery and health food stores) and are fairly priced. Chia seeds are considered a superfood. They’re easy to digest and extremely versatile.
Chia seeds are native to Mexico. They are packed with nutrients that are beneficial to hair. These seeds contain 9 essential amino acids, are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, phosphorous (promotes hair growth), and calcium for stronger and healthier skin, hair, and body. They contain l-lysine, a building block of protein that strengthens roots, and minerals that promote hair growth. Their fiber content is a significant benefit for proper digestion and weight management. To make a Chia seed hair gel, the process is the same as for our Flaxseed Hair Gel.
Homemade Chia Seed Hair Gel
Ingredients
- ½ tsp. Agar Agar
- 2 cups Chia seeds
- 2 cups distilled water
- 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera gel
- 20 drops Tangerine essential oil
- 10 drops Eucalyptus oil
- 1 tsp. Argan oil
Directions
- Soak Chia seeds in water overnight. This reduces the time you have to spend stirring to extract the gel.
- You can filter the Chia seeds out in the morning and heat the liquid to thicken it, or stir it along with the Chia seeds and filter after. Either method will work.
- You will have to stir until the consistency thickens—usually about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Now, pour the mixture into a strainer. While this is straining, get the other ingredients ready.
- In a small bowl, mix the Agar Agar powder with some distilled water until you no longer see any lumps.
- The Chia seed mixture will be runny but the liquid will strain through easily when heated. You can use a spatula to stir the seeds to extract any remaining gel.
- Now, add the Agar Agar mixture to the strained gel, together with the Aloe Vera gel, Tangerine essential oil, Argan oil, and Eucalyptus oil.
- Use a hand blender to whip the ingredients for a few seconds.
- Transfer to a reusable jar (preferably glass) with a lid, and refrigerate to set and maintain the consistency. Apply to damp hair.
Tip: The higher the heat, the faster the mixture will thicken. You want to ensure that the consistency is just right. After a foamy froth starts to rise, you’ll want to use a filter to drain the gel and separate it from the seeds.
If you’d prefer to get the benefits of Chia seeds by ingesting them instead of using them to make a hair gel, there are many delicious recipes that contain them. Like my Strawberry Chia Jam, and this Chia seed pudding recipe from Food Network’s celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.
How to Include Chia Seeds In Your Meals
- Add Chia seeds to Greek yogurt topped off with fresh berries.
- Sprinkle some Chia seeds on toast smeared with peanut butter.
- Blend Chia seeds into smoothies.
- Top your oatmeal with a handful of flax, hemp, and Chia seeds.
- Include Chia seeds into your homemade granola bar recipe.
Chia Seed Hair Gel
Suggestions for Tweaking This Recipe
- You can add Epsom salts or Magnesium flakes (Magnesium Oil) to define curls. While Epsom salts produce more defined curls, they also leave your hair dry. An alternative would be Magnesium flakes (Magnesium oil) that produce curls but won’t leave your hair dry.
- You can add a few drops of Vitamin E oil as a preservative, or for nourishing your hair. I used Argan oil as it won’t weigh hair down, and also contains Vitamin E.
- If your hair is dry, you can add a teaspoon of Avocado or Apricot kernel oil.
- You can combine flax seeds together with the Chia seeds.
- You can opt for any essential oil. I chose Tangerine and Eucalyptus for their scent and energizing properties.
- If you want a hair gel that helps with detangling add Slippery Elm or Marshmallow root.
If you are curious how toxic your current hair gel brand is, I highly recommend checking it out through EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetic database. Enter your product and it will rate how toxic it is and even break those toxins by individual ingredients.
Do you incorporate Chia seeds into your diet or hair regimen? Having so many options to making your own homemade hair gel means the possibilities are endless. Have you tried to make you own hair gel? How did it work out? Do you have any tips to share? If so, please leave a comment below.
Sources:
DIY Chia Seeds Hair Gel for Healthy Locks!
https://www.moroccanpurearganoil.com/diy-chia-seeds-hair-gel-for-healthy-locks/
Written by: Lily
The Benefits of Chia Seeds for Hair | NaturallyCurly.com
https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/the-benefits-of-chia-seeds-for-hair
By Devri Velázquez 12.10.15