Olivia Young is a writer, fact checker, and green living expert passionate about tiny living, climate advocacy, and all things nature. She holds a degree in Journalism from Ohio University.

Flaxseed is a known super seed packed with fiber, plant-based fatty acids, and lignans. The tiny oily seeds are a common addition to smoothies and cereals—not to mention a great vegan substitute for eggs in baking—but you probably didn't know that with a dash of water, flaxseed can become an effective natural hair gel replacement.

Why use flaxseed gel instead of regular hair gel? Well, according to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep cosmetics database, conventional hair gels are packed with parabens, dyes, phosphates, alcohol, and artificial fragrances. Out of 385 styling gels, lotions, and pomades, more than 350 posed moderate to high hazards by EWG's standards.

DIY flaxseed hair gel, on the other hand, is completely chemical- and preservative-free. In fact, it can be made with as few as two ingredients (flax and water).

Like store-bought options, flaxseed hair gel seals cuticles, provides moisture, increases shine, and promotes bounce. It acts even better than its conventional counterparts because it's naturally flake-resistant and water-soluble, meaning it won't build up on hair. As a bonus, you won't be left with mixed-material tubes that are difficult—if not impossible—to recycle.

Sold on making your own flaxseed gel at home? Here's a simple recipe.

First, mix flaxseed and water in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to make sure seeds don't stick to the bottom.

The higher the heat, the faster the gel will thicken, so allow the mixture to boil only for a few minutes, then turn off the heat once it begins to froth. You may also see a mucousy gel cast starting to form on the surface of the water. 

While the mixture cools, prepare to filter your gel. 

Using whole flaxseeds makes the filtering process easier, but if you choose to use ground flaxseed instead, bring your 2 cups of water to a boil first and then add in half a cup of ground flaxseed while it's boiling. Whisk continuously to mix the powder and water thoroughly.

Separating the tiny flaxseeds from the resulting thick gel is the most difficult part of this process. One of the easiest ways to go about it is to transfer the concoction, after it's completely cooled, to a cheesecloth, nut milk bag, or even a clean pair of pantyhose.

You'll want to wrap the cheesecloth around the mixture and squeeze it, coaxing the gel out into a clean container. A funnel may make this step easier.

Your gel should be the consistency of egg whites.

After you've squeezed all the gel out of your flaxseed mixture, set the flaxseeds aside (these can still be used) and incorporate any additional ingredients into the gel. Essential oils are great for masking the nutty scent—try something like lavender or jasmine—and hair-healthy aloe vera gel can increase the thickness.

Remember that your DIY flaxseed gel will not contain chemical preservatives like conventional styling products often do. You can extend the shelf life of your homemade product from roughly one week to three just by adding a teaspoon of vitamin E oil.

If your gel still seems too runny after cooling completely, don't worry. It'll get even gooier after a night in the fridge. In fact, you should store your flaxseed gel in the fridge all the time to maintain its thickness.

Apply your flaxseed gel as you would any styling gel: Work a small amount into wet hair by twisting individual curls with your fingers, distributing the product evenly throughout. Allow your hair to dry completely, then shake out or scrunch your curls for added volume.

Darius Dzinnik / 500px / Getty Images

One of the biggest environmental benefits of making your own flaxseed hair gel is the potential for it to be truly waste-free. Not only can you source your ingredients from bulk stores and a homegrown aloe plant, you can also reuse the seeds for other things—or even more hair gel.

Simply freeze them while they're still wet and repeat the recipe as needed. Or add them to soups, sauces, smoothies, cereal, and baking recipes as you would normally. 

"Styling Gel/Lotion Products." Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.

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