Just as it’s important to moisturize our skin and hair in the colder months, the same is true for warmer days – and flax oil is a great all-around moisturizer than can undo damage from the inside out.
Want to hear something exciting? The first day of summer is just 22 days away. Soon, we’ll be blessed with blue skies, hot sun on our shoulders, and salty waves. For me, summer is a big sigh of relief after the colder seasons, and why I love living in a climate with four distinct seasons in the first place – there’s always something to look forward to, especially when the sun is on our side. But those sizzling rays and ocean waves can have some nasty side effects on our skin and hair – dry skin, premature wrinkles, brittle hair, and faded color. Just as it’s important to moisturize our skin and hair in the colder months, the same is true for these warmer days as well – and flax oil is a great all-around moisturizer than can undo the damage from the inside out. Learn more about this plant-powered oil below and be sure to scroll to the bottom to learn how to make your own DIY flax hair oil.
What is it? Also known as linseed oil, flax oil is derived from seeds of the the flax plant. Flax is harvested in colder climates worldwide and used for its seeds, oil derived from the seeds, and fiber (linen fabric is made from flax). It can be used internally and externally as a supplement or culinary addition, as well as around the house (linseed oil is a key factor in oil painting). Flax oil is extremely delicate with a short shelf life, as it oxidizes easily. For this reason, you should always purchase fresh organic cold-pressed flax oil that has been refrigerated, then be sure to store it in your own fridge at home. Flax oil is best used cold and shouldn’t be heated above 350 degrees F or it could become unstable.
What are the benefits? Flax oil contains the highest levels of the omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA) out of any other vegetable oil, making flax oil an excellent choice for vegans and those looking to reap the benefits of fish oil while avoiding, you know, the actual fish. Rich in a-Linolenic acid and other essential fatty acids, delicate flax oil could benefit hair, skin, digestion, and the cardiovascular system. It’s been shown to aid in digestion by lubricating the gut, adding fiber to the diet, and reducing inflammation. The ALAs and other omega-3’s present in flax oil have been found to benefit the cardiovascular system, reducing the chances of heart attack and lowering cholesterol. Taking flax internally has also been found to reduce the signs of aging by promoting the production of collagen and neutralizing free radicals. Flax oil can also be applied topically to moisturize the hair and scalp, and can prevent dandruff and flakiness and make hair shiny and less prone to breakage.
How to use flax oil: Flax oil can be taken as-is as a supplement. If you don’t like the taste on its own, use it to top salads as a dressing, drizzle it over oatmeal, or add it to smoothies. To reap the benefits externally, massage flax oil onto freshly-washed skin or rub into the ends of wet or dry hair and comb through.
DIY Flax Hair Oil
Ingredients
1 oz glass dropper bottle
Organic cold-pressed flax oil
5 drops chamomile essential oil
5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
3 drops bergamot essential oil
Method
Uncap the glass dropper bottle and fill with flax oil until it’s almost at the top. Add essential oils. Tip: the number of drops shown is merely a guide — play around until you find the scent combination you like. Recap and gently shake to combine oils. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
To use: Rub a few drops of oil between your hands and massage into wet or dry hair, concentrating on the ends of your hair. Comb through. Enjoy!
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This information is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease or issue. Please seek your doctor’s advice for any questions regarding a specific condition and before beginning any exercise, diet or health-related regimen.
I’ve only ever had flax oil in my diet, never as a mask of any sort. It sounds like a great alternative to coconut oil sometimes!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Lots of beach time has made my hair extra dry! This mask will be the perfect fix to make sure I can still swim in the ocean but keep my hair soft!
it isn’t refrigerated, but trader joes has flax oil for $10 and i love it!