Best Styling Gel for Curly Hair
Finding a styling gel for curly hair can be hit and miss - some weigh your hair down, others are either drying or sticky, or they leave your hair feeling crunchy. But there is one gel that works perfectly every time.
I’m talking about flaxseed gel.
The kind you make yourself.
Bear with me, hear me out, it’s much easier (and cheaper) than you think, AND there’s a way to preserve it so it lasts.
Flaxseed gel has no harmful chemicals, it’s vegan and cruelty-free and has no film-forming polymers, synthetic resins, and heavy conditioning agents that sit on the hair rather than working with it.
This means you’re not left with any buildup, dryness, or crunch.
It just works perfectly.
Every. Single. Time.
The best part? It takes about five minutes to make and it’ll keep for months.
(Note: There are some affiliate links in this post. It won’t cost you anything extra if you click them, it just helps keep the site running :)
Why it’s the best styling gel for curly hair
Products stop working for me all the time. They start out great, and then almost overnight they stop working. Sometimes the problem is protein build-up, but often the problem is artificial fragrances and preservatives that are bad for hair and scalp health anyway.
When a product stops working, it’s your body telling you the product is not good for you.
Ingredients like phenoxyethanol are in most haircare products, but it can inflame your scalp which leads to weaker hair over time. By making your own hair gel, you’re eliminating these ingredients entirely.
(Check out my ingredients analyser to find out what’s really in your favourite hair products)
Flaxseeds release a natural gel when heated in water rich in polysaccharides and soluble fibres, forming lightweight, flexible films that help curls clump together and hold their shape without stiffness or a hard shell.
Flaxseed gel also contains:
Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce dryness.
Mucilage, which improves slip and curl clumping.
These compounds sit on the surface of the hair and wash away cleanly, rather than accumulating over time, which means no harsh preservatives, and no more build up.
Why make your own gel?
Unlike commercial gels, homemade flaxseed gel:
Provides hold without stiffness;
adds slip for easier curl formation;
hydrates without coating or buildup;
rinses out easily with gentle cleansing.
Because the gel is water-based and free from synthetic polymers, it doesn’t block moisture or require harsh shampoos to remove.
Making your own flaxseed gel also means there are no unnecessary fillers or fragrance, which are a leading cause of scalp irritation.
Homemade flaxseed gel recipe for curly hair
You’ll need:
¼ cup whole flaxseeds
2 cups water
Potassium sorbate (optional)
A few drops of a hair-safe essential oil (optional, I use rosemary because it has growth properties)
Strainer (clean option) or cheesecloth (messier option)
Instructions:
Add flaxseeds and water to a saucepan.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Is using a preservative, dissolve a pinch of potassium sorbate into a splash of water into a small bowl and place to the side.
Stir flaxseed mixture occasionally for 7–10 minutes, until the liquid thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Add the potassium sorbate mixture and a few drops of essential oil. Stir well.
Strain immediately using a fine sieve or cloth. It’s important to do this while it’s still hot.
If using a sieve: Pour the gel into the sieve over a bowl. Use a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon to press out as much gel as possible into the bowl.
If using cheesecloth: Line a small bowl or jug with a double layer of cheesecloth. Pour the gel onto the cloth, then lift the edges to allow the gel to strain into the bowl without letting the seeds fall over the edge. Squeeze the cloth like you’re wringing it out—just be careful not to rip the cloth or let any seeds fall into the bowl. The mixture will be hot, so be careful. You can also use clean dishwashing gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring to a jar or glass container with a lid.
The gel will thicken as it cools.
Shelf life: If you’ve used a preservative, it will last about three months if stored in a cool, dry environment. It will last six months or longer if stored in the fridge.
If no preservative was used, it will last 7-10 days in the fridge. You’ll know when it’s off because it will smell rancid.
How to use flaxseed gel on curly hair
Apply flaxseed gel to soaking wet hair after cleansing and conditioning. Use praying hands or scrunching motions to distribute evenly, then scrunch upward to encourage curl formation.
You can:
Air dry for softer definition.
Diffuse for more volume and hold.
The result is defined curls with movement, not crunch.
Who flaxseed gel works best for
Flaxseed gel works well for anyone with:
Wavy and curly hair;
fine curls that get weighed down easily;
hair prone to buildup;
anyone sensitive to fragrance.
Because it’s lightweight and rinseable, it’s especially useful for people who struggle with gels that stop performing over time.
Why I love this styling gel for curly hair
If your curls seem to get tired of store-bought gels, making your own flaxseed gel is one of the simplest and most effective changes you can make.
It’s easy, extremely affordable, and free of harmful preservatives and artificial fragrances.
