How to Use Flaxseed Oil for Healthier Hair


Omega-3 Fats for beautiful locksThere are 2 ways to use flaxseed oil for improving the strength and shine of your hair.

Both of them rely on the high omega-3 alpha linolenic acid content of flaxseeds, which is concentrated even further in the cold pressed oil.

The first and most important is getting more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

Many people report greatly improved hair and better health in general with a daily dosage of flax oil taken in a certain way.

The second is to use the oil on your hair directly, as a mask or conditioner, to immediately improve its strength and shine.

Other benefits include minimizing dandruff problems, encouraging follicle growth and helping to prevent hair loss.

If you’d like to improve both your hair and scalp then a bottle of flax oil can be a far more effective option than expensive brand-name conditioners and treatments.

The Importance of Omega-3 to Hair

While hair is composed primarily of keratin protein, omega-3 fats nourish the all-important follicles, encouraging healthy growth that is both strong and shiny from the outset.

They can also help prevent inflammation that can lead to hair loss, dandruff and other scalp conditions.

The natural vitamin E found in unrefined and cold pressed linseed oil also provides additional nourishment for the scalp, roots and shafts.

One of the most common indicators of an omega-3 deficiency is dry, lackluster and brittle hair. Over time, a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can even lead to hair loss. Dandruff and eczema of the scalp are also often related to a lack of omega-3 fats.

Getting Enough Omega-3s

As important as strong and shiny hair may be to you, it’s pretty low down on your body’s list of priorities. Areas of the body like brain function, cell formation and inflammation prevention all rely on omega-3 fatty acids.

If you are already deficient in omega-3 (and most of us eating a modern diet will be likely to be at least mildly deficient), then these vital areas will be prioritized first.

It’s for this reason that you need to take a reasonably large amount of flax oil before you start seeing positive results with your hair.Natural follicle stimulator

How Much Flax Oil for Strong and Shiny Hair?

It’s important to start slowly with flaxseed oil. Immediately taking large amounts of high omega-3 oil may shock your body into a negative reaction if it has been accustomed to dealing with a certain intake of fats.

Using capsules does makes dosages easier. The bottled flax oil is much better value though.

Start with 1 gram in the morning with breakfast and 1 gram in the evening with dinner (usually 1 capsule or around a quarter of a teaspoon of the oil) for the first week and see how well you tolerate it.

For the next week, up the dosage to 2 grams with breakfast or lunch and 2 grams with dinner (2 caps or around half a teaspoon).

Increase the amount to 4 – 5 grams twice a day (around a full teaspoon) on the third week and, assuming the oil is well tolerated, you should have a good maintenance dose of 8 to 10 grams a day.

Some people recommend up to 30 grams or 2 tablespoons of the oil a day. If you would like to try these higher dosages it is recommended to increase up to this amount slowly, perhaps adding an extra 1 or 2 grams a week to your morning and evening intake.

Keep in mind as well that hair grows slowly and usually only for part of the month. Given this, even using a good dose of flaxseed oil, it is understandable that it will take a long time to see changes, quite likely months for full results.

Hair Mask Topical Treatment

While truly healthy hair comes from good internal nutrition, an easy way to see immediate results is to apply a hair mask of flaxseed oil once or twice a week. Here’s how:

  1. Start by wetting your hair in the shower and towel drying off excess water so that it is still wet but not dripping. Pour a small amount of flax oil into your palm and gently massage it all over your scalp.
  2. Next comb the oil through your hair, perhaps adding a little more to the comb occasionally if you have longer locks.
  3. Then wrap up your hair in a towel, ideally gently warmed in the oven (make sure it’s not too hot), and leave the oil on for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. After that time you can wash it out with a light, natural shampoo. You won’t need any conditioner as this treatment will leave your hair far softer and shinier without it.

It’s important to remember to store the oil back in the fridge as soon as possible after using it in the shower to keep it fresh.

Linseed oil for strength and shine

Flax oil requires refrigeration to maintain its beneficial properties and avoid spoiling.

It may be better to pour the oil you intend to use into a small bowl and take it with you to the shower, rather than leaving the bottle out for long periods.

Better Hair with Flaxseed Oil

For best results, both internally and externally, use an oil that has been produced from fresh organic seeds with cold pressing and minimal processing.

I hope using flaxseed oil helps improve your hair, whether you take it as an omega-3 supplement, use it as a topical treatment or try both.

There’ s more details on the correct flax oil dosage to take here and when to have it for best results. Another great way to improve your appearance is with this great tasting hair smoothie.


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Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 51 comments
Mary

So…can I put some flaxseed oil inside my shampoo or conditioner? or it won’t work that way? If I do that my shampoo or conditionar will spoil?

Thank you

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Mary,

I haven’t tried that. Flaxseed does spoil for taking internally if you leave it unrefrigerated for too long but I don’t know whether that would affect it’s hair enhancing properties. There may be some reaction with the ingredients and I also wonder whether it would mix well. Personally I think the small amount added to your palms and then mixed with conditioner right before is better.

Reply
Rachel Toh

Hi,
As you mentioned “Pour a small amount of flax oil into your palm and gently massage it all over your scalp.” will this cause itchy scalp after using flax oil directly onto scalp?
Thank!

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Rachel,

Flax oil improves moisture balance so shouldn’t increase itching, rather reduce it. I’ve never had this problem with it and find it very good for the scalp.

Hope this helps.

Reply
Rachel Toh

Thanks a lot Jim, I will start to try your recommend method. I always have a problem of hair drop especially shower and after shower when comb my hair due to I am keeping long hair.

Reply
Jim Dillan

Thanks Rachel. I’ve also found avocado oil hair treatments, with their monounsaturated fats, to be very effective for improving your hair quality and tend to alternate these. There’s more info on them here – https://superfoodprofiles.com/avocado-oil-hair-treatments

Reply
Sarah

I was thinking of using oil on my hair again ( used to use olive ) .
I have both flax and avocado – was also thinking of using the avocado for my dry hands due to the vitamin E content.
Great article.

Reply
Jim Dillan

I’ve personally found both better than olive oil. I also suspect alternating them could provide additional benefits with their different fatty acid profiles.

All the best.

Reply
Farzana Javaid

Great information:-)

Reply
Meghana

Hi! Is it true that the oil has reduced potency to stimulate hair growth as opposed to consuming flaxseeds directly?

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Meghana,

There are extra nutritional elements in ground flaxseed that may help hair growth. Though for external application flaxseed oil is clearly better for your hair.

All the best.

Reply
Anna

Hi, I have an urgent question:
I used flaxseed oil in my hair (I am allergic to shampoos so I try alternative hair conditioners) about a week ago, but I’m afraid I may have used too much. Now my hair has been weird and extremely greasy for a long time, even though I’ve tried to rinse it thoroughly. It seems to get worse every day. Can you please give me advise on how to get it all gone?

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Anna and sorry to hear this didn’t work for you. I’ve always had good results with flaxseed oil for hair and many other people online report positive results.

I’d suggest rinsing your hair well in diluted apple cider vinegar, perhaps one part in 3 (test first on a small part of your scalp to see it doesn’t sting). Other resources suggest using a good conditioner in your hair and leaving it in for at least 10 minutes.

Apologies for the late reply as I’ve been away but I hope this helps if you run into a situation like this in future.

Reply
sheeba

can flaxseed oil can be leave overnight in hair

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Sheeba,

I haven’t personally tried that and generally think half an hour would be enough for it to penetrate as much as needed.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
sarah

how many times can i use flex seed oil on my hair !

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Sarah,

Once or twice a week is usually good. The effect should last for several days and improve scalp condition in the long term.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
sravan koduri

Im loosing my hair from 1 year … I think its a water problem… How to get loss hair…. Can u explain me please …. One thing I’m using flaxseed oil from 1 month . I’m applying direct to my sclap but not using any towel like a mask… If there is any chance to get loss hair ,,, please tell me

Reply
Meka

Try a clarifying shampooo ( shampoo with green tea is awesome) and only use the flaxseed with a conditioner…i have found this to work better

Reply
valerie

If i cant find flax seed oil can i boil the seeds and make my own

Reply
mark

Thank u for all the information am currently using coconut oil in my hair and all over my body especially on my dry skin on my feet so far so good awesome for tanning leaves a beautiful rich tan doesn’t dry my skin but softens like a baby’s bottom thanks hope this helps mafk

Reply
vicky

Hi ,

I have sebboric dermatitis. My scalp is always falky and dry. Any kind of oil application makes the flak condition worse. I have tried many oils and different forms of applications too. All ends up worsening the dermatitis. I have stopped using any kind of oil on my scalp. I use herbal shampoo to keep flaks at minimum.

But I feel that my scalp do need nourishment. Is there any non oily way of keeping my scalp nourished ?

I was thinking of boiling flex seeds in water and after cooling down the slippery water, use it on scalp. I am assuming that some oil and nourishment from seeds will pass on to the water which can help me.

Can you please analyze this method or help me with some of your methods.

Thanks
Vicky

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Vicky,

I’ve never heard of this method but suspect it would damage the omega-3 fatty acids as they are sensitive to heat.

It would likely be more effective to use flaxseed oil internally as described in this post for better skin https://superfoodprofiles.com/better-skin-flaxseed-oil-ala

All the best,

James

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Valerie,

This isn’t recommended as the omega-3 fatty acids are damaged by heat and I doubt it would be usable. The flaxseed oil recommended here https://superfoodprofiles.com/where-to-buy-flaxseed-oil-online are all produced without damaging the omega-3 fats.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
Sweetkiss

I have been taking the flax seed oil internally for past 3 weeks…if you worry about the oil bothering your scalp more by applying it on your scalp, take it internally…all oils I tried to put on my scalp made my flaking and itching worse, this flax seed oil I take has improved my scalp dramatically. I was at my wits end and my long hair had been falling out, even dr prescribed creams and shampoos made it worse. I tried flax seed oil internally and WOW. Try to treat your problem from the inside out, you may be as pleased as I was…btw I take about 3 tablespoons a day, I just shoot it and chase it with water or juice.

Reply
Jessica

I have also used flax seed oil by boiling the seeds then refrigerating the oil. Leaves my hair feeling soft and shiny.

Reply
Alka

How can you use flaxseed powder to make a scrub for your scalp.

Reply
Gloria

Can I use the oil that in the capsule to rud on my hair thanks Gloria

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Gloria. You could but the bottled oil would be much better value.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Alka,

I haven’t tried this but perhaps mixing it with avocado oil, also very good for hair, would be a good combination.

Hope this helps,

Jim

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi there,

Flaxseed oil to the scalp may help but it would be even more important to take it regularly to provide your hair with internal nutrition.

Hope this helps,

Jim

Reply
sweata

Is it ok if I do not refrigerate the flaxseed oil??? Or is it compulsory to eefrigerate it???

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi there,

It’s recommended to refrigerate, especially the fresh oil. If you were using the capsules quickly they may be ok but even these should be in the fridge in warm climates.

Hope this helps,

Jim

Reply
Anthea

Hi jim

I bought the 1000 mg Flaxseed Oil capsules and keep it in my closet.. Should I refrigerate the capsules or should only the Oil be refrigerated?

Reply
Anthea

Hi Jim

If I buy the Flax seeds Oil capsules. At what point in time can I expect to see results?

Sorry for this stupid question neh

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Anthea,

Flaxseed oil capsules aren’t as fragile as the oil but it would still be better to keep them refrigerated.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Anthea,

Generally improving omega-3 intake will show up in your skin first, usually within a few weeks. Hair takes longer as it is slow growing but in the long term nutritional intake is the best way to improve it.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
Richa khandelwal

Hi I use coconut oil, castor oil and vitamin e capsule mix them and apply it for 45mins in my hair. So will it support if I add flax oil to the mixture I apply or not?

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Richa,

I haven’t tried this combination myself. Those other oils are great but don’t have the omega-3s of flax oil so it may be worth trying or perhaps as a separate treatment.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
Iris

Great information! Thank you, God bless.

Reply
Joshua

Can I leave this stuff in my hair overnight?

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Joshua,

I’ve never tried leaving flaxseed oil in my hair overnight. It may help the scalp but I think it would have penetrated the hair well within half an hour.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
Alice Kizer

Hi can I use this flex seed oil with flex seed gel, also what essential oil i can use together with flex seed oil for hair growth that i don’t have to wash my hair after using it.

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Alice,

Rosemary essential oil is good for hair growth. You only need a few drops. Use the same methods as here https://superfoodprofiles.com/avocado-oil-hair-treatments with flaxseed oil, though most would want to wash the treatments out afterwards.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
nomzamo Ndema

Just by reading the questions and answers I’m am satisfied, ,,,,gonna try this flaxseed oil right now because I have been experiencing hair loss, ,,,thank you so much

Reply
Dana

Hi.
I would like to give my daugther who’s 9 a 1/2 teaspoon of flaxseed oil and also use it as a hair mask.
She’s had several head fungus that damaged her hair. The fungus is now gone but her hair isn’t growing, it’s itchy and dry. I’ve cleaned up her diet and she drinks plenty of water.

Can i use flaxseed oil for her???

Reply
Jummie

can I use flaxseed oil in my hair even though I have allergic reactions when ingested?

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Dana,

I would expect this to be beneficial, especially taken internally. It may well help her scalp but I’d try it with a small amount first to see how she responds to it.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Jummie,

I would not recommend this if you don’t tolerate it internally.

All the best,

Jim

Reply
Wendy

I have severe dermatitis on my scalp. Feels like my head is on fire. And it hurts. My dermatologist prescribed a foam, which put me in the E.R. with allergic reaction. Now I was giving a derma oil. And prednisone, and benadryl. My hair is falling out noticeably. Scalp very red and sore. I keep hearing about flaxseed oil for scalp. My question is… should I take orally, or put directly on scalp. I’m miserable,need relief.

Reply
Jim Dillan

Hi Wendy,

Flaxseed oil could help taken both internally and applied externally. Since your scalp is very sensitive at the moment I would recommend patch testing it first with a small amount and slowly increasing the amount if it is well tolerated.

For dosage internally please see this article https://superfoodprofiles.com/flaxseed-oil-side-effects-dosage

All the best,

Jim

Reply

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