How Flaxseed Gel Changed My Hair (and My Scalp)

Perimenopause doesn't just affect your mood or sleep — it changes the pH of your scalp, and nobody talks about that part of this mid-life journey. I started noticing serious shedding, a red, inflamed scalp that burned, and hair that just didn't feel like mine anymore. I knew I had to make some changes. Time to go back to basics!

Through a combination of natural shampoo bars, an herbal rinse with citric acid to restore pH balance, and finishing with this homemade flaxseed gel, I have completely transformed my hair and scalp health. The shedding has stopped. The redness and burning are gone. My scalp is a healthy, calm color again — and my hair? It's thriving.

The same instinct that led me to make my own hair care is what drives my jewelry work. I don't want mystery ingredients on my skin — whether that's a shampoo full of sulfates or a piece of jewelry plated with unknown metals. That's why I work exclusively with real copper and sterling silver — metals with centuries of history, worn directly against the body. No mystery alloys, no fast-fashion plating. Just honest materials, honestly made.

This gel is the finishing step in my routine, and it's one I make myself right in my kitchen. Here's how, or watch the video below. Click here for my fabulous Body Butter Recipe.

How to Make It

1. Boil

Combine the flaxseeds and water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You're looking for a gel-like consistency — think runny egg whites that coat the back of a spoon.

Tip: the longer your boil the flax seeds, the more "hold" your gel will have. For light hold, boil until the gel is starting to thicken but is still runny. For more intense, all-day hold, boil up to 10 minutes until the gel is more thickened and foamy.

2. Strain (Don't Wait!)

This step is time-sensitive: strain the mixture immediately while it's still hot. If it cools in the pot, it thickens too much to strain properly. My favorite way to strain with with a handheld plastic or metal fine mesh strainer, but cheesecloth or nut milk bag can work as well, although I have not used them for this. Strain directly into a small pitcher or something similar to then pour into your storage bottle. It's going to be very hot, and it's easier to transfer to your storage bottle from container with a spout.

Tip: Your flax seeds can be boiled more than once to make flax gel. At least two, if not three times. Note, the resulting gel may not have as much hold as the initial batch.

3. Customize

Once strained, let the gel cool completely. This is when I add a few drops of rosemary essential oil — it smells amazing and has its own scalp-supporting benefits. Lavender is a lovely option too. The essential oils will also help extend shelf life in your fridge.

4. Store

Pour into an airtight jar or bottle and refrigerate. It keeps for 1–2 weeks. When it starts to look cloudy, smell off, or hits that two-week mark, it's time to make a fresh batch. The good news? You can reuse the strained seeds for a second, even a third smaller batch right away.

Tip: I saved old gel bottles and reuse for my all-natural herbal gel. Makes for quick and easy storage and dispensing.

How to Use It

Apply to clean, wet hair. I use it as the last step in my wash routine, after my herbal hair rinse, to define my natural texture, reduce frizz, and add shine. Section hair and apply liberally, or use a wide-tooth comb to apply root to end of hair. It works beautifully for wash-and-go styles, and you can also apply it as a pre-wash hair mask for extra conditioning.

Tip: Don't be afraid to saturate your hair with the gel. This is not store-bought gel; it will not weigh down your hair even if you boil it for the longer amount of time for a thicker, stronger-hold gel. It truly is amazing.

A Note on Perimenopause and Scalp Health

If you're in perimenopause and noticing changes in your hair or scalp, you're not imagining it. Hormonal shifts affect scalp pH, oil production, and hair growth cycles. Switching to gentler, pH-balanced products — and skipping the harsh sulfates and silicones — made a real difference for me.

From My Bench to Yours

A few recent pieces I've been loving — handcrafted in Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills.