No-fail flax seed gel - I finally did it...TWICE! - Page 23

CurlyCaliGirl · 02-25-2011, 07:51 AM

Thank you Curlyhairmichuk. I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

Kathymack-- I have a full bottle of optiphen I had originally bought for lotion making, which I then never got around to. I'm not real sure how to use it in FSG though. Do I make the FSG then weigh or measure in ounces then add the correct amount based on weight or measure? I'd appreciate any tips you might have. Thanks!

kathymack · 02-25-2011, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurlyCaliGirl

Thank you Curlyhairmichuk. I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

Kathymack-- I have a full bottle of optiphen I had originally bought for lotion making, which I then never got around to. I'm not real sure how to use it in FSG though. Do I make the FSG then weigh or measure in ounces then add the correct amount based on weight or measure? I'd appreciate any tips you might have. Thanks!

You do. The product should be cool when you add it. I think I read on another thread about preservatives that it should be under 120 degrees.

mesue · 02-25-2011, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathymack

Neither one of these products is a "true" preservative (if you search, you'll find that out.) I use citric acid in my FSG to lower the pH. They may extend the life, but I would still freeze or refrigerate it.

I, personally, use preservatives in mine--either Optiphen or Potassium Sorbate. I make large batches and freeze it in 4 oz portions. Don't ever have an issue with it going bad.

Thanks! Where can you buy Optiphen or Potassium Sorbate?

curlyserf · 02-25-2011, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathymack

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurlyCaliGirl

Thank you Curlyhairmichuk. I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

Kathymack-- I have a full bottle of optiphen I had originally bought for lotion making, which I then never got around to. I'm not real sure how to use it in FSG though. Do I make the FSG then weigh or measure in ounces then add the correct amount based on weight or measure? I'd appreciate any tips you might have. Thanks!

You do. The product should be cool when you add it. I think I read on another thread about preservatives that it should be under 120 degrees.

The optiphen plus was the one thing I had trouble with. I couldn't figure out how to calculate the amount I needed and had to take my best guess. The one I bought from lotioncrafter.com says to use it at 0.5 - 1.5%. Can anyone give me a simple explanation and/or example of how to figure this?

TIA!

kathymack · 02-25-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesue

Thanks! Where can you buy Optiphen or Potassium Sorbate?

There are tons of places that sell ingredients, just do a google search.

Ceri · 02-25-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlyserf

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathymack

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurlyCaliGirl

Thank you Curlyhairmichuk. I'll give it a try and see how it goes.

Kathymack-- I have a full bottle of optiphen I had originally bought for lotion making, which I then never got around to. I'm not real sure how to use it in FSG though. Do I make the FSG then weigh or measure in ounces then add the correct amount based on weight or measure? I'd appreciate any tips you might have. Thanks!

You do. The product should be cool when you add it. I think I read on another thread about preservatives that it should be under 120 degrees.

The optiphen plus was the one thing I had trouble with. I couldn't figure out how to calculate the amount I needed and had to take my best guess. The one I bought from lotioncrafter.com says to use it at 0.5 - 1.5%. Can anyone give me a simple explanation and/or example of how to figure this?

TIA!

1. Make your FSG with all of the ingredients you want in it except the preservative.
2. Put a clean/sanitized bowl on your scale and hit the "tare" button
3. Pour your FSG into the bowl and weigh this amount in grams
4. Calculate 1.5% of this weight. This is how many grams of Optiphen you will use.

Example- FSG weighs 400 grams
1.5% = 6 grams

Make sure you weight out the FSG each time to figure out your preservative amount. Since we boil the water with the seeds and then strain it, different amounts of water can be lost each time and it will affect the weight. Just because you needed 6 grams this time, it doesn't mean its going to be 6 grams each time. Maybe 5, maybe 7 next time.

If you don't have a scale with a tare button, get one. Also make sure the scale reads down to 1 gram at a time. If you don't have proper equipment, you shouldn't be playing with preservatives. Just my opinion.

curlyserf · 02-25-2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceri

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlyserf

The optiphen plus was the one thing I had trouble with. I couldn't figure out how to calculate the amount I needed and had to take my best guess. The one I bought from lotioncrafter.com says to use it at 0.5 - 1.5%. Can anyone give me a simple explanation and/or example of how to figure this?

TIA!

1. Make your FSG with all of the ingredients you want in it except the preservative.
2. Put a clean/sanitized bowl on your scale and hit the "tare" button
3. Pour your FSG into the bowl and weigh this amount in grams
4. Calculate 1.5% of this weight. This is how many grams of Optiphen you will use.

Example- FSG weighs 400 grams
1.5% = 6 grams

Make sure you weight out the FSG each time to figure out your preservative amount. Since we boil the water with the seeds and then strain it, different amounts of water can be lost each time and it will affect the weight. Just because you needed 6 grams this time, it doesn't mean its going to be 6 grams each time. Maybe 5, maybe 7 next time.

If you don't have a scale with a tare button, get one. Also make sure the scale reads down to 1 gram at a time. If you don't have proper equipment, you shouldn't be playing with preservatives. Just my opinion.

Thanks! That's what I did, so I guess I did understand the directions.

I think I'm going to make another batch this weekend - too much agave and not enough honeyquat last time!

Naturalista · 02-26-2011, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecurly1

Does the agave act just like the honey? I have a wood stove and it get really dry in the house. Was wondering if I should use the agave for hold or is their something else I can use. I know the honey will not work due to the dry air! Any suggestions or do you think the agave is the way to go? Also is the AVG used for hold or is it a curl enhancer?

AVG is niether. It's for moisture. If you want curl enhancement, you need epsom salt (mag sulfate).
Agave nectar or clove honey are often used for hold. I'm more a fan of agave. Using regular honey in my mix doesn't hold my hair, but it certainly helps smooth it out.

HTH

CurlyCaliGirl · 02-26-2011, 06:23 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you for explaining how to figure out how much Optiphen to use. I will pull out my kitchen scale and give it a try.

I used the FSG I made and it made my hair very crunchy, even after scrunching so I made another small batch with less AVJuice and no agave. I have read a bit on using mag sulfate for curl and am very interested in this as my hair seems to be much more relaxed since I've started letting it grow. This was fine when I was heat styling it and straightening it a lot but now I want my curls back. I'm going to try adding it before I gove serious thought to cutting my length. How much mag sulfate is good to use for a single batch? Also thinking that once I get a recipe figured out that I like I'll be making bigger batches. Just so much great info out there!

mesue · 02-26-2011, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurlyCaliGirl

How much mag sulfate is good to use for a single batch?

1/2 tsp in 2 cups water has been working well for me. Good luck!

curlyserf · 02-27-2011, 08:27 PM

I just made another batch. My last one was really thick and now this one is really thin. Can I add more thickener (hydroxyethylcellulose) without ruining it?

I didn't soak the seeds as long this time and I also didn't cook it as long thinking that would help the consistency. Guess that will teach me!

curlyserf · 02-28-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlyserf

I just made another batch. My last one was really thick and now this one is really thin. Can I add more thickener (hydroxyethylcellulose) without ruining it?

I didn't soak the seeds as long this time and I also didn't cook it as long thinking that would help the consistency. Guess that will teach me!

OK, so it thickened up just a little overnight and worked fine this morning. I really glopped it on a finally got that "seaweed" feeling which I wasn't getting before. This batch is definitely better than the last one. I increased the honeyquat, reduced the agave nectar, and left out the proteins. It took a little bit of effort to get it completely scrunched out, but it's working great! I layered with my Alba gel. I think I'll try playing with the ratio of FSG to gel, but overall I'm really pleased!

rakakan · 03-02-2011, 02:05 PM

I plan to make my own flaxseed gel for the first time and want to keep it simple I have 4b/c hair and have yet to find a curl pattern. I henna my hair once a month (for 6 months now), have worn it natural for 5+ years, and just learned that sulfate (shampoo) is bad for my hair.

Sooo, I've got a ways to go.

Could use your feedback on this recipe. What should I add/omit? Do the measurements seem right? I was hoping to use the gel as an alternative to trying a Kinky Curly Curling Custard or similar product. Want to avoid flakes, crunchy hair, and prevent frizz. I modified a recipe I saw on the board to include products I have at home but I'm willing to shop for a few things.

Thanks!

Ingredients - For a batch of 100ml

8 oz water
5 ml Almond oil
2 teaspoons golden flaxseeds
1 mil of Grapefruit Seed Extract

1. Bring the flaxseeds to boil, stir the mixture to ensure that the seeds do not stick to the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to boil until it is thick.

2. Once the flaxseed gel has reached your desired thickness, take the pan off of the heat and pour the gel through the stockings into the mixing bowl. The thicker the gel the harder it will be to get through the stockings. It is very hot so it is not advisable to use your hands but you can use a large spoon to scrape the gel out.

3. Weigh the flaxseed gel. If it is less than 79 grams add more water until it weighs 79 grams. If it is more than 79 grams take some of the mixture out.

4. Add the Almond Oil and mix thoroughly

5. Add the Grapefruit Seed Extract

Store in freezer.

mrsgp101310 · 03-06-2011, 10:51 AM

So I just made my 1st batch of FSG and have a couple of questions-
-I have a 4 oz bottle I filled & put in the fridge. Do I freeze the rest of the gel or just put it in the fridge to use later?
-I've read you can re-use the seeds. Do you put them in the freezer to save for the next batch?
-I didn't have any trouble straining through my mesh strainer, but some seeds/hulls still went through into the gel and I can't pick them all out. What do you do in this situtation? Am I gonna have seeds in my hair?? I guess I need to get a smaller strainer, but I got the smallest one they had at Walmart..

Ceri · 03-07-2011, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsgp101310

So I just made my 1st batch of FSG and have a couple of questions-
-I have a 4 oz bottle I filled & put in the fridge. Do I freeze the rest of the gel or just put it in the fridge to use later?
-I've read you can re-use the seeds. Do you put them in the freezer to save for the next batch?
-I didn't have any trouble straining through my mesh strainer, but some seeds/hulls still went through into the gel and I can't pick them all out. What do you do in this situtation? Am I gonna have seeds in my hair?? I guess I need to get a smaller strainer, but I got the smallest one they had at Walmart..

The gel will last about two weeks in the fridge, so if you will use up the total amount you made, then the fridge is fine. If you made more than two weeks worth, go ahead and freeze it.

Freeze the used seeds for next time.

1-2 seeds won't hurt, even if they do wind up in your hair. More than that, get a finer strainer.

curlyserf · 03-08-2011, 10:57 AM

Where can I buy SeaEmollient? I'd like to try adding some to my next batch.

TIA!

wavygerman · 03-10-2011, 01:24 AM

Two weeks in the fridge. Ok I will try it. Is a lot cheaper.

rakakan · 03-11-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceri

1. Make your FSG with all of the ingredients you want in it except the preservative.
2. Put a clean/sanitized bowl on your scale and hit the "tare" button
3. Pour your FSG into the bowl and weigh this amount in grams
4. Calculate 1.5% of this weight. This is how many grams of Optiphen you will use.

Example- FSG weighs 400 grams
1.5% = 6 grams

Make sure you weight out the FSG each time to figure out your preservative amount. Since we boil the water with the seeds and then strain it, different amounts of water can be lost each time and it will affect the weight. Just because you needed 6 grams this time, it doesn't mean its going to be 6 grams each time. Maybe 5, maybe 7 next time.

If you don't have a scale with a tare button, get one. Also make sure the scale reads down to 1 gram at a time. If you don't have proper equipment, you shouldn't be playing with preservatives. Just my opinion.

This is an excellent description. Is it necessary to purchase a scale if the only preservative one uses is grapefruit seed extract? I purchased grapefruit seed extract to use for homemade FSG; it's described as a dietary supplement (seemingly benign). So, I hoped I could keep things simple.

Ceri · 03-11-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rakakan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceri

1. Make your FSG with all of the ingredients you want in it except the preservative.
2. Put a clean/sanitized bowl on your scale and hit the "tare" button
3. Pour your FSG into the bowl and weigh this amount in grams
4. Calculate 1.5% of this weight. This is how many grams of Optiphen you will use.

Example- FSG weighs 400 grams
1.5% = 6 grams

Make sure you weight out the FSG each time to figure out your preservative amount. Since we boil the water with the seeds and then strain it, different amounts of water can be lost each time and it will affect the weight. Just because you needed 6 grams this time, it doesn't mean its going to be 6 grams each time. Maybe 5, maybe 7 next time.

If you don't have a scale with a tare button, get one. Also make sure the scale reads down to 1 gram at a time. If you don't have proper equipment, you shouldn't be playing with preservatives. Just my opinion.

This is an excellent description. Is it necessary to purchase a scale if the only preservative one uses is grapefruit seed extract? I purchased grapefruit seed extract to use for homemade FSG but it's described as a dietary supplement. So, I hoped I could keep things simple.

Grapefruit seed extract is not a preservative!

If you really want to keep things simple, just make small batches that can be used within two weeks and store in the fridge. Easy-peesy.

rakakan · 03-12-2011, 10:20 AM

Thanks for the clarification! What do folks use grapefruit seed extract for (as it relates to hair anyway)?
Fortunately, if I can't find a use for it, I kept my receipt. That stuff is expensive.

Small batches. Check. I'll cut my recipe accordingly. So much to learn...