Hey curlfriend, if you‘re on the hunt for your holy grail styling products, you‘ve probably heard the buzz about CurlMix‘s Pure Flaxseed Gels. These gels have been popping up all over social media, with naturalistas raving about their curl-enhancing magic. But are they really worth the hype?
As someone who has tried my fair share of gels in search of the perfect balance of definition, moisture, and hold, I knew I had to get my hands on CurlMix‘s flaxseed line to test for myself. In this in-depth review, I‘ll be sharing:
- Background on CurlMix as a brand
- A close look at the key ingredients and benefits of the pure flaxseed gels
- My honest experience using the gels on my 3B curls
- Tips for getting the best results with the gels
- Pricing info and how CurlMix compares to other popular gels
- What other curly-haired reviewers have to say
- Answers to your burning questions about CurlMix gels
By the end of this post, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if CurlMix‘s Pure Flaxseed Gels deserve a spot in your haircare routine. Let‘s get into it!
Why CurlMix Is a Brand Worth Supporting
Before we dive into the products, I have to take a moment to gush about CurlMix as a company. Founded in 2015 by black entrepreneur couple Kim and Tim Lewis, CurlMix has made it their mission to "empower curly and coily hair to look and feel their best, naturally."
The brand started as a DIY box subscription that taught customers how to whip up their own hair concoctions using simple, clean ingredients. In 2018, they transitioned to selling a full product line based on their most popular recipes.
What I love most about CurlMix is how they keep the community at the heart of everything they do. "We‘re not just selling products, we‘re building a movement of curl confidence," Kim said in a recent interview with Essence. The CurlMix social media feeds are full of educational content, styling tips, and most importantly, real curl journeys from their diverse customers.
The brand also puts their money where their mouth is when it comes to investing in the black community. They‘ve donated over $25,000 to causes like Black Lives Matter and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. They also offer a mentorship program to support up-and-coming black entrepreneurs.
In short, CurlMix is a brand I can feel good about spending my coins on. Now, onto the products!
Inside the Ingredients: What Makes CurlMix Flaxseed Gels Special
The star ingredient in CurlMix‘s gel lineup is, of course, pure flaxseed gel. Flaxseed has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for hair and scalp issues, thanks to its unique nutritional profile.
Flaxseeds are rich in:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve hair elasticity and prevent breakage
- B vitamins, which support healthy hair growth
- Vitamin E, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and increases shine
When the seeds are boiled, they release a thick, gelatinous substance that acts as a natural styling agent. This mucilage provides light hold and definition without causing crunchiness or flaking.
One study found that flaxseed gel can enhance curl formation and fight frizz by smoothing the hair cuticle.[^1] Another showed that omega-3s from flaxseed can actually thicken hair fibers.[^2]
[^1]: Dias MFRG. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450
[^2]: Le Floc‘h C. Improved hair properties by treatment with omega-3 fatty acids. Poster presented at: 28th IFSCC Congress; October 2014; Paris, France.
But CurlMix doesn‘t stop at flaxseed. Their pure flaxseed gels also contain other nourishing botanicals like:
- Organic aloe vera: Moisturizes, strengthens, and soothes irritation
- Marshmallow root extract: Provides slip and softness
- Organic jojoba, apricot, or sweet almond oil: Lightweight oils that seal in moisture without greasiness
All CurlMix products are free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, or artificial fragrances. They‘re also vegan and cruelty-free. You can feel good about putting them on your precious strands!
How I Used CurlMix Pure Flaxseed Gels on My 3B Curls
For reference, my hair is fine, low porosity, and prone to dryness and frizz. I usually opt for lightweight stylers that won‘t weigh my curls down. I was curious to see how the thick, gelatinous consistency of the CurlMix gels would work for me.
I tested two varieties: Pure Flaxseed Gel with Organic Jojoba Oil in the lavender scent, and Pure Flaxseed Gel with Organic Sweet Almond Oil, which is fragrance-free. Here‘s how I used them in my wash and go routine:
- After cleansing and deep conditioning, I applied my usual leave-in and curl cream on soaking wet hair, sectioning as I went.
- On each section, I raked/smoothed a quarter-size amount of the CurlMix gel and gently scrunched.
- I let my hair air dry about 80% before diffusing the rest of the way.
Immediate Impressions
Y‘all. When I tell you my hair was POPPIN‘ after using these gels. My curls were so shiny, bouncy, and defined, I could barely keep my hands out of my hair.
Despite the thick texture of the gels, they distributed easily through my hair and didn‘t leave any sticky or gunky residue. My hair felt soft and moisturized, but I could still feel a gentle cast around my curls, which I personally like for hold and frizz prevention.
Scent-wise, the lavender one smelled amazing – herbal and fresh but not overpowering. The sweet almond one had no detectable scent, which is great if you‘re sensitive to fragrance.
Day 2 and Beyond
I was even more impressed with how well these gels held up on days 2-4. Normally my fine curls get limp and lose definition quickly, but these gels kept my wash and go looking fresh with minimal refreshing needed.
On day 2, I just spritzed my hair with water, scrunched a small amount of the gel into my ends, and diffused for a few minutes. Boom, instant volume and definition revival.
The gels also played well with my other styling products (leave-in, mousse, etc.). No flaking or weird texture issues. Curly girl win!
What Other Reviewers Are Saying
I‘m not the only one singing the praises of CurlMix‘s Pure Flaxseed Gels. Here are some snippets from other glowing reviews across the web:
"I have 4C, high porosity hair, and this gel works wonderfully for me. Very moisturizing and defines my coils like no other. It doesn‘t leave my hair crunchy or hard, just soft to the touch. I love it!" – Tiana, 4C hair
"I have found my holy grail! I use this on my wash and gos and it gives me SO much definition and shine. A little goes a long way too, so the jar lasts forever." – Bianca, 3A curls
"I love that this flaxseed gel is so clean and natural. No silicones, no sketchy ingredients. It defines my waves without weighing them down." – Jess, 2B waves
The gels have an outstanding 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 600 reviews on CurlMix‘s website. Reviewers rave about the moisture, softness, and definition the gels provide. Many mention having an easier time styling their hair since using the gels.
How CurlMix Stacks Up to Other Curly Hair Gels
To see how CurlMix compares to other popular curly girl styling gels, I put together a quick comparison chart:
| Brand | Defining Ingredients | Hold Level | Price (8 oz) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CurlMix | Flaxseed, aloe, marshmallow root | Medium | $26 | Moisturizing, clean ingredients, softly defines | Pricey, can cause slight flaking for some |
| Kinky Curly | Aloe, agave nectar, horsetail extract | Light | $17 | Lightweight, defines without crunch | Can be drying, flakes easily |
| Eco Style | Water, carbomer, olive oil | Strong | $4 | Very affordable, strong hold | Can be drying & crunchy, contains artificial dye |
| Ouidad | Aloe, olive oil, vitamin B5 | Medium | $26 | Controls frizz, defines & moisturizes | More of a styler/serum than true gel |
As you can see, CurlMix gels are on the pricier side, but in my opinion, the quality ingredients and results are worth it. They provide the moisture and definition of higher end gels without the dryness and crunch of old school options like Eco.
FAQs on CurlMix Flaxseed Gels
Before we wrap up, let me address some frequently asked questions I‘ve seen about CurlMix gels:
Can I use CurlMix gels if I‘m protein-sensitive?
Probably yes, but proceed with caution. Flaxseeds do naturally contain amino acids (the building blocks of protein), but many protein-sensitive curlies find they can still use CurlMix gels without issues. I‘d recommend trying the travel size first to see how your hair reacts.
Which CurlMix gel is best for my hair type?
For moisture and softness, go with the Organic Jojoba Oil formula. It‘s a great choice for parched or high porosity hair. The Organic Sweet Almond Oil one is awesome for sensitive scalps. And the lavender scent is pure aromatherapy! But you really can‘t go wrong with any of them.
Can I layer CurlMix gels with other products?
Absolutely! The gels play nicely with most curl creams, mousses, and other stylers. Experiment with cocktailing to see what works best for your unique hair chemistry. You may need to use less of the gel if you‘re layering over a heavy product.
How long does a jar of CurlMix gel last?
This depends on your hair length, thickness, and how often you style. But most reviewers report getting 1-2 months of regular use out of an 8 oz jar. Remember, a little goes a long way with this gel!
What if CurlMix gels don‘t work for me?
CurlMix offers a 30-day money back guarantee on all products, so you can try the gels risk-free. If you‘re not happy with the results, simply contact customer service for a full refund.
The Bottom Line
Whew, that was a lot of info! If you‘ve stuck with me this far, I hope I‘ve given you a comprehensive look at what CurlMix Pure Flaxseed Gels have to offer. As a curly girl who has tried countless gels over the years, I can honestly say these are some of the best I‘ve used.
The moisture, definition, and staying power I get from these gels is chef‘s kiss. And I love that they‘re made with high-quality, natural ingredients by a brand that genuinely cares about their customers and community.
While no single product will be a miracle worker for every head of curls, I think CurlMix gels are absolutely worth trying if you‘re in the market for a clean, effective styling option. And with their money-back guarantee, you‘ve got nothing to lose.
So go ahead and treat your curls to some flaxseed goodness. And be sure to tag me in your results pics – I can‘t wait to see your beautiful, bouncy, CurlMix-styled coils!
Have you tried CurlMix Pure Flaxseed Gels yet? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts, curlfriend. Until next time, keep embracing those gorgeous natural textures!
Xoxo,
Your Resident Curl Mixologist
