Flax Seed Aloe Strong Hold Sculpturing Gel

I recently tried the Aveda Flax Seed Aloe Gel with high expectations. I was very disappointed that the product was very drying on my shoulder length, natural hair. The results were not bad (defined my curl and light-weight) but still very strong alcohol-like smell and very drying.

I have been using this product since 1995. It is the best gel I have found to work with my hair. I have tried other cheaper gels and sculpting products but none hold as well without feeling extremely thick and/or hard. You can also reactivate this gel with a little water if you hair is messed towards the end of the day and you've applied the product already. Life long user.

I first bought this several years back and was NOT happy even though I usually love Aveda. Effect was too stiff, WAY too stiff. So it got shoved in the back of my bathroom cabinet. I have coarse, wavy hair and I WANT smooth, straight hair despite living in the humid Pacific Northwest. Most "straightening" styling products are lovely for an hour or two, and then my hair's stubborn curvy nature takes over and the wave is back. Today there was a cloud in my front yard (I live in the woods) so I decided to try a little more discipline on my hair. I mixed a pea size flax seed aloe with about the same size squirt of AG's Set it Straight, mixed them well and worked through my hair. Worked great despite the humidity. Oh, and I topped it off with Bamboo's Kendi Oil before flat ironing. I love trying combos, and this one worked.

It's my 3rd repurchase, need I say more? I've tried zillions gels for my wavy hair and bottom line : I don't even bother trying other brands. My hair just loves that stuff paired with Botanical repair crème!!! No more bad hair days! Thank you Aveda

My hair looks amazing. A little Cherry Almond leave in conditioner and small amount of this gel is all my curls needed to look beautiful. Soft, shiny, and well defined curls is all I ask for and this product delivered. Thank you Aveda.

I've used this product with great success in the past, but it seems different now. I don't get the same results I used to - it doesn't create a "cast" to form my curls, which fine... if it worked to define them. Hair looks okay the day I style it, not well defined like I remember it, but fine. The next day the curls are flat, there is no definition and it gets worse every day after. I wash my hair once a week or so, depending on activity level, weather, etc and I need the string hold this product is SUPPOSED to give. It didn't used to be like that! What happened? I've used Aveda for 20+ years and have never been so disappointed in a product. I love the low key scent that fades, I love the rewards program, I used to live every product I tried. Not any more. I wish I could give fewer than one star. So disappointed.