Flax and Legends - Did the Vikings Use Linseed Oil?

LINSEED OIL IN THE BRAID?

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I came across a video on Instagram claiming that the vikings used nettle and linseed oil on their hair. I’ve written about nettle in another article and now let’s look at linseed oil.

If you’re even a little interested in natural haircare, you’ve probably heard of flaxseed gel or linseed (flaxseed) oil. Lots of people praise it for strengthening the hair, adding shine, even enhancing curls. But what about the ancient Scandinavians? Did the vikings rub linseed oil into their hair ends so that their windblown braids would stay strong and healthy? :)

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Well…as romantic as that image is, for now there is no archaeological or written evidence that vikings used oil pressed from flaxseed specifically for haircare. We don’t find any references to it for braided hair ends or for beard grooming either. That said, it absolutely doesn’t mean they didn’t know flax, quite the opposite!

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS: THERE WAS FLAX, AND PLENTY OF IT

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Flax (Linum usitatissimum) has a long history in the North. It was already known in the Bronze Age, and it was definitely present in the Viking Age, we know this from many finds. In the Oseberg Ship Burial for example, archaeologists found linen fabric, flax fibres and even flax seeds. Textiles made from linen were part of everyday scandinavian life and they probably weren’t just a luxury for the rich, but more like the workhorse of daily clothing and household textiles.

It’s also quite possible that flaxseed was pressed for oil, which could have been used for food, and perhaps as lamp oil for lighting as well. In long, cold and dark winters, a reliable source of oil was far from a luxury.

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AND WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT HAIRCARE?

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This is where things get interesting. Although the vikings were known for taking care of their appearance and personal hygiene (yes, that’s not just a Hollywood invention), there is no direct evidence that they used linseed oil on their hair. No saga mentions it, and no archaeological trace points to it. What we do know is that they used combs, tweezers, razors and even eyebrow tweezers. Washing and grooming were part of everyday life. They bathed at least weekly - often in hot springs, where you could probably discuss a battle plan or two while you soaked. :)

As for plants, based on parallels from folk medicine and some later medieval sources, a few candidates come up: nettle (as a strengthening, shine-boosting hair rinse), silver birch leaves (to soothe the scalp), rosemary (stimulates circulation, cleansing), sage and chamomile (for colouring or calming effects).

But again, these are mostly educated guesses. There is no specific scandinavian source that lists these plants explicitly for haircare.

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LINSEED OIL: AN ANCIENT PLANT, MODERN USE

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The story of linseed oil goes further back than we might think, it was already used in ancient Egypt. However, its use specifically in hair care is more of a modern discovery. Today’s renaissance of plant oils in haircare - from avocado to argan - reflects a new way of thinking: skincare, haircare and sustainability walking hand in hand.

The naturally occurring fatty acids in linseed oil, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), have anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties - that’s why it’s become a favourite in modern natural cosmetics. Used on hair, it adds shine, helps smooth and "seal" the outer layer of the hair shaft, and reduces breakage.

But this wasn’t something the vikings invented. We’re the ones who have given linseed oil this new role - and maybe that’s exactly how it should be.

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PAST AND PRESENT

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Connecting with scandinavian traditions doesn’t have to mean doing everything exactly as they did. Often the connection is more symbolic: when we care for ourselves with an oil made from an ancient plant, we’re building a little bridge between past and present.

Flax - such a simple plant - was already important for survival a thousand years ago. Today we’re rediscovering its beauty and health benefits in a new way.

This article is not about how to make an "authentic viking hair oil" (because we don’t actually know of any). It’s about how you can care for your hair with a modern product made from an ancient, well-known plant - while honouring the past, not by copying it but by reimagining it. 

I’m sharing two of my own recipes in which linseed oil works gently but effectively for your hair. They’re inspired by modern kitchen alchemy and herbalist knowledge, but in spirit, there might be a little touch of Freyja’s softness in them too… :) I hope they’ll be helpful to someone, linseed oil really can make your hair soft and silky from the very first use.

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+ RECIPE - LINNROSA Hair Conditioner (approx. 100 ml) 

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INGREDIENTS

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• 10 g Condimuls (Emulsifier Green Conditioner - ellemental.com)

• 6 g linseed (flaxseed) oil

• 4 g Organic Broccoli Oil (perhaps nettle-infused jojoba oil :))

• 5 g Panthenol (provitamin B5)

• 72 g Green Tea Hydrolat, Roman Chamomile Hydrolat, Rosewater or Lavender Water

• 15 drops Rokonsal BSB-N or Optiphen BSB-N (preservative)

• optional: 2-3 drops essential oil (if you want something gentle for dry ends, try: 3 drops rosemary essential oil + 2 drops lavender essential oil)

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PREPARATION

 

• Gently heat the Conditioner together with the linseed oil and the Jojoba/Broccoli Seed Oil in a water bath

• In a separate Container, warm the Flower Water (hydrolat) in a water bath

• Slowly pour the water phase into the oil phase while stirring continuously

• Keep mixing until the mixture becomes homogeneous and creamy (a stick blender or small whisk is very helpful here)

• When it has cooled to lukewarm, stir in the Panthenol, the preservative and the essential oil (if using)

• Transfer to a clean jar

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HOW TO USE

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• After washing your hair, apply a hazelnut-sized amount to the ends

• Leave it on for 2-5 minutes, then rinse out

• For very dry hair, you can also use a pea-sized amount as a leave-in on the ends

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WHICH FLORAL WATER SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

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1. Rosemary Water?

• Best if your main goals are strengthening and reducing hair loss

• Boosts circulation and stimulates the hair follicles (especially on the scalp)

• Refreshes the hair ends and mildly disinfects, but on its own it can be a bit strong for very dry hair

How to use: excellent on the roots; on the lengths and ends it works best mixed with another floral water.

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2. Lavender Water?

• Great for general care and soothing

• Mildly antibacterial, yet very gentle on dry, brittle ends

• Makes hair soft and shiny

• A good choice if you want a pleasant, non-overpowering scent

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3. Rosewater?

• A touch of luxury care for dry, dull hair

• Hydrates, mildly tones, and blends beautifully with oils

• Has a rich fragrance - if you’re sensitive to scents, it might feel a bit intense

• Excellent on hair ends when you want a little extra pampering

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4. Roman Chamomile Water?

• Best for sensitive scalps and soothing

• Slightly brightens the hair (especially pretty on blonde tones)

• Helps with regenerating the ends too, but it’s not as "oily" or replenishing as some others

• Gentle, subtle scent - a great base for hair-end mists and sprays

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5. Green Tea Hydrolat?

• Strong antioxidant effect (thanks to polyphenols, especially EGCG)

• Helps protect hair from environmental stress - UV, smog, dust

• Mildly astringent, reduces breakage

• Refreshing but non-drying - works well on both dry and oily hair

• Gently balances sebum production if you also use it on the roots

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RECIPE - DAGGVIND Hair-End Care Mist

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INGREDIENTS 

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- 41 g Lavender Water or Green Tea Hydrosol (moisturizing water base)
- 2 g Linseed (flaxseed) Oil (organic, cold-pressed) (nourishing, protective)
- 2.5 g Panthenol (repair, shine, hydration)
- 1 g Vegetable Glycerin (humectant, softening)
- 2 g Olivem 1000 (emulsifier - brings water + oil together)
- 10 drops Rokonsal BSB-N or Optiphen BSB-N (preservative)
- 1-2 drops Rosemary or Lavender Essential Oil (optional)

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PREPARATION

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- Weigh out the Olivem and the Linseed Oil, then heat them in a water bath to about 70 °C until the Olivem has melted.

- In a separate container, heat the Hydrosol or Flower Water to about 70 °C, then stir in the Panthenol and Glycerin.

- While stirring continuously, pour the water phase into the oil phase and mix for about 2-3 minutes (a mini whisk or stick blender is recommended). By placing the mixture back into the water bath and stirring continuously, it will reach a smooth, homogeneous texture.

- Once cooled, add the Rokonsal and the essential oil.

- Pour into a sterile spray bottle. Always shake well before use.

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SHELF LIFE

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With preservative, it will keep for about 2-3 months at room temperature

If the mixture separates (rare), gently warm it and mix again to make it homogeneous