In the following section, we will explore the benefits of sesame oil for hair.
Benefits Of Sesame Oil For Hair
1. Promotes Hair Growth
Sesame oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 fats (2). These fatty acids may help with hair growth. Deficiency of these fatty acids may lead to loss (3). Sesame oil also stimulates blood circulation and hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth. It also penetrates the scalp easily and helps heal hair from chemical damage. Sesame oil also contains oleic acid that has quick-penetrating properties (4).
2. May Help Treat Dandruff
Sesame oil possesses antimicrobial properties that may help treat dandruff (5). Massaging sesame oil into your scalp every night before bed may help soothe your scalp and reduce dandruff. However, more research is warranted in this regard. Furthermore, sesame oil also may help moisturize the scalp/skin (6). It may help treat scalp flaking and itching associated with dandruff.
3. May Combat Scalp Dryness
The emollient properties of sesame oil may smoothen your hair strands (7). The fatty acids in this hair oil may help combat dryness. The oil penetrates deep into the hair roots and scalp and may hydrate hair. You can mix equal parts of sesame oil and lemon juice and use it to reduce scalp dryness. You can apply this oil to your scalp with your fingertips. Massage in a circular motion and cover all parts of the scalp. Leave it on overnight and wash the next morning. For better results, soak a towel in hot water, squeeze out the excess water, and wrap it around your head. Keep it on for 30 minutes and shampoo your hair. The heat will allow the oil mixture to penetrate and condition your scalp deeply.
4. May Treat Premature Graying
Massaging your hair and scalp with sesame oil may prevent premature hair graying. In fact, sesame oil has hair-darkening properties (7). Regular use of the oil may help darken hair. The antioxidants in sesame oil may also help reverse premature hair graying. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
5. May Protect Hair From Harmful UV Rays
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to your scalp and hair. Sesame oil is a natural sun-blocking agent. It resists up to 30 percent of the UV rays (8). Applying sesame oil to your scalp and hair may prevent potential hair damage that could occur during extended sun exposure. The oil forms a protective coat around the hair shaft and keeps it safe from the harmful sun rays. It also saves your hair from the damaging effects of pollution.
6. Helps Soothe Hair
Anecdotal evidence suggests that sesame oil has soothing properties. Heat from the styling tools can dry your scalp by removing all the moisture. Sesame oil may help seal the moisture and protects air from further damage. Furthermore, this hair oil acts as a coolant. It nourishes the scalp from within.
7. May Make Hair Shinier
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the emollient properties of sesame oil may help boost hair shine. Rub 2 to 3 drops of the oil in between your palms and apply to your hair. You may also use the oil as a leave-in conditioner. These are a few benefits of the oil. But what would be the best way to apply the oil to your hair? Keep reading.
How To Use Sesame Oil For Hair?
1. Sesame Oil With Almond Oil
Almond oil conditions your hair without weighing it down. It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E may reduce the oxidative stress in the scalp and boost hair growth (9). You Will Need
Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons Almond oil, 2 tablespoons
Process
2. Sesame Oil And Aloe Vera
Both aloe vera and sesame oil help reflect the harmful UV rays(10). This mixture helps form a protective barrier around your hair shaft and helps prevent sun damage. You Will Need
Aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons
Process
3. Sesame Oil And Avocado
Avocado is rich in vitamin E and has a high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help maintain scalp health by neutralizing the damage-causing free radicals (11), (12). Avocado also contains oils that help nourish your hair and restore its health. You Will Need
1 ripe avocado Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons
Process
4. Sesame Oil And Coconut Oil
Coconut oil deeply nourishes your hair shaft with its rich content of fatty acids. It also helps control frizz and conditions your hair. You Will Need
Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons Coconut oil, 2 tablespoons
Process
5. Sesame Oil And Curry Leaves
Anecdotal evidence suggests that curry leaves may help curb hair fall. They may also promote healthy hair growth. You Will Need
A bunch of curry leaves Sesame oil, 3 tablespoons
Process
6. Ginger And Sesame Oil
Ginger may help soften your hair and boosts hair shine. It also helps maintain scalp health. You Will Need
Ginger juice, 1 teaspoon Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons
Process
7. Sesame Oil And Egg
Eggs are among the richest sources of protein. This pack will help treat the protein damage in your hair shafts. The pack also keeps your hair shiny, soft, and conditioned. You Will Need
Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons 1 whole egg (for normal hair) or 2 egg whites (for oily hair) or 2 egg yolks (for dry hair)
Process
8. Sesame Oil And Fenugreek
Fenugreek is among the most popular remedies for dandruff (13). It helps soothe your scalp while conditioning your hair and adding shine. You Will Need
Fenugreek seeds, 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil, 2 tablespoons
Process
9. Sesame Oil And Honey
Honey helps moisturize your hair (14). Using it with sesame oil may also help condition your hair. However, use this pack sparingly as excess use of honey may lighten your hair color (as honey is a bleaching agent). You Will Need
Sesame oil, 3 tablespoons Honey, 1 teaspoon
Process These are the various ways you can include sesame oil into your hair care routine. However, it is important to note that the oil may pose certain adverse effects.
Side Effects Of Sesame Oil
Some people could be allergic to sesame oil. Depending on the severity of the allergy, one may experience mild itching to anaphylaxis (15), (16). If you observe any allergic reactions with sesame oil, stop use and consult a doctor immediately. Can you leave sesame oil in your hair? No. You shouldn’t leave sesame oil in your hair for too long as it is comedogenic. It can block your pores, irritate your scalp, and lead to various issues. Is sesame oil or coconut oil good for hair? It depends on your hair goals. While coconut oil helps maintain protein in the hair and soothe the scalp, sesame oil may work better on premature graying hair and dandruff. Can sesame oil reverse gray hair? No. Though it can’t reverse gray hair, anecdotal evidence suggests that sesame oil has hair-darkening properties that can increase melanin production and help you achieve new black hair. Does sesame oil make hair thick? Yes. Rubbing sesame oil on your scalp can increase blood circulation, spurting hair growth and health. Is sesame oil better than castor oil for hair? It depends on your hair needs. While castor oil moisturizes hair and prevents breakage, sesame oil is highly penetrative and provides deep nourishment. Can I mix sesame oil with castor oil? Yes. You can mix sesame oil with castor oil for deep nourishment and a smoother texture.
