Sesame seed oil, known as the oldest oil used by people, is full of vitamins and nutrients needed for healthy hair. Its long history of use is due to its strong anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
This amazing oil can moisturize your scalp, help your hair grow, fix damage, stop dandruff, and even prevent early grays.
If you want thicker and healthier hair, sesame seed oil for hair is the perfect ancient beauty remedy. Let’s look at the benefits of sesame seed oil for hair and scalp in detail.
Is Sesame Oil Good for Your Hair?
Absolutely, sesame oil is good for your hair. Made from sesame seeds, also known as gingelly oil, sesame oil is rich in vitamins and nutrients essential for maintaining healthy hair. It contains vitamin E, B complex, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein, all of which contribute to stronger hair roots and deep nourishment.
Sesame oil’s anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties help maintain a healthy scalp, which is crucial for promoting hair growth and preventing issues like dandruff and scalp infections. Additionally, its moisturizing qualities ensure that the scalp and hair stay hydrated, preventing dryness and damage. Regular use of sesame oil can help repair damaged hair, reduce split ends, and even prevent premature graying, making it an excellent natural remedy for achieving thicker, healthier hair. Therefore, incorporating sesame oil into your hair care routine can lead to significant improvements in the health and appearance of your hair.
Note: Regular use of sesame oil can also protect hair from the damaging effects of UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather conditions.
7 Advantages of Sesame Oil for Hair Care
Encourages Hair Growth
Sesame oil stimulates blood circulation on the scalp, promoting hair growth. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Research shows that a deficiency in these fatty acids can lead to hair loss. If you are concerned about thinning hair or hair loss, sesame oil can help.
Prevents Premature Gray Hair
Sesame oil contains antioxidants and hair-darkening properties that help retain your hair’s natural color. It is used worldwide to prevent premature graying.
Environmental stressors can speed up the greying process, but sesame oil’s antioxidants prevent free radicals and chemicals from causing gray strands.
Protects Hair From Harmful UV Rays
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage your scalp and hair. Sesame oil acts as a natural sun-blocking agent, resisting up to 30 percent of UV rays. It forms a protective coat on the scalp and around the hair shaft, protecting them from the sun’s harmful rays and pollution.
Prevents Hair Loss Due to Stress
Sesame oil has calming properties. Massaging it into the hair relieves anxiety and prevents hair fall caused by stress. It is also a good remedy for migraines and insomnia. Adding relaxing oils like eucalyptus oil or ylang-ylang oil can enhance its soothing effect.
Prevents Dandruff
Sesame seeds and sesame oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may help prevent or reduce scalp infections. Using sesame oil on your scalp can reduce dandruff, often caused by a fungus or bacteria. It has occlusive properties, which help keep the scalp moisturized, preventing dryness, flaking, and itching.
Treats Lice
Due to its antibacterial properties, sesame oil helps fight fungal and bacterial infections on the scalp. It can be mixed with oils such as neem oil and tea tree oil to treat specific conditions like lice.
Soothes Dry and Heat-damaged Hair
Sesame oil is an emollient, meaning it can soften your skin and make hair strands look smoother. The same fatty acids in sesame oil that make it beneficial in foods also help combat dry hair and scalp. These healthy fatty acids include palmitic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid.
Using Sesame Oil for Hair Growth
Sesame oil is one of the best-kept secrets in hair care. While coconut and castor oils have been popular for years, sesame oil is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Here are our top recommendations for incorporating sesame oil into your hair care routine:
Scalp Cleaner: Sesame oil is a great carrier oil, often used with neem oil. After just a few applications, your hair will be silky smooth, and your itchy scalp will feel soothed.
How-To:
- Mix equal parts (50/50) sesame oil and neem oil.
- Gently massage the mixture into your scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with a mild hair cleanser.
Deep Conditioner: Boost your hair’s health with a blend of sesame oil and sweet almond oil. Sweet almond oil is rich in fatty acids, making it an excellent option for a deep conditioning treatment.
How-To:
- Add sesame oil and sweet almond oil to your favorite deep conditioner.
- Gently massage the mixture into your scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with a mild hair cleanser.
Moisturizer Nourish your hair and restore its health with a combination of coconut oil and sesame oil. Coconut oil deeply nourishes the hair shaft with rich fatty acids. Together, these oils keep frizz at bay and heal damaged strands.
How-To:
- Combine equal parts coconut oil and sesame oil in an application bottle.
- Apply the oil mixture to your scalp and distribute it through your hair.
- Wrap your hair in a hot towel for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with a mild shampoo.
Note: For the best results, use these treatments regularly as part of your hair care routine.
Can I Leave Sesame Oil on Overnight?
Yes, you can leave sesame oil on overnight for an effective scalp treatment. This method enhances the oil’s benefits and allows deeper absorption into the scalp and hair.
Overnight Scalp Treatment
Choose a Mask: Select one of the sesame oil masks (Scalp Cleaner, Deep Conditioner, or Moisturizer).
- Massage: Apply the oil to your scalp, massaging in a circular motion to cover all parts of your scalp.
- Cover: Wrap your head in a scarf or use a shower cap to keep the oil from staining your bed linens.
- Sleep: Wear the scarf or shower cap to bed and leave the oil on overnight.
- Wash: The next morning, wash the oil out of your hair with your favorite shampoo.
Note: Overnight treatments can be especially beneficial for those with dry or damaged hair, as it provides extended time for the nutrients in the oil to penetrate and repair your hair and scalp.
Drawbacks of Using Sesame Oil for Hair
Like any oil, sesame oil can block pores, which may irritate your scalp and skin. Clogged pores can also cause hair follicles to fall out. To avoid this, leave pure sesame oil on your scalp and hair for only a short period of time.
Ensure all sesame oil is thoroughly washed out from your scalp and hair. Use shampoo and warm water after a sesame oil hair treatment. Gently massage your scalp in the shower to ensure it is completely cleansed of all oil.
Warming sesame oil slightly can make it more comfortable to apply. However, be cautious not to heat the oil too much. Test the temperature with a tiny drop on the inside of your wrist before applying. Hot oil can cause scalp burns and damage your hair.
Note: To avoid any adverse effects, consider doing a patch test before using sesame oil extensively. Apply a small amount to a discreet area of your scalp and wait 24 hours to check for any irritation or allergic reactions.
Who Should Avoid Using Sesame Oil?
Sesame is one of the most common allergens. If you’re allergic to sesame, exposure to sesame oil could cause hives or even a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid using sesame oil if you have a known sesame allergy.
Using too much sesame oil might interfere with maintaining a healthy weight, as it is calorie-dense. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, consult with your doctor before increasing your use of sesame oil, as it might affect your condition or interact with your medications.
Can I Mix Sesame Oil With Coconut Oil?
Yes, you can mix sesame oil with coconut oil. However, it’s important to understand that each oil has different properties and provides a unique experience for the body.
Coconut oil has a cooling effect on the body and is generally preferred in the summer. It is especially beneficial for those who are naturally warm or have a pitta dosha. On the other hand, sesame oil has a warming effect and is commonly used during colder seasons.
Mixing both oils is perfectly fine, but be mindful of your body’s temperature and the surrounding environment. Adjust the proportions based on your personal needs and the season to maximize the benefits.
Note: Combining these oils can provide a balanced effect, suitable for year-round use. Experiment with different ratios to find the perfect blend for your hair and scalp needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Is sesame oil good for your hair? Absolutely! Sesame seed oil is a versatile and potent elixir that offers numerous benefits for hair and scalp health. It nourishes and strengthens hair follicles, soothes scalp irritation, and enhances hair shine, making it a true multitasker in hair care.
Whether used alone or as part of a DIY hair mask or serum, sesame seed oil can help you unlock the secret to beautiful, healthy hair. So why wait? Embrace the magic of sesame seed oil and give your hair the pampering it deserves.
Don’t forget to check out more blogs from Blonde Beauty for additional tips and insights on achieving your best hair ever.
Laureate Professor Clare Collins
Professor Clare Collins is a leading expert in nutrition and dietetics at the School of Health Sciences, part of the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. Her work is changing the way we think about food and health. She grew up as one of nine children and was the first in her family to finish high school and go to college. This background gave her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for seizing opportunities.
As the Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Food and Nutrition Program and a recipient of three NHMRC Research Fellowships, Professor Collins is making a big difference in public health. She focuses on helping people who are often overlooked, using new technologies like apps and online programs to improve their nutrition and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Professor Collins is well-respected and has been recognized as a Fellow in four major health and science organizations. She leads a diverse team of experts, including dietitians, computer scientists, and engineers, working together on global health projects.
Her achievements are impressive. She has received over $29 million in research funding, published more than 450 papers, and helped 35 PhD and Master’s students complete their degrees. She’s also active in sharing her knowledge with the public. She has developed tools like the Australian Eating Survey and the Healthy Eating Quiz, and she often appears in the media to talk about nutrition.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
- Collins, C. (2019). “The Effect of a Pilot Dietary Intervention on Pain Outcomes in Patients Attending a Tertiary Pain Service.”
- Collins, C. (2022). “Variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors among older adults.”
- Collins, C. (2022). “Evaluation of an online intervention for improving stroke survivors’ health-related quality of life: A randomised controlled trial.”
These articles show Professor Collins’s commitment to understanding how better nutrition can improve health. Her work is important for researchers, doctors, and anyone interested in healthy living.