Top 7 Benefits of Sesame oil for Hair, backed by research

“Frizzy hair? Yes, we care!” Let’s look at the top benefits of sesame oil to transform your locks!

Hair problems are real! If you frequently find strands of hair on your hands, shoulders, hairbrush, or clothing, it’s a sign that your locks are in desperate need of care.

Healthy hair grows half an inch in a month [1]. Repeating: “healthy hair!”

Do you want to know the secret to healthy hair? Here is a quick hair care remedy for you: Sesame Oil for hair growth.

Follow the article to the end to know the best sesame oil for hair.

What is sesame?

For those who aren’t familiar with the seeds, here is a brief introduction.

For over 5,000 years, sesame seed has been used as a seasoning and in the form of cooking oil. You might have found them on burger buns, sweets, and crackers too!

The seed comes from a plant known as Sesamum indicum and is loaded with antioxidative properties and bioactive components [2].

But with advancement and research, a new side of the sesame seeds has been discovered. They possess a variety of nutritional components aiding in health benefits for humans [2].

Types of sesame seeds:

The seeds come in three forms, i.e., black, white, and golden/brown.

Types of sesame seeds	Availability
Black sesame seeds	Common in Asian countries
White sesame seeds	Common in Europe and America
Golden/Brown sesame seeds	Most commonly available

These seemingly little seeds contain a plethora of nutrients. Let us move forward to explore the benefits of sesame seeds for hair growth in the form of oil.

Although black sesame seeds are not very popular in the haircare sector, they provide numerous benefits for our locks.

Black sesame oil for hair is believed to improve hair health.

Is sesame oil good for hair?

There are countless oils in the market with promising hair benefits. These oils tout themselves as the perfect solution for all hair problems. Hence, it’s reasonable that you’d want to know if sesame oil is suitable for your hair.

To dispel any doubts about sesame oil’s efficacy, let us delve deeper to unveil the benefits of sesame oil for hair!

Benefits of sesame oil for hair:

Sesame oil for hair can be quite cooling and can assist with a variety of hair concerns. So, if you want to achieve the dreadlocks of your dreams, this fantastic oil is the way to go!

Let’s read about the sesame oil uses for hair.

1. Promotes hair growth:

Sesamol and sesamol, two antioxidants found in sesame oil, may offer many health benefits viz. Reduce blood pressure, reduce hypertension, reduce cholesterol, etc. [3].

Antioxidants aid in the improvement of hair growth by maintaining the connective tissues of the hair follicles.

Fatty acid deficiency can trigger hair loss. Sesame oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids [2].

Massage sesame oil into your hair to enhance blood circulation, which in turn will help your hair regrow quickly.

2. Prevents premature greying:

Sesame oil offers hair-darkening capabilities that can help prevent premature greying. As a result, the antioxidant properties may be able to help with this issue [2].

Though hair greying is primarily caused by aging, environmental stressors can hasten the process by generating a build-up of toxins in the hair.

Sesame oil is high in antioxidants, which help to prevent the build-up of free radicals and substances that cause premature greying.

So, if you wish to maintain your hair’s natural color intact for a long time, make sure you apply sesame oil frequently.

3. Builds shine and smoothness:

Who doesn’t want silky, lustrous hair? Sesame oil is an excellent conditioner for hair. When applied as a hair mask, sesame oil can make your hair stronger and shinier.

The soothing and moisturizing properties of sesame oil coat the hair, preventing hair breakage and split ends. You can use sesame oil for thicker hair.

Hair masks made with sesame oil prevent hair from absorbing a lot of water when washed. Too much water in the hair causes it to swell.

This weakens the hair and might lead to irreparable damage. Sesame oil can help to make hair longer, stronger, and more lustrous.

4. Protects the hair from UV damage:

UV rays from the sun can harm your scalp and hair. Sesame oil has been proven to protect the scalp and hair from harsh sun rays [4].

It forms a natural barrier that protects hair from the damage that can occur when exposed to the sun for extended periods.

Hence, you can use sesame oil for the scalp as well as maintain hair health.

5. Prevents fungal infections:

Sesame oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties [5]. Hence, it helps to get rid of bacterial infections on the scalp.

Sesame oil’s nourishing and conditioning characteristics nourish the scalp while also treating head lice by keeping the skin or scalp hydrated.

6. Promotes scalp health:

Sesame oil’s fatty acids let it penetrate deep into the skin. Hair loss or thinning in patches can be caused by inflammation and irritation on the scalp and around the hair roots.

The fatty acids aid in the healing and soothing of the scalp and roots. Small bald patches or areas of thinning hair may benefit from sesame oil.

Sesame oil may also aid in the absorption of other nutrients in the skin.

7. Fights against dry hair:

Sesame oil’s emollient qualities can smooth your hair strands. This hair oil’s fatty acids may aid in the prevention of dryness.

The oil hydrates hair by penetrating deep into the roots and scalp.

When your hair does not receive or keep enough moisture, it becomes dry. It loses its luster and might appear frizzy and lifeless as a consequence.

Dry hair can affect both men and women of any age, but as you start aging, you’re more prone to develop it.

Side effects of sesame oil for hair:

Sesame oil, like any other oil, can clog pores. Your scalp and skin might get irritated as a consequence of this. Hair follicles might also fall out as a result of clogged pores.

To avoid this, massage pure sesame oil to your scalp and hair for only a few minutes.

Make sure all the oil is rinsed out of your hair and scalp. After the sesame oil hair treatment, wash your hair with shampoo and warm water.

Make sure the oil isn’t overheated. Before application, test the temperature with a small drop on the inside of your wrist.

Sesame oil may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. An allergic reaction can range from moderate itching to anaphylaxis, based on the intensity of the allergy.

If you notice any allergic reactions to sesame oil, stop using it right away and see a doctor.

Note: Hot oil can damage your scalp and burn your hair.

Uses of sesame oil for hair with a mix of other ingredients:

As previously said, using sesame oil for hair and scalp is quite good for scalp health. But how to use sesame oil on hair? Here’s how to do it in the best way.

Sesame oil with Avocado (to restore hair health):

Add two teaspoons of sesame oil to one ripe avocado and mash it. Make a paste out of it and apply it to your scalp and hair. Before rinsing it off, leave it on for an hour. Do this three times a week.

Sesame oil with curry leaves (to avoid hair loss):

Do you hunt for different therapies to reduce hair loss? You can give a hand at sesame oil too!

In a small saucepan, heat three teaspoons of sesame oil. Toss in a handful of curry leaves. Remove the saucepan from the flame once a black residue forms around the leaves and let it cool.

Apply this to the scalp and massage it from the roots to the tips. Wrap a heated cloth around your head and keep it for 40-45 minutes. Do this three times a week.

Sesame oil with fenugreek (to prevent dandruff):

Fenugreek is one of the most widely known dandruff remedies [6].

In a jar, use a double boiler to heat two tsp fenugreek and two tbsp sesame oil. Remove it from the heat once it begins to boil and let it cool until it is warm.

This should be massaged into your scalp and rubbed into your hair from the roots to the tips. Wrap a warm cloth around your head and leave it on for 30-40 minutes. Do this three times a week.

Sesame oil with honey (to moisturize the hair):

Honey aids in hair hydration [7]. It may also assist to moisturize your hair when used with sesame oil. Use this pack cautiously, as too much honey might lighten your hair color (as honey is used as a bleaching agent).

In a bowl, combine the sesame oil and honey. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and massage it. Wrap a heated towel around your hair.

Leave it on for 30-40 minutes before rinsing it out with a light shampoo.

Other ways to use sesame oil for hair:

Listed below are some interesting ways to incorporate sesame oil for better hair health!

Eating sesame seeds:

Sesame’s hair benefits are well known in South Asian societies. Its high amount of omega fatty acids feeds the roots and promotes hair growth.

It also hydrates the scalp and increases blood circulation, revitalizing the hair follicles.

Sesame seeds also have anti-aging characteristics that can help nourish the hair and possibly prevent or delay greying.

Cooking with sesame oil:

Yes! Cooking with sesame oil can improve your scalp health along with other benefits. As the oil is a storehouse of nutrients that can benefit the hair and the body, you can use it while cooking to nourish the scalp from within!

Tip: Ingesting too much sesame oil can be harmful! Substitute it with your regular cooking oil.

Recipe for sesame oil hair mask:

Our hair has to face a lot, ranging from pollutants to heat procedures to chemical products.

Sesame oil, on the other hand, can be used to nurture them. Yes, this oil is high in vitamins and minerals that are good for your hair and can help you solve your hair problems.

Below is a quick hair mask recipe with sesame oil for you!

Take 2-3 tbsp of sesame oil in a bowl.
Slightly heat it for about 10-15 seconds.
Gently massage the oil in the scalp, beginning from your hairline to the back of the scalp.

Apply the oil to the dry hair tips too.
Cover the head with a shower cap or towel.
Keep it for an hour and wash it with shampoo as usual.

You can also incorporate this oil into your regular hair mask routines.

Wrapping up:

A variety of factors can contribute to hair thinning or hair loss. Balding and brittle hair can all be symptoms of a range of medical and genetic disorders. Hormone changes and the use of certain drugs can also lead to hair loss.

Sesame oil does have a wide range of hair and scalp benefits. Its moisturizing and soothing effects have made it popular in hair care.

It may also aid in hair growth, dandruff treatment, and hair hydration. However, some people may experience negative side effects from the oil. Therefore, apply it with caution.

FAQs:

Q: What is cold-pressed sesame oil?

A: Cold-pressed sesame oil means it is produced from the seeds without the use of heat. Heat may destroy the nutritional and taste properties of the oil.

Q: What are the other names for sesame oil?

A: Gingelly oil, til oil, and beniseed oil are all names for sesame oil.

Q: Is sesame oil suitable for all hair types?

A: Yes, sesame oil is suited for all hair types.

Q: Does sesame oil regrow hair?

A: Yes, sesame oil promotes hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp.

Q: Can I leave sesame oil overnight?

A: Yes, you can leave sesame oil overnight, as it may penetrate deep into the scalp and roots of the hair and hydrate it.