Benefits Of Sesame Oil For Hair Growth
Sesame Oil For Hair Growth
Sesame oil, also known as gingelly oil or til oil, is obtained from the seeds of a plant scientifically known as Sesamum indicum. The edible vegetable oil is used for cooking, hair care and also used in Ayurveda. Sesame seeds were among the first crops to be processed for oils.
What does it contain?
Sesame oil is rich in many vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Some of them are
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- zinc
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Linoleic acid
- Oleic acid
Sesame Oil Benefits For Hair
Sesame oil is used in many hair care products and medicines. Using it directly also has numerous benefits.
1. Dandruff
Sesame oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties that can help in decreasing infections on the scalp. Sesame oil helps in reducing dandruff caused either due to fungal or bacterial infections or due to dryness.
2. Dry hair
Being an emollient (softens skin and smoothens hair), sesame oil, when used topically, can fight dry scalp and hair. Fatty acids such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, etc., moisturize hair and scalp.
3. Thickens hair
Sesame oil is rich in omega-three and omega-six fatty acids, which are essential for hair thickness. According to a study, deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid and omega 6 fatty acids such as linoleic acid causes thinning hair. Sesame oil contains a high linoleic acid percentage and hence is beneficial to prevent thinning and maintain thick hair.
4. Scalp maintenance
A fatty acid found in sesame oil penetrates deep into the scalp and treats inflammation which is the primary reason for hair fall or thin hair. Fatty acids soothe, help the scalp and roots to heal. Sesame oil is very effective in treating hair thinning, bald patches, etc.
5. Stronger and nourished hair
Sesame oil used as a hair mask will help in making hair stronger. It will also prevent split ends and breakage, while the emollient properties make hair smooth and shiny. It decreases water absorption by hair which can cause hair to become weaker.
6. Prevents premature greying
Premature greying can be due to stress, genetics, pollution, or even harsh chemicals build up on your hair. Sesame oil has antioxidants that can prevent damage due to free radicals and chemicals. This helps in preventing premature greying. Massaging the scalp with sesame oil can prevent premature greying. The oil has pigmenting properties which give your hair your natural color.
7. Treats head lice
When diluted with neem oil and tea tree oil, sesame oil is known to kill lice and reduce lice.
8. Prevents hair fall
Sesame oil is known to have tranquilizing properties. When massaged on hair, it relieves anxiety and reduces hair fall due to stress. It is also known to manage migraines and insomnia.
9. Revitalize damaged hair
Heat and hair styling products damage hair follicles. Sesame oil can be used to soothe damaged hair due to its coolant properties. The oil quickly penetrates and provides nourishment to the follicles to repair hair. It moisturizes hair and prevents it from drying.
10. Protects from UV rays
UV rays can cause a lot of damage to the hair follicle and the scalp. Sesame oil benefits hair by being a barrier between sun rays and hair. It forms a protective layer on the hair and protects against sunlight, pollution, and chemicals.
11. Promotes hair growth
Massaging sesame oil on the scalp prevents hair loss and penetrates the follicles, and stimulates hair growth. Sesame oil also prevents baldness and improves blood circulation.
How to use sesame oil for hair?
Sesame oil hair mask is very efficient in moisturizing hair and scalp. Here is a hair mask that will give you shiny, smooth hair and help eliminate the sesame smell.
- Take 2-3 tablespoons of sesame oil and warm it till lukewarm if you need it.
- Take some oil on a finger and apply gently to the scalp
- Massage your scalp and cover your hair with a shower cap
- Leave the mask for at least 1 hour
- Wash and conditioner your hair as you usually do.
Alternatively, you can use sesame oil on any hair mask that you use.
You can even mix sesame oil with almond oil to increase its efficiency and nourish hair. Mis 2 tablespoons of sesame oil with almond oil and mix it well. Massage this oil onto the scalp and apply it from root to tips. Wrap a warm towel around the hair and leave it for 30-40 minutes and rinse it using a mild shampoo. Condition your hair as you usually do. Use this mixture 2-3 times a week for better results.
Take Away
The edible vegetable oil is beneficial for improving overall health and has many properties to strengthen hair. Sesame oil is antifungal, anti-bacterial, emollient, and nourishes hair intensely. It prevents premature greying, protects hair from UV rays, promotes hair growth, and also helps to get rid of dandruff. This article will help you know the benefits of sesame oil and how you can use it to improve your hair.
