Black Seed Oil For Hair Growth: Benefits And Uses

Hair loss can be due to stress, hormonal changes, hairstyles, treatments, genes, or medications. You can eat more protein, use egg products, and reduce stress to promote hair growth. If you believe in home remedies, you can also try black seed oil for hair growth. Black seed oil is an oil harvested from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a small flowering plant found in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It is not only used to make curries, but also in hair care products. It contains nutrients that can support healthier hair growth. You can apply it directly or mix it with other oils for hair growth. But before using black seed oil for hair growth, know all its benefits.

Black Seed Oil For Hair Growth

Black seed oil can improve shine, texture, and volume, and reduce hair loss, according to a study published in the Journal of Tropical Medicine in 2017. Here’s how black seed oil can help promote hair growth:

1. Provides nutrients for hair

Black seed oil contains essential fatty acids and vitamins like vitamin E that are beneficial for overall hair health, says dermatologist Dr. Akriti Gupta. These nutrients can nourish the scalp and hair follicles, potentially supporting healthier hair growth.

2. It can reduce scalp inflammation

Scalp inflammation can lead to hair loss and hinder hair growth. Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties, mainly due to compounds like thymoquinone. By reducing scalp inflammation, it can create a more favorable environment for hair follicle growth.

3. May have an antioxidant effect

The antioxidants in black seed oil can help protect hair follicles from damage caused by oxidative stress. This protection can help maintain hair follicle health and promote hair growth, says the expert.

4. Antimicrobial activity

Black seed oil has been used in skin and hair care products for its antimicrobial properties. It can help maintain scalp health by fighting microbes that could potentially inhibit hair growth or cause scalp conditions.

5. Moisturizing and conditioning

Topical application of black seed oil can help moisturize and soften the hair and scalp. This can reduce dryness and flaking of the scalp, which can contribute to healthier hair growth, says Dr. Gupta.

How to use black seed oil for hair growth?

Here are some simple ways to use black seed oil for hair growth:

1. Direct application

Warm the black seed oil slightly to make it easier to apply and to help it penetrate your scalp. Massage the oil directly into your scalp using your fingertips, focusing on the areas where you are losing hair. Gently massage your scalp using the oil for about 5-10 minutes to stimulate blood circulation. Leave the oil on your scalp for at least 30 minutes, then wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

2. Add to shampoo or conditioner

Add a few drops of black seed oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner. Use your hair care product as you normally would. Use black seed oil 2 to 3 times a week for best results and be consistent.

Mixing Black Seed Oil with Other Natural Ingredients

By combining black seed oil with these natural ingredients, you can create powerful treatments to promote hair growth and improve the overall health of your hair, says the expert. Here are some of the hair oil combinations you can try:

1. Black Seed Oil and Coconut Oil

Using black seed oil with coconut oil was shown to be effective in promoting hair growth in a 2014 study published in the International Journal of Ethics in Engineering & Management Education. Mix equal parts of black seed oil and coconut oil, then warm the mixture slightly and massage it into your scalp and hair. Leave it on your hair for about 30 minutes before washing it out with a gentle shampoo.

2. Black Seed Oil and Castor Oil

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which promotes hair growth and strengthens hair follicles, says the expert. After mixing equal parts of black seed oil and castor oil, apply it to your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots. Then massage gently for a few minutes and leave it on for at least an hour, then rinse with a gentle shampoo.

3. Black Seed Oil and Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great moisturizer and adds shine to your hair. Mix equal parts of black seed oil and olive oil, massage the mixture into your scalp and hair, and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing it out.

Black seed oil may help with hair growth, but do a patch test before using it. If you are allergic to black seed oil, you may experience a rash, itching, or redness.