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Is Sesame Oil Good For The Hair?
A lot has been spoken about how sesame/gingelly oil is great for the skin in terms of improving the skin texture, calming acne-prone and irritated skin as well as making the skin appear soft and supple all year round. However, the benefits of this oil on the hair are just as noteworthy. Since centuries, sesame oil has been used to ensure that the scalp was free of any bacterial and fungal infections as sesame oil is a natural antibacterial agent. It has also been found that the oil is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorous which gives hair all the nourishment and nutrients that it needs. Additionally, it also contained components such as B complex, Vitamin E and protein which helps strengthen the hair from the roots.
Thus, the oil nourishes the hair shaft while imparting moisture to it. This, in turn, makes the cuticles of the hair appear soft and shiny and makes them lie flat. When the cuticles lie flat, the hair strands reflect light which makes them appear glossier looking. Also, the hydration and moisture in the cuticles prevent hair damage and breakage caused due to dryness. Hair has more elasticity and looks bouncier rather than dry and lifeless. Another added advantage of hydrated cuticles is that even though you may step out into harsh climatic conditions, your hair will not turn frizzy and unmanageable. Simply running your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through your hair will keep them looking prim and proper.
How Is Sesame Oil Effective On Hair?
In addition to a ton of benefits that sesame oil imparts to the skin, it is said to be very potent oil for the hair as well. It competes with the popularly used natural oils for hair such as coconut oil, olive oil and almond oil. According to Ayurveda, sesame oil is said to be so nutritious for hair, that it is used as the base oil in the creation of different herbal oils known as “thailams”. Sesame oil contains high quantities of Vitamin E which nourishes the scalp, right from the shaft of the hair follicles. Thus, the roots are strengthened, preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth simultaneously as well.
Also Read : 15 Proven Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin, Hair and Health
Effect Of Sesame Oil On Hair
As mentioned earlier, the benefits of sesame oil on the hair are numerous. These include:
1. Encourages Hair Growth
Massaging warm sesame oil into the scalp helps enhance the blood circulation in the scalp. This ensures that the hair follicles get all the nourishment that they need, all the way from the shaft to the ends. The penetrative properties of the oil thus encourage hair growth.
2. Improves The Quality Of The Hair
Sesame oil is said to heal the chemical damage caused by external factors such as the excessive use of heat tools on the hair. It also revitalizes the hair, making it appear healthy and shiny.
3. Protects The Hair From UV Rays
Sesame oil acts as a sun-blocking agent. Thus, applying a few drops of sesame oil along the length of the hair forms a protective coating around it, preventing any breakage and damage that could occur as a result of extended exposure to the sun. Apart from the UV rays, the protective coating also fights the damage caused by pollutants in the atmosphere.
4. Moisturizes The Hair
Using sesame oil as an overnight hair mask with equal parts of root juice and lemon juice is the perfect remedy to fight dryness of the hair. Massage this mixture into your scalp and wash it off the next morning. You will be left with soft, nourished and moisturized hair that is frizz-free.
5. Prevents Hair-Loss
Hair loss can be due to a variety of factors. While diet and lifestyle play an important role in ensuring that your hair is healthy, another factor that significantly contributes to it is stress. Sesame oil has cooling properties. Thus, massaging warm sesame oil into the scalp before you sleep at night will help relieve stress, hence preventing hair loss in the long run.
You can also check out Anveya's Ban the fall hair serum. India's first hair fall control solution specially made for women. It contains key ingredients such as basil extract, onion oil and chamomile oil which reduces hair loss and increases multiplication of hair follicles.
ANVEYA BAN THE FALL ONLY FOR WOMEN,120ML
• Reduces hair loss in women
• Strengthens hair from the roots up
• Increases multiplication of hair follicles
• Soothes the scalp promoting denser hair
6. Prevents Premature Greying
Apart from all the many great properties that sesame oil has, it also has hair darkening capabilities which means that it can prevent premature greying. Thus, regularly using this oil will darken your hair as well as retain the natural colour of your hair for a longer period of time.
Also Read : Premature Gray Hair - Causes, Treatment & Prevention
7. Fights Head Lice
When mixed with essential oils, sesame oil can treat head lice and helps us to get rid of lice. Apply generous amounts of the oil all over the scalp for a couple of hours before shampooing the hair. This will help eliminate head lice. Since sesame oil is antibacterial, it prevents bacterial and fungal infections as well. Several essential oils are known for their hair benefits including getting rid of lice, so feel free to pick one that is suitable to you, remembering to dilute the essential oil well with the carrier oil.
8. Naturally Conditions The Hair
Applying warm sesame oil as a deep conditioner nourishes the hair, making it appear smooth, silky and healthy.
9. Prevents Dandruff
The antibacterial properties of sesame oil also prevent dandruff with natural treatment. Thus, massage the oil into your scalp every night before you sleep to soothe the scalp and prevent further aggravation.
10. Works As A Serum
Warming up 2-3 drops of the oil in between your palms and applying it along the lengths of the hair acts as a hair serum that will add shine and lustre to the hair while also acting as a leave-in conditioner.
Uses Of Sesame Oil For Hair
Though using sesame oil on its own has numerous benefits for the hair, using it in conjunction with other natural ingredients will ensure that specific hair concerns are targeted in a more efficient way. Some ways in which you can use sesame oil are:
1. Sesame Oil With Aloe Vera
Sesame Oil and Aloe Vera is a mixture that can be used on the hair to prevent damage caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun. This mixture forms a protective barrier around the shaft of the hair, thus making sure that the quality of your hair remains intact.
Also Read : Benefits of Aloe Vera For Healthy Hair with 15 Home Remedies
Ingredients
Equal parts of sesame oil and Aloe Vera gel.
Process
- Heat the combined mixture of the oil and the gel in a saucepan for a couple of minutes.
- Let it rest until the mixture turns lukewarm.
- Massage this scalp into your roots for about 5 minutes and coat the lengths of your hair with it as well.
- Wash it out with a mild shampoo after 30-45 minutes.
How Often
Twice or thrice a week.
2. Sesame Oil With Carrier Oil
Sesame Oil and a carrier oil such as Almond oil helps deep condition the hair without weighing it down or making it look greasy and lifeless. Almond oil is also a rich source of magnesium, Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids which gives your hair all the nourishment that it needs. We recommend adding Anveya's Almond Oil to all your hair care concerns.
ANVEYA SWEET ALMOND OIL, COLD PRESSED ORGANIC, 100ML
- Antioxidant properties fight WRINKLES & SAGGING SKIN
- One of the best oils for MASSAGE
- Rejuvenates dead cells, moisturizes CHAPPED LIPS
Ingredients
Equal parts of sesame oil and almond oil and a hot towel.
Process
- Start by massaging the oil mixture into your scalp for about five to ten minutes. Also, ensure that the entire length of your hair is covered.
- Wrap your hair in a hot towel i.e. a towel that has been soaked in hot water.
- Leave this on for about 45 minutes so that the oil mixture gets absorbed into the scalp well.
- Rinse it out with a mild shampoo.
How Often
Twice a week.
3. Sesame Oil With Eggs
For those who suffer from dull and lifeless looking hair, this hair mask is your best bet. Eggs are good for hair as they contain high amounts of protein in them which repairs any damage to the hair shaft. It also strengthens the hair follicles which prevents hair fall while adding lustre and shine to the hair.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. sesame oil
- eggs
Process
- Use 1 whole egg if you have normal hair, 2 egg whites if you have oily hair and 2 egg yolks if you have dry hair.
- Whisk the eggs into the oil to get a homogenous mixture.
- Apply this to your scalp and the lengths of your hair for 30 minutes before washing it off with cool water.
- Avoid using hot water so as to prevent "cooking" of the egg.
How Often
Twice a week.
4. Sesame Oil And Fenugreek
This is a miracle hair mask for those suffering from dandruff and bacterial infections of the scalp. Fenugreek benefits the hair and it is a very potent ingredient in the treatment of dandruff. It also makes the hair super soft and shiny, which is an added benefit.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. each of Sesame oil
- Fenugreek seeds
- Hot water
- A hot towel.
Process
- Mix fenugreek seeds and sesame oil in a jar. Place this jar in a hot water pot to heat the mixture indirectly.
- Turn off the heat after about 5 minutes and wait for the oil to turn lukewarm.
- Massage this mixture into your scalp, eventually working it into your hair. Wrap a hot towel around your hair to further facilitate absorption of the mixture into the scalp.
- Let this rest for 30-40 minutes before rinsing it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often
Thrice a week.
How to Choose Good Quality Sesame Oil?
There are different varieties and blends of sesame oil available in the market today. However, it is important to know the best quality of oil available for the price that you pay. Broadly, there are two kinds of sesame oil-based on quality:
1. Unrefined Sesame Oil
This is amber-coloured oil which contains the most amounts of antioxidants in it. It is also the richest in terms of vitamins such as Vitamin B6 and minerals such as copper, magnesium and calcium. Though this may be slightly expensive than refined sesame oil, this is definitely the most potent version available. Look for "cold-pressed sesame oil" on the pack.
2. Refined Sesame Oil
This is light in colour and is often used in cooking rather than in hair care products.
Hence, by using this super affordable and easily accessible oil, you can make sure that you will love to have a selfie with your hair anytime! All that you have to do is to diligently use the oil at least twice or thrice a week for best results!
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
