Hair shedding is a phenomenon that is experienced by everyone. Losing between 50 and 100 strands of hair every day is completely normal. However, if you are losing over and above the usual shedding you won’t be judged for being worried. Can black seed oil for hair save the day and prevent you from balding prematurely?
Though tons of hair care remedies exist, plant-based oils have of late made a place for themselves in great hair care. At the helm of these oils is black seed oil. Having a long history in its traditional use as a skin and beauty elixir, it is now gaining ground as the ultimate hair care treatment.
Black seed oil is usually packaged on its own or added to oils, shampoos, and other hair care products to improve volume and texture as well as to stop hair loss.
Does it deserve all this praise? Join us as we find out all there is to know about black seed oil and why it is great for your hair.
What Is Black Seed Oil?
Black seeds are the product ofNigella sativawhich is a flower native to Southwest Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.Its other names are black onion seeds, black cumin, black caraway, and kalonji.
Traditionally, they have been used for thousands of years to treat asthma, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, headaches, intestinal worms, and even as a weight loss aid.
Recently, black seed oil has become a staple in hair care remedies, and we’ll see why.
Is Black Seed Oil Good for Hair?
Black seed oil for hair growth has exponentially grown in recent years. Perhaps one of the best reasons is because it contains an antihistamine called thymoquinone.
You can use black seed oil on its own or combine it with other ingredients for even better results.
Thymoquinone is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound in this oil that fights skin conditions that may be caused by bacteria and fungi. It also contains alkaloids, proteins, and saponins which are responsible for boosting hair growth and slowing down the aging process of cells, which prevents hair thinning.
Thymoquinone also reduces hair fall due to inflammation of the hair follicles.
The effects of black seed oil on hair are:
· Regulation of imbalanced “hair growth cycle”
· Activation of hair follicles
· Nourishment of hair
· Increase of shine
· Elimination of scalp dryness
· Reduces inflammation in the scalp.
Black seed oil is usually packaged on its own or added to oils, shampoos, and other hair care products to improve volume and texture as well as to stop hair loss.
If your scalp needs soothing, just massage a few drops of black seed oil to it and it will relieve the irritation almost instantly.
How is Black Seed Oil Beneficial For Hair?
1. Maintains Scalp Health
Black seed oil contains antifungal, analgesic (painkilling), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties which promote scalp health. Issues such as dandruff and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are often treated with black seed oil allowing your hair to flourish. It also keeps your scalp moisturized while balancing its oil production.
2. Stimulates Hair Regrowth
Apart from thymoquinone which we have discussed, black seed oil also contains nigellone, both of which are potent antihistamines. Patients with alopecia areata as well as androgenic alopecia are often prescribed antihistamines to help with the hair regrowth. Using black seed oil is a safer, more natural way of encouraging this regrowth.
3. Curbs Hair Fall
Perhaps the greatest attribute of black seed oils as far as hair is concerned; hair fall often reduces once application begins. Black seed oil contains more than 100 different nutrients which deeply nourish the hair follicles. This extra nourishment nurses the hair back to health and so curbs hair loss.
4. Prevents Graying
Graying is caused by pigment depletion in the follicles. Black seed oil can both prevent and reverse greying as well as treat skin conditions such as vitiligo.
5. Conditions Hair
Black seed oil regulates theproduction of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by your scalp. This keeps your hair both moisturised and nourished without becoming greasy. It is also rich in fatty amino acids, which help seal the moisture in the shaft of your hair, managing frizz and making it more manageable.
6. Prevents Hair Damage
Free radicals can cause a lot of damage to your scalp and hair. The antioxidants in black seed oil can neutralise the effects of these free radicals keeping your scalp and hair damage-free and healthy.
7. Promotes Blood Circulation
Black seed oil has omega-3 and omega-6 biomolecules which encourage blood circulation, particularly in the head. The increased blood flow promotes faster growth of hair.
Potential Side Effects of Black Seed Oil
Does black seed oil agree with everyone? Unfortunately not.
Though not common, allergic reactions or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which is a severe skin reaction, may occur. Black seed oil can also cause blisters on hyper-sensitive skin.
To ensure black seed oil agrees with you, do a “patch test” and gauge any reactions. If pregnant, avoid black seed oil as it might have unforeseen adverse effects.
What Black Seed Products Can You Use?
While a broad array of products exist, here are some tried and tested ones:
- Melanin Haircare African Black Soap Reviving Shampoo
- Chi Luxury Black Seed Intense Repair Hot Oil Treatment
-
Amazing Herbs, Black Seed, 100% Pure Cold-Pressed Black Cumin Seed Oil
How to Use Black Seed Oil
Usually, it will take you between 30 minutes and one hour to treat your hair with black seed oil.
These are the steps you should follow:
- Generously pour some black seed oil onto your palms, rubbing them together to warm it up.
- Thoroughly massage the oil into your scalp, paying close attention to the areas that experience the most hair loss.
- After you have covered your scalp, work the oil from the roots of your hair to the tips in a systematic way.
- Let the oil stay in between 30 minutes and an hour at which time you can wash it off using your regular shampoo.
Do this 2 to 3 times a week.
Black Seed Oil Hair Reviews
Most of the reviews on black seed oil reviews are positive. The general sentiment is that this is one of the best hair oils that guarantees amazing results in a relatively short period of time.
How long does it take to see results from black seed oil?
Though results are obviously not uniform for everyone, you should see a marked improvement within three to four months.
You can use black seed oil on its own or combine it with other ingredients for even better results. An example is a combination of black seed oil with coconut oil and fenugreek. It’s an effective remedy for hair loss and thinning. It will also leave your hair strong and shiny. Fenugreek contains proteins and nicotine which promote hair growth as well as lecithin which strengthens hair. Other combinations can be olive oil, honey, castor oil, lemon, etc.
If you decide to give it a try and let us know in the comments how you get on!