7 Reasons To Use Sesame Oil For Your Hair

Give your locks the ultimate goodness of this oil and make them healthy.

Medically Reviewed by Vd. Naveen Sharma, BAMS
July 28, 2022 By Arshiya Syeda

7 Reasons To Use Sesame Oil For Your Hair

Using sesame oil for your hair may help promote hair growth and improve scalp health. Sesame oil has been known for its healing and moisturizing properties for centuries. It is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals. Sesame oil, extracted from sesame seeds, has been used for multiple benefits, including hair root strengthening effects. In this article, we will delve into the hair care benefits of sesame oil. Scroll down to know how to properly apply sesame oil to your hair and make the most of its benefits!

In This Article

What Is Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants that could be beneficial for hair (1). The oil also has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat several scalp and hair issues. It is also enriched with vitamins B and E, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and protein. These nutrients help strengthen the hair from the roots.

In the following section, we will explore the benefits of sesame oil for hair.

Benefits Of Sesame Oil For Hair

1. Promotes Hair Growth

Sesame oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 fats (2). These fatty acids may help with hair growth. Deficiency of these fatty acids may lead to loss (3). Sesame oil also stimulates blood circulation and hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth. It also penetrates the scalp easily and helps heal hair from chemical damage.
Sesame oil also contains oleic acid that has quick-penetrating properties (4).

2. May Help Treat Dandruff

Sesame oil possesses antimicrobial properties that may help treat dandruff (5). Massaging sesame oil into your scalp every night before bed may help soothe your scalp and reduce dandruff. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Furthermore, sesame oil also may help moisturize the scalp/skin (6). It may help treat scalp flaking and itching associated with dandruff.

3. May Combat Scalp Dryness

The emollient properties of sesame oil may smoothen your hair strands (7). The fatty acids in this hair oil may help combat dryness. The oil penetrates deep into the hair roots and scalp and may hydrate hair. You can mix equal parts of sesame oil and lemon juice and use it to reduce scalp dryness. You can apply this oil to your scalp with your fingertips. Massage in a circular motion and cover all parts of the scalp. Leave it on overnight and wash the next morning.

For better results, soak a towel in hot water, squeeze out the excess water, and wrap it around your head. Keep it on for 30 minutes and shampoo your hair. The heat will allow the oil mixture to penetrate and condition your scalp deeply.

4. May Treat Premature Graying

Massaging your hair and scalp with sesame oil may prevent premature hair graying. In fact, sesame oil has hair-darkening properties (7). Regular use of the oil may help darken hair. The antioxidants in sesame oil may also help reverse premature hair graying. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

5. May Protect Hair From Harmful UV Rays

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to your scalp and hair. Sesame oil is a natural sun-blocking agent. It resists up to 30 percent of the UV rays (8). Applying sesame oil to your scalp and hair may prevent potential hair damage that could occur during extended sun exposure. The oil forms a protective coat around the hair shaft and keeps it safe from the harmful sun rays. It also saves your hair from the damaging effects of pollution.

6. Helps Soothe Hair

Anecdotal evidence suggests that sesame oil has soothing properties. Heat from the styling tools can dry your scalp by removing all the moisture. Sesame oil may help seal the moisture and protects air from further damage. Furthermore, this hair oil acts as a coolant. It nourishes the scalp from within.

7. May Make Hair Shinier

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the emollient properties of sesame oil may help boost hair shine. Rub 2 to 3 drops of the oil in between your palms and apply to your hair. You may also use the oil as a leave-in conditioner.

These are a few benefits of the oil. But what would be the best way to apply the oil to your hair? Keep reading.

How To Use Sesame Oil For Hair?

1. Sesame Oil With Almond Oil

Almond oil conditions your hair without weighing it down. It is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E may reduce the oxidative stress in the scalp and boost hair growth (9).

You Will Need

Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons
Almond oil, 2 tablespoons

Process

Mix the sesame and the almond oils in a bowl.
Massage the oil mixture into your scalp and work it into your hair. Ensure you cover your entire hair length.
Wrap your hair around with a hot towel. You can heat the towel by immersing it in hot water.
Leave the towel on for 30-40 minutes. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo.

2. Sesame Oil And Aloe Vera

Both aloe vera and sesame oil help reflect the harmful UV rays(10). This mixture helps form a protective barrier around your hair shaft and helps prevent sun damage.

You Will Need

Aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons
Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons

Process

Mix the aloe vera gel and sesame oil in a saucepan. Heat for a couple of minutes and set it aside to cool.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and let it sit for 30-45 minutes.
Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

3. Sesame Oil And Avocado

Avocado is rich in vitamin E and has a high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help maintain scalp health by neutralizing the damage-causing free radicals (11), (12). Avocado also contains oils that help nourish your hair and restore its health.

You Will Need

1 ripe avocado
Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons

Process

Mash the avocado until there are no lumps. Mix it with the sesame oil to form a smooth, consistent paste.
Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for an hour.
Wash with shampoo.

4. Sesame Oil And Coconut Oil

Coconut oil deeply nourishes your hair shaft with its rich content of fatty acids. It also helps control frizz and conditions your hair.

You Will Need

Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons
Coconut oil, 2 tablespoons

Process

Combine the sesame and coconut oils in a bowl.
Massage the oil into your scalp and work it into your hair. Ensure you cover the entire hair length.
Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and rinse your hair with a mild shampoo.

5. Sesame Oil And Curry Leaves

Anecdotal evidence suggests that curry leaves may help curb hair fall. They may also promote healthy hair growth.

You Will Need

A bunch of curry leaves
Sesame oil, 3 tablespoons

Process

Heat the sesame oil in a saucepan and add the curry leaves to it. Wait till you see black residue forming around the leaves. Set the oil aside to cool.
Massage the cooled oil into your scalp and work it into your hair. Ensure you cover your entire hair length.
Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and rinse with a mild shampoo.

6. Ginger And Sesame Oil

Ginger may help soften your hair and boosts hair shine. It also helps maintain scalp health.

You Will Need

Ginger juice, 1 teaspoon
Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons

Process

Mix the sesame oil and ginger juice in a bowl.
Massage the oil mixture into your scalp and work it into your hair. Ensure you cover your entire hair length.
Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and rinse with a mild shampoo.

7. Sesame Oil And Egg

Eggs are among the richest sources of protein. This pack will help treat the protein damage in your hair shafts. The pack also keeps your hair shiny, soft, and conditioned.

You Will Need

Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons
1 whole egg (for normal hair) or 2 egg whites (for oily hair) or 2 egg yolks (for dry hair)

Process

Beat the egg(s) with the oil to form a consistent mixture.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
Wash the egg pack off with cool water. Do not use warm or hot water as it may ‘cook’ the egg.

8. Sesame Oil And Fenugreek

Fenugreek is among the most popular remedies for dandruff (13). It helps soothe your scalp while conditioning your hair and adding shine.

You Will Need

Fenugreek seeds, 2 teaspoons
Sesame Oil, 2 tablespoons

Process

Place the fenugreek seeds in a jar with the sesame oil. Place this jar in a pot of boiling water.
Turn the heat off in a couple of minutes. Allow the mixture to cool until it is only slightly warm.
Massage the mixture into your scalp and work it into your hair.
Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and rinse your hair with a mild shampoo.

9. Sesame Oil And Honey

Honey helps moisturize your hair (14). Using it with sesame oil may also help condition your hair. However, use this pack sparingly as excess use of honey may lighten your hair color (as honey is a bleaching agent).

You Will Need

Sesame oil, 3 tablespoons
Honey, 1 teaspoon

Process

Mix the sesame oil with honey in a bowl.
Massage the mixture into your scalp and work it into your hair.
Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
Leave it on for 30-40 minutes and rinse your hair with a mild shampoo.

These are the various ways you can include sesame oil into your hair care routine. However, it is important to note that the oil may pose certain adverse effects.

Side Effects Of Sesame Oil

Some people could be allergic to sesame oil. Depending on the severity of the allergy, one may experience mild itching to anaphylaxis (15), (16). If you observe any allergic reactions with sesame oil, stop use and consult a doctor immediately.

Sesame oil has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and nutritional properties that benefit your hair and scalp. You can use sesame oil to aid hair growth, fight dandruff, curb a dry scalp, reduce premature graying of hair, and prevent photodamage. You can pair sesame oil with other ingredients like almond oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, avocado, curry leaves, egg, fenugreek, and honey. It is recommended to perform a patch test beforehand to check for allergic reactions. If you notice any redness, irritation, or inflammation, stop using sesame oil immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave sesame oil in your hair?

No. You shouldn’t leave sesame oil in your hair for too long as it is comedogenic. It can block your pores, irritate your scalp, and lead to various issues.

Is sesame oil or coconut oil good for hair?

It depends on your hair goals. While coconut oil helps maintain protein in the hair and soothe the scalp, sesame oil may work better on premature graying hair and dandruff.

Can sesame oil reverse gray hair?

No. Though it can’t reverse gray hair, anecdotal evidence suggests that sesame oil has hair-darkening properties that can increase melanin production and help you achieve new black hair.

Does sesame oil make hair thick?

Yes. Rubbing sesame oil on your scalp can increase blood circulation, spurting hair growth and health.

Is sesame oil better than castor oil for hair?

It depends on your hair needs. While castor oil moisturizes hair and prevents breakage, sesame oil is highly penetrative and provides deep nourishment.

Can I mix sesame oil with castor oil?

Yes. You can mix sesame oil with castor oil for deep nourishment and a smoother texture.

Key Takeaways

Sesame oil, extracted from sesame seeds, is high in important fatty acids and antioxidants, which may benefit hair.
Sesame oil improves hair growth, has antimicrobial characteristics that may help treat dandruff, combats scalp dryness, prevents premature hair graying, and protects hair from damage caused by prolonged sun exposure.
However, keep in mind that sesame oil can cause allergic reactions in certain people. These reactions can range from moderate itching to anaphylaxis.

Sources

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