Hair oils – from coconut oil to castor oil, cedarwood oil, jojoba oil and more – are perhaps well known as the secret to having soft, shiny, healthier-looking locks. However, hair experts point out that they are not all equal. And while grapeseed oil may not be the most talked about hair oil, experts share that it may be the most underrated in terms of the potential benefits it provides. can provide for every hair type and problem. The benefits of grapeseed oil range from improving hydration and shine, to acting as a natural heat protectant and sealant for split ends, and to working well with other hair oils in almost every formula it is woven into.
Additionally, it has been shown to soothe and nourish the scalp, washes out easily, and may even have some benefits for preventing hair loss. Here, we spoke with top hair professionals and a trichologist (a hair and scalp expert) to reveal the proven benefits of grapeseed oil, precisely how to incorporate it into your daily skincare routine capillaries, along with a carefully curated, professional-approved summary. of products that also contain natural power. It’s time to give grapeseed oil the attention it deserves.
What is grapeseed oil?
“Grapeseed oil is extracted from grape seeds and is widely used in skin and hair care due to its rich content in antioxidants, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids,” says Johnson. Philip B. agrees, adding that this is precisely why many products in his eponymous hair care line contain this natural element that makes the difference. “Grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids, making it a beneficial hair care ingredient,” he adds.
Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Hair
Philip B. explains that grapeseed oil is the ultimate trifecta when it comes to universal hair goals. “When applied to hair, grapeseed oil adds hydration, strength and shine,” he says. Our other experts agree that it truly has it all to deliver a long list of hair benefits. First, it can help hydrate and enhance shine. “Grapeseed oil contains a high level of antioxidants, vitamin E and omegas, making it one of the best natural choices for hydrating hair and maintaining a nourished, shiny and healthy appearance,” Johnson explains.
It can also help fight frizz and minimize split ends. “Grapeseed oil contains high amounts of linoleic acid, which can form a protective shield over the hair strand, sealing in moisture and protecting the outermost layer of the hair from UV as well as mechanical damage” , adds Johnson.
As if that wasn’t enough to incorporate into your daily hair routine, Johnson also explains that grapeseed oil is both gentle and non-irritating, so it’s a perfect option for treating certain scalp issues . “It contains essential fatty acids that can not only nourish the hair but also soothe the scalp,” she notes. “Grapeseed oil has an almost light texture, making it a great carrier oil to mix with other essential oils without weighing down your strands.”
How to Use Grapeseed Oil for Hair
“Grapeseed oil can be applied directly to damp hair to add shine and lock in moisture,” says Johnson. “Alternatively, it can be combined with other ingredients to nourish and strengthen the hair and scalp. » Johnson has developed a grapeseed oil blend that’s ideal for at-home use, especially if you’re looking for a simple, natural method to help boost the softness and elasticity of your hair. She recommends mixing four drops of cedarwood essential oil to help slow thinning and improve hair growth, with three drops of rosemary essential oil to help strengthen strands, plus two drops of soothing lavender essential oil and one drop of ginger essential oil with half an ounce. with a blend of jojoba and grapeseed oils to create the ultimate hydrating nutrient seal on strands.
Friese notes that one of the many benefits of grapeseed oil is that it can be used on all hair types. “Especially if used as a scalp treatment, since the focus is more on the skin,” she says. “It can be used to massage the scalp and also acts as a heat protectant when using hot styling tools.” When applying grapeseed oil directly to the scalp, Friese advises massaging it in well and leaving it on for as long as you like. But make sure to rinse it well and shampoo well. Friese also likes to mix grapeseed oil with rosemary oil or cedarwood oil because of how easily it can mix and interact with other natural oils.
Philip B. explains that how you should use grapeseed oil depends on the desired effect you want to achieve. For example, to treat the scalp: “Massage a few tablespoons (decide the amount based on the amount of hair you have) of warm grapeseed oil onto your scalp, moving it along the roots of your hair and repeat twice a week if necessary. ” he says. To tame frizz and seal cuticles, he recommends applying a dollop of grapeseed oil directly to damp hair, then combing through from roots to ends. To improve hydration, he suggests mixing grapeseed oil with your regular conditioner right in the shower.
When to Avoid Grapeseed Oil for Hair
Johnson explains that although grapeseed oil is 100% gentle and safe, and therefore suitable for use on the hair and scalp, you may want to apply it diligently so as not to become too oily. “If you want to use it on the scalp, only apply a small amount with a cotton pad or your fingers and massage well into the scalp to avoid excess oiliness,” she explains. Friese points out that rare side effects from using grapeseed oil, like all essential oils, can include headache, itchy scalp, dizziness and nausea. “People with grape allergies should also not use grapeseed oil,” she adds. Philip B. also recommends that anyone prone to acne, especially around the hairline, avoid applying grapeseed oil or other pure oils directly to the scalp. “This can potentially exacerbate oiliness,” he says.
Frequently asked questions
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How long can you leave grapeseed oil in your hair?
Because grapeseed oil is very light, Philip B. says you can leave it in your hair for as long as you want, from 30 minutes for a quick conditioning treatment to overnight for a deeper treatment. “Grapeseed oil is a sealant, so it works best with damp hair,” advises Johnson. And of course, be sure to rinse, shampoo, and condition afterward to avoid oil and residue buildup on the scalp and hair.
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Does grapeseed oil help with hair loss?
“Yes, grapes contain proanthocyanidins, which are a type of antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in hair follicles that can lead to hair loss and help stimulate hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss” , explains Friese. Philip B. points out that “while there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of grapeseed oil for hair loss, its nourishing properties may help strengthen hair and promote a healthy environment for the scalp, which can indirectly support hair growth and reduce hair loss. ” he says.
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Is grapeseed oil or rosemary oil better for hair growth?
Friese says that while there seem to be more studies on rosemary oil for hair growth, they can both be beneficial. “And mixing them can give you the benefits of both,” she says. “For example, the hydrating properties of grapeseed oil can help balance the scalp while the stimulating properties of rosemary oil can help promote hair growth.”