7 Reasons To Use Sesame Oil For Your Hair

Know Your Ingredient: Sesame Oil

What Is It?
It is an antioxidant-rich edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds.

What Are Its Benefits?
It treats scalp and hair issues due to its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. The vitamins and minerals help nourish the hair.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone can safely use it on their hair and scalp.

How Often?
Best used once or twice a week as a hot oil massage.

Caution
People with oily hair/scalp may use it in moderate quantities.

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 antibacterialⁱ  An agent or substance that kills bacteria or prevents them from growing and causing diseases. , antifungalⁱ  An agent that acts against fungal infection or prevents or inhibits them from growing and causing infection. , and anti-inflammatoryⁱ  A substance or drug that minimizes or eliminates inflammation or swelling and relieves pain in the body. 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.

Trivia

Sesame oil, also known as ‘til ka tel’, is one of the oldest plants to be used as an oil. It is commonly used in India, the Middle East, Japan, Korea, and China for its various medicinal properties.1)

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 is one of nature’s most potent natural oil that 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). This effective hair treatment 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 try a hot oil massage to prevent hair loss using sesame oil to nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. 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, making it a popular ingredient in beauty products. 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.

8. May Kill Lice

Sesame oil is used as a traditional remedy for lice treatment. While there is limited research on its efficacy in eradicating lice, some people believe that such oil-based treatments can suffocate lice and loosen their grip on the hair to make them easier to be removed.

Sesame oil is also known for its antibacterial properties. While anecdotal evidence supports its use, more controlled research is needed to confirm its effectiveness against head lice. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended for the best course of action.

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, helps in hair conditioning, and boost hair growth (9).

You Will Need

• Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons
• Almond oil, 2 tablespoons

Process

1. Mix the sesame and the almond oils in a bowl.
2. Massage the oil mixture into your scalp and work it into your hair. Ensure you cover your entire hair length.
3. Wrap your hair around with a hot towel. You can heat the towel by immersing it in hot water.
4. 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

1. Mix the aloe vera gel and sesame oil in a saucepan. Heat for a couple of minutes and set it aside to cool.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and let it sit for 30-45 minutes.
3. 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

1. Mash the avocado until there are no lumps. Mix it with the sesame oil to form a smooth, consistent paste.
2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for an hour.
3. 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

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

Irina Kuka, a blogger, shares her positive experience with using natural coconut and sesame oil for beauty purposes, highlighting the benefits of it for hair, body, and makeup removal. She said, “I tried it myself and have seen positive results (i).”

5. Sesame Oil And Curry Leaves

Anecdotal evidence suggests that using curry leaves for hair growth may not only help curb hair fall but also promote healthy hair growth.

You Will Need

• A bunch of curry leaves
• Sesame oil, 3 tablespoons

Process

1. 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.
2. Massage the cooled oil into your scalp and work it into your hair. Ensure you cover your entire hair length.
3. Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
4. 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

1. Mix the sesame oil and ginger juice in a bowl.
2. Massage the oil mixture into your scalp and work it into your hair. Ensure you cover your entire hair length.
3. Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
4. 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

1. Beat the egg(s) with the oil to form a consistent mixture.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. 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

1. Place the fenugreek seeds in a jar with the sesame oil. Place this jar in a pot of boiling water.
2. Turn the heat off in a couple of minutes. Allow the mixture to cool until it is only slightly warm.
3. Massage the mixture into your scalp and work it into your hair.
4. Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
5. 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

1. Mix the sesame oil with honey in a bowl.
2. Massage the mixture into your scalp and work it into your hair.
3. Wrap your hair with a hot towel.
4. 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.

Quick Tip

Use cold-pressed or raw sesame oil in combination with other ingredients to nourish and moisturize your hair.

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 anaphylaxisⁱ  A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to a substance that needs to be treated right away. (15), (16). If you observe any allergic reactions with sesame oil, stop use and consult a doctor immediately.

Infographic: 5 Easiest Ways To Use Sesame Oil For Your Hair

Sesame oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that help in hair growth and improve scalp health. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are especially helpful in treating scalp flaking and itching. We have listed some of the easiest DIY recipes in the infographic below. Check it out to know how you can include this awesome ingredient in your hair care regimen.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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 comedogenicⁱ  A cosmetic product or ingredient that tends to clog pores and encourage or produce blackhead formation. . 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.

Illustration: Sesame Oil For Hair: Hair Growth And Other Uses

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Experience the power of sesame oil! Check out this video to learn how to double hair growth and get long, thick hair with this natural oil. Try it today and see the results!

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Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist

 

Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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