How Emu Oil Helps With Hair Growth, Thickness, And Shine

Does Emu Oil Help In Hair Growth?

Yes, emu oil can stimulate hair growth. Here is how:

• Emu oil contains essential fatty acids: Fatty acids are known to stimulate hair follicle cell division. This, in turn, may stimulate hair growth. A study showed that emu oil, mixed with minoxidil (a medicine used to treat male pattern baldness), could result in improved hair growth (4).
• Emu oil easily penetrates the scalp: Its non-phosphorus composition and similarity to human sebum allows it to penetrate the scalp easily (4). This property also makes the oil an excellent carrier that enhances the potency of topical scalp medications, like minoxidil.
• Emu oil restores hair follicles: A study showed that emu oil might heal burn wounds and restore hair follicles. It also may make the follicles more active and mature (5).
• Emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties: Emu oil is widely used in skin care products to heal wounds and burns thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. The oil may also boost hair growth (5).

The following graph from the book Antioxidants depicts the anti-inflammatory activity of ozonated emu oil in mice. Inflammation was induced in the right leg of an NIH male mouse by administering carrageenan while the left leg was kept under control. 2% and 7% ozonated emu oil was applied on it and the height of inflammation was noted over intervals of 20 mins. The anti-inflammatory activity was in direct proportion to the concentration as 7% ozonated emu oil lowered the inflammation rapidly in comparison to the 2% one.

Comparison Of The Inflammation Height Of Emu Oil At 7% And 2%

• Emu oil contains high levels of linolenic acid: Linolenic acid is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. 5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme that helps convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (6). Dihydrotestosterone, at high levels, causes hair loss. Linolenic acid inhibits this action of 5-alpha-reductase and reduces the levels of dihydrotestosterone in the body. This, in turn, helps reduce hair loss (4), (6).
• Emu oil reduces oxidative stress on the scalp: Oxidative stress is caused due to over-accumulation of the harmful free oxygen radicals. Emu oil helps reduce oxidative stress and treats conditions like seborrheic dermatitisⁱ  A skin condition that occurs mainly on oily areas of the body, like the scalp, and causes scaly patches and redness.  (7). It also may help relieve scalp infections, prevent hair degradation and loss, and encourage hair regrowth.
• Emu oil is a good moisturizer: Moisturizing is essential to keep the roots and hair shaft healthy, soft, and shiny. Pure emu oil is a good moisturizer for hair and may promote hair growth. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
  
• Emu oil is a good emulsifier: Minoxidil is a hair growth medicine mixed with propylene glycolⁱ  A viscous, colorless, and odorless liquid derived from fatty acids that is generally used as an emulsifier. and ethanolⁱ  An organic, volatile, and colorless compound produced from biomass that acts as an emulsifier. . But this mixture may cause itching, dryness, and poor scalp penetration. Emu oil, which has superior scalp penetration properties, could be a better emulsifier for minoxidil (4).

These scientific studies show that emu oil works well for stimulating hair growth. But is emu oil really effective? Let us take a look at a few reviews from people who have used emu oil.

Emu Oil For Hair Loss – Reviews (Before And After)

Emu oil has not been scientifically proven as a hair growth oil, however, anecdotal reports claim that Emu oil not only supports hair regrowth in bald spots but also seems to add volume and length to hair. A blogger detailed her experience of using emu oil for hair growth, noting significant improvements along her scalp edges after consistently applying it three times a week. She wrote, “I’m really happy with the progress and hopefully it continues to grow this well over the remaining 2 months (i).”

Emu oil can potentially help with hair regrowth. The following section tells you how you can use the oil to achieve the same.

Emu oil can help with hair regrowth. The following section tells you how you can use the oil to achieve the same.

How To Use Emu Oil For Hair Regrowth?

Here are a few ways you can use emu oil for hair regrowth:

Method 1

• Comb your hair.
• Take a few drops of emu oil on your palm.
• Use your fingers to apply to the roots.
• Massage your scalp in a circular motion.
• Leave the oil on overnight. Wear a shower cap to protect your pillowcase.
• Shampoo the next day, as usual.
• You may also rub the oil on your hair strands for a healthy shine.

Method 2

• Mix equal parts of emu oil and coconut oil.
• Apply the mixture to your hair roots and hair strands.
• Massage your scalp in a circular motion.
• Leave the oil on overnight. Wear a shower cap to protect your pillowcase.
• Shampoo your hair the next day, as usual.

How Much Emu Oil To Apply?

One should know how to determine your hair type and scalp to know the amount of emu oil to use. If you have oily hair or scalp, apply it to only the area where you have hair thinning. If you have dry hair, apply emu oil to your scalp and your hair strands. Curly hair and thicker hair need more oil, while fine hair may require less of it. Long hair may need more emu oil. A little experimentation will help you understand the amount of emu oil that best suits your hair.

Quick Tip

Emu oil is a good carrier oil. You can mix a few drops of lavender, rosemary, peppermint, or tea tree essential oils and apply the mixture to promote hair growth.

Benefits Of Using Emu Oil For Hair

• It revives hair follicles.
• It boosts hair follicle cell division and hair growth.
• It penetrates the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
• It soothes the scalp as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
• It can be used with minoxidil for treating hair loss.
• It seals hair moisture and makes hair soft and shiny.

Emu oil sure seems beneficial to hair. But does it have any adverse effects?

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Emu Oil For Hair?

There are no documented side effects of emu oil. But to be safe, always talk to your doctor before using the oil. Do a patch test before applying it directly to your scalp. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using it unless prescribed by a doctor.

Where To Buy Emu Oil?

Buy pure emu oil from registered vendors. There is a difference between ‘processed’ and ‘rendered’ emu oil. Processed emu oil is free of other body residues of emu, while rendered emu oil may have contaminants.

Trivia

One emu bird can give you about 250 ounces of emu oil.

Infographic: Top Ways To Use Emu Oil For Hair Growth

Emu oil has essential fatty acids that promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and prevent hair damage. It moisturizes the hair, stimulates hair growth, soothes the scalp, and helps relieve scalp infections. In the below infographic, we have listed a few ways to use emu oil after consulting your dermatologist. Check it out!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does emu oil thicken skin?

Emu oil may thicken skin upon consistent use due to its moisturizing properties.

Does emu oil clog hair follicles?

If too much emu oil is left on the scalp for too long, it can mix with product residue, buildup, excess sebum, and dirt and clog the hair follicles. This is because it has a thick consistency. That is why it is not recommended for people with oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.

Does emu oil expire?

Emu oil can last up to 18 months to two years. You should keep it refrigerated.

Can you mix tea tree oil with emu oil?

Yes, you can mix tea tree oil and emu oil. However, dilute this combination with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or olive oil to create your own gentle, DIY hair oil.

Is emu oil cold-pressed?

Yes, unrefined emu oil is cold-pressed to keep its components and nutrients active.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Nithya RaghunathMBBS, MD

 

Dr. Nithya Raghunath is a leading dermatologist and cosmetologist practicing at Contura Clinic in Bengaluru, India. She has over 13 years of experience and specializes in various dermatological and cosmetic treatments, including lasers, hair loss treatments, facial rejuvenation, botox, fillers, acne scar treatment, etc.

Read full bio of Dr. Nithya Raghunath

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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