Hemp Seed Oil For Hair – 4 Benefits And How To Use It

Improving hair health, reducing breakage, and more ways this oil keeps your locks happy!

Reviewed by Tiffany Young, Certified Trichology Practitioner Tiffany Young Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
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Hemp seed oil can do great things for your hair. It is extracted from hemp seeds and has a clear green color. Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant has a relaxing effect. Using hemp seed oil for hair has become a popular practice in recent years. Whether it is dry hair, rough hair, damaged hair, or scalp inflammation – hemp seed oil can help nourish and soothe your strands and the scalp. Hemp vitamins, proteins, and essential fatty acids make your hair healthy and lustrous. Read on to learn all the benefits of hemp seed oil for hair and how to use it. Scroll down!

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Hemp Seed Oil

What Is It?

Oil produced from the seeds of hemp, a cannabis plant

What Are Its Benefits?

Its essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants boost hair health.

Who Can Use It?

Anyone looking to improve their hair health can use this oil.

How Often?

The frequency of using hemp seed oil on your hair will depend on your individual hair type and needs.

Caution

The oil may interact with other hair products. It also may cause skin irritation when used on the scalp. Stop using the product right away if you experience any discomfort.

Benefits Of Using Hemp Seed Oil For Hair

While some evidence is available regarding hemp seed oil’s benefits for health, it is also said to have positive effects in maintaining hair health. This nourishing oil is said to possess antibacterial properties, treat scalp infections, stimulate hair growth, moisturize the scalp, and prevent breakage. Read on to learn more about in detail.

1. Treats Scalp Infections

Woman massaging her infected scalp with hemp seed oil
Image: Shutterstock

If you are looking for a good hair oil with antibacterial properties that treat scalp problems, then hemp seed oil is the best option. An itchy and dry scalp requires special attention. Hemp seed oil has antibacterial properties (1). Thus, it may  help cure scalp infections. The omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids and gamma-linoleic acid in hemp seed oil moisturize the scalp by dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood circulation (2), (3). Thus, it may help treat dryness, itchiness, and dandruff.

Note: Hemp seed oil does not leave behind any build-up on your scalp that may lead to flakes.

2. Stimulates Hair Growth

Hemp seed oil is a rich source of all omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are crucial for stimulating hair growth (4). This hair oil enhances blood circulation in the scalp and nourishes each hair follicle. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that hemp seed oil stimulates hair growth by preventing unwanted substances from entering the hair follicles.

3. Moisturizes The Scalp

Woman moisturizing her scalp with hemp seed oil
Image: Shutterstock

If your hair is dehydrated and needs moisture, hemp seed oil is your savior. This oil not only hydrates your scalp and hair in dry climatic conditions, but it also gets absorbed quickly into your scalp (5). The high absorption capacity of this oil alleviates the chances of it causing greasiness and hair damage. The exceptional moisturizing property of this oil absorbs water that remains on your scalp to provide long-term hydration. Also, it contains vitamin E which leaves your hair hydrated and soft (6), (7).

Note: Hemp seed oil does not weigh down your hair.

Telisse, a curly haired YouTuber, used hemp oil as a pre-poo treatment and loved it, as it gave her hair more moisture and definition. She also noticed that it helped reduce hair fall. She says, “My hair is feeling very healthy, as it has soaked up this oil (i).”

4. Prevents Breakage

Hemp seed oil
Image: Shutterstock

Hemp seed oil is rich in fats, proteins, and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) that may help strengthen your hair. Hemp seed oil can help improve hair density by activating your hair’s natural defense barrier. However, research is limited to prove this claim. The moisturizing properties of hemp may help prevent hair breakage, split ends, and dryness.

protip_icon Did You Know?
It is believed that hemp seed oil was first used in Ancient China to treat several medical ailments and as a source of nutrition.

These are the ways hemp seed oil could benefit your hair. The following section lists a few methods of using this oil to reap its maximum benefits. Check them out!

How To Use Hemp Seed Oil For Hair

1. Prepare Your Own Hemp Seed Oil Hair Mask

A hemp seed oil hair mask is easy to prepare with ingredients that are easily available in your kitchen. Here’s the preparation process for your own DIY hair mask.

What You Need

  • Hemp seed oil – 2-4 drops
  • Peeled avocado – Half
  • Banana – Half
  • Aloe vera gel – 1 teaspoon
  • Honey – 1 tablespoon
  • Egg yolk – 1
  • A few drops of your favorite essential oil

What To Do

  1. Separate the yolk from the egg and whip it until foamy.
  2. Mix all the ingredients in a blender until they form a paste.
  3. Divide your hair into sections and apply the hair mask from roots to ends.
  4. Leave the hair mask in your hair for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Rinse it off with cool water. Do not use warm water as it can cook the egg.

2. Add Hemp Seed Oil To Hair Dye

Two bottles filled with dye and hemp seed oil with a brush
Image: Shutterstock

You can add hemp seed oil to your hair dye before coloring your hair. This can protect your hair from the damage caused by hair dye. Add 2 drops of hemp seed oil to the dye and mix it thoroughly before applying it to your hair.

3. Hemp Seed Oil Spray For Your Hair

Hemp seed oil spray can help detangle your hair easily and give it lots of shine. Here is a simple method for making your hemp seed oil spray.

What You Need

  • Water – 1 cup
  • Hemp seed oil – 5-8 drops
  • Essential oil – 1 or 2 drops

What To Do

  1. Pour 1 cup of water into a spray bottle.
  2. Add 5-8 drops of hemp oil.
  3. Mix a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil for added aroma.
  4. Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients.
  5. Spritz it on your hair whenever you want to refresh it.

4. Massage Your Scalp With Hemp Seed Oil

Woman spraying hemp seed oil while massaging her hair.
Image: Shutterstock

Simply massage a few drops of hemp seed oil into your scalp and hair before you go to bed. The next morning, wash it off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo to get shiny and silky hair.

protip_icon Quick Tip
When you are choosing your hemp seed oil, ensure that the dosage, ingredients, serving size, and third-party certification are given on the package.

Infographic: Know More About Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp oil has gained popularity over the last few years, as apparent from its widespread use in cosmetics. However, it is still a lesser-known plant-based oil than a few more popular candidates like argan oil, olive oil, or coconut oil.

Check out the infographic to know more about hemp seed oil.

know more about hemp seed oil (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Although there is little scientific evidence backing the benefits of hemp seed oil for hair care, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting its usage. This natural oil has antibacterial and moisturizing properties that keep your hair healthy and beautiful. You can use it regularly to treat scalp infections and maintain scalp health, stimulate hair growth, and prevent hair breakage. The vegan and cruelty-free oil may also help reduce scalp inflammation and improve scalp moisturization. You can add hemp seed oil to hair masks, dyes, and sprays or massage your scalp with it directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hemp oil good for curly hair?

Yes. Hemp oil works great as a natural curl definer and helps strengthen hair.

Is hemp oil good for frizzy hair?

Yes. Hemp oil is rich in omega-fatty acids that help combat dry and frizzy hair.

Is hemp oil good for high-porosity hair?

Yes. The gamma-linoleic acid in hemp seed oil helps retain moisture and form keratin, making it ideal for high-porosity hair.

Can you put hemp oil on wet hair?

Yes. You can apply hemp oil to wet hair to help maintain shine and boost its growth.

Can I leave hemp seed oil in my hair overnight?

Yes. It is safe to leave hemp seed oil in the hair overnight.

Key Takeaways

  • Hemp seed oil is rich in vitamins, proteins, and healthy fatty acids.
  • It can be an important addition to your hair care routine to improve hair smoothness, shine, and luster.
  • It not only helps soothe your scalp but also nourishes and strengthens the hair strands in and out.
  • When used in combination with hair dyes or as a mask or spray, hemp seed oil can help give you a visible difference.

Illustration: Hemp Seed Oil For Hair - 4 Benefits And How To Use It

hemp seed oil for hair

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team


Unlock the power of Hemp Oil for your hair and skin in this enlightening video. Discover the incredible uses and benefits of this natural wonder for nourished, healthy-looking hair and radiant, rejuvenated skin. Check it out!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Formulation, Characterization and Properties of Hemp Seed Oil and Its Emulsions
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6154611/
  2. Moisturizers: The Slippery Road
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/
  3. Antioxidants help favorably regulate the kinetics of lipid peroxidation, polyunsaturated fatty acids degradation and acidic cannabinoids decarboxylation in hempseed oil
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324387/
  4. Detection of cannabinoids in hair after cosmetic application of hemp oil
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6385314/
  5. Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740396/
  6. Hemp-seed and olive oils: their stability against oxidation and use in O/W emulsions
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16130045/
  7. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
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Tiffany Young
Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner
Tiffany Young is the CEO and founder of ThinHairThick and a certified trichology practitioner with 6 years of experience. She is also a recognized expert in the hair and beauty industry with celebrity clientele. Her own personal struggles with hair loss created an opportunity for her to deep-dive into learning all things related to medical conditions and external factors that contribute to hair loss.

Read full bio of Tiffany Young
Arshiya Syeda
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.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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