What Is Black Seed Oil? How To Use Black Seed Oil (Kalonji) For Hair Growth And Baldness

It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hair strands daily (1) However, you also must be wary of irregular or sudden hair loss or hair shedding. You can solve this problem by using black seed oil (Kalonji) for hair growth. These black cumin seeds are scientifically known as Nigella sativa and are known to contain nutrients that stimulate hair follicles.

Stress, pollution, and age can lead to increased hair loss, so it is a good idea to be proactive if you want to fight hair fall. Apart from making changes to your lifestyle, you can also try incorporating black seed oil into your hair care regimen to curb hair loss. Using the oil regularly can help treat hair issues and also boost hair growth. Check out this article to understand how to use black seed oil.

Know Your Ingredient: Black Seed Oil

What Is It?
A golden liquid extracted from black caraway seeds that has a light peppery aroma.

What Are Its Benefits?
It boosts hair growth, reduces skin inflammation, prevents premature graying, and treats dandruff and scalp psoriasis.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone can use it, especially people with androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata.

How Often?
You can use it twice or thrice a week.

Caution
Avoid using it if you are pregnant or have sensitive skin. It may cause blisters and rashes in some people.

What Is Black Seed Oil? What Are Its Medicinal Properties?

Black seeds are produced by Nigella sativa, a flower native to Eastern Europe, Southwest Asia, and the Middle East. They are commonly known as black caraway, black cumin, black onion seeds, and kalonji. These seeds have been used in herbal remedies for thousands of years for allergies, asthma, diabetes, headache, weight loss, arthritis, and intestinal worms.

Today, black seed is most commonly used in beauty and hair care remedies. The oil extracted from these seeds has antioxidant properties that help relieve inflammation on the skin.

Black seed oil provides all-around natural wellness due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. Thymoquinone, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound in the oil, fights skin diseases caused by bacteria and fungus (2). Thymoquinone contains proteins, alkaloidsⁱ  Nitrogenous organic compounds of plant origin. , and saponins that boost hair growth and slow down the aging process of cells, thus preventing hair thinning (2). It reduces hair fall caused due to inflammation of hair follicles.

Black seed oil regulates imbalanced hair growth cycle and activates the hair follicles. It nourishes your hair, increases its shine, and eliminates scalp dryness.

Black seed oil is generally added to shampoos, hair masks, and other hair care products for improved thickness and texture of hair and managing hair loss. It also offers a wide range of other hair benefits that are discussed in the next section.

A blogger shared how black seed oil helped improve their health. They write, “One teaspoon every morning with coffee has proven to be phenomenal in giving my body the immune support I need to fight off colds and viruses (i).” They also mentioned that the oil offers for heart health support.

Winstina, a blogger, passionately advocates for the use of black seed oil owing to its wide range of health benefits. It helped manage a fibroids issue she was dealing with. She recounts, “I started taking black seed in vegetable capsules. Within a few weeks, the pain had subsided, my bloating went down and now my fibroids are starting to shrink (ii).” She added that it also helped her manage her weight, aided weight loss, and detoxified her body.

Benefits Of Black Seed Oil For Hair

1. Maintains Scalp Health

Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic (pain-killing) properties that help in maintaining scalp health (3). It deals with issues like dandruff and soothes skin conditions, such as psoriasisⁱ  A skin disorder that causes skin cells to build up and result in elevated, dry, scaly, and itchy patches. and eczemaⁱ  A skin condition diagnosed in both children and adults that causes rough, dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. . It also has a moisturizing effect on the scalp and also balances oil production.

2. Stimulates Hair Regrowth

Black seed oil is known as a hair growth stimulant as it contains nigellone and thymoquinone both of which are powerful antihistaminesⁱ  Drugs that treat allergies and their symptoms, including hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis, and responses to insect bites or stings. . Antihistamines are commonly prescribed to patients with androgenic alopeciaⁱ  A common type of permanent hair loss in men and women that results from an overreaction to androgens (male sex hormone). or alopecia areataⁱ  A condition where the hair follicles are attacked by the immune system, leading to hair loss. (4). Using black seed oil is a safe way to reap the benefits of antihistamines for hair regrowth without having to take any medication.

3. Curbs Hair Fall

This is the most commonly known benefit of black seed oil when it comes to hair. It is one of the best ingredients you could use to treat hair fall. It contains over 100 different nutrients that have a nourishing impact on your follicles and hair. The extra nourishment will nurse your follicles back to health, thus curbing hair loss (5).

4. Prevents Graying

Black seed oil is also known for its effectiveness in preventing and reversing graying. It contains linoleic acid that prevents the depletion of the pigment cells in your follicles (6). It is an effective treatment for people who have vitiligo, a skin condition where patches of skin lose their pigment over time (7).

5. Conditions Hair

Sebum, the natural oil produced in your scalp, keeps your hair moisturized and nourished. Not everyone’s scalp produces the same amount of sebum, making hair types range from dry to oily. Black seed oil normalizes the oil production on your scalp. This ensures that your hair remains well conditioned without becoming too greasy.

The oil is rich in fatty amino acids (6), (8). These amino acids help seal moisture in your hair shaft, thus softening the hair, easing frizz, and making it more manageable.

6. Prevents Damage

Free radicals can wreak havoc on your scalp and hair. Black seed oil contains antioxidants that neutralize the effects of free radicals on your hair. This helps keep your hair and scalp healthy and damage-free (6).

7. Promotes Blood Circulation

Black seed oil contains omega-3ⁱ  Polyunsaturated fatty acids that are usually found in seafood, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, and trout) and shellfish (crab, mussels, and oysters). and 6 biomolecules that encourage blood circulation, especially in the head. This promotes rapid hair growth within weeks (6).

You can use kalonji oil alone or in combination with other ingredients to boost hair growth. Following is a list of kalonji oil remedies that will arrest hair fall and promote hair regrowth.

Did You Know?

You can include black seed oil in your foods to reap its benefits. You can also drizzle this oil on your foods or can even take it in supplemental form.

How To Use Black Seed Oil For Hair Growth And Baldness

1. Kalonji Oil Hair Treatment

You Will Need

2 tablespoons black seed oil

Prep Time

1 minute

Processing Time

30 minutes-1 hour

Process

1. Pour the black seed oil into your palms and rub them against each other to warm it up.
2. Start massaging the oil onto your scalp. Focus on the areas that are losing most hair.
3. Once your scalp is covered in the oil, work the oil through your hair from the roots to the tips.
4. Leave the oil in for about 30 minutes to an hour and then wash it off with your regular shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Massaging helps stimulate your hair follicles and boosts hair growth. In addition to this, the kalonji oil will nourish your follicles with the essential nutrients that it needs to produce healthy hair (6).

2. Black Seed Oil With A Carrier Oil For Hair

Black seed oil can be used in combination with other carrier oils to boost its efficiency. Below are four kalonji oil treatments with olive, coconut, castor and rosemary oil that help promote hair growth.

i) Black Seed Oil And Olive Oil For Hair

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon black seed oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

30 minutes-1 hour

Process

1. Mix kalonji oil with olive oil in a bowl.
2. Start massaging the oil blend into your scalp. Focus on the areas that are losing most hair.
3. Once your scalp is covered in the oil, work the oil through your hair from the roots to the tips.
4. Leave the oil in for about 30 minutes to an hour and then wash it off with your regular shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

This treatment is ideal for people with oily/combination hair. Olive oil is an excellent hair conditioning ingredient that softens your hair and makes it silky and radiant. It deals with issues like hair breakage and split ends and facilitates hair growth (7). Olive oil, when combined with black seed oil, can eliminate dandruff, keeping your scalp and hair 100% clean.

ii) Black Seed Oil And Coconut Oil For Hair

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon black seed oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

1. Mix black seed oil with coconut oil in a bowl and heat the mixture for a few seconds in a microwave until it is slightly warm.
2. Massage this oil blend into your scalp for about 15 minutes and then work it through the entire length of your hair.
3. Once your hair and scalp are covered in the oil blend, leave it in for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Using coconut oil for hair growth is a popular practice due to its potential to penetrate deep into the hair shafts and follicles and provide much-needed nourishment (8). When used in combination with black seed oil, it boosts its efficiency as a hair fall remedy.

iii) Black Seed Oil And Castor Oil For Hair Growth

You Will Need

• 1 1/2 tablespoons black seed oil
• 1/2 tablespoons castor oil

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

30 minutes-1 hour

Process

1. Combine the black seed oil and castor oil in a bowl.
2. Start massaging the oil blend into your scalp, focusing on the areas that are losing most hair.
3. Once your scalp is covered in the oil, work the oil through your hair from the roots to the tips.
4. Leave the oil in for about 30 minutes to an hour before washing it off with your regular shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

This treatment is ideal for people with dry hair. Castor oil is well-known for its growth-boosting properties. It is packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties and is also rich in vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and omega-1 and 2 fatty acids (9). This helps increase hair thickness and the rate at which your hair grows. When combined with black seed oil, it can help curb hair fall and promote healthy and fast hair growth.

iv) Black Seed Oil And Rosemary Oil For Hair

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of black seed oil
• 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
• A clean bowl

Prep Time

5 minutes

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

1. Mix the oils in the bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it gently.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse off with a mild shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week

Why This Works

This treatment is ideal for all hair types, and particularly for dry, damaged, or thinning hair. Research supports the efficacy of rosemary oil in alleviating scalp itchiness and dryness (10). It also helps rebalance scalp moisture and tames hair frizz. Additionally, incorporating rosemary extracts into a herbal hair rinse may help make your hair appear fuller and healthier.

3. Lemon And Black Seed Oil For Hair

You Will Need

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons black seed oil

Prep Time

5 minutes

Processing Time

Overnight

Process

1. Squeeze out the juice from one fresh lemon and use it to massage your scalp.
2. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
3. Let your hair air-dry, then massage the kalonji oil into your scalp for about 10 minutes.
4. Once your scalp is covered, work the oil through the entire length of your hair from the roots to the tips.
5. Go to bed with the oil in your hair and wash it off the next morning with shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the collagenⁱ  A protein found in the tissues, cartilage, bones, and skin that provides structure and support to create new hair. levels in your scalp (11). Its acidic content also balances the pH of your scalp. However, do not keep it on for more than 15 minutes as it causes dryness and flakiness. Also, avoid this remedy if you have sensitive skin as lemon juice can cause redness and irritation. This remedy is perfect for people with oily hair who have been experiencing a lot of hair fall.

4. Black Seed Oil And Honey For Hair

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon black seed oil
• Warm towel

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl until they form a smooth paste.
2. Massage the mixture into your scalp. Focus on the areas that are losing the most hair.
3. Once your scalp is covered, work the mixture through the length of your hair from the roots to the tips.
4. Cover your hair with a warm towel to improve the efficacy of the hair mask.
5. Leave the mixture on for about 20 minutes to an hour before washing it off with your regular shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Honey is a humectant that seals the conditioning

effects of both the oils in your hair, leaving it feeling soft and manageable. You can also drink a mixture of one teaspoon of black seed oil and one tablespoon of honey mixed in a glass of water. This is a popular remedy that not only helps curb hair fall but also has many other health benefits.

5. Black Seed Oil And Fenugreek

You Will Need

• 1 ½ tablespoons black seed oil
• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 2 tablespoon coconut oil

Prep Time

3 to 4 minutes

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

1. Grind the fenugreek seeds into a fine powder.
2. Mix the olive oil, black seed oil, and fenugreek powder to make a paste. If the paste is too thick, add a little water.
3. Set it aside for an hour.
4. Apply this mask to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Rinse it off thoroughly with a natural shampoo.
6. Let your hair dry naturally.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

When combined, coconut oil and fenugreek act as a wonderful remedy for hair problems like hair loss and hair thinning. This mixture makes your hair strong and shiny. Fenugreek is a great source of protein and nicotine that promote hair growth and lecithin that makes your hair healthy and strong (12). This remedy nourishes the hair roots and improves your scalp health. Black seed oil is a carrier oil and thus can be mixed with essential oils. You can also find concentrated black seed oil in the market, but it is advisable to consult with a doctor before using it in a concentrated form.

Quick Tip

Do not expect immediate results after starting use of black seed oil. Hair growth may take at least two to three months to show.

Results – Before/ After

Since the density of black seed oil is thick, rinsing it can be a painful process. Check out the tips given below to remove black seed oil from your hair easily.

How To Remove Black Seed Oil From Hair Easily

Using just black seed oil does not cause build-up on the scalp, but using it with other carrier oils like olive or castor oil can lead to scalp build-up. In such cases, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo twice a week. This will keep your scalp clean and grease-free.

Though black seed oil works wonders on your hair, it does come with its fair share of potential side effects. Check them out below.

Potential Side Effects of Black Seed Oil

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to black seed oil, especially if they are allergic to ragweed or other related plants. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

So, it is best to do a patch test before applying black seed oil to your hair to avoid any allergic reaction or toxic epidermal necrolysis, a type of severe skin reaction. Though there are very few known side effects of black seed oil, in some cases, it can cause blisters on the skin caused by a toxic reaction. This oil should also not be used by pregnant women. If you have hyper-sensitive skin, consult a doctor before using this oil.

Infographic: 7 Reasons Why You Should Use Black Seed Oil For Hair Growth

Black seed oil is an underrated potion for your hair that helps you achieve all your hair transformation goals. You have read its benefits and how to use it in the sections above. Here’s an infographic to help you remember all the reasons you should be using kalonji oil for hair health regularly.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see results from black seed oil?

The time it takes to see results from black seed oil can vary depending on various individual factors and the specific condition being treated. For some, noticeable improvements may appear within a few weeks, while others may require consistent use for several months.

Can we apply kalonji oil on hair daily?

Yes, you may, if you are not allergic to it. However, regular oiling can lead to product buildup, and regularly shampooing can strip the natural oils. Therefore, it is safe to use kalonji oil 2-3 times a week for best results.

What oil makes hair grow faster?

Castor, jojoba, coconut, and almond oils may make hair grow faster.

Can I apply kalonji oil overnight?

Yes, you can apply kalonji oil overnight. In fact, leaving it on your hair overnight can provide maximum benefits, as the oil gets more time to penetrate and nourish the hair. However, remember to cover your hair or skin with a shower cap or towel to prevent the oil from staining your pillowcase or sheets.

Can I use black seed oil twice a day?

Yes, it is safe to use black seed oil on hair twice a day, although the frequency of use may depend on the individual’s hair type and condition. If you have dry or damaged hair, you may find that using the oil twice a day helps moisturize and nourish your hair, promoting healthier locks. However, if you have oily hair, using the oil twice a day may be too heavy and could leave your hair looking greasy.

Discover the amazing health benefits of black seeds. From boosting skin and hair health to aiding weight loss and enhancing immunity, learn how kalonji or nigella seeds can help you.

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Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

     

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

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