Last modified on December 3rd, 2022
Black seed oil on hair is one of the primary uses for this amazing substance.
Putting it on your hair is just one of many ways you can use this ancient remedy, however. There are numerous other benefits. For example, the properties of black seed oil include antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
For hair, in particular, the benefits of black seed oil might include keeping your scalp healthy and moisturized and reducing dandruff.
Black seed oil for hair may help with growth and reduce hair loss and fallout.
Below we’re going to cover everything you should know about black seed oil on hair and how to use it. We’ll also briefly cover some of the other benefits.
Benefits of Black Cumin Seed Oil On Hair: Key Takeaways
Some of the potential benefits of black seed oil for hair include:
- Keeps dry hair hydrated and nourished
- Moisturizes and softens hair
- Help with certain scalp issues, including eczema and psoriasis due to antifungal activity
- May help with dandruff
- Could promote hair growth because of something called thymoquinone
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6, which can promote blood circulation and can improve hair growth within weeks
- Promotes antioxidant activity and have anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with seborrheic dermatitis and other skin conditions
- Relatively inexpensive
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed comes from Nigella sativa. Nigella sativa is a flowering plant. The plant used for black seed oil comes from Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia.
The seed is also known as nigella, black cumin, and black caraway.
Sativa seeds have a long history in traditional medicine, thanks largely to a component called thymoquinone. Thymoquinone has antioxidant properties that relieve inflammation.
In King Tut’s tomb, archeologists even found the seeds, indicating a long history of healing and protection.
Benefits of Sativa Oil
Black seed oil benefits include:
- Taking black cumin seed extract can lower high blood pressure.
- Sativa seed extract reduces high cholesterol, likely because it contains healthy fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid.
- May help obese women and men with weight loss
- Could lower blood sugar and help with glycemic control in people with diabetes
- You may find black seed oil helps reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits of black seed oil can help reduce symptoms in asthmatic patients and alleviate symptoms of bronchitis.
- Using black seed oil products can help with stomach pain and cramps, bloating, and ulcers.
- Black seed oil supplementation is thought to have anti-cancer properties. For example, the thymoquinone in black seed oil can help reduce tumor growth, at least as shown in animal studies.
- According to the Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, using a black seed oil lotion helps reduce acne and similar skin diseases as well as inflamed skin
- Applying the oil for skin topically can reduce psoriasis.
- Moisturizes and softens skin, among other dermatological effects
- Minimal if any adverse effects related to the Sativa plant
- Due to its ability to reduce inflammation and bacteria, this oil can help wound healing and stimulate growth factors to generate healthy new skin.
Benefits of Black Seed Oil On Hair
The oil boasts impressive health and beauty benefits. One reason people use it is for hair growth or to reduce hair loss.
Black seed oil for hair may be beneficial because it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. The oil can help with scalp health and keep it moisturized. Since the oil is rich in amino acids, it could also help moisturize and seal individual hair shafts.
If you have hair loss due to a condition like seborrheic dermatitis, it may help the condition and allow your hair to grow.
Since this seed oil has anti-inflammatory benefits, it can soothe your scalp and reduce inflammation.
Possible specific health benefits and therapeutic benefits of black seed extract on hair include:
- Using this oil can be hydrating to your hair. The oil softens and moisturizes, and that can improve the health and appearance of your hair. This particular seed oil is generally nourishing to hair.
- If you have skin or scalp issues, the oil can help promote a healthy scalp. For example, it may help with eczema and psoriasis. In some animal studies, black seed oil is more beneficial than prescription medicines for treating and managing certain scalp conditions.
- This seed oil can help with dandruff. Studies show black seed oil extracts can decrease fungal growth, and fungus organisms are thought to play a role in the development of dandruff.
- There is something called thymoquinone in black seed oil. Thymoquinone is a natural antihistamine. Antihistamines are a treatment option for alopecia. For that reason, black seed oil may promote hair growth. This oil also contains omega 3 and omega 6. Both encourage blood circulation, which can promote rapid hair growth in just three to six weeks.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your hair is a direct extension of your blood circulation. The idea then becomes that when you increase your blood circulation, it can improve the health of your hair and scalp.
Clinical studies show that some black seed oil extracts can reduce hair loss and shedding and promote growth.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study, hair oil containing Nigella sativa reduced hair loss by 70%. Additionally, after three months, 70% of the treatment group saw significant improvements in hair thickness and density.
How to Use Black Seed Oil On Hair
You have some different options as far as using black seed oil for hair growth or hair loss.
- Use hair products with black seed oil. Using a topical haircare product with black seed oil is the easiest way to get the benefits for your hair. You can add your own black seed oil to your shampoo or conditioner. You can also add it to hair lotions to help with hair growth and reduce hair loss.
- You can mix black seed oil with another carrier oil as a pre-shampoo treatment to promote scalp and hair health. For example, add some seed oil to coconut or castor oil. Then, apply the oil mixture to hair that hasn’t been shampooed. Let it sit on your hair and scalp for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. You can also sleep with the oil combination on your hair or wrap your hair with a warm towel to improve the therapeutic potential of this herbal hair oil.
- Consider taking black seed oil orally to help promote better circulation, which may help improve your hair health. You can take the oil by mouth directly, or you can use black seed oil capsules.
How Long Before You See Results of Black Seed Oil On Hair?
When using black seed oil on hair, it can take time to see results. For some people, it can take three to four months of regular use to really see healthier hair or experience hair growth, so be patient and manage your expectations.
Your hair isn’t going to grow long overnight, but there is real scientific evidence that if you stick with it, there are benefits of using black seed oil on hair.
Is It Safe?
Overall, black cumin oil, especially when used topically, is considered safe. You should do a patch test to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction like allergic contact dermatitis before you use it on your entire scalp.
Taking the oil orally could affect how your body processes other medications, so talk to your healthcare provider if you take any other medicines to ensure you’re not at risk for potential side effects.
Final Thoughts—Black Seed Oil On Hair
Adding black seed oil extract to your conditioner or using it with another oil like coconut oil can have significant hair benefits. There’s some evidence it can help with specific conditions like psoriasis and dandruff. There’s also some evidence black seed oil on hair can help reduce loss and promote growth.
Along with helping hair health, this natural product has a number of other healing properties that make it worth adding to your routine.
Ashley Sutphin Watkins
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services that we trust and believe will add value to our readers. Your support helps keep this website running and allows us to continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!"
