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If you’re interested in boosting your hair growth naturally, then you must have heard of using oils on your scalp. One nutrient-rich oil that is a must have in your natural hair growth journey is black seed oil! Below we shall be looking at how to use black seed oil for hair growth:
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil is basically a plant oil, just like castor oil or sesame oil. It is derived from the black seeds ofNigella sativa, which is the scientific name of the black seed plant.
What Makes Black Seed Oil Special for Hair Growth?
Black seed oil is available in liquid form or capsules as a supplement but many people actually use it externally. It has many beauty benefits like moisturizing skin, fading scars and promoting hair growth.
In the book Natural Remedies of Arabia by Robert W. Lebling and Donna Pepperdine MH, the use of Nigella sativa seed powder, together with arugula juice, olive oil and vinegar is mentioned as a remedy to control hair fall.
According to this study of patients with telogen effluvium where thinning or shedding of hair occurs due to early entry of hair in the telogen phase (which is basically what is known as hair loss or hair fall), experienced significant increment of hair density and thickness after using a lotion containing 0.5% Nigella sativa, daily for three months.
The study also noted that the treatment reduced scalp inflammation in the patients.
What makes Nigella sativa so special for hair growth is its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One of its active ingredients isthymoquinone, which arms black seed oil with its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How to Use Black Seed Oil for Hair Growth
Since unadulterated black seed oil is a very pure oil extracted purely from Nigella sativa seeds, it is quite potent and you will see results quickly provided you use it consistently.
Though you can use it neat on your scalp, like how I did, if you have a sensitive scalp, please mix it with another plant oil such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil.
Most importantly, please always do a patch test with black seed oil first before applying it onto your whole scalp.
To do a patch test, simply rub a drop of black seed oil on your inner elbow, inner wrist, or behind your ear if you plan to apply it on your scalp. Wait for 15-30 minutes. If there is no reaction such as redness, itching or burning, then it’s safe to use the oil on a larger portion of your skin or scalp!
Here are is a good recipe showing how to use black seed oil for hair growth:
Hair Growth Potion
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons of pure black seed oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops rosemary essential oil
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions
- Carefully pour your black seed oil into a dropper bottle or glass jar. It’s better to use glass and avoid plastic. If possible, use amber colored jar/bottle to block away light that can gradually oxidize your oil.
- Next, add your essential oils drop by drop.
- Gently tilt the bottle up and down to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Your hair growth potion is ready!
- Store in a cool dry place. If using a transparent glass jar as opposed to an amber colored one, then store in a dark place.
- To use, massage a suitable amount of the mixture onto your entire scalp, then cover your hair with a damp towel or shower cap. After an hour, wash your hair as you would normally, but this time make sure to shampoo twice to get rid of all the oils. Use a natural shampoo and conditioner.
Can you leave black seed oil in your hair overnight?
Yes, you can! Make sure you throw an old towel over your pillow so the oil doesn’t stain your sheets. Also, wash your hair thoroughly the next morning.
Can you mix coconut oil and black seed oil?
As explained above, you can absolutely mix coconut oil and black seed oil.
Black seed oil is actually very concentrated and if you have a sensitive scalp that is prone to getting irritated easily, then you probably must dilute black seed oil with another plant oil such as coconut oil before application.
You can mix equal portions of black seed oil and coconut oil, for example, 1 tbsp black seed oil and 1 tbsp coconut oil.
There is also a 2014 study that shows that mixing black seed oil with coconut oil is effective enough in promoting hair growth to support further study.
Can I leave black seed oil in my hair?
Black seed oil has a spicy/peppery scent to it so you might not want to have your hair smelling like that.
This is why I advise you to apply black seed oil as a hair mask for half an hour to one hour before washing it off.
You can also leave it on overnight. Other than the scent and your hair appearing oily, there are no qualms in leaving black seed oil in your hair…
Where to Get Black Seed Oil
Ensure to buy only 100% pure unadulterated black seed oil that is organic. A good brand to use is Amazing Herbs Premium Black Seed Oil. It comes in a 8 fluid oz bottle. Store it in a cool dark and dry place.
Take Care
Please, before using black seed oil on your scalp, ensure to do a patch test by applying a drop of it behind your ear. Monitor the area for about 30 minutes. If you experience irritation in that area, then your skin may be too sensitive to use black seed oil, or you may be allergic.
On another serious note, the recipe above contains essential oils. Essential oils are very concentrated liquids, they must only be used in small amounts and must not be used directly on the skin. Please dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil or even a hair product before use.
Please try using black seed oil for hair growth and come share your experiences and results!
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