Black seeds are a gem. You can use them in naan/poori/paratha, and its oil may be your secret weapon to healthy skin and hair. Read on how you can use this culinary spice, kalonji oil, to control hair fall, boost hair growth, and fight scalp infections.
Have you ever thought, “Gosh, life would be great if I could use just one product on hair and skin?” But you won’t find many products (natural or otherwise) that fit the bill of being suitable for both skin and hair. However, as always, there are some exceptions (think argan, moringa).
One such jewel is Black seed oil, aka kalonji oil. It is produced by Nigella sativa, a flower native to Europe and Western Asia. But now being cultivated in many other parts of the world (source).
Why is it great for the hair?
Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant that grows to 20-30 cm tall. The delicate flower has 5-10 petals.
Black seeds have therapeutic effects that are reported a significant impact on many skin diseases.
The oil is rich in Thymoquinone (TQ), linoleic, and linolenic acid (source). TQ possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties (source).
These antifungal and antibacterial properties make it an ideal choice for minor scalp issues and condition hair.
Benefits of Blackseed oil for hair
Black seed oil is a powerful oil for the overall health of the scalp and hair.
1. Scalp Health
Black seed oil is rich in antioxidants and has antifungal, antibacterial properties that help in treating scalp infections and make it healthy. It also helps with dandruff and other skin infections.
2. Controls Hair Fall
The black seed oil has many nutrients, including thymoquinone, which are beneficial in controlling hair fall, and promoting hair growth. It also balances oil production and soothes scalp skin. This moisturizes hair and boosts growth.
3. Conditions Hair
Our skin produced natural oil to keep it naturally moisturized. The scalp produces sebum for moisturization. This conditions scalp as well as hair. When properly balanced, this is enough to moisturize the scalp and hair, but not everyone’s skin is equal, some produce more, while some less oil. That’s why people have a dry or oily scalp.
Black seed oil balances oil production, balancing the amount of oil produced. Sebum is the natural hair conditioner. A balanced sebum production gives conditioned and moisturized hair.
4. Boosts hair growth
Thymoquinone and nigellone are two of the nutrients present in black seed oil. These are powerful nutrients and work against hair fall. Black seed oil is a safe alternative to controlling hair fall.
5. Fights infections
The black seed oil is antifungal, antibacterial, it treats minor skin infections. Black seed oil can treat scalp infections and keep dandruff at bay.
6. Prevents Damage
Free radicals cause damage to the skin and hair. The same can happen to your scalp and hair. Antioxidants in black seed oil fight against these free radicals to neutralize their damage.
How to use black seed oil for hair growth
You can use black seed oil in a variety of ways.
1. Hot oil massage
You can do a pre-poo hot oil massage using black seed oil.
What to do
- Take a tablespoon of black seed oil in your palms and rub your palms.
- Start massaging your scalp, focusing on the area where you are losing most hair.
- Leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
- Wash it with your regular shampoo.
2. Diluted oil massage
You can mix black seed oil with other oils to create a concoction suitable for your hair.
What to do
- Mix black seed oil and your carrier oil of choice in equal quantity.
- Take a tablespoon of this mixture
- Start massaging your scalp, focusing on the area where you are losing most hair.
- Leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
- Wash it with your regular shampoo.
Tip: Olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, almond oil, and castor oil are some oils you can use to make this hair mixture.
3. Hair treatment
You can also use black seed oil for a hair spa experience.
What to do
- Mix a tablespoon of black seed oil in your favorite conditioner or hair mask.
- Comb your hair to remove any tangles
- Apply this hair mask from your roots to ends
- Leave the mask for at least 30 mins to do its magic
- wash off with your regular shampoo
4. Combine with other herbs
You can also mix black seed oil with other hair nurturing herbs/flowers like fenugreek, lemon juice, hibiscus.
Fenugreek and hibiscus are hair conditioners and make hair smooth and manageable.
Black seed oil and lemon juice work against dandruff, and keep the scalp healthy.
Related: Best shampoo to use on oiled hair
Precautions Before Using Blackseed Oil
Each one is unique, and what works great for one may not work for someone else. Even though blackseed oil is generally safe to use and consume, it is recommended you do a patch test before using it.
Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your medical provider before using this.
Conclusion!
I hope you learned a trick or two on how to include black seed oil in your beauty routine.
Have you ever used it (food, health, or cosmetic), let me know in comments.
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