Grape seed oil is derived from the pressed seeds of grapes. It is extracted from the grape seeds, the parts that we usually toss away. The oil is a by-product of the winemaking process.
Grape seed oil is a potent anti-inflammatory and has numerous antioxidant properties as well. The oil is very high in polyunsaturated fats (70%), namely Omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid.
Moreover, grape seed oil contains high levels of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. One tablespoon of the oil provides 3.9 mg of vitamin E(1). It is also a great source (PTOs) or proanthocyanins and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs)- strong antioxidants that fight free radical damage in your scalp and skin.
Grape seed oil is extremely effective because of its high linoleic acid content. This particular fatty acid isn’t produced by the human body, and if not consumed, it can lead to hair loss and dry scalp and hair. Linoleic acid also reduces scalp inflammation, leading to better sebum production and a healthier scalp ideal for hair growth.
The vitamin E in this oil also locks in the moisture in your scalp and hair, keeping your locks healthy, strong, and growing. A Japanese study(2) on mice has shown that it can restore lost hair.
This makes grape seed an excellent oil for hair growth.
The oil contains up to 95% of OPCs, which are the primary agent in the fight against baldness as they lower the production of dihydrotestosterone or DHT, a hormone linked to baldness, especially male pattern hair loss.
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As you age, the sebum production by your scalp, which keeps your hair shiny and healthy, slows down. This leads to brittle, dry hair, and a dry scalp. This, in turn, leads to dryness, breakage, and thinning of hair.
Grape seed oil restores the scalp oils. Numerous studies indicate that it can reduce fizz and flyway hair as it contains natural conditioning agents that restore moisture to your scalp and seal it in to give you shiny, vibrant hair.
Grape seed oil can cure dandruff due to dry scalp as it’s an excellent moisturizer. It, however, can’t cure dandruff caused by scalp conditions like psoriasis, eczema, fungal irritation, seborrhea, or dermatitis.
[Read: Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Dandruff]
The oil is one of the most effective cures for dark circles and scars because of the high levels of moisturizing fatty acids like linoleic acid. Linoleic acid speeds up skin healing and retards the formation of keloid scars as well as pigmentation after pregnancy. The oil also prevents sun damage, whether applied to your skin or consumed because of its high PTO content.
Here’s how you can use grape seed oil for natural hair:
Coconut and grape seed oil both contain linoleic acid and oodles of antioxidants that make your hair healthy. But, grape seed scores over coconut oil as it’s a weightless oil. It doesn’t weigh your hair down while moisturizing and keeping it healthy.
[Read: Grapeseed Oil for Skin & Hair]
Grape seed oil is a risk-free oil. But do check for an allergic reaction by doing a simple spot test on any part of your skin like your wrist before applying it on your scalp. Wait for 24 hours for a reaction to the oil. If anything unusual happens, avoid using grape seed oil on your body.
Experiential evidence suggests that grape seed oil is a simple yet excellent remedy for growing your hair. However, it’s also true that more studies are needed to understand how it really works. You can use grapeseed oil for hair without any worry as it’s safe with no side effects.
Rub in a small quantity of oil into your scalp directly using a dropper and spread the oil outwards to the hair ends, using your fingers.
You can leave it in for half an hour and then wash it off with cold water.
No, due to its high vitamin E content, grape seed oil stays fresh without refrigeration. Like other oils, it should be stored in a cool and dark place.