Natural oils have been used to treat hair loss for centuries. They continue to be used in many cultures to treat thinning hair, particularly in countries that are knowledgeable about plants and their effects.
One popular natural hair growth oil used for healthy hair growth is chili oil. In addition to this popular hair oil for growth, there are also many other essential oils said to be beneficial for your hair.
In this article, we’ll explore the following:
- The impact hair oils have on hair and scalp health
- The effectiveness of chili oil and other natural hair oils in promoting healthy hair growth
- What are the best hair growth oils to use.
How does chili oil affect hair growth?
The idea of smearing chili oil over your scalp may sound like a recipe for disaster. But a 2007 study showed that capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili, can actively promote hair growth in individuals suffering from alopecia [1].
While more studies are needed to show the true impact of chili oil on hair growth, there is other evidence to suggest that it could boost your hair health.
Capsaicin can increase blood flow to the scalp, which in turn brings more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Chilis also contain a lot of vitamins like iron and B vitamins which promote a healthy scalp.
Should I use chili oil on my hair?
Although studies have shown that capsaicin has been linked to hair regrowth, it’s not yet a widely accepted remedy. Chili also has the potential to cause significant reactions, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. You may experience burns, irritation, and inflammation if you use too much.
How to prepare chili oil for hair growth
Mixing a small amount of chilli powder with a base oil, such as coconut oil for hair, is an easy way to apply it.
Apply a small amount at first, in case you experience any side effects like burning or irritation. You’ll need to part your hair to make sure the paste reaches the actual scalp, and doesn’t just sit on the hair.
It will need around half an hour to work its magic.
Are there any other oils that can promote hair growth?
Chili oil isn’t the only hair oil that has been linked with an improvement in healthier hair. While some (such as mustard oil for hair) aren’t backed up by any evidence, there are some other natural oils which are frequently used to promote healthy hair growth.
Black seed oil
Black seed oil, which is made from nigella seeds, has been shown to reduce hair loss and stimulate the growth of hair in telogen effluvium patients [2]. It can also reduce psoriasis symptoms and fight hair follicle inflammation [3].
Coconut oil
One of the reasons coconut oil makes such a good base for chilli powder is that it’s also renowned for having its own restorative qualities. Coconut oil is extremely nourishing, and can help the scalp to stay in the very best of health, in turn improving growth.
In addition to being a nourishing hair oil, coconut oil also has the potential to remove lice and dandruff, as well as provide a deep shine.
Jojoba oil
This oil doesn’t work on the hair follicles themselves but instead on any crusty build-up that could block the regrowth of hairs.
Jojoba hair oil cuts through any residual debris, removing it from the scalp, and thus clearing the path for improved hair growth.
Rosemary oil
A component often found in shampoo, rosemary oil is credited with not just rolling back hair loss, but also preventing greying. Known to stimulate the follicles, rosemary can help hair to grow not just longer but far stronger too.
However, it’s a good idea to avoid rosemary oil for beard growth. It may block DHT, which is a necessary hormone for healthy facial hair growth.
Thyme oil
Used as a massage oil, thyme can help to restore circulation and in doing so, enhance shine, lustre, and vitality.
Lavender oil
Stress and anxiety are often linked with hair loss. Lavender has calming properties, helping you to relax.
In addition, lavender oil for hair may have some antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This can help reduce hair loss caused by oxidative stress.
Burdock root oil
Known as Arctium Lappa, burdock root oil has a very potent effect on hair loss.
Helping to boost circulation as well as removing scalp irritations, burdock root oil delivers vital fatty acids right to the roots of the hair, as well as natural phytosterols.
These have been shown to help reverse the effects of hair thinning and are an ingredient often found in hair thinning treatments.
Cinnamon oil
Cinnamaldehyde, the main compound in cinnamon, has been shown to improve hair growth in animals [5].
What are some natural remedies to stimulate hair growth?
Many people prefer to try natural remedies to stimulate hair regrowth before turning to surgical treatments like hair transplants. Certain herbs are also said to promote healthy hair. Take a look at how herbs like marshmallow root and basil could also improve the condition of your hair.
Proven hair restoration techniques
Most natural remedies for hair growth have only limited evidence to back them up. If you’re serious about sorting your hair loss, you should discuss it with a hair loss specialist.
The team at our UK hair transplant clinic can help restore your hair to perfect health. We can diagnose and treat your condition to give you the hair — and the confidence — you deserve.
Take a look at our hair transplant clinic reviews to see how we’ve changed the lives of our hair loss patients.
- Administration of capsaicin and isoflavone promotes hair growth by increasing insulin-like growth factor-I production in mice and in humans with alopecia
- Evaluation of a Therapeutic Alternative for Telogen Effluvium: A Pilot Study
- Antipsoriatic activity and cytotoxicity of ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds
- Effect of Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kanehira Leaf Aqueous Extract on Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation and Hair Growth
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