Black seed oil is an herbal oil that is said to have many different health benefits, including improved cholesterol, decreased inflammation, mood enhancement, and healthy blood sugar levels.
At the same time, black seed oil is also used for potential cosmetic benefits, including healthier hair.
In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of black seed oil for hair, the mechanisms behind these effects, and how to use black seed oil on a regular basis for fuller, healthier hair.
Table of Contents
Black Seed Oil Overview:
Black seed oil is made from the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) plant, which is a shrub that grows in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and a few other areas.
Black cumin seeds are filled with many different bioactive compounds, including thymoquinone, which is believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits. There are, however, other bioactive compounds as well as various vitamins and minerals.
Benefits of Black Seed Oil for Hair:
There are a few clinical trials which show the potential benefits of black seed oil for hair health. Ideally, there would be more studies done, but the ones so far are promising.
In a clinical trial on 20 individuals with telogen effluvium (a type of hair loss problem), taking black seed oil daily over three months led to a significant improvement in 70% of the patients, as well as marked increases in hair density and thickness, and decreased inflammation.
In one clinical study on patients with hair loss, those who received a topical treatment of coconut oil plus black seed oil and several other herbs experienced significantly less hair loss over 90 days compared to the control group.
In another clinical trial, researchers compared the effects of scalp application of coconut oil combined with various herbs on hair growth. They found that, over four weeks, coconut oil with black seed oil was ultimately the best combination (out of five possible options) to promote hair growth.
How Does Black Seed Oil Work for Hair Growth?
There are a few possible mechanisms behind black seed oil’s benefits for hair health.
For one, black seed oil is high in thymoquinone, which offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can support the health of one’s scalp and hair. This includes its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase and prostaglandins. Thymoquinone is also thought to be responsible for the benefits of black seed for skin health.
Additionally, black seed oil contains fatty acids (e.g. omega-3, omega-6) and other nutrients that may improve circulation to the scalp, which could promote hair growth.
Beyond that, research shows that black seed oil also has antibacterial, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties which could all work together to maintain scalp health. The antiviral properties of black seed are also thought to benefit herpes; additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb are thought to be beneficial for pet health.
Mechanism of Action:
Black seed oil is thought to benefit hair growth by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators, improving circulation, and maintaining scalp health.
How to Take Black Seed Oil for Hair Growth?
In order to receive the greatest benefits for hair growth in particular, it’s best for topical use of black seed oil.
Most of the studies had their participants massage black seed oil into the scalp and let for 15-30 minutes before washing off.
Black seed oil can also be taken internally via capsules or powder. But this route may not have as quick or direct benefits for hair health. Click here for an overview of our top recommended black seed supplements.
How Long Does it Take for Black Seed Oil to Work for Hair Growth?
According to clinical research, black seed oil seems to start to promote hair growth in as little as one week, although it takes several weeks to months for the greatest improvements and benefits.
It’s important to be consistent over a long period of time when using black seed oil in order to gain the most benefits.
Click here to learn the best time of day to take black seed oil.
Additionally, individual results will vary, so one should not expect guaranteed benefits for hair health when supplementing with black seed oil. Some of the factors that may influence the results of black seed oil are overall diet and lifestyle patterns, the exact dosage, consistency of use, and the specific etiology of one’s hair problems.
Summary:
Consistent black seed oil usage may start promoting hair growth in as little as one week.
How Much Black Seed Oil Should I Take for Healthier Hair?
Most clinical research shows that an effective dosage of black seed oil is between 1 to 3g (for capsule form) or 5 to 10mL in liquid form, which amounts to roughly 1 to 2 teaspoons.
Keep in mind that most individuals use black seed oil topically when aiming to improve hair health, so the liquid dosage is most relevant here.
Therefore, one could use 1 to 2 teaspoons of black seed oil daily, perhaps rubbed into the scalp before showering. When doing this, it’s best to leave the topical application on for at least 30 minutes before washing the black seed oil off in order to allow for better absorption.
Click here to learn more about potential interactions and side effects of black seed oil.
Summary:
Daily supplementation of 1 to 3g of black seed or 5 to 10mL of black seed oil liquid is considered to be an effective black seed dosage.
Conclusion:
Black seed oil has many potential uses for hair health. It is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and other compounds, with clinical research showing that it may benefit hair growth, prevent hair loss, and curb scalp inflammation.
These effects can happen rather rapidly, although the greatest benefits seem to result from consistent daily use of several weeks to months. If one wishes to supplement, they can take 5 to 10mL (about 1 to 2 teaspoons) for best results, and increase the dosage if needed. As always, consult your doctor before taking black seed oil for any health conditions.
