Unexpected Effects Of Sesame Oil For Hair Care And Its Uses

Updated: 10/29/2019

Not only is the skin, but hair is also a part of the body that needs to be cared for, especially for women. Many people think that using only normal shampoo and conditioner is good enough for their hair. However, shampoos and conditioners contain lots of chemicals that can damage your hair in the long run. Another approach to hair care is to use natural products, including sesame oil. People from all over the world have been using sesame oil for centuries to upkeep the hair. Continue reading this article on True Remedies to find out the unexpected effects of sesame oil for hair care.

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Unexpected Effects Of Sesame Oil For Hair Care And How To Use It

I. What Is Sesame Oil?

Gingelly oil or sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from sesame seeds. In addition to the use of cooking oil in South India, it is often used as a condiment in Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Sesame seed oil is also commonly used in alternative medicine – such as traditional massage. Traditional Indian Ayurveda treatment uses sesame oil.

Sesame oil is popular in Asia and is one of the earliest known self-made oils, but sesame oil production is never plentiful even today due to inefficient manual harvesting to extract oil.

II. How Does Sesame Oil Good For Hair? 

In Ayurveda medicine, sesame oil can increase the quality of skin and hair, which is “twachya, balya, keshya”.

In Chinese medicine, sesame seeds have effects of improving blood circulation and blood nourishment, resulting in smooth black hair^[1].

In Japan, sesame is a nutritious spice and an important ingredient in the basic menu of Ohsawa – Japanese macrobiotic diet. That is the reason why Japanese women, even the old ladies, have a super-strong, smooth and black hair.

So, why sesame oil has so many beneficial effects on the hair?

The answer is, sesame oil is composed of fatty acids: oleic acid (39%), linoleic acid (41%), stearic acid (5%), and palmitic acid (8%); and others in small amounts.

Enriched in sesame oil is also huge amounts of vitamin E, B, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and protein. These chemical components strengthen and nourish the hair from the roots^[2].

With its natural nutrients: Omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, sesame oil helps hair growth, split ends treatment, and dry scalp remedy^[3].

Value addition in sesame: A perspective on bioactive components for enhancing utility and profitability ^[3’].

III. How To Use Sesame Oil For Hair

1. Sesame Oil For Graying Hair Prevention

The premature aging of hair follicles, or graying hair, can be prevented by using sesame oil thanks to its fatty acids and vitamins. As a result, the natural color of your hair is retained.

Besides, sesame oil contains very high antioxidant levels, which comes from the lignans and the gamma-tocopherol form of Vitamin E found in sesame seeds. Sesame oil can even darken the color of your hair.

Method 1: Sesame Oil And Mustard Seed Oil

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 3 tablespoons
• Mustard seed oil: 3 tablespoons

How to do:

• Warm up the mixture of sesame and mustard seed oil.
• Apply to the hair and scalp.
• Ensure the roots of the hair are covered by the oil mixture, especially the grey hair.
• Cover scalp by a disposable cap.
• Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner as usual.

Note: 

• Leave the oil on the hair overnight for better results.
• Do this twice a week to darken hair and prevent hair from graying.
• Mustard seeds oil can lead to undesired effects, such as allergies, skin irritation, external eruption, and skin damage.

Method 2: Deep Conditioner

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 3 tablespoons
• Deep conditioner: 4 – 5 tablespoons
• Lavender essential oil: 5 – 10 drops (optional)

How to do:

• Wash your hair with shampoo as usual.
• Apply the deep conditioner of your choice.
• Apply warm sesame oil over the conditioner. Add lavender essential oil if you cannot stand sesame oil’s smell.
• Steam your hair using hair steamer for 40 minutes. If you do not possess one, use a warm bath tower to cover your hair thoroughly.
• Rinse off with warm water.

Note: 

• Apply at any time in the day.
• You can try this method up to 1 time daily.
• Be aware of the conditioner chemical components that may irritate your scalp.

Method 3: Black Sesame

Remedy 1

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Black sesame seed: 200 grams
• Small pan

How to do:

• Heat up the clean pan and reduce the gas to lowest.
• Roast the seed until crunchy and fragrant.
• Combine with sesame oil and eat one teaspoon at once.

Note 

• Enjoy before meals.
• Eat 3 teaspoons daily.

Remedy 2

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Roasted black sesame seed: 100 grams
• Tapioca starch: 25 grams
• Brown sugar: 30 grams
• Water: 550ml

How to do:

• Finely grind sesame seed.
• Dissolve tapioca starch with 50 ml cold water.
• Bring water to a boil. Add in sesame powder and sugar.
• Reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes. Pour in tapioca water and sesame oil.
• Bring to boil again.

Note: 

• Eat 1 small bowl as an afternoon snack.
• Consume 3 – 5 bowls a week.

2. Sesame Oil For Hair Growth Promotion

Sesame oil increases blood circulation into the scalp and brings nutrients to nourish hair. Therefore, sesame oil can promote hair growth. Besides, as sesame oil penetrating the scalp, it heals the roots of hair from chemical damages taken by shampoo or conditioner.

Method 1:  Sesame Oil With Ginger And Lemon

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 – 3 tablespoons
• ½ ginger
• Lemon: 1

How to do:

• Squeeze the lemon to extract its juice and discard seeds.
• Smash or chop the ginger in a small bowl. Add a tablespoon of water and squeeze using the back of the spoon.
• Mix ginger juice, lemon juice, and sesame oil. Ensure that the mixture is not too thin.
• Massage the oil into the scalp in circular directions by both hands.
• Keep massaging for 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Note: 

• Use the remedy at any time in the day. Massage method is more preferred at night as it also makes you sleepy.
• The frequency is 1 – 2 times per week.
• Ginger can cause eyes and skin irritation.

Method 2: Sesame Oil With Jojoba Oil

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 3 tablespoons
• Jojoba oil: 1 – 2 tablespoons

How to do:

• Mix the oils well.
• Warm the mixture and massage into the scalp for 5 minutes.
• Cover with warm bath tower up to 1.5 hours or by the hair streamer for 40 minutes.
• Wash with clean water.

Note: Do this at night, 2 – 3 times per week.

3. Sesame Oil For Hair Loss Prevention

Hair loss can be contributed to chemical damages, stress, aging, and nutrient deficiency. Sesame oil can help the condition with its rich vitamin E and by increasing blood movement into the scalp.

Method 1: Sesame Oil With Curry Leaves

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 3 tablespoons
• Curry leaves: 1 bunch
• Pan

How to do:

• Roughly chop the leaves.
• Heat the oil in the pan and add curry leaves. Keep the heat as low as possible.
• Continue to fry the leaves until black residue form.
• Turn off the heat and allow it to cool down to the bearable temperature.
• Massage the oil into the hair. Make sure the oil covers all your hair from the root to the end.
• Wrap the hair with a warm bath tower for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off the oil with shampoo.

Note: 

• Apply in the afternoon or at night before bed.
• Do not employ curry leaves method for more than 2 times per week as the strength of the roots can be reduced.

Method 2: Sesame Oil With Maple Syrup And Carrot Seed Oil

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 10 drops
• Carrot seed oil: 5 – 10 drops
• Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons
• Liquid castile soap: ½ cup

How to do:

• Mix all ingredients and store in a plastic container.
• Use over wet hair and massage for 2 – 3minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water.

Note: 

• Use any time in the day, when you take a bath.
• Apply twice a week.

4. Sesame Oil For UV Ray Hair Protection

When absorbing into the hair, sesame oil forms sunblock protection for the hair and scalp. This prevents damage taken by exposing too long under the sun.

Method 1: Sesame Oil With Aloe Vera

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Aloe vera gel: 2 tablespoons
• Pan

How to do:

• Mix sesame oil and aloe vera gel in the pan.
• Heat the mixture until bubbles form around the pan.
• Turn off the heat and allow it to cool down.
• Apply to the hair. Make sure to cover all the hair from roots to ends along with the scalp.
• Leave it for 20 – 30 minutes.
• Wash with a mild shampoo.

Note: 

• Follow it any time in the day, before you go outside.
• Once a day is enough, and up to thrice a week.

Read more: You can also use aloe vera to treat the bacterial infection on the skin effectively. This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Millie Lytle ND, MPH.

Method 2: Hot Oil Treatment

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 – 3 tablespoons
• Jojoba oil or coconut oil:  1 – 1.5 tablespoon

How to do:

• Wash your hair with shampoo as usual.
• Lightly dry the hair with a cotton towel.
• Apply warm oil mixture directly to the hair and scalp.
• Cover with cap and leave for 30 minutes.
• Wash off with a second co-wash.

Note: Apply in the evening or at night, up to 3 times per week.

5. Sesame Oil For Scalp Soothing

The scalp can be damaged by chemicals, hot styling tools or exposure to the sun. Those conditions strip the natural oil and dry the outside cell of the hair and scalp. As the barrier hurts, the scalp becomes vulnerable and cause irritation, infection, and burning sensation. Sesame oil provides vitamin E that heals the damage caused by free radicals. It also helps nourish and restore hair’s health.

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Ripe avocado: 1

How to do:

• Peel and discard avocado seeds. Remember to use all the dark green part under the skin.
• Smash the avocado until there is no lump.
• Add in sesame oil to form a paste.
• Massage the mixture on the scalp. Cover with a cap or tower for an hour.
• Wash with a mild shampoo.

Note: Use in the evening or at night, up to 2 times per week.

6. Sesame Oil For Hair Moisturizing

Dry scalp is an uncomfortable condition, especially in the dry season. Hair products, water retention, weather, or anxiety can cause the scalp to itch, sore, and cause hair to lose.

Both hair and scalp can be moisturized by the oil. Sesame oil can help penetrate the hair and revitalize extremely damaged hair to help it look better.

Method 1: Sesame Oil With Honey

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 3 tablespoons
• Honey: 1 teaspoon

How to do:

• Combine the ingredients in a bowl and lightly warm it up.
• Massage the mixture into the scalp by your fingers in combing movement for 5 minutes.
• Cover with warm bath tower for 30 minutes.
• Wash off the oil with shampoo and lukewarm water.

Note: 

• Apply in the evening or at night, once a week.
• Make sure to wipe off the mixture to prevent insects.

Method 2: Sesame Oil With Coconut Milk

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Coconut milk: 2 tablespoons
• Jojoba oil: 2 tablespoons
• Clean water: 200ml
• Vegetable glycerin: 1 – 2 tablespoons (optional)

How to do:

• Mix all ingredients and then store in a spray bottle.
• Spray lightly on your hair to moisturize it.

Note: 

• Spray before styling your hair.
• You can use 3 – 5 times per day based on the dryness level of the environment.

7. Sesame Oil For Head Lice Treatment

Head lice are blood-sucking insects that parasitize on the hair. They are responsible for extreme itchiness, crawling sensation and soreness. If not treated completely, the adult lice will lay eggs, and you will suffer endless unpleasant.

Sesame oil has antibacterial properties that prevent fungal and bacterial infection^[4]. The oil will smoothen the lice and kills off any eggs left in the hair.

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 3 tablespoons
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

How to do:

• Mix and warm up the two oils.
• Apply directly to the hair and scalp. Ensure to cover all the hair with oil.
• Wrap hair along with the back of your neck and ears by a warm bath towel.
• After an hour, wash off with shampoo and warm water.
• Comb off the dead lice and eggs with a fine-tooth comb.

Note: 

• Use in the daytime, twice a week until all the lice are wiped off.
• Olive oil is not safe for baby skin and causes a skin rash.

8. Sesame Oil For Tangled Hair Treatment

Damaged and dry hair will not react well to humidity, which will cause the hair to appear frizzy. Besides, lighter hair will get wispy or float after shampoo. Sesame oil could supply nutrients to the hair and scalp to make it stronger and healthier, so that prevent tangling.

Method 1: Sesame Oil With Coconut Oil

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Coconut oil: 2 tablespoon

How to do:

• Melt coconut oil and mix in sesame oil.
• Use your fingers, massage the oil mixture on the scalp in combing movement for 5 minutes.
• Wrap hair with a warm bath towel for 30 minutes or using a hair steamer.
• Wash off with lukewarm water.

Note: Do this in the evening or at night, up to thrice a week.

Method 2: Prewash Treatment

Things you need:

Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon

How to do:

• Immerse your fingers in the oil and then rub on the ends of the hair.
• Gradually massage the hair with oil from the ends up to the roots. Continue to dip your fingers into the oil if needed.
• Pour the remaining oil into the palm and lightly stroke your hair from roots to ends.
• Use a warm towel to wrap the hair for 15 minutes.
• Shampoo your hair as usual.

Note: For daytime use, twice a week.

9. Sesame Oil For Hair Shine

Your hair may no longer look shiny as a result of stress, diet, or chemical treatments. Sesame oil is a great conditioner for the hair that makes the hair shiny and glossy. It also remains scalp health, thickens and softens hair.

Method 1: Sesame Oil With Ginger

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Ginger: 2 – 3 slices
• Water: 15ml

How to do:

• Mince the ginger and add water.
• Use cheesecloth and squeeze to obtain ginger juice.
• Combine sesame oil and ginger juice.
• Massage the oil mixture into the scalp using your fingertips and to the hair using your palm.
• Cover with a cap or hot towel for 30 minutes and rinse off with shampoo.

Note:

• Follow this remedy in the evening or at night.
• Do this twice a week.

Method 2: Sesame Oil With Egg

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Egg: 2 egg whites for oily hair or 1 whole egg for normal hair or 2 egg yolks for dry hair

How to do:

• Beat the eggs thoroughly with the oil.
• Apply the mixture into the hair and cover for 30 – 40 minutes at room temperature.
• Rinse off with cold water.

Note: 

• For daytime uses only.
• Do this twice a week.
• Do not use heated water to avoid cooking the egg.

10. Sesame Oil For Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff, or flake of skin, is a common condition but can be difficult to treat. Sesame oil provides moisture and antibacterial properties for people suffering from dandruff. It eases the itchy sense caused by dandruff, reduces flake substantially and kills off the dandruff fungus.

Method 1: Sesame Oil With Garlic

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 1 – 2 cloves

How to do:

• Mince garlic and add a little bit of water to take the juice.
• Combine sesame oil and garlic juice.
• Rub the mixture on the scalp and massage for 5 minutes.
• Cover with cap for 15 minutes and shampoo your hair as usual.

Note: 

• Apply at any time in the day.
• Continue to do this thrice a week until dandruff over, twice a week to maintain the condition.
• Prolonged contact with garlic can cause scalp irritation.

Method 2: Sesame Oil With Green Tea

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh green tea leaves: a bunch
• Clean water: 500 ml

How to do:

• Boil the water and green tea leaves for 3 minutes. Cover and steep until cool.
• Add sesame oil and apply to wet hair.
• Massage thoroughly from the roots to the ends.
• Wash off with shampoo and cold water.

Note: 

• Use at daytime.
• Frequency is one per day, 3 – 4 times a week based on dandruff condition. Reduce to 1 – 2 times per week when flake decreases.
• Do not directly contact with green tea water because the water may make your nail brown.

Method 3: Sesame Oil With Pomelo Essential Oil

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
• Pomelo essential oil: 10 drops
• Mild shampoo: optional

How to do:

• Combine sesame oil and pomelo essential oil to warm water or to shampoo if your hair is oily.
• Use the water to wash your hair instead of normal shampoo.

Note: Use at any time in the day, twice a week.

11. Sesame Oil For Split Ends Treatment

Split hair can be affected by external influences such as sunlight, wind, sea water, or dusty environment. Moreover, some improper hair care habits also cause the hair to split and break such as tied hair too tightly, shampoo several times, or overuse hair dryer.

Sesame helps the situation by providing nutrients and increase blood circulation to nourish and revitalize the hair.

Things you need:

• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Fenugreek seed: 2 teaspoons
• Water: half a cup

How to do:

• Soak the fenugreek in water for 4 hours. Make sure all the seeds are covered in water.
• After soaking, boil both the water and seed for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and then steep until cool.
• Add sesame oil.
• Massage the mixture on the wet hair from roots to ends.
• Wrap all the hair and scalp with a warm bath towel for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with shampoo and clean water.

Note: Apply at any time in the day, thrice a week.

IV. Precautions

Sesame oil is likely safe for all adults, children and pregnant women, by both mouth and external usages. Fifteen nanograms of sesame can be consumed daily is permissive.

Although almost all the remedies given in the article are for external use, there are restrictions on the use of black sesame seed and sesame oil under the following conditions: diabetes, low blood pressure, and surgery.

If you have any allergy signs of using sesame oil externally such as  skin rash, hair loss, and itchiness, please stop using the methods and ask for doctors’ help:

In conclusion, this article has provided the unexpected effects of sesame oil for hair care. Hopefully, the information available in the article will be beneficial for you and your beloved. If you want to access more knowledge in this area, please visit our Superfoods page. We are glad to help you.

All contents provided are for informational and educational purposes. We recommend that you should  ask your doctor to determine which treatment is appropriate for you.

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