A lot has been spoken about how sesame/gingelly oil is great for the skin in terms of improving the skin texture, calming acne-prone and irritated skin as well as making the skin appear soft and supple all year round. However, the benefits of this oil on the hair are just as noteworthy. Since centuries, sesame oil has been used to ensure that the scalp was free of any bacterial and fungal infections as sesame oil is a natural antibacterial agent. It has also been found that the oil is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorous which gives hair all the nourishment and nutrients that it needs. Additionally, it also contained components such as B complex, Vitamin E and protein which helps strengthen the hair from the roots.
Thus, the oil nourishes the hair shaft while imparting moisture to it. This, in turn, makes the cuticles of the hair appear soft and shiny and makes them lie flat. When the cuticles lie flat, the hair strands reflect light which makes them appear glossier looking. Also, the hydration and moisture in the cuticles prevent hair damage and breakage caused due to dryness. Hair has more elasticity and looks bouncier rather than dry and lifeless. Another added advantage of hydrated cuticles is that even though you may step out into harsh climatic conditions, your hair will not turn frizzy and unmanageable. Simply running your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through your hair will keep them looking prim and proper.
How Is Sesame Oil Effective On Hair?
In addition to a ton of benefits that sesame oil imparts to the skin, it is said to be very potent oil for the hair as well. It competes with the popularly used natural oils for hair such as coconut oil, olive oil and almond oil. According to Ayurveda, sesame oil is said to be so nutritious for hair, that it is used as the base oil in the creation of different herbal oils known as “thailams”. Sesame oil contains high quantities of Vitamin E which nourishes the scalp, right from the shaft of the hair follicles. Thus, the roots are strengthened, preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth simultaneously as well.
Effect Of Sesame Oil On Hair
1. Encourages Hair Growth
Massaging warm sesame oil into the scalp helps enhance the blood circulation in the scalp. This ensures that the hair follicles get all the nourishment that they need, all the way from the shaft to the ends. The penetrative properties of the oil thus encourage hair growth.
2. Improves The Quality Of The Hair
Sesame oil is said to heal the chemical damage caused by external factors such as the excessive use of heat tools on the hair. It also revitalizes the hair, making it appear healthy and shiny.
3. Protects The Hair From UV Rays
Sesame oil acts as a sun-blocking agent. Thus, applying a few drops of sesame oil along the length of the hair forms a protective coating around it, preventing any breakage and damage that could occur as a result of extended exposure to the sun. Apart from the UV rays, the protective coating also fights the damage caused by pollutants in the atmosphere.
4. Moisturizes The Hair
Using sesame oil as an overnight hair mask with equal parts of root juice and lemon juice is the perfect remedy to fight dryness of the hair. Massage this mixture into your scalp and wash it off the next morning. You will be left with soft, nourished and moisturized hair that is frizz-free.
5. Prevents Hair-Loss
Hair loss can be due to a variety of factors. While diet and lifestyle play an important role in ensuring that your hair is healthy, another factor that significantly contributes to it is stress. Sesame oil has cooling properties. Thus, massaging warm sesame oil into the scalp before you sleep at night will help relieve stress, hence preventing hair loss in the long run.
