Hemp Oil for Hair: What are the Benefits?
Hemp oil is a popular substance used for a variety of therapeutic benefits. This oil is made from hemp seeds through a cold press method. It can be ingested or applied topically to the hair and skin. Used on the scalp, hemp oil claims to promote a range of advantages for the hair and skin. This guide details the benefits of hemp oil for hair.Summary
- Are Hemp Oil and CBD Oil the Same?
- What is Hemp Oil Used For?
- Is Hemp Seed Oil Useful for All Types of Hair?
- Hemp Seed Oil Side Effects
- Conclusion
Are Hemp Oil and CBD Oil the Same?
It is common to get hemp oil and CBD oil confused, as they come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa. While hemp seed oil is often made from cold pressing and is derived from the seeds of the plant, cannabidiol (CBD) oil comes from the stalk, leaves, and flowers.
CBD oil has a greater chance of containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance that is known for causing psychoactive effects. Both oils have minimal THC, but hemp seed oil has significantly less. This oil is very safe and includes a substantial number of nutrients, with minimal risk of side effects.
What is Hemp Oil Used For?
Hemp seed oil is composed of omega 3, 6, and 9 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and protein. These essential fatty acids along with vitamins and minerals provide many favourable benefits to the body including the following:
- Heart – helps to regulate cholesterol, influencing blood circulation in the body
- Skin – provides moisture without clogging pores, regulates the balance of oils
- Hormones – the compound gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) found in hemp can reduce the negative symptoms associated with menstruation
- Hair – it moisturises, promotes healthy hair and scalp, adds shine, and stimulates circulation that could lead to an increase in hair growth and thickness
Hemp seed oil, like many other oils such as coconut oil, has several properties that help with hair growth. It provides nourishment and moisture to the hair follicle to strengthen it and prevent hair breakage. Hemp seed oil for hair contains proteins which include all the essential amino acids making it a valuable resource for hair as it is comprised of 90% protein.
Hemp oil for hair products also stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, boosting the hair growth cycle and helping to fight hair loss. This oil can affect hair through shampoos and conditioners, hair serums, or oral consumption.
Improves your hair’s health
In addition to promoting hair growth, hemp oil for hair can help to also improve its overall health as it moisturises hair strands, keeping them from drying out and breaking.
Natural oils can either serve as a moisturiser or sealant for hair. A moisturiser will penetrate the hair shaft and allow water in while a sealant will simply hold the water on the outside. Hemp seed oil has the ability to moisturise without weighing the hair down which is often an issue for those with curly hair.
A study in 2015 suggested that omega 3 and 6 supplements can increase the diameter and density of hair. Hemp oil contains these fatty acids, thus use of this oil could lead to hair thickening.
Additionally some benefits of this oil could come from the positive effects it has on skin. A nourished, moisturised scalp will cause healthy hair to grow from the follicles.
There are direct benefits to the hair shaft itself, but the overall advantage of hemp seed oil comes from its ability to impact both the skin and the hair simultaneously.
Does Hemp Seed Oil Kill Bacteria?
Many studies have shown that hemp could possess antibacterial properties. Cannabinoids found in hemp oil are most active against Gram-positive bacteria, specifically.
While this is ground-breaking in the field of pharmaceutical research and development, it also demonstrates that hemp seed oil can help to clean and protect the scalp. Afterall, a well-maintained scalp sets a foundation for improved hair growth.
Is Hemp Seed Oil Useful for All Types of Hair?
Hemp seed oil can be useful for every type of hair, but the method in which it is used should vary depending on the texture and thickness of your hair type. Below is a list of hair types and best hemp oil practices:
- Coarse, curly or dry hair: Use it daily as a leave-in conditioner. Put the oil in your palm and apply it the hair, focusing on the bottom half.
- Straight or fine hair: This type of hair can become greasy with excessive moisturisation. It is best to apply it as a hot oil treatment in combination with an essential oil.
- Natural black hair: It can be used as a deep conditioner, hot oil treatment, or by gently massaging it in, depending on other products used.
In addition, hemp seed oil is also a great option for growing thicker eyebrows. This oil can be used to improve the skin on the face as well, so it serves as a multipurpose facial oil.
Hemp Seed Oil Side Effects
If applied topically, this oil can lead to minor irritation. Be sure to apply it to a small area the first time you use it as part of a patch test. This will allow you to properly observe your body’s reaction to the treatment. If the oil is orally ingested, side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Upset stomach
Taken as an oral supplement, it can also have adverse effects when taken with a blood thinner. Consult your doctor before taking hemp seed oil regularly if you are on this type of medication. Hemp does have the ability to relax and calm, but it does not cause immediate drowsiness.
Be careful to correctly store hemp seed oil as it has a short shelf life. In order to make your oil last longer, you can do the following:
- Store the bottle in the refrigerator, but not in the door
- Keep it away from light
- An unopened bottle can be kept for 12-14 months
- An opened bottle should be consumed within 3-6 months
The chemical composition of this oil is not very stable. Therefore, it should be stored carefully.
Conclusion
Hemp seed oil provides many diverse therapeutic benefits for the body. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin E, supplying vital nourishment to the hair and skin.
For the hair, the benefits of hemp seed oil serve to moisturise the follicles, foster healthy growth, and add shine. At the same time, it does not weigh down the strands or clog pores. Hemp seed oil is a perfect addition to any hair care routine.
At Elithair, we are dedicated to providing you with the best products made from all natural ingredients. Our top-rated Dr. Balwi Hair Serum is formulated to combine all of the beneficial properties of hemp seed oil with other natural ingredients such as biotin, iron, and more. This is a comprehensive serum created to meet all your hair care needs.