Ask any woman what is the number one hair issue she faces, and hair fall will be the most common answer. And to remedy this problem, we try almost anything that we can get our hands on. From anti-hair fall shampoos, hair masks to supplements, there is no stone we are willing to leave unturned.
But more often than not, the most potent ingredients to help deal with hair loss lie no farther than our kitchen. One such incredible ingredient that we are sure you have overlooked is kalonji oil, also known as black seed oil. So is kalonji oil good for hair? And if so why? An important ingredient in a number of popular hair oils available in the market, kalonji oil boasts of a number of properties that help to not just restrict hair fall, but also help regrow hair.
Read on as we walk you through some of the benefits of kalonji oil for hair.
01Benefits of kalonji oil for hair
- Promotes hair growth
- Prevents premature greying
- Moisturises dry hair
- Reverses hair damage
- Improves scalp health
- Restricts hair fall
i) Promotes hair growth
One of the main benefits of using black seed oil or kalonji oil is that it is an excellent way to promote hair growth naturally. This is because it is a rich source of nigellone and thymoquinone, both potent antihistamines, which are commonly prescribed for people with androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata. Since kalonji oil is a natural source of antihistamines, it does not have any side effects and is completely safe to use, making it one of the best benefits of kalonji oil for hair.
ii) Prevents premature greying
Another benefit of using kalonji oil for hair is that its regular use helps to not just prevent premature greying, but also reverses greying of hair in a number of cases. This happens because of the high content of linoleic acid, which helps prevent the reduction of the black-pigment cells in your follicles. This property of kalonji oil is what helps keep your hair black and shiny for a longer period of time. This is also one of the best kalonji benefits for hair.
iii) Moisturizes dry hair
If you have dry and frizzy hair, giving your hair a kalonji oil massage will do you a world of good. How, you ask? Well, kalonji helps regularise the sebum production in your scalp. What this means is, if your scalp produces less sebum than it should, using kalonji oil on your scalp will help normalise this production. This will ensure you have properly conditioned and healthy hair, without making it look greasy. Additionally, since black seed oil is brimming with fatty amino acids, it seals moisture into your hair shaft, thus reducing frizz and making your hair appear properly conditioned.
iv) Reverses hair damage
Our hair undergoes a lot of stress each day. Free radicals formed due to external factors such as dirt, pollution, sun damage and other impurities end up wreaking havoc on our strands, leaving them dull, lifeless and damaged. To undo and repair this damage, you don't need to indulge in expensive hair care treatments, all you need to do is regularly massage your hair and scalp with kalonji oil. This is because black seed oil is an excellent source of antioxidants, which help neutralize the effects of free radicals in the environment and protect your hair against damage. Additionally, the nourishing properties of this oil help reverse the damage and keep your hair looking super healthy and lustrous.
v) Improves scalp health
Another great benefit is that it helps improve the health of your scalp. This is because black seed oil is a rich source of anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic (pain-killing) properties, all of which are really important to keep your scalp clean and problem-free. Therefore, massaging your scalp with kalonji oil is an excellent way to reduce dandruff, itchiness and stimulate hair follicles to promote growth.
vi) Restricts hair fall
One of the biggest benefits is that it helps restrict hair fall and makes your hair grow long and strong. This is because kalonji oil is chock-full of different types of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, all of which work like a dream to nourish and strengthen your hair, and in turn, reduce hair fall. When you massage your scalp with this oil, it helps stimulate dormant hair follicles, fortifies them and curbs excess hair fall making this another great kalonji seeds benefits for hair.
02How to use Kalonji oil for hair
Now that you know about the benefits, let's find out exactly how to use kalonji oil for hair fall and other hair-related issues.
i) Kalonji oil to curb hair fall
Step 01:Start by heating two tablespoons (you can vary the amount depending on your hair length) of kalonji oil in a bowl.
Step 02:Dip a clean cotton pad into this oil and apply it generously onto your scalp.
Step 03:Massage the oil into your scalp for about five minutes and cover your hair with a shower cap. Leave it on for about an hour.
Step 04:Wash it off with cold water and a mild shampoo.
Step 05:Repeat this process at least twice a week to see results.
ii) Kalonji and coconut oil to treat dry hair
Step 01 :In a bowl, take equal parts kalonji oil and coconut oil, depending on the length and volume of your hair.
Step 02:Heat this mixture for about a minute until it is slightly warm to touch.
Step 03:Divide your hair into sections and apply this oil mixture all over your hair and scalp. Keep massaging it into your scalp for about 10 minutes.
Step 04:Let it rest for about 30 minutes to an hour and wash it off using your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Step 05:Repeat this process about two to three times a week and see how your hair starts to appear smooth and frizz-free in no time.
iii) Kalonji and castor oil for hair growth
Step 01: Start by mixing together two tablespoons of kalonji oil with one tablespoon of castor oil.
Step 02: Heat the mixture a little to thin out the consistency of castor oil. This will make it easier to spread the oil mixture through your hair.
Step 03: Thoroughly massage your entire scalp with this oil blend, focussing on those areas that are more prone to balding such as the temples.
Step 04: Leave it on for about an hour if not more, before thoroughly washing it out with cold water and shampoo.
Step 05: Repeat this process at least once a week to see results.
03Frequently asked questions about kalonji oil for hair
Q. Does black seed oil increase hair growth?
A. Yes, various studies have indicated the usage of black seed or kalonji oil benefits in curbing hair loss and promoting hair growth. This is due to the presence of hair-loving nutrients that work wonders to deliver long, strong and healthy hair.
Q. Can you leave kalonji oil in your hair overnight?
A. Yes, there is no problem with leaving kalonji oil in your hair overnight. It is filled with a lot of hair-loving nutrients that help to stimulate hair follicles, nourish your scalp and increase hair growth.
Q. How long does it take for black seed oil to show results
A. If you massage your scalp with black seed oil two to three times a week, you will notice visible changes in your hair after about eight to 12 weeks. The condition with using natural remedies is that you need to be consistent to get the results you desire.
Q.What are the benefits of kalonji oil for hair?
Kalonji oil promotes hair growth, prevents premature greying, reduces dandruff, and strengthens hair by nourishing the scalp and follicles.
Q. How can kalonji oil be used for hair care?
Apply kalonji oil directly to the scalp or mix it with coconut or castor oil. Massage for 10 minutes and leave it on for an hour before washing.
