Safflower oil is extremely beneficial for the hair, because of its moisturizing and healing properties. This HairGlamourista article explains how regular use of the oil can improve the hair quality.
As we know, our hair plays an essential part in our appearance, especially for women, and so we need to take good care of it. Normally, due to stress, daily activities, or aging, our hair become dull and lose the shine. Usually, the hair care regime includes styling, dyeing, and cutting hair, but we quite conveniently forget that for proper hair care and faster hair growth, we need to oil, wash, condition, and brush the hair regularly. Oil works as an excellent conditioner for dry and breaking hair. It nourishes the roots, penetrates deep inside the scalp, and helps to prevent dryness. It strengthens the hair strands, and promotes a healthier and richer hair growth at a faster pace. As such, for hair growth, safflower oil is an excellent option to be considered.
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a plant belonging to the family Compositae, and is native to countries like Iran, northwestern India, North America, and the Far East. Safflower oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant, which has been used to treat baldness, high cholesterol, essential fatty acid deficiency, and hair loss.
There are two methods by which the oil is extracted from the plant seeds – the mechanical process and the chemical process. In the mechanical method, the oil is extracted from the seeds by using a natural expeller, which helps in retaining the essential nutrients found in the seeds. On the other hand, during the chemical process, certain chemicals are added to refine the oil. The process results in removal of most of the nutrients found in the oil, and contaminates it with some harmful chemicals that may cause a negative effect on the body.
Safflower Oil Benefits for Hair
- Safflower oil is highly rich in polyunsaturated fats, containing 77% linoleic acid (omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids – EFAs), 10% saturated fats, and 13% oleic acid (omega-9 fats – monosaturates).
- It also comprises high levels of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin K, and phytosterols, and so, helps in preventing and treating EFA deficiencies in the body.
- The oil contains high amounts of oleic acid, which is light in texture, and penetrates the skin easily. It protects, nourishes, hydrates, and firms the hair. It promotes hair growth and thickness.
- Being extremely rich in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is highly beneficial for dry, color treated, or permed hair.
- When applied to the scalp, it acts as a vasodilator which can dilate the blood vessels, resulting in more nutrients supply to the hair follicles through blood circulation, and a healthy environment for hair regrowth.
- Oral consumption of safflower oil is also beneficial in various ways. It helps keep hair moist and strong. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E fight free radicals (that develop as a result of stress and exposure to UV rays), and help prevent baldness and hair loss. Vitamin E and K play an important role in keeping the hair moist and healthy. The oil can be used for cooking and salad dressing.
- The oil is odorless. So, there should be no reason for not using it. The oil can improve the hair quality, and can give the hair a lustrous sheen.
Regular Use of Safflower Oil
- Put 1 or 2 drops of safflower oil in your palms, and rub them together.
- Apply the oil at the ends first, and then work towards the scalp.
- Leave this in your hair for an hour or so, and then rinse.
- By regularly applying safflower oil in your hair, you will retain the moisture and have healthy, shiny hair.
Safflower oil can be considered as the best oil around for hair growth, as it is not only easily absorbed by the hair which helps in retaining moisture, but it also prevents protein loss that damages hair.
