Is sesame oil suitable for coloured hair?

In order to change their appearance or to cover grey hair, many women and men resort to hair dyes. These can be temporary, semi-permanent or permanent. However, hair dyes are often the subject of much controversy regarding their composition and the harmful effects they could have on the hair, health and the environment. Indeed, colouring hair often requires the use of chemical products capable of removing, replacing or covering the natural pigments present on the hair shaft. However, these chemicals are likely to cause undesirable effects such as scalp irritation, overall weakening of the hair fibres, or more rarely, hair loss.

To care for coloured hair and prevent it from fading or the like, it is recommended to maintain it with very gentle treatments. As for sesame oil, there is presumably no contraindication to its use on coloured hair. Conversely, in the absence of studies on this subject, it does not seem that this botanical extract provides any particular benefits to this type of hair. However, its gentleness and high tolerance suggest that it could be beneficial.

Therefore, we can simply assume that the capillary properties of the sesame oil can be transposed to coloured hair, particularly its moisturising and antioxidant virtues.

• Sesame oil for moisturising coloured hair?

  Hair dyes tend to be quite harsh on the hair and can cause dryness. The chemical agents used in colouring products, such as ammonia for instance, are likely to weaken the hydrolipidic film present on the hair surface and destabilise the cohesion of the cuticle cells, thereby exposing the internal layers of the fibres to external aggressions.

  Indeed, sesame oil has the ability to recreate a protective film on the surface of the hair. In fact, some of the fatty acids it contains, such as palmitic acid, can insert themselves at the level of the hair cuticles, allowing both to tighten them and to strengthen the structure of the fibre. Others, such as oleic acid, remain on the surface and consolidate the hydrolipidic film through biomimicry. It is likely that this hair property of sesame oil extends to coloured hair, which is in great need of hydration.

• Sesame oil to protect coloured hair fibres from oxidative stress?

  Hair is sensitive to oxidative stress. This phenomenon occurs when it is exposed to the UV rays of the sun, pollution, and also to chemical agents found in hair dyes, such as hydrogen peroxide for instance. Once dyed, this sensitivity is exacerbated. In addition to weakening their structure, the presence of excess free radicals in the hair fibres can alter their colour.

  To protect coloured hair from oxidative stress, it is beneficial to incorporate antioxidants into your haircare routine. Sesame seed oil can fulfil this role, due to its high content of flavonoids and vitamin E. Through electron donation, these molecules can stabilise free radicals and prevent them from damaging hair fibres. This protection is particularly useful for coloured hair.

• KULCSAR L. & al. Investigation of hair dye deposition, hair colour loss, and hair damage during multiple oxidative dyeing and shampooing cycles. Journal of Cosmetic Science (2016).

• HADIZADEH M. & al. A review of the natural resources utilised in hair colour and hair care products. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (2017).

• PHOPIN K. & al. Sesamin and sesamol mitigate H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human neuronal cells through the SIRT1-SIRT3-FOXO3a signalling pathway. Nutritional Neuroscience (2021).