Sesame oil, due to its rich biochemical composition, possesses several beneficial properties for the body. Its benefits also extend to the cosmetic sphere, particularly to the hair care domain, allowing it to be incorporated into numerous hair treatments. Discover in this article the full range of hair benefits of sesame oil.
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Sesame oil: its benefits for hair.
Summary
- Sesame oil hydrates and nourishes the hair
- Sesame oil to alleviate dandruff?
- Sesame oil to combat white hair?
- Does sesame oil promote hair growth?
- Sesame oil: how to incorporate it into your haircare routine?
- Sources
Published June 27, 2024,
updated on October 2, 2024,
by
Marie, Scientific Editor
—
6 min read
Sesame oil hydrates and nourishes the hair.
Sesame oil boasts a phytochemical composition rich in fatty acids, such as the oleic acid and palmitic acid. These molecules have a significant moisturising and nourishing action, both on the skin and the scalp and hair, and help to strengthen the hair fibre. Indeed, palmitic acid can penetrate the cuticle and reach the lipid cement by inserting itself between the hair scales. It thus ensures the impermeability of the hair fibres and guarantees their protection. In this way, sesame oil helps to combat dry and damaged hair and to prevent split ends.
Furthermore, oleic acid found in sesame oil is also present in the composition of sebum. As a reminder, this substance is secreted by the body to counteract the dryness of the scalp and hair. It also helps to maintain their flexibility and gives shine to the hair. These properties are also those of oleic acid which, by creating a protective film on the surface of the hair fibres, limits water loss. Thanks to its composition, sesame oil therefore helps to hydrate and protect the scalp and hair.
Sesame oil to alleviate dandruff?
Dandruff is composed of fragments of scalp dispersed throughout the hair. This hair condition is very common, affecting approximately one in two people. It is possible that sesame oil may have an anti-dandruff effect. Indeed, several studies have shown that this vegetable oil possesses a broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activity, effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. More specifically, sesame oil has a bacteriostatic action, meaning it inhibits bacterial growth. A similar antifungal effect on Malassezia, the fungus partly responsible for dandruff, can be hypothesised. However, as this has not yet been the subject of scientific studies, it is advisable to proceed with caution.
Sesame oil to combat white hair?
The appearance of white hair is due to a loss of melanin caused by various internal and external factors. As a reminder, melanin is a polymer synthesised from tyrosine through the enzyme tyrosinase. A scientific study by MANOSROI dating back to 2015 investigated the effect of sesamin found in sesame oil on melanogenesis. According to this study, sesamin has the ability to stimulate the activity of tyrosinase, thereby increasing the production of melanin. This stimulation would occur via the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signalling pathway in melanocytes, a metabolic pathway playing a crucial role in melanin synthesis.
Furthermore, sesame oil is rich in tocopherols, potent antioxidants that neutralise free radicals. These free radicals contribute to the onset of white hair through the oxidation of hair fibres. Several studies have indeed shown that hair whitening can be correlated with the presence of free radicals in melanocytes, acting through various mechanisms. Thus, even though clinical studies are still required, sesame oil could help maintain the pigmentation integrity of the hair, thanks to the sesamin and vitamin E it contains.
Does sesame oil promote hair growth?
The aforementioned scientific study also investigated the potential hair loss prevention properties of sesame oil. During this research, sesamin demonstrated that it could significantly inhibit the activity of the 5α-reductase enzyme, which is responsible for catalysing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, in turn, leads to an increase in the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a cytokine that accelerates the various phases of the hair cycle, thereby causing hair follicles to enter the telogen phase, or hair shedding phase, more rapidly. Furthermore, by binding to the Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) protein, DHT triggers the apoptosis of hair matrix cells, which results in hair loss. We can therefore cautiously assume that sesame oil could contribute to hair growth.
Sesame oil: how to incorporate it into your haircare routine?
Sesame oil, therefore, possesses numerous beneficial properties for hair care. In this context, it can be used in the form of an oil bath. To do this, simply apply a few drops of sesame oil from mid-lengths to ends and leave it on for a while so that the oil can work its magic. It is also possible to perform a massage with strategic circular movements on the scalp. Afterwards, wash your hair with a shampoo suitable for your hair type.
Sources
YAGOUB A. & al. Chemical Composition and Oil Characteristics of Sesame Seed Varieties Cultivated in Sudan. Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences (2008).
MANOSROI A. & al. 5α-Reductase Inhibition and Melanogenesis Activity of Sesamin from Sesame Seeds for Hair Cosmetics. Chiang Mai Journal of Science (2015).
JAIN R. & al. Penetration study of oils and their formulations into human hair using confocal microscopy. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2019).
ARGHYA A. & al. Hair Oils: A Re-examination of Traditional Knowledge. International Journal of Trichology (2022).
WEN-NEE T. & al. Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Ghee Hiang Sesame Oil Extract. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences (2023).
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