Sunflower oil for hair: what are the benefits?

The sunflower oil, due to its composition, provides hair with flexibility and softness. The fatty acids contained in the oil indeed act by limiting insensible water loss, ensuring the maintenance of a good level of hair hydration. It can also contribute to the repair of brittle, weakened hair or hair with split ends. Indeed, the unsaturated fatty acids in sunflower oil are capable of inserting themselves at the level of the hair scales, ensuring a role of intracellular cement. They thus help to promote hair impermeability.

Finally, certain saturated fatty acids from sunflower oil are part of the composition of sebum, naturally secreted by the body in order to protect the hair. They help to compensate for sebum production imbalances and to counteract the daily aggressions suffered by the fibres, which can lead to hair dehydration.

Our hair is exposed daily to various external aggressions, such as pollution, the sun's UV rays, and the chemicals found in hair products. Sunflower oil acts as a protective barrier by forming a film on the surface of the hair, thus protecting it against the damage caused by these external factors. The vitamin E contained in sunflower oil also works against the oxidation of hair fibres caused by free radicals. These create a oxidative stress, leading to the gradual deterioration of hair fibres, accelerating the appearance of grey hair or even hair loss.

Thanks to its rich biochemical composition, sunflower oil protects the hair from external aggressions by neutralising free radicals to prevent oxidation and maintain good hair quality.

Sunflower vegetable oil contains fatty acids, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. They are notably capable ofinhibiting the NF-κB signalling pathway and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-α. Sunflower oil also contains phytosterols, soothing compounds. They inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme responsible for the release of inflammation molecules, the prostaglandins.

Sunflower oil could thus provide relief for irritated scalps, and help to reduce redness and itching.

In order to fully benefit from the numerous advantages of sunflower oil on the scalp and hair, it is essential to ensure that it is used correctly. The application of sunflower oil to the hair can be done in various ways depending on the objective. Here are the two main methods of use possible:

• Sesame oil can be applied through massage by slow and regular circular movements at the roots, by taking a few drops and rubbing them between one's hands.

• Sunflower oil can also be used in a oil bath. To do this, apply a few drops of oil to your lengths and leave it on for fifteen to thirty minutes. Afterwards, wash your hair because, even though sunflower oil is a light vegetable oil, it can leave a relatively greasy finish.

• MOHILE R.B & others. The impact of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on the prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science (2003).

• BALDI A & al. Herbal cosmetics: Utilised for skin and hair. Inventi Journal Cosmeceuticals (2012).

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

• KHARRAT M. & al. Biochemical characterisation of seed oil from Tunisian sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Accessions, with a particular focus on its fatty acid composition and oil content. Journal of Food Quality (2022).