Baobab oil, derived from the seeds of the baobab fruit, is renowned for its numerous virtues that make it a sought-after ingredient in the cosmetic industry. It is highly praised for its beneficial properties for hair. There are even claims that it accelerates hair growth. Continue reading to find out if you can use baobab oil to speed up the growth process and to learn about the clinical data on this subject.
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Using baobab oil to promote hair growth?
Summary
Published January 9, 2024,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Marie, Scientific Editor
—
5 min read
Some characteristics of baobab oil:
The baobab is a tree found in African countries, featuring a thick trunk and thin branches. During the flowering period, it produces fruits whose seeds are used to obtain baobab oil, extracted by cold pressing. The quality of the oil depends on the place of cultivation, the climatic conditions, and the choice of fertilisers.
Baobab oil is typically yellow in colour, it is pure and presents a clear appearance. It exhibits interesting physicochemical characteristics that allow it to have good stability and a significant shelf life. It possesses moisturising, emollient, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, enabling it to provide numerous benefits to both the skin and hair. The hair virtues of baobab oil come from its composition and in particular the fatty acids and vitamins it contains.
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Does baobab oil promote hair growth?
A normal head of hair comprises between 100,000 to 150,000 strands, which cyclically renew themselves. Each day, approximately 30 to 150 hairs fall out and are replaced by new ones. Hair is made up of over 80% keratin. It develops in the hair follicle before growing and eventually falling out. The duration of a hair growth cycle is genetically programmed and varies from 2 to 7 years depending on the sex.
At present, no scientific study has been conducted to date on the effectiveness of baobab oil on hair growth when applied topically. The baobab oil however, has interesting properties for maintaining healthy hair and healthy hair tends to grow faster. It presents multiple benefits in its composition, which can be useful for accelerating hair growth. Indeed, baobab oil is a vegetable oil rich in benefits for the hair.
Baobab oil will nourish and deeply hydrate the hair, whilst preserving their colour and protecting them from external aggressions. Its moisturising, strengthening, emollient and soothing properties come from its composition rich in fatty acids. All these properties would potentially prevent the appearance of split ends, and healthy hair less frequently needs to be cut. Baobab oil could possibly, indirectly, promote hair growth, although further studies would be necessary for more information.
However, it is worth noting that a study conducted in 2015, on a group of 120 female subjects, demonstrated that a 6-month supplementation of omega 3 and 6 (unsaturated fatty acids), and antioxidants effectively combats hair loss by improving hair density. These compounds are found in baobab oil, suggesting the hair loss prevention action of this oil. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasise that this study was conducted with oral intake.
How to use baobab oil?
After washing your hair, you can apply a moderate amount of baobab oil to your lengths. Ensure to do this while your hair is still damp for better effectiveness. We advise you to focus on the driest parts of your hair, as well as the ends. Leave it on for approximately 45 minutes, then rinse your hair with warm water.
Sources
ANDERSEN F. & al. Safety evaluation of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology (2017).
BASIRAT A. & et al. African oils in dermatology. Dermatologic therapy (2021).
HADIZADEH M. & al. A Review of the Natural Resources Used in Hair Colour and Hair Care Products. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (2017).
MARIKKAR J. M. N. & co. Assessment of antioxidant potential and physical-chemical characteristics of Sudanese baobab(Adansonia digitata)seed oil.International Food Research Journal(2015).
RAWNSLEY J. & al. Hair Biology Growth and Pigmentation. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America (2018).
STUCKI A. & al. Three primary tree nut oils of southern central Africa: Their applications and potential as commercial base oils. The International Journal of Aromatherapy (2005).
TOSTI A & al. Impact of a Nutritional Supplement on Hair Loss in Women. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2015).
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