What’s the Deal with Black Seed Oil for Hair Growth? We Investigate

Essential oils. Face oils. Cleansing oils. There are a whole lot of oils in our beauty routine, but there’s one in particular that we were unfamiliar with until now (and had no idea how much we needed). Meet black seed oil for hair growth, the OG of scalp treatments.

Also referred to as black cumin or nigella sativa, black seed oil is thought to naturally restore hair growth in thinning areas thanks to its high concentration of thymoquinone, a powerful antihistamine. Yep, antihistamines are often prescribed to alopecia patients to help regrow hair, and get this, it’s actually an essential oil. That means it’s not thick like olive or coconut oil, and it has added therapeutic benefits. It also means that 100 percent pure, unrefined and cold-pressed black seed oil has to be diluted in another carrier oil (such as coconut or olive), because it’s too potent on its own. And when diluted, it can be used directly on the scalp to reduce inflammation, stimulate hair growth and reduce flakiness and sensitivity. However, even if you don’t have any scalp conditions, it helps to make hair healthy, soft, hydrated and shiny with consistent use. 

There are two types of DIY concoctions that can easily be made at home. Take the easy route with this one:

Ingredients:
1 tbsp black seed oil
1 tbsp coconut oil 

Instructions:
Mix equal parts black seed oil and coconut oil in a bowl (you can sub in olive oil if you wish). Before showering, work the oil into your scalp in circular motions, concentrating on any thinning areas. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then wash your hair like you normally would. Your locks will be softer, shinier and hydrated instantly.

If you want to create the whole solution from scratch, follow this recipe instead:

Ingredients:
2 handfuls black cumin seeds
5 cups water
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:
Fill a pot with five cups of water and add two handfuls of black cumin seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil for ten minutes, then take it off the heat and let cool for five minutes. Strain the seeds from the mixture and pour one cup of the infused water into a jar (the remainder can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks). Add one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and mix. Then pour it over your scalp, massaging it in to stimulate blood flow. Once working in, let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing your hair. Repeat twice a week for optimal results.

Don’t want to go the DIY route? Here are five products that use black seed oil for hair growth and overall health.