If you have ever wondered about the multiple ways in which we put the sunflower to use, you would realize that its versatility is underrated. Even if you are not a fan of the sun-kissing circle of yellow, you might find yourself appreciating its natural beauty if you ever find yourself looking at it closely. But there is more to it that the beauty that meets the eye. Sunflower oil is a healthy choice to add to your diet, but did you know that it also good for your hair? Sunflower oil for hair might seem like an odd choice but read on to know why you should use it and how you can.
Sunflower Oil for Hair
“I am working at it every morning from sunrise on, for the flowers fade so quickly,” Vincent Van Gogh had declared in one of his letters. While the freshness of sunflowers might fade, it is put to various uses after that. The oil comes from seeds of the flower. The refined oil is considered to be a good oil for frying, while the unrefined version can be used to dress salads.
Outside the kitchen, one of the best ways that sunflower oil can be put to use is for your hair. It can help you maintain the health of your natural hair, nourish your scalp, support healthy hair growth, and help your black hair shine.
Sunflower oil helps nourish dry hair and scalp. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Why Should I Use Sunflower Oil for Hair?
One of the most popular and beneficial qualities of sunflower oil is that it is rich in vitamin E. According to USDA FoodData Central, per 100 grams of sunflower oil packs over 41 mg of vitamin E, or alpha-tocopherol. [1]
Vitamin E is considered to be good for hair and scalp health. It can work to stimulate blood circulation towards the scalp, which in turn can promote healthy hair growth. An animal study published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology found that a deficiency of vitamin E can disrupt molting cycles in harp seals, evidently having affected their skin health. [2] [3]
Overall, vitamin E is not the saving grace for your hair and scalp, but it is a form of help when it comes it maintaining your hair health.
How To Use Sunflower Oil For Hair?
The practice of oiling your hair is prevalent in various cultures and there are various oils available in nature, and now in the market, for various hair types and needs.
You should consider oiling your hair with sunflower oil at least once a week if you have the following issues:
- Dry scalp
- Dry hair
- Brittle hair, hair breakage
- Flaky dandruff
- Curly or thick hair
Depending on the intensity of your hair issues, you should increase the duration per week.
It is not necessary, and in some cases inadvisable, to use this sunflower oil as a standalone oil for your hair. However, if you are using sunflower oil alone, be sure to start with minimal amounts, lightly covering scalp and roots for proper absorption and nourishment.
In other cases, it is best to mix 1/4th sunflower oil with another base oil. A safe choice for almost all hair types in coconut oil. Start by gently massaging this mixture on the scalp and roots. Do this once or twice a week, before going to bed. Wash off with your regular shampoo the next morning.
Sunflower oil is not the only hair oil option, but it certainly is a great one. If you happen to use it, let us know about your experience in the comments. If you have a recipe to use sunflower oil, feel free to share it as well.
