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Compatibilité huile de sésame et cheveux colorés

Is sesame oil suitable for colored hair?

Hair color treatments are often performed for aesthetic needs. However, without regular maintenance, they can age poorly and become a source of discomfort. In the quest for natural care, some turn to sesame oil. Discover below if this vegetable oil is suitable for colored hair.

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Published June 27, 2024, updated on June 27, 2024, by Marie, Scientific Editor — 4 min read

Sesame oil: Is it compatible with colored hair?

In order to change their appearance or to cover gray hair, many women and men resort to hair dyes. These can be temporary, semi-permanent or permanent. However, hair dyes are often the subject of controversy due to their composition and the potentially harmful effects they could have on hair, health, and the environment. Indeed, coloring hair often requires the use of chemical products capable of removing, replacing, or covering the natural pigments present on the hair shaft. These chemicals can potentially cause undesirable effects such as scalp irritation, overall weakening of the hair fibers, or in rare cases, hair loss.

To care for colored hair and prevent it from fading or the like, it is recommended to maintain it with very gentle treatments. As for sesame oil, there is presumably no contraindication to its use on colored hair. Conversely, in the absence of studies on this subject, it does not seem that this botanical extract provides any particular benefits to this type of hair. However, its gentleness and high tolerance suggest that it could be beneficial.

Therefore, we can simply assume that the capillary properties of the sesame oil can be transcribed for colored hair, particularly its hydrating and antioxidant virtues.

  • Sesame oil for moisturizing colored hair?

    Hair dyes tend to be quite harsh on the hair and can cause dryness. The chemical agents used in coloring products, such as ammonia for instance, are likely to weaken the hydrolipidic film present on the surface of the hair and destabilize the cohesion of the cuticle cells, thereby exposing the internal layers of the fibers to external aggressions.

    Indeed, sesame oil has the ability to recreate a protective film on the surface of the hair. In fact, some of the fatty acids it contains, such as palmitic acid, can insert themselves into the hair cuticles, allowing them to both tighten and strengthen the structure of the hair fiber. Others, such as oleic acid, remain on the surface and reinforce the hydrolipidic film through biomimicry. It is likely that this hair property of sesame oil extends to colored hair, which is in great need of hydration.

  • Sesame oil to protect colored hair fibers from oxidative stress?

    Hair is sensitive to oxidative stress. This phenomenon occurs when it is exposed to the sun's UV rays, pollution, and also to chemical agents found in hair dyes, such as hydrogen peroxide. Once dyed, this sensitivity is exacerbated. In addition to weakening their structure, the presence of excess free radicals in the hair fibers can alter their color.

    To protect colored hair from oxidative stress, it's beneficial to incorporate antioxidants into your hair care routine. Sesame seed oil can fulfill this role, thanks to its high content of flavonoids and vitamin E. Through an electron donation, these molecules can stabilize free radicals and prevent them from damaging hair fibers. This protection is particularly useful for colored hair.

Sources

  • KULCSAR L. & al. Investigation of hair dye deposition, hair color loss, and hair damage during multiple oxidative dyeing and shampooing cycles. Journal of Cosmetic Science (2016).

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

  • PHOPIN K. & al. Sesamin and sesamol mitigate H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human neuronal cells through the SIRT1-SIRT3-FOXO3a signaling pathway. Nutritional Neuroscience (2021).

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