Baobab oil, derived from the seeds of the baobab fruit, is known for its numerous virtues that make it a coveted 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 August 13, 2024,
by
Marie, Scientific Editor
—
5 min read
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Some characteristics of baobab oil:
The baobab is a tree found in African countries, characterized by a thick trunk and thin branches. During the flowering period, it produces fruits whose seeds are harvested to obtain baobab oil, extracted by cold pressing. The quality of the oil depends on the cultivation location, climatic conditions, and the choice of fertilizers.
Baobab oil is typically yellow in color, 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 moisturizing, emollient, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, enabling it to provide numerous benefits to both the skin and hair. The hair-enhancing virtues of baobab oil come from its composition and, in particular, the fatty acids and vitamins it contains.
Does baobab oil promote hair growth?
A normal head of hair consists of between 100,000 to 150,000 hairs, which renew in a cyclical manner. Each day, approximately 30 to 150 hairs fall out and are replaced by new ones. Hair is composed of over 80% keratin. It develops in the hair follicle before growing and falling out. The duration of a hair 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 deeply nourish and hydrate the hair, while preserving their color and protecting them from external aggressions. Its moisturizing, strengthening, emollient, and soothing properties come from its rich fatty acid composition. All these properties could potentially prevent the occurrence of split ends, and healthy hair requires less frequent cutting. Baobab oil could possibly, indirectly, promote hair growth, although more studies would be needed for further information.
However, it's worth noting that a study conducted in 2015, involving a group of 120 female subjects, demonstrated that a six-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 properties of this oil. However, it's important to emphasize 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. Make sure 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 about 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. & al. African oils in dermatology. Dermatologic therapy (2021).
HADIZADEH M. & al. A Review of the Natural Resources Used in Hair Color and Hair Care Products. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (2017).
MARIKKAR J. M. N. & al. Assessment of antioxidant potential and physical-chemical characteristics of Sudanese baobab(Adansonia digitata)seed oil.International Food Research Journal(2015).
RAWNSLEY J. & al. Biology, Growth, and Pigmentation of Hair. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America (2018).
STUCKI A. & al. Three Major Tree Nut Oils of Southern Central Africa: Their Uses and Future as Commercial Base Oils. The International Journal of Aromatherapy (2005).
TOSTI A & al. Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women. Journal of Cosmetics Dermatology (2015).
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