Online influencers have recently been praising the benefits of batana oil for hair growth. However, at this time, researchers know very little about the hair health-enhancing properties of this remedy. Most of what can be gleaned about batana oil for hair comes from the fact that it is a type of palm tree oil [1].
However, the fatty acids and antioxidants in batana oil may provide some hair benefits, especially when used alongside other hair growth oils. Batana oil for hair appears to be relatively safe for your scalp, so there is little harm in trying it. Keep reading this article to find out all that science reveals about this natural remedy, such as:
Batana oil is obtained from the fruit pulp of the American oil palm [1]. It has been traditionally used for cooking and to create natural remedies. When taken for medicinal purposes it is believed to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation, stomach aches and ulcers [2].
Batana oil has also been traditionally used cosmetically, to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff [1][3]. More and more hair product manufacturers are capitalising on this Indigenous knowledge today by producing and selling batana oil for its supposed hair benefits.
No studies have yet been conducted to test the effect of batana oil on hair growth. While there is anecdotal evidence on the internet from people saying it helped them get fuller hair, at this time, no clinical trials have been conducted to confirm this. There are no studies to reveal the hair growth-stimulating qualities of palm oil in general. So while this doesn’t mean batana oil can’t improve your hair density, there is no evidence to show that it does.
While no specific studies have been conducted regarding the properties of batana oil for hair health, we know that it is a variety of American palm oil obtained from its fruit pulp. This type of oil contains fatty acids [3]. So when you apply it topically, it can moisturise your hair and improve its smoothness, softness and shine. This is particularly useful for conditioning and frizz-reduction in dry hair that feels like straw.
Palm oil often also contains antioxidants such as vitamin E for hair. Batana oil is rich in this nutrient, as well as in beta carotene [3], so it may possess some antioxidant properties. That means it may help reduce the oxidative damage your hair is exposed to daily, strengthening your strands.
More evidence is needed to determine the exact chemical composition of this remedy. This is particularly true since some manufacturers mix other hair growth oils, such as coconut oil or argan oil for hair into their batana oil.
At this time, there is no evidence that batana oil may be effective against any type of alopecia. This means that no research has been conducted to show its efficacy in hair loss conditions such as male pattern baldness or alopecia areata.
However, it may help nourish, strengthen and hydrate dry, brittle hair. It can also help treat your dry scalp at home, making it less itchy. This could result in less hair breakage, which can lead to somewhat fuller, healthier hair over time.
If you are curious to try batana oil for hair, there are two main ways you can do that. Here are some of the most common.
Batana oil for hair normally comes as a cream or topical solution. If you have a cream, use the tips of your fingers to dab it on your scalp and through the lengths of your hair. Then gently massage your scalp with your fingers and use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the cream evenly from root to tip.
If you have a liquid solution, carefully pour a few drops of batana oil on your scalp and use your fingertips to massage it in. Then pour a few more drops into your palms and rub them together, before using your hands to apply the oil through the lengths of your hair. Alternatively, use a comb for a more even distribution.
If you would like to condition your hair and get an effective dry scalp treatment, you can always mix the hydrating batana oil with other nourishing natural ingredients. You can even get a scalp and hair detox by adding plant extracts that have deep-cleaning properties, such as aloe vera for hair or apple cider vinegar for hair. Here is a recipe you can try:
Aloe vera, batana oil and apple cider vinegar mask
Ingredients:
Preparation and use:
If you feel like your dry hair could use a little pick-me-up, you can always pour a few drops of batana oil for hair in your shampoo and/or conditioner bottle (use a gentle shampoo formula that does not contain harsh detergents). Then simply wash your hair with them as you normally would. This can help add extra hydration and shine to your strands.
No studies have yet reported any side effects to using batana oil for hair. However, any substance can cause an allergic reaction, which can manifest with redness, swelling and irritation on the skin. So be sure to test batana oil for hair on a small patch of skin before applying it to your scalp. This is especially important if you have a known sensitivity to palm oil or palm byproducts of any kind.
If you are looking for science-backed ways to increase your hair density and curb excessive hair shedding, here are some of your best options.
If you are looking for ways to grow thicker hair naturally, there are some evidence-based essential oils for hair growth that can help. For example, studies have found rosemary oil for hair growth to be as effective against male pattern baldness as Minoxidil 2% [4]. That is because some of its ingredients are natural DHT blockers.
Pumpkin seed oil for hair is also proven to help increase hair density in both male and female pattern baldness. It appears to work both topically, and ingested as oral capsules [5][6].
If you have diffuse thinning, try black seed oil for hair. It can regulate your hair growth cycle and reduce hair shedding caused by telogen effluvium [7]. Furthermore, all of these effective hair growth oils also contain fatty acids and antioxidants that can make your hair stronger, softer and healthier.
Red light therapy for hair growth is an effective and non-invasive way to reduce hair loss and improve density in a variety of conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata. The beams of red light are absorbed into your scalp where they optimise cell function, stimulating your follicles for hair growth [8].
Another good way to improve your hair fullness is to get a PRP hair treatment. The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is extracted from a small sample of blood drawn from your arm then injected into the thinning areas on your scalp. Its abundant growth factors help repair your hair follicles and improve their function, supporting healthy hair production [9].
There are also hair loss therapies that you can easily get in the comfort of your own home, such as regular scalp massages for hair growth. Research shows that 10-20 daily minutes of relaxing head massage can help improve your hair density and thickness [10][11].
If you are interested in trying hair loss medication, it is best to get the recommendation of a trichologist. They can make sure the treatment is appropriate for your type of alopecia and doesn’t interact with other medications.
The most frequently prescribed drug for male pattern hair loss is Finasteride. This medication works by reducing the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in your blood [12]. It may also be effective against female pattern baldness, but premenopausal women shouldn’t take Finasteride, as it has been linked to birth defects and hormonal imbalances.
Minoxidil is another very effective hair loss treatment. More versatile than Finasteride, it can help treat many conditions, from androgenetic alopecia to alopecia areata or advanced traction alopecia. It works by dilating the small blood vessels in your scalp so more oxygen and nutrients can reach your hair follicles [13]. These added resources help produce more healthy hair.
If you are tired of searching for hair growth remedies, a hair transplant may be the answer to your problems. That is because unlike hair oils and medications that only work while you keep applying them, a hair transplant is permanent.
This outpatient procedure involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from the back of your head and implanting them into the sparser spots on your scalp. This is a very safe and effective surgery, as the best UK hair transplant clinics have almost 100% success rates for both FUE and FUT procedures. Check out our before and after hair transplant gallery to see our results for yourself.
If you are experiencing hair loss, we are here to help. Book a consultation at your earliest convenience with one of our dedicated hair doctors. They will use state-of-the-art equipment and specialised diagnostic trichology tests to get to the root of your hair concerns.
Once you have your diagnosis, they will work together with you to provide an optimal, personalised solution for your specific hair needs and preferences. Our skilled trichologists will provide you with insight and advice about the hair care routine and products that work best to give you happy, healthy tresses.
If there are still things you’d like to ask about the properties of batana oil for hair, read the answers to these commonly asked questions.
It is a good idea to keep the batana oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, to make the most of its moisturising and hydrating properties. However, if your hair is dry, you can also choose to leave it on for a couple of hours, or even overnight. Just make sure to wash your hair well with shampoo and conditioner afterwards.
It is difficult to compare the qualities of these two hair oils because very little scientific information is available regarding batana oil. However, coconut oil is known to have excellent moisturising and conditioning capacities. It can also reduce hair porosity and may possess some antimicrobial qualities [14][15]. So if you have to choose, you may be better off using evidence-based coconut oil, or a mixture of the two.
While batana oil may contain beta carotene [3], which can affect the colour of your skin when ingested in large quantities, there is no evidence that applying it topically can darken the colour of your hair. And there doesn’t seem to be any indication that this plant oil can play a role in delaying or reversing your hair greying.
That largely depends on the product you are using, as some manufacturers add fragrance or other strong-smelling ingredients to their batana oil. According to user reviews, natural batana oil has a slightly burnt or smoky, nutty and earthy smell. However, the smokiness may be a byproduct of the processes used to obtain the oil.
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