If you are struggling with hair loss, there is a billion-dollar market worth of products that promise to help restore your hair growth. However, not all of them are backed by scientific evidence. Still, black seed oil for hair has been shown to improve hair density and thickness in 70% of the participants with telogen effluvium in a placebo-controlled study [1].
Furthermore, this generally safe essential oil for hair growth may also hold a variety of other benefits for healthy locks, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties [2]. Keep reading this article to discover all that science has to say about using black seed oil for hair, such as:
Black seed oil (also known as black cumin seed oil or kalonji oil) is pressed from seeds from the Nigella sativa plant. These common seeds are also known as black cumin seeds, black caraway seeds, or kalonji, and they’re often used to flavour food like curries, chutneys, and soups.
The main active ingredient of black seed oil is thymoquinone [3]. This chemical compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, leading to its reputation as an effective way to grow thicker hair naturally.
While many natural remedies for hair aren’t backed up by science, black seed oil has been proven to help with certain types of alopecia and improve multiple aspects of your hair’s health. Moreover, it may also help treat some common scalp problems. Here are some of this hair growth oil’s potential benefits for your locks and scalp:
Telogen effluvium is a type of sudden, temporary hair shedding that occurs as a result of significant physical or psychological stress [4]. It manifests with diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp and, in some patients, with burning scalp syndrome. While in most cases, this condition resolves itself in 3-4 months from its onset, in some people it can become chronic.
A small, controlled study was performed in 2013 on 20 women with acute telogen effluvium. Half were treated with black seed oil, and the other half received a placebo. The authors found a significant improvement in hair density and thickness in 7 out of 10 patients in the test group, as well as a substantial reduction in scalp inflammation [1]. While more substantial research is needed to confirm this effect, the results are promising.
The black seed oil has established antioxidant properties due to components such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-terpinole [2]. Oxidative stress has been linked with hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata [5].
It can cause cellular damage, which ultimately leads to hair thinning. Antioxidants like those in black seed oil can neutralise the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and thus prevent or delay the onset of balding or reduce existing symptoms.
Research shows that black seed oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory effects. So, in addition to soothing your scalp, it also helps treat auto-immune conditions that cause inflammation.
Animal studies have demonstrated that this oil can treat psoriasis as effectively as tazarotene (0.1%) gel [6]. While human trials are needed to see if it can also work for scalp psoriasis, it is certainly a promising avenue to explore.
Another clinical trial – this time performed on people – found that black seed oil can treat hand eczema as effectively as betamethasone [7] There is also promising evidence that this remedy may help treat other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or vitiligo [8].
While more evidence is needed to test this theory, black seed oil may be beneficial in improving the symptoms of auto-immune scalp conditions that manifest with inflammation, such as scalp psoriasis and alopecia areata (however, it is unclear whether topical formulations would work as well as ingesting oral capsules).
Black seed oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties [9], which may help treat common scalp problems. You can use it for yeast infections on the scalp (e.g. dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis) or even for milder cases of scalp folliculitis.
However, more research is needed to prove it is effective against these conditions when applied topically in humans. That is because its antimicrobial properties have only been studied in vitro and on certain types of bacteria and fungi, and it is not clear whether they would work the same way on other germs found on the human scalp.
Black seed oil has been shown to play a significant role in regulating the hair growth cycle. It can do so by inhibiting the production of hormone-like compounds linked with hair loss, such as prostaglandin D2 [14][15]. This helps maintain healthy hair growth and reduce unnecessary hair loss by extending your strands’ anagen (growth) phase and preventing your hair follicles from entering the telogen (resting/shedding) phase prematurely [9].
An extended growth phase can give you thicker, longer and more luxurious hair while cutting the shedding phase short can curb diffuse hair thinning.
Dry, brittle hair can look bad, feel bad and break off easily. But the fatty acids in black seed oil can help keep your locks nourished, moisturised, shiny, and healthy. This won’t only make your hair soft and beautiful, but it may also make it fuller, as well-hydrated strands are stronger and less prone to hair breakage.
So if you are trying to fix heat-damaged hair or are looking for a treatment for dry hair that feels like straw, black seed oil may be an excellent option. You can use it directly on your locks or mix it with other nourishing ingredients to create a deep conditioning mask.
Black seed oil is normally very safe when used topically. While it can sometimes cause stomach problems or low blood sugar when ingested, an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) is all you need to worry about if you’re merely applying it to your scalp.
However, it is always a good idea to test the oil on a small patch of skin before using it, as it has been known to produce quite severe allergies in some people, which can require medical assistance [10].
Black seed oil is a popular remedy available in supplement shops and online pharmacies.
Seed oil extraction uses mechanical and chemical processes that most people can’t do at home. So, if you want the real thing, you’re best off buying pre-bottled black seed oil.
But in a pinch, you can try the following method:
You can apply this mixture directly to the scalp or mix it with other oils.
Black seed oil is noted for its low toxicity, so side effects are rare [6]. However, contact dermatitis has been seen following topical use, so if you experience any adverse effects (such as a rash or excessive itchiness), you’re advised to stop using it.
If you are looking to cold-press your black seed oil, here is another good recipe that you can use:
While black seed oil can be ingested, it’s usually recommended to apply it to the scalp and hair instead. This helps you avoid systemic side effects (though you may still experience skin irritation).
Here’s how you can use black seed oil for scalp hair growth:
Dermatitis is a known side effect of black seed oil. If you experience any irritation on the first or subsequent uses, it’s best to stop using it.
You may leave this oil in your hair without rinsing it after application, as it is a safe, gentle product. However, if you do so, be sure to wash your hair regularly. It is still an oil that can cause build-up on your scalp and clog your pores if left on for days on end. This can, in turn, lead to problems such as dandruff, scalp acne, or even scalp folliculitis.
There’s currently no evidence that black seed oil can specifically stimulate beard hair growth. However, although more research is needed, it may help regulate your beard growth cycle as it does for the hair on your head.
Furthermore, black seed oil’s antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may benefit your beard and scalp hair. For example, if you often get ingrown hairs or rashes when you shave, applying this oil may soothe inflammation and minimise the risk of infection.
While black seed oil can help reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to premature greying, there is not much it can do to reverse or substantially prevent this phenomenon. Canities are a normal part of the ageing process, and a healthy lifestyle might delay their appearance in some people, but they will eventually occur as genetically determined.
Some think black seed oil can reduce grey hairs because it is sometimes used in home-made hair dyes alongside other herbs due to its melanin content [11][12]. So, while this oil does not really reverse the greying process, it can indeed paint your white hairs darker when in the right mixture.
There is evidence that certain other natural oils, including pumpkin seed oil and rosemary oil for hair growth, can boost hair density in certain forms of alopecia [12-13]. However, not all oils and supplements are useful for promoting hair growth.
The natural remedies industry is largely unregulated, so there may be unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of certain natural hair regrowth products. For example, in our vitamins for hair growth research study, we found that vitamin supplements actually have very little impact on hair growth unless you have a vitamin deficiency that can cause hair loss.
The right treatment for your hair loss depends greatly on why your hair is falling out. However, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, there are some treatments and therapies scientifically proven to stimulate hair growth in certain types of alopecia. Here are some of those proven most effective:
If you are experiencing androgenetic alopecia, your best bet may be to try Finasteride or Dutasteride. These popular and effective drugs work by lowering the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your blood. However, they can only treat pattern hair loss and are not recommended for premenopausal women, as they can cause foetal malformations and hormonal imbalances.
Minoxidil is a very good and much more versatile choice, as it can help treat anything from male or female pattern hair loss to alopecia areata, traction alopecia and telogen effluvium. It works by increasing blood flow to your hair follicles so they receive more oxygen and nutrients. However, it is mostly effective against mild to moderate hair loss.
If your hair shedding is caused by an autoimmune condition, such as alopecia areata or scalp psoriasis, you may need to try a steroid cream (or, in more advanced cases, steroid injections) to reduce scalp inflammation and achieve hair regrowth.
Alongside other treatments, you can also try some evidence-based therapies, such as PRP treatments for hair. The platelet-rich plasma supplies your follicles with growth factors they can use to repair themselves and produce healthy strands.
Red light therapy for hair growth is also a good option, as it improves the functioning of the cells in your scalp and helps get more energy and nutrients to your hair follicles faster. Its effects can be enhanced by some relaxing scalp massages, which also help increase blood flow to your hair roots.
If your hair loss is too advanced to be treated non-surgically, there is still an excellent option that may be available to you: you may be a good candidate for a hair transplant. This is a simple outpatient surgery that takes place under local anaesthesia.
The surgeon harvests some healthy hair follicles from the back of your head and reimplants them in the thinning areas of your scalp. The procedure is virtually painless and you can go home the same day. The major advantage of hair restoration surgery is that a hair transplant is permanent, which means it is as close as possible to cure baldness with today’s technology.
Hair restoration surgery performed at one of the best clinics in the UK has extremely high chances of success (97-100%). And regardless of whether you opt for an FUE or an FUT procedure, it is easy to get a hair transplant without anyone knowing. You can see for yourself by looking at our before and after hair transplant gallery.
If you are experiencing hair loss and having a hard time finding a treatment that actually works, we are here to help. Book a consultation with one of our experienced hair specialists at your most convenient clinic location.
Our doctors will use all the necessary diagnostic trichology tests to find the exact cause of your hair shedding and recommend the best hair loss treatment for men (or, by case, the most effective hair loss treatment for women).
Moreover, they will be happy to explain how different hair growth treatments work and how to tell the useful ones apart from the scams. They will also offer personalised solutions for your particular hair type and condition and help you develop the best hair care routine for thinning locks.
If you still haven’t found all the black seed oil facts you were looking for, try reading the answers to these frequently asked questions:
No, black seed oil does not influence your DHT levels. That means it is likely not very effective in treating male pattern baldness (or female pattern baldness). It can probably make a small contribution by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the scalp. However, while it can also play some role in reducing oxidative stress, it cannot compare to other hair growth treatments that actively reduce DHT levels, such as Finasteride or Dutasteride.
However, if you want herbal remedies containing natural DHT blockers, you can try rosemary oil for hair growth. It has been proven to be as effective as Minoxidil 2% in treating androgenetic alopecia [12].
You can use black seed oil alongside other hair growth treatments, mix it with other essential oils you like, and make hair masks. Some evidence shows some herbal hair serums made with black seed oil, castor oil, vitamin E for hair, and other natural ingredients can help improve hair quality [9].
No, experiencing any discomfort after using black seed oil is not normal. If your scalp is burning, itching, swelling or developing a rash after using this remedy, you are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to it. If this happens, wash your scalp and hair thoroughly with cool water and shampoo and stop using black seed oil.
Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can also help relieve your symptoms. If they persist or get worse, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Yes, this oil has numerous health benefits. It has been demonstrated to help treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, reduce epileptic seizures, reduce blood sugar and blood pressure, improve respiratory system function, reduce gastrointestinal issues, help lower weight in obese patients, reduce the risk of certain cancers and more [8]. Since it is considered mostly safe from a side-effect point of view, there may be no harm in trying it to improve your health.
However, if you are already taking treatment for health conditions, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to avoid drug interactions.
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