There’s nothing like a good hair day. When your roots look fresh and lifted and your hair looks healthy and full, you’ll be nothing but happy with your mane. Of course, achieving such a moment may be a little difficult. In a world of heavy hair care products, erratic weather, extreme humidity, and constant reminders to wash your hair less rather than more, greasy, flat hair can feel more like an inevitability. There is. However, you don’t have to. With the right ingredients, you too can sport attractive, revitalized hair that looks shiny and smooth, not to mention airy and voluminous.
One ingredient that helps bring about these results is chia seed oil. This natural oil derived from chia seeds is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and proteins, all of which work to transform the look and feel of your hair. Intrigued? We were too. That’s why we spoke to five hair experts to uncover all the benefits of chia seed oil for hair. Read on to learn more.
Meet our experts
Chia seed oil benefits for hair
Chia seed oil is something of a miracle worker in the hair world. The antioxidant-rich oil is multifaceted, delivering everything from hydration and deep nourishment to hair strengthening.
“Chia seed oil nourishes and moisturizes hair without making it greasy,” says celebrity stylist Galen, co-founder of R+Co and R+Co BLEU. “Smoothes frizz, seals out split ends, and adds weightless shine. It’s also rich in vegan protein, promotes hair volume, prevents breakage, strengthens hair, and provides natural UV protection and Protects hair from damage with oxidants.
According to Frank Izquierdo, stylist and co-founder of IGK, chia seed oil can soothe dry scalp and have an emollient effect.
Additionally, trichologist and Color Collective founder Kelly E. Yates says chia seed oil may boost follicular health. “Omega acids and alpha-linoleic acid provide additional nutrition and ensure proper follicle condition,” she says.
And the stronger your hair follicles, the healthier (and fuller) your hair will look. In fact, BosleyMD trichologist Gretchen Friese says chia seed oil has anti-breakage and hair follicle-strengthening effects, which can “prevent excessive hair thinning and even promote new hair growth.” It will be helpful.”
Wait, can chia seed oil really promote hair growth?
Yes, to some extent. “Chia seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for maintaining a healthy environment for hair growth,” Friese says. “It’s also rich in amino acids, which help fight inflammation, and zinc and copper, which prevents hair thinning and helps hair growth.”
Keep in mind that chia seed oil is not so much a magic hair-growth ingredient as it is an oil that deeply nourishes the scalp and hair, allowing for a better growth environment.
“When you think of chia seeds, you might think of chia seed pets, where you can watch the seeds instantly grow on various clay dolls. Unfortunately, chia seed oil and its hair care products “The chia seed oil in the product promotes hair growth by supporting the proper condition of the hair follicles, but the ingredient itself does not cause hair growth,” Yates explains. “When I talk about the proper condition of the hair follicles, I specifically mean, in addition to keeping the scalp dry and irritated, it also prevents excess sebum, styling product build-up, shampoo and conditioner build-up, and dry skin cells. It protects the hair follicles from “debris” such as. Currently checking. ”
Who is chia seed oil best for?
Anyone can benefit from incorporating chia seed oil into their hair care routine.
“Chia seed oil is beneficial in all aspects, but it is most effective for people with damaged, dry, frizzy, or thinning hair,” says Valerie Joseph Salon and founder of Valerie Joseph Haircare. says celebrity hairstylist Valerie Joseph.
And yes, that means even fine hair can enjoy this oil. “Chia seed oil is very lightweight and can be used on all hair types, from fine to coarse,” Yates asserts.
How to incorporate chia seed oil into your hair care routine
The easiest way to enhance your hair care routine with chia seed oil is to stock up on products formulated with chia seed oil. “Due to its many benefits and versatility, it is used not only in skin care, but also in hair care and styling products,” says Galen.
Great products with chia seed oil include IGK’s Extra Love Volume and Thickening Conditioner ($32), R+Co’s Cassette Curl Defining Shampoo and Conditioner ($68), and Ceremonia’s Acete de Mosca Pre-Shampoo Scalp & and hair oil ($32).
Of course, you can also apply 100% chia seed oil directly to your scalp if you prefer to use raw ingredients, says Gries. “You can also use it as a serum to apply directly to your scalp before moisturizing products,” she says. “Alternatively, it can be mixed with other carrier oils such as coconut or jojoba and used as a hair mask.”
Negative side effects of using chia seed oil
Like anything else, chia seed oil can cause irritation. “If your scalp feels tingly, prickly, red, or irritated, discontinue use,” says Yates.
