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If you ask people around the world for a quick hair fall fix, the most common answer you’ll get is oiling the hair. The practice of hair oiling has been around for hundreds of years, even when people did not know the mechanism of action of hair oils.
One of the reasons that hair oils have become a tradition is because they are not only effective for controlling hair fall but also super affordable and easily accessible.
Over the last few decades, a variety of amazing hair oils have been found to support hair health, especially when it comes to controlling hair fall.
Although the most important function of hair oil is to act as an emollient and moisturize your hair, many oils also contain beneficial compounds that can be helpful in solving many hair issues, such as hair fall (1).
Amazing Hair Oils That Control Hair Fall
Out of the thousands of hair oils available, these are some of the most beneficial hair oils that help control hair fall.
1. Coconut Oil
Biological Source: Cocus nucifera
Native Place: South Asia
Chemical Profile: Fatty acids (myristic acid, lauric acid), antioxidants, phenolic acids (1)(2)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Coconut oil is very moisturizing for your hair. It keeps the moisture inside your hair by covering the hair shaft with a coat and locking the cuticle. This ensures good hair health and strength. (3)
Moreover, coconut oil is a pretty lightweight oil, which means it can easily move inside the shafts and prevent protein loss from the hair, thus maintaining hair integrity and averting hair fall. (4)
2. Almond Oil
Biological Source: Prunus amygdalus
Native Place: South America and the Middle East
Chemical Profile: Fatty acids (linoleic acid), stearic acid, vitamin E (5)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Almond oil is a great oil for people who have dry hair. It is an emollient and fills the gaps between the hair cuticles.
Moreover, almond oil safeguards your hair from sun damage, thereby helping to preserve the structural integrity of your hair. This makes it great for protecting the hair from the problem of hair fall. (6)(7)
3. Castor Oil
Biological Source: Ricinus communis
Native Place: Africa and the Mediterranean
Chemical Profile: Stearic acid, ricinoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid (5)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Castor oil can be really good for hair nourishment, and its high content of ricinoleic acid keeps your hair hydrated. Plus, castor oil can enhance hair health by thwarting microbial infestation, which can be a reason for hair fall for many. (8)(9)
In fact, castor oil inhibits an enzyme called PGD2, which is a cause of androgenetic alopecia. So, castor oil can be great for controlling hair fall. (9)
4. Argan Oil
Biological Source: Argania spinosa
Place of Origin: Morocco
Chemical Profile: Squalene, polyphenols, sterols, linolenic acid, stearic acid (10)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Argan oil can be the go-to hair oil for people who have oily hair as it controls sebum secretion on the scalp. Argan oil is also an excellent moisturizing agent for your tresses, and it also improves the hair’s overall elasticity.
These effects ensure your hair stays healthy and away from hair fall troubles. (5)
5. Fenugreek Oil
Biological Source: Trigonella foenum
Place of Origin: Asia, the Mediterranean
Chemical Profile: Diosgenin, alkaloids, carpine compounds (11)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Fenugreek oil works amazingly against hair fall in numerous ways. First, it behaves as a natural antiandrogen by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone, a key enzyme in hair loss. (12)
Second, it promotes scalp health with its vasodilation, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects. Additionally, it fights dangerous fungi and bacteria, thus ensuring a clean and healthy scalp. (5)(13)
6. Olive Oil
Biological Source: Oleo europaea
Place of Origin: The Mediterranean
Chemical Profile: Olein, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, sterols, linolein (14)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Olive oil acts as a moisturizer, sealing the outer layer of your hair and keeping it hydrated. Moreover, it safeguards your hair from the sun’s dangerous UVB rays, and it has some antifungal properties that can stop certain scalp problems.
Lastly, when combined with ingredients such as honey and beeswax, olive oil can help improve conditions such as psoriasis, making your scalp healthier and less prone to hair fall. (15)
7. Rosemary Oil
Biological Source: Rosmarinus officinalis
Place of Origin: The Mediterranean
Chemical Profile: Linalool, eucalyptol, alpha-pinene, thymol (16)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
According to research, rosemary oil is as efficient as 2% minoxidil in controlling hair fall related to androgenetic alopecia.
In a study on people struggling with hair loss, rosemary oil demonstrated great hair growth activity by increasing the hair count after 6 months of use. Plus, rosemary oil didn’t bring about unwanted side effects such as dry or greasy hair, dandruff, and itching as much as minoxidil did. (17)
8. Amla Oil
Biological Source: Emblica officinalis
Place of Origin: Asia
Chemical Profile: Vitamin C, gallic acid, tannins, ellagic acid (5)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Amla oil has the ability to fight off hair problems. It contains unsaturated fatty acids that fight fungi, which can cause scalp infections, making your scalp a healthier place.
That’s not all – amla oil is also an antibacterial agent, bringing down bad bacteria that can cause hair disorders. Plus, amla oil delays the graying of your locks by fighting away reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, amla oil keeps your hair strong and healthy, so you can bid adios to hair fall. (18)
9. Sesame Oil
Biological Source: Sesamum indicum
Place of Origin: Asia
Chemical Profile: Arachidic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, sesamin, sesamol, lignans (5)
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Sesame oil functions as a useful protector against hair fall through various means. Its anti-inflammatory properties, due to the presence of lignans, help soothe the scalp.
Furthermore, sesame oil’s antioxidants provide protection against oxidative damage while constructing a shield around the hair to prevent damage caused by UV radiation. (5)
Additionally, sesamin, a compound found in sesame oil, exhibits potent antibacterial properties, which reduce the risk of bacterial infections on the scalp.
As a moisturizing agent, sesame oil keeps the hair follicles hydrated too. By enhancing scalp circulation, it fosters hair growth and diminishes the graying of hair. (5)
10. Tea Tree Oil
Biological Source: Melaleuca alternifolia
Place of Origin: Australia
Chemical Profile: Terpene, cineole, linalool, camphor, alpha-pinene
Mechanism of hair fall control:
Ancient Australian communities used tea tree oil to resolve hair problems, and modern research backs its ability to improve hair health too.
Tea tree oil fights fungal and bacterial infections, making it a great ingredient of antidandruff products and also allowing you to enjoy good hair days without hair fall worries. (19)(20)
Most-Asked Questions
Can hair oils control hair fall effectively?
Yes, certain hair oils are effective in controlling hair fall.
What makes coconut oil a good choice for hair fall control?
Coconut oil locks in moisture and prevents protein loss from the hair.
How does argan oil benefit hair and prevent hair fall?
Argan oil controls sebum secretion, moisturizes hair, and improves hair elasticity, reducing hair fall.
How does rosemary oil compare to minoxidil in controlling hair fall?
Research suggests that rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil in reducing hair fall without the side effects.
What hair problems does amla oil address?
Amla oil fights fungi and bacteria, delaying graying and promoting hair strength.
Final Word
The world of hair care presents many natural remedies to combat hair fall, and these include the various hair oils that are backed by evidence from centuries of wisdom and modern science.
Their diverse mechanisms of action and rich chemical profiles make them valuable additions to any hair care regimen.
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