Camellia Oil For Hair: Benefits And How To Use

The nutritious components of this oil could be the key to strong and healthy hair.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Sharma, MBBS, MD
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature)
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature)
Last Updated on
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Camellia Oil For Hair

Image: ShutterStock

Japanese women have long treasured camellia oil for hair care and maintaining youthful skin. This non-greasy oil is also known as tea seed oil. It is loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids and works as an emollient to hydrate and soften the hair. In addition, the oil revives unruly, damaged hair. Learn everything about camellia oil and how to include it in your hair care routine. Read on.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Camellia Oil

What Is It?
A nutrition-rich oil extracted from camellia flowers.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may prevent hair damage, reduce dye-related damage, maintain scalp health, moisturize the scalp, and prevent hair loss.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone who isn’t allergic to the oil can use it.

How Often?
In general, you can use camellia oil on your hair once or twice a week.

Caution
Camellia oil may cause mild allergic reactions or skin irritation. Hence, do a patch test before applying.

What Is Camellia Oil?

Camellia oil in a glass bottle for hair
Image: Shutterstock

Camellia, also known as tea seed oil or Tsubaki, is a flowering plant native to Japan. The plant belongs to the tea family, and the oil is extracted from its flowers. The use of camellia oil for skin and hair dates back to ancient times. It is believed that geishas used the oil to maintain their ageless look. Japanese women also use camellia oil to maintain their hair health. In the next section, we have explored the benefits of camellia oil. Let’s take a look.

Key Takeaways

  • Camellia oil, commonly known as tea seed oil or Tsubaki, is derived from a Japanese flowering plant.
  • It is high in antioxidants and fatty acids and acts as an emollient to moisturize and soften hair.
  • Furthermore, the oil helps rejuvenate unmanageable, damaged hair and keep it healthy.
  • Apply a few drops to your scalp and hair and massage for five minutes. Leave it on overnight and wash with a gentle shampoo and conditioner the next day.

Benefits Of Using Camellia Oil For Hair

1. Prevents Hair Damage

Woman applying camellia oil to prevent hair damage
Image: Shutterstock

Camellia oil or tea seed oil contains fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. It also contains monounsaturated fatty acids (1). These fatty acids enhance hair shine, reduce friction, and minimize hair damage (2). Oleic acid, which is a very vital essential fatty acid for the skin and hair, is found in a higher percentage than that in olive oil.

2. Minimizes The Side-Effects Of Dyeing

Camellia oil is a natural chemoprotective agent that helps prevent scalp and hair damage caused by dyeing (3). Hair dyes strip the outer covering of the hair fiber, which is composed of omega-3 fatty acidsi  Healthy fats that nourish hair follicles and the skin, support heart health, and promote faster wound healing. . Camellia oil helps replenish the outer covering and protects the strands from dye-related damage.

3. Maintains Scalp Health

Woman massaging her scalp with camellia oil
Image: Shutterstock

Pure camellia oil and shampoos containing camellia oil can help prevent scalp issues like atopic dermatitisi  A common chronic condition responsible for itchy and inflamed skin that usually develops in early childhood and appears on the scalp, arms and behind knees. (eczema) and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). A study found that both the oil and shampoos refreshed the scalp, minimized excess oil production, and improved scalp health (4). It helps in improving the skin barrier of the scalp and decreasing inflammation. This may help prevent hair loss triggered by these scalp conditions.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Mix 1- 2 tablespoons of camellia oil with your regular shampoo and use it to wash your hair to minimize dryness and get lustrous hair.

4. Moisturizing and Antioxidant Effect

A study found that camellia oil had a moisturizing effect on pig skin, and the antioxidants in the oil worked as free radical scavengers (5). Free radicals are responsible for oxidative stress that may cause premature graying and alopecia (hair loss) (6). These properties of camellia oil may moisturize the scalp, nourish the follicles, and help prevent hair loss.

A blogger shared her experience of using camellia oil for her hair in her blog post. She said, “My hair is long and length is over my shoulders. I must say that this serum keeps my flyaway hair manageable a whole lot and makes my hair ends really soft (i).”

No doubt, Japanese women prefer camellia oil for maintaining their skin and hair. If you want to incorporate camellia oil in your hair care routine, here is how to do that.

How To Use Camellia Oil For Hair

Woman applying camellia oil on scalp
Image: Shutterstock
  1. Apply a few drops of camellia oil to your scalp and hair.
  2. Spread it evenly and massage your scalp with your fingertips in circular motions for five minutes.
  3. Apply the oil across the hair length, especially to the tips.
  4. Leave it on overnight and wash the next with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
  5. Repeat the process at least 1-2 times a week.

For an intense treatment, gently warm the camellia oil before applying it. This helps it absorb better, giving your hair a deeper, nourishing boost.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Apply camellia oil post heat styling to combat heat damage. Massage a few drops of the oil for a shiny look.

You may also use hair products like shampoos, serums, and treatments containing camellia oil for hair benefits.
Woman applying hair serum containing camellia oil
Image: Shutterstock

Infographic: Top Benefits Of Using Camellia Oil For Hair

Camellia oil has been used by Japanese women for centuries to maintain healthy hair and skin. It contains potent antioxidants and fatty acids that work together to hydrate and enhance the softness of your tresses. Check out the infographic below to know more about the benefits of including camelia oil in your hair care routine.

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There are many benefits of using camellia oil for hair care! It is a versatile and potent ingredient that unlocks the beauty of your hair. The oil contains fatty acids that reduce hair friction, increase hair shine, and decrease hair damage. It is a natural protective agent that shields the scalp and hair from dyeing damage. The oil and shampoos containing this oil may protect the scalp from issues like dandruff and eczema. It minimizes oil production, improves the skin barrier function of the scalp, soothes inflammation, provides essential vitamins, increases hydration, and improves scalp health. This oil also has antioxidant and nourishing properties that can prevent premature graying and hair fall. You can apply camellia oil directly to your hair and scalp and also indulge in a hot oil massage to prevent hair loss. This light and non-greasy oil is a healthy addition to your hair care routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can camellia oil be used on all hair types?

Yes, camellia oil works well for all hair types. It is lightweight and is easily absorbed into the hair without weighing down the tresses. It also provides essential nutrients that benefit both dry and oily hair.

Is camellia oil good for low porosity hairi  A hair type with no space between the hair cuticles that results in poor moisture absorption into the hair shaft. ?

Yes, camellia oil is good for low-porosity hair. It helps manage split ends and dryness.

Does camellia oil make hair thicker?

Yes, camellia oil helps make hair thicker. It restores hair moisture and improves the density and volume of hair strands.

What does camellia oil smell like?

Camellia oil has a mild aroma and a light floral smell.

Illustration: Camellia Oil For Hair: Benefits And How To Use

Camellia Oil For Hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Discover the amazing benefits of camellia oil for your hair and skin in the video below! Check it out to learn how this natural oil can help you achieve healthier and more beautiful hair and skin with zero side effects.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. DIY: Homemade Hair Serum using Camellia Oil and using it neat for my skin
https://myorganicjourney11.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-homemade-hair-serum-using-camellia.html

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Research progress on the health function of tea oil
    https://academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-full-text-pdf/D369B8A25648
  2. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
  3. Analysis of the Effects of Camellia oil-mediated Pre-treatment in Hair Dyeing on Scalp and Hair
    https://www.e-ajbc.org/m/journal/view.php?number=364
  4. The Usefulness of Camellia Oil and Camellia Oil-containing Shampoo for Treatment of Various Scalp Conditions
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273267748_The_Usefulness_of_Camellia_Oil_and_Camellia_Oil-containing_Shampoo_for_Treatment_of_Various_Scalp_Conditions
  5. Antioxidant and Moisturizing Effect of Camellia assamica Seed Oil and Its Development into Microemulsion
    https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/3/40
  6. Oxidative Stress in Ageing of Hair
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555/
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Dr. Divya Sharma
Dr. Divya SharmaMBBS, MD
Dr. Divya Sharma is a renowned dermatologist and hair expert with over 14 years of experience dealing with all skin types. She has extensive experience in medical dermatology, lasers in aesthetics, and regenerative medicine.

Read full bio of Dr. Divya Sharma
Ramona Sinha
Ramona SinhaEditor
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Eshna Das
Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das
Swathi E
Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Swathi holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. With over three years of experience writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle, she is also a certified skin care coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E
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