Camellia Oil For Hair: What Are The Benefits?

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

By Ramona Sinha Ramona Sinha, Certified Skin Care Coach • Feb 16, 2023

Camellia Oil For Hair: What Are The Benefits?

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.

In This Article

What Is Camellia Oil?

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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 ages. 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.

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 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 acidsⁱXHealthy 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.

Related: 7 Side Effects Of Hair Dyeing

3. Maintains Scalp Health

Woman massaging her scalp with camellia oil

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Pure camellia oil and shampoos containing camellia oil can help prevent scalp issues like atopic dermatitisⁱXA 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.

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.

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

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

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

There are many benefits of using camellia oil for hair care! It 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, and improves scalp health. This oil also has antioxidant and moisturizing properties that can prevent premature graying and hair loss. You can apply camellia oil directly to your hair and scalp and massage it. This light and non-greasy oil is a healthy addition to your hair care routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, camelia 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.

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.

Sources

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