Cholesterol Hair Treatment – What Is It And What Are Its Benefits?

There is a new hair treatment on the block that you can give a shot – Cholesterol Hair Treatment. Our hair is made up of protein, fats, and lipids (1). Although protein is the lifeline of hair, fats and lipids are equally essential for hair growth and strength. Cholesterol has been studied to understand how it influences hair growth (2). The now-famous cholesterol hair treatment has actually been around for years. This article will discuss about everything this hair treatment and why it is so beneficial to your hair. Scroll down!

What Is Cholesterol Hair Treatment?

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Cholesterol treatment helps in repairing and restoring moisture to damaged and dehydrated hair. This treatment has been used by American and African communities for decades to restore softness and moisture after repeated styling processes.

How Does Cholesterol Impact Hair Care? Benefits Of Cholesterol

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Cholesterol is a natural emulsifier used in hair products like hair conditioners and shampoos in concentrations of up to 5%(3). Research shows that cholesterol can affect keratinocyte proliferation and impact hair shaft formation (2).

While there is no sufficient research to show that cholesterol does definitely impact hair growth, some studies show that a change in cholesterol status in hair structure may lead to hair disorders like alopecia and hirsutism (2), (4), (5). Anecdotal evidence suggests that cholesterol can restore hair moisture, strengthen hair follicles, and enhance hair structure. It is also said to repair dryness and brittle hair. Cholesterol is also said to help in retaining moisture in natural hair.

There are several cholesterol hair treatments that help protect and strengthen the hair. They are listed in the following section.

Note: These cholesterol treatments are topical and meant to be washed away and not ingested. Ingesting excess cholesterol can cause serious health damage.

Cholesterol Hair Treatments

1. Cholesterol Hot Oil Treatment

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This treatment is used to restore hair’s natural moisture. The other benefit of cholesterol hot oil treatment is that it brings back the sheen, making your hair look better and healthier than before. If you use heating tools and chemicals to style your hair frequently, apply this cholesterol hot oil treatment after shampooing your hair. Place a plastic cap over your head for a minute and wash it off. Follow up with your regular conditioner.

2. Homemade Cholesterol Hair Treatment

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One of the oldest forms of cholesterol is mayonnaise. Back in the 1950s, when the heat styling tools were first made public, hair was conditioned with homemade or store-bought mayonnaise. The results of this hair treatment were good as it made the hair soft and shiny and the curls and waves voluminous. However, it did leave the hair smelling like an egg salad! Mayonnaise that is used for cholesterol hair treatment imparts softness, sheen, and luster to the hair with a pleasant fragrance. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove these effects.

3. Cholesterol Deep Conditioning Treatment

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Cholesterol deep conditioning is the most widely used hair treatment by hair professionals. Here’s how to do it. Let the conditioner stay on your hair for 15 minutes. Make sure your hair is covered with a plastic cap. Later, you can wrap your head with a warm towel or sit under a hooded dryer. If your hair is severely damaged, leave the conditioner on for about an hour. While some cholesterol deep conditioning treatments contain olive oil, if you want better results, add a little amount of olive oil. It has been reported that this treatment makes the hair silky and smooth. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I use cholesterol hair treatment?

It depends on the degree of hair damage. If you have major hair damage, using it once a week can help repair and rejuvenate your hair. After your hair reaches a healthy state, opt for cholesterol treatments once or twice a month.

Can you leave cholesterol in your hair?

Depending on the extent of damage, cholesterol can be left on the hair for 15 minutes to an hour. Keep checking your hair periodically and wash it off immediately if you experience discomfort.

How do you make homemade cholesterol for your hair?

Use ingredients that are rich in fat like egg yolk and mayonnaise.

What is the difference between protein and cholesterol hair treatments?

Protein hair treatments help to strengthen the hair follicles since hair is primarily made up of protein. Cholesterol hair treatments help to hydrate, soften, and enhance the hair structure. It also helps repair damaged hair.

What hair type suits cholesterol hair treatment?

The cholesterol hair treatment is specially used to repair dry, brittle, and damaged hair from the overuse of chemical and coloring treatments.

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Dr. Sravya Tipirneni

(MBBS, MD DVL, AMPH (ISB) )
     

Dr. Sravya Chowdary Tipirneni is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist with 7 years of experience and practices at Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, India. She is a life member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists and Leprologists and the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India (ASCI). Dr. Sravya completed her MBBS from Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences &...View Profile ›

Anjali Sayee

(Beauty & Lifestyle Writer)
 

Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show women how to love their hair and...View Profile ›