Sunflower Oil For Hair – How To Use It And Side Effects

Discover the dangers of using too much of this golden elixir on your hair.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ipshita Johri, MBBS, DDV

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• Mar 10, 2024

Sunflower Oil For Hair – How To Use It And Side Effects

Image: Shutterstock

Today’s newest craze in beauty is using sunflower oil for hair. This oil is extracted from sunflower seeds. It is enriched with minerals and vitamins that improve hair health, quality, and texture. Sunflower oil benefits your hair and scalp in many other ways. Keep reading to know how to use this famous vegetable oil to your hair’s advantage.

Know Your Ingredient: Sunflower Oil

What Is It?
A pale yellow-colored oil extracted from sunflower seeds.

What Are Its Benefits?
It moisturizes, repairs, and adds shine to the hair as well as soothes scalp inflammation.

Who Can Use It?
All except people who are allergic to pollens or sunflower seeds.

How Often?
1-2 times a week for scalp treatment, or as a conditioner or hair mask.

Caution
Heat styling your hair after applying the oil can cause serious damage.

In This Article

What Is Sunflower Oil?

Sunflower oil is a popular vegetable oil extracted by pressing the seeds of the Helianthus annuus plant. It is known for its high smoking point and light flavor and is commonly used in cooking and salad dressings. This oil is rich in unsaturated fats and offers many benefits when used in moderation. It is used in many cosmetic formulations due to its nourishing and lightweight properties. Also, you can use this oil as a natural deep conditioning treatment that may help moisturize the hair and nourish dry and damaged hair without weighing it down.

Let’s find out whether using this oil is good for hair in the following section.

Is Sunflower Oil Good For Hair?

Image: Shutterstock

There is much anecdotal evidence boasting about the umpteen benefits of sunflower oil. The oil is said to treat dandruff, boost hair growth, prevent hair loss, improve hair and scalp cleanliness, and increase hair smoothness. Like all hair oils, this oil also has humectant propertiesⁱXA substance that keeps the skin moisturized, making it supple, wrinkle-free, and healthy. Humectants retain moisture in the skin to prevent moisture loss. and moisturizes the hair and scalp.

Trivia

Sunflower originated in South America, and was used by the Native American tribes as a conditioning agent for their hair.

But do these claims have any scientific backing? Read on to know.

Benefits Of Sunflower Oil For Hair

Person holding a bottle of sunflower oil next to a sunflower

Image: Shutterstock

Has Antioxidant Properties: Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E that has antioxidant properties (1). These antioxidant properties prevent signs of aging caused by free radicals.
Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat signs of scalp inflammation like redness, flaking, irritation, and bumps (2).
Suitable For Head Massage: Sunflower seed oil is a well-known emollient and can be used to massage the scalp and nourish hair. Research shows that massaging the scalp can stimulate hair growth by improving blood circulation (3).
Has Antimicrobial Properties: Research shows that sunflower oil also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can help improve scalp and hair health (2).
Protects And Repairs Hair: Sunflower oil contains linoleic acidⁱXAn organic compound and a type of omega-6 fatty acid that acts as a building block of body fat and offers health benefits. that is rich in triglyceridesⁱXIt is a type of fat converted from unused or excess calories that helps maintain energy levels between meals. . These compounds repair and protect hair (4).
Has A Non-Greasy Texture: Sunflower oil is light and non-greasy in texture. These attributes make it an ideal addition to hair care products (4).
Moisturizes Hair: Sunflower oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acidⁱXAn organic compound and a type of omega-6 fatty acid that acts as a building block of body fat and offers health benefits. that help moisturize hair (4).
May Treat Scalp Acne: Research shows that sunflower oil can help treat acne (5). This may mean it could help treat scalp acne and improve scalp health as well. However, limited research is available in this regard.

Is Rich In Nutrients: Sunflower oil (seeds) also contains niacinⁱXA type of B vitamin that helps convert food into energy in the body. , selenium, calcium, and iron (6). A deficiency of these nutrients can cause hair loss (7).
Improves Hair Quality: Sunflower oil can penetrate the hair fibers and coat the hair with a thin film to protect it from damage. It also can increase hair shine and decrease surface friction to help fight hair frizz (8).

Anissa Jones, a YouTuber, discusses the recent use of sunflower oil in her hair care routine, prompted by a subscriber’s recommendation. She says, “I’m using it twice a week for a month so I actually really do like it.” She continues, “It is something that you could use every day, since it is so lightweight, but it does make a big difference like my hair looks way shinier now it feels way better (i).”

These are the ways sunflower oil could benefit your hair. These sunflower benefits can improve hair health, but you should know the right way of using it. The following section lists a few methods of using the oil to derive the maximum benefit.

How To Use Sunflower Oil For Hair

Image: Shutterstock

Deep conditioning treatment: Sunflower oil can be massaged onto the scalp to moisturize the hair and scalp and improve hair strength. Warm two to three tablespoons of sunflower oil and apply thoroughly to the scalp and hair. Place a shower cap over the hair and leave it on for 45 minutes to an hour. You can also use a warm towel to wrap your hair. Wash as usual.
Anti-Frizz Drops: Sunflower can help moisturize hair and prevent frizz. Add a drop or two of sunflower oil onto your palm. Rub your palms together to spread the oil and gently rub your palms over your hair. This adds a light shine to your hair and also prevents frizz.
Hair Masks: Sunflower oil can be added to homemade DIY masks to improve hair texture and quality. You can pair sunflower oil with honey, coconut oil, essential oils, and eggs for increased hair hydration.

Conditioner And Shampoo: Research shows that adding sunflower oil to your shampoo or conditioner can help moisturize hair while cleansing it too (4).

Quick Tip

You can make your homemade hair mask with ½ cup of sunflower oil, 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 1 egg yolk. Apply the paste and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with shampoo and conditioner.

But before you grab a fresh pack of sunflower oil, here is what you must know – the oil may cause certain adverse reactions too.

Side Effects Of Sunflower Oil For Hair

Woman scratching scalp due by sunflower allergy

Image: Shutterstock

Topical sunflower oil is generally safe. But it may lead to serious allergic reactions in some individuals. These reactions are caused by particular pollen (9). Hence, it is advised to perform a patch test on the elbow or the back of the neck to check for any adverse effects. If you experience any redness, inflammation, rashes, bumps, etc., consult a doctor.

You may continue to use sunflower oil should you experience no allergies. That brings us to a popular question – how is this oil different from coconut oil? Which of the two is better?

Sunflower Oil Vs. Coconut Oil For Hair

Image: Shutterstock

Coconut and sunflower oils are both beneficial for hair. However, coconut oil prevents protein loss from hair, while sunflower oil does not (10). While both oils can penetrate the hair fibers, sunflower oil cannot penetrate the cortexⁱXThe thickest hair layer, situated between the hair cuticle and medulla, is composed of keratin and melanin, which gives hair its color. . Coconut oil, however, can penetrate the cortex due to lauric acidⁱXA type of beneficial fatty acid found in natural substances such as coconut and palm oils. (8), (10).

Infographic: How To Use Sunflower Oil For Hair Care

Sunflowers might look super pretty, but their benefits go beyond their yellow aesthetic. Sunflower oil is a boon for people who prefer natural hair care products. It possesses many beneficial nutrients, including a high amount of fatty acids, and can do wonders for hair damage and scalp issues. Check out the infographic below to find out how to use sunflower oil for hair care.

how to use sunflower oil for hair care (infographic)

Sunflower oil has antioxidant properties that may prevent the premature aging of hair. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe scalp inflammation. It is a well-known emollient that can be used to massage the scalp, which stimulates better blood flow and nourishes the hair follicles. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits ensure scalp and hair protection. The linoleic acid in sunflower oil can aid hair repair. It also moisturizes the hair, may treat scalp acne, and improves hair beauty and quality. It contains nutrients whose deficiency may lead to hair loss. Clearly, it is beneficial to use sunflower oil for your hair health. But, remember to perform a patch test beforehand to check for any irritation or adverse effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix coconut oil and sunflower oil?

Yes, you can mix both to get their benefits for your hair. For example, you can combine avocado, honey, coconut oil, and sunflower oil to make a DIY mask.

Can I put sunflower oil on my curly hair?

Sunflower oil helps lock in the hair’s natural moisture, improving curly hair’s texture, strength, and elasticityⁱXThe ability of a substance to regain its original size and shape once an external distorting force has been removed. . It is also very light in texture and would not weigh down your curls.

What does sunflower oil smell like?

The sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds, not the petals, so it has a resin-like smell.

Is sunflower oil good for low porosity hair?

Sunflower oil is easily absorbable and light. It helps moisturize and condition your hair simultaneously, making it an excellent hair treatment for low porosity hair types.

Key Takeaways

Sunflower oil helps combat redness and treats scalp acne.
You can use it as a deep conditioning treatment, shampoo, or hair mask.
Topical use of sunflower oil may cause side effects such as bumps, rashes, and inflammation.

References

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