Does Black Seed Oil Really Work For Hair Growth? Here's What Experts Say

Keep scrolling to learn more about black seed oil, its link to hair growth, and other ways to use it in your regular regimen. 

With all these beneficial components, Koestline says that the oil was often used to treat a wide variety of health conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism, hypertension, eczema, and influenza. Beyond this, though, black seed oil has also been used for thousands of years to promote hair growth. But does it actually work?

"It should be noted that while black seed oil has been used for thousands of years to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth, there are still no clinical studies to support the anecdotal claims," Koestline says. 

A 2014 study found that a mixture of coconut oil and black seed oil applied to a shaved scalp three times a day was more effective for hair growth than a combination of coconut oil and aleurites moluccana (also known as the Indian walnut). Though this small study wasn't conclusive enough to make a larger statement, it was enough to justify looking into black seed oil's effectiveness further. 

Just because the oil hasn't been thoroughly proven to promote hair growth doesn't mean that it doesn't have lots of other great hair care perks. Thanks to the essential fatty acids, black seed oil can hydrate and strengthen strands for healthier, happier hair. Meanwhile, the ingredient's antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties can potentially reduce dandruff and improve scalp health.

With so many notable benefits to offer, black seed oil might not be such a bad ingredient to add to your regular hair care routine. So how exactly can you do this? Well, you might be surprised by the variety of ways you can use black seed oil in your hair. But first, you need to find a hair-specific option. To be honest, it doesn't show up in a wide variety of hair oils—like argan or jojoba oil might—but it makes an appearance in Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Scalp Oil and Hair Oil Deep Treatment, an oil with a devoted following of fans.

Since black seed oil is rich in fatty acids, Koestline says that it makes for a great pre-shampoo moisturizing oil. All you have to do is apply the oil to dry hair before hopping in the shower and rinsing out with water and shampoo. You can leave it on for as long as you'd like—or more like however much time you have before you have to run out the door! 

Just dab a bit of the oil into dry strands and use the pads of your fingers to apply medium-firm pressure, moving them in circular motions. You can get a little fancier with scalp-massaging tools like the Mount Lai Jade Massaging Gua Sha Comb or Ceremonia Scalp Masajeador. But sometimes it's nice to just keep it simple.

To continue to use black seed oil's hydrating abilities to enhance hair's appearance and health, you can apply a small bit to the ends of your hair to help hide and repair split ends. Along with sealing and softening strands, it also eliminates any frizz. 

So whether you're using it as a pre-shampooing treatment or applying it to the ends of your strands to soften split ends, don't ignore the impressive benefits of black seed oil for healthy, shiny, beautiful hair. Now if you're on the hunt for other hair growth tips, might we suggest a hair growth supplement?