Grape seed oil may help hydrate your hair and protect it from dandruff. That said, more research is needed to examine the link between grapeseed oil and hair health.

Grape seeds have been seen as a worthless byproduct of the wine- and juice-making industries for centuries. Lately, though, people have been taking grape seeds and the oil that comes from them more seriously.

Because it’s a byproduct, grape seeds are inexpensive, which adds to their appeal as an ingredient. Compared to other oils, it’s also practically weightless, and that lighter consistency makes it great for use in hair and skin products. Many products claim that there are curative and restorative powers in grapeseed oil. Some even say it can help you regrow hair. So how true are these claims? It turns out, they’re pretty valid.

The oil extracted from grape seeds contains linoleic acid. While this particular fatty acid isn’t naturally produced by the human body, it’s necessary for the function of our major organs. Not getting enough of it can lead to hair loss and dry skin, scalp, and hair.

  • Linoleic acid is one of two
    types of essential fatty acids, which we can only get from food.
  • Research shows linoleic acid can
    reduce bad cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease.
  • Safflower oil also contains
    linoleic acid and is a good cooking substitute for olive oil.]

When it comes to hair health, some claim that grapeseed oil can help restore your hair’s natural shine and vibrancy. Your scalp naturally produces sebum, an oily substance, which keeps your hair shiny and healthy. As you age, your scalp’s sebum production slows down, leading to dry scalp and dry, brittle hair.

Studies show that plant oils like palm oil, Moroccan argan oil, nut oils, and grapeseed oil all contain natural conditioning agents. Some people use them to help fight frizz and restore moisture to the scalp. Grapeseed oil has the added benefit of being one of the most lightweight oils, so it moisturizes and conditions without weighing hair down and making it oily.

There are a number of causes for dandruff. Grapeseed oil can’t cure dandruff caused by skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, fungal irritation, seborrhea, or build-up from infrequent washing. However, natural oils like grapeseed oil can help fight dandruff caused by a dry scalp.

In a Japanese study, researchers gave mice grapeseed oil as a scalp treatment and as a tonic, and observed significant hair growth both ways. People are seeing results outside the lab, too. “My initial experience with grapeseed oil was about 18 years ago, when I had a client come in with a bald patch,” recalls Rhonda Ridley, natural hair and product expert at FearlesslyNatural.com. She created a mixture of jojoba, peppermint, eucalyptus, and grapeseed oils. In a matter of six weeks, she says the hair started growing back. “The results were very significant and we were able to style her hair in four months.”

The key to seeing results of any kind with a product like grapeseed oil is time. “Patience in seeing results is necessary, and consistency is key,” cautions Ridley. “Don’t seek a quick fix.”