How to Use Black Seed Oil for Hair Growth

Soothe your scalp with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil.

It’s not unusual to experience some changes in the volume and texture of your hair over time. If you’re worried about thinning hair, receding hair at your temples, or hair brittleness, you’re definitely not alone. Many of us will experience these kinds of changes to our hair due to genetic factors, although they can also be amplified by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as harsh conventional treatments for hair with damaging side effects.

Luckily, there are natural ingredients out there that can help to condition unhappy hair, slow and prevent hair loss, and boost overall hair health. Many of the seed oils (like castor seed oil and jojoba seed oil) are known for their hair-restoring properties. In this post, we’ll be discussing black seed oil, a vitamin and nutrient rich natural oil that can work wonders for your hair.

What is black seed oil?

Black seed oil (also known as black cumin seed oil, kalonji oil, and nigella sativa oil) is made from the seeds of the black cumin plant. The oil extracted from these seeds is used for cooking and as a home remedy due to its numerous health benefits: Rich in the antioxidant compound thymoquinone, black seed oil can help to boost your immune system, fight infections, and reduce inflammation throughout the body–including the skin and hair.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil also make it an excellent treatment for stressed-out scalps and hair. Keep reading to discover how black seed oil could benefit your hair, and how you can use it to make some simple but effective DIY hair treatments for hair regrowth and conditioning.

Benefits of black seed oil for hair

1. Promotes hair growth

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil make it a great treatment for unhealthy scalps. Black seed oil will help to keep your hair follicles healthy and conditioned, and will boost circulation to your scalp, which can help to promote healthy hair growth. At the same time, it helps to keep inflammation down that could cause harm to healthy hair follicles.

2. Softens and conditions hair

Rich in fatty acids, black seed oil helps to strengthen, soften, and condition each individual hair strand.

3. Fights fungus and bacteria

Black seed oil also benefits your scalp by fighting any nasty microbes that might be living on its surface or colonizing your hair follicles. It’s naturally antimicrobial.

DIY hair growth mask with black seed oil

This hair growth mask can be used from your scalp to the ends of your hair, but it’s specifically intended to benefit your scalp. Black seed oil will fight harmful microbes, boost circulation to your scalp, and rejuvenate your hair follicles with antioxidants. Meanwhile, tea tree oil will boost circulation and fight bacteria, aloe vera will strengthen your hair and condition your follicles, and egg will boost your scalp and hair health with vital nutrients.

To make this DIY mask, start with 2-4 tablespoons of cold-pressed black seed oil (depending on the length and volume of your hair). Add 4-8 drops of tea tree essential oil, ¼ cup-½ cup of organic aloe vera gel, and 1-2 raw eggs. Mix the ingredients together with a fork or a whisk, until they’re completely combined.

To use the mask, start with dry, clean hair. Standing or sitting in your shower, pour the mask slowly over your scalp, and work it into your hair from roots to ends. Let the mask sink in for 20-40 minutes, massaging gently into your scalp. (You might feel a slight tingle from the tea tree oil!) Finally, shampoo away the mask with warm water and allow your hair to air-dry. Use this mask once every week or two to see the maximum results.

DIY hot oil hair treatment with black seed oil

Hot oil treatments sink into your hair and scalp even more effectively than normal hair masks. The warmth of the oil treatment softens your follicles, allowing the oil itself to penetrate more deeply into your skin, where it works its magic. Our hot oil treatment features black seed oil alongside castor oil, a carrier oil that’s rich in restorative fatty acids. It also features eucalyptus oil to promote circulation and a healthy bacterial balance in your hair follicles. Feel free to mix in other essential oils that are beneficial for hair growth.

To make our hot oil treatment, combine 2-4 tablespoons of black seed oil with 2-4 tablespoons of castor oil, and then add 4-8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Mix the ingredients to combine, and then pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds, until they’re warm to the touch, but not uncomfortably hot. Feel free to use another heat-resistant carrier oil such as coconut oil or argan oil. Take care not to burn yourself!

To use this treatment (as with applying black seed oil in any way) start with clean, dry hair. Standing or sitting in your shower, massage the warm oil into your scalp, and work it through your hair from the roots to the ends. Cover your hair with a shower cap and towel, and allow the oil to sit in your hair for 20-40 minutes. Finally, uncover your hair, shampoo the oil away with warm water, and allow your hair to air-dry.

DIY end-repair treatment with black seed oil

You could also use black seed oil to make a low-maintenance end-repair treatment that’ll help to prevent split ends, keeping your hair looking healthy and hydrated all day long. Our recipe features rosewater to replenish hydration and soften your hair, and honey to lock in hydration.

To make our DIY leave-in conditioner, start with ½ cup of water. Add ½ tablespoon of black seed oil, 1 tablespoon of rosewater, and 1 teaspoon of honey, and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Store the treatment in a sterilized spray-bottle.

To use this end-repair treatment, just spritz the formula over the ends of your wet, dry, or damp hair. Work the formula through your ends until they feel saturated, and then allow it to sit for 20-40 minutes. Rinse out your ends under the sink or shower, and allow them to air-dry.

Buying black seed oil

As with any carrier oil, essential oil, or plant-based raw butter, we recommend seeking out the highest quality ingredients in order to ensure that you see the best possible results. When it comes to buying black seed oil, look for an organic, cold-pressed product that’s free of filler ingredients such as preservatives and dyes. Bonus points for products that are made using sustainable practices! With a high quality product and trustworthy brand, you’ll be able to enjoy the maximum beneficial effects of black seed oil for your hair.

Best black seed oil products for hair

Black seed oil can be an effective treatment for thinning, tired hair. But it’s not the only way to take control of your hair loss or damaged hair. To read more about treatments for thinning hair, check out our posts on sunflower oil and babassu oil for hair. To find out how to hack your diet to promote healthy hair growth, check out our post on the 8 Top Nutrients and Best Vitamins for Hair Growth. It’s time to get your hair health back under control!