Black seed oil’s amazing benefits for hair may have been mentioned before. But few people are aware that black seed, sometimes known as black cumin seed, is simply, good old Kalonji. And it’s probably already in your kitchen cabinet.
The seeds of the plant Nigella Sativa are known by a variety of names, such as Kalonji, black seed, or black caraway. And Kalonji offers some extraordinary benefits for your hair. Some will also say that Kalonji’s age-defying abilities are unmatched.
Black Seeds work wonders for the scalp because of a chemical substance called Thymoquinone (TQ), which has amazing abilities such as preventing cell damage and defending against chronic diseases while also being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Studies have demonstrated its wonderful effects on the body, which range from preventing and treating Psoriasis to reducing blood pressure and even killing cancer cells.
Kalonji seeds are commonly used in several culinary dishes, so incorporating them into your diet is a good idea. However, for a more direct application, people go for Kalonji oil, which is generally pressed from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant.
Black Seed Oil Effects:
Although there are no documented negative effects of consuming Kalonji or black seed oil, however, it may cause dermatitis in some people when applied tropically. It is therefore recommended to use it only 2-3 times per week.
Black Seed Oil Benefits For Hair:
1. Promotes Hair Growth
Kalonji oil promotes overall hair growth and regulates the hair growth cycle and this often leads to hair growth. Black Seed Oil when mixed with Coconut Oil has been demonstrated to stimulate the scalp and promote the growth of thicker strands[1]. Regular use also minimises hair loss and hair thinning. However, it takes approximately a month to notice newer, thicker hair growth.
2. Healthy Scalp Condition
Black seed oil has a lengthy chain of fatty acids that provide numerous benefits to hair. This oil keeps hair moisturised for longer and enhances shine. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[2] may help to heal scalp conditions such as psoriasis, and eczema and also repair damaged hair.
3. Reduces Dandruff
Black Seed Oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties[3] and keeps the scalp free from fungal or bacterial infections thereby keeping dandruff at bay. It also helps with dryness and flakiness.
4. Moisturizes Hair
Due to the presence of fatty acids and its emollient nature, Black seed oil is extremely nourishing on the hair. It deeply moisturizes each hair strand and provides the needed hydration for healthy hair.
5. Helps with Scalp Acne
A study suggests that Black Seed Oil helps with improving the symptoms of acne vulgaris[4] and due to its anti-inflammatory effects, it helps with scalp acne.
6. May Prevent Greying
Aneticodal evidence suggests that Black Seed Oil may inhibit the production of compounds and proteins that are linked with premature hair loss. And this also prevents premature hair greying, helping you maintain your natural shade of hair.
How to make Black Seed Oil For Hair?
There are two ways in which you can make Black Seed Oil:
Extraction Method:
In this method, you will need equipment to extract the oil. This method gives you the purest form of black seed oil, as you would not be adding anything to it. The result of this method is just Pure Black Seed Oil.
Firstly you’ll have to crush the black seeds, dry them thoroughly for a couple of days and then grind them in a machine or use wood press to extract the oil. You’ll most likely have to outsource if you go for this method as it’s not easily done at home. But this method ensures that all the nutrients of Black Seed Oil are retained.
Mixed With Carrier Oil:
This is the easiest method that can be done at home.
Grind a cup of black seeds in a blender. Add a cup of Coconut Oil and blend again. You can use a carrier oil of your choice and add herbs if you like.
After blending both together. Strain the oil using a sieve. Warm up the oil before using it for best results.
The oil obtained from this oil may not be as effective as the extraction method but is the easiest to make.
How to use Black Seed Oil For Hair Growth?
Step 1: Take 2 tablespoons of Black Seed Oil, according to the length of your hair, in a glass bowl.
Step 2: Warm up the oil using the Double Boiling Method – that is – heat a pot of water and place the bowl with oil on top of it.
Step 3: Part your hair into sections.
Step 4: Apply the oil. There are three ways in which you can do so.
- Take the oil at the tip of your finger and apply it all over the hair roots so that it covers the entire scalp.
- Alternatively, you can use a comb applicator to distribute the oil evenly onto the scalp.
- Thirdly, you can use a cotton ball to soak the oil and gently dab it on your hair roots. This method may lead to wastage of oil as the cotton ball will soak up excess oil.
Step 5: After applying the oil on the scalp. Massage it gently for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Let the oil stay on your scalp overnight or for 2 hours before wash. Wrap your oiled oil with a cling wrap or shower cap for better penetration of the oil.
Step 7: Wash your hair with a gentle sulphate-free shampoo. Use a conditioner if needed for your hair type.
Step 8: Pat dry with a cotton towel and let it sit dry naturally. Do not use heat on your hair.
Step 9: Use a few drops of Kalonji Oil on your lengths and style your hair as you like.
DIY Black Seed Oil Hair Mask
If you’re wondering how to make use of Kalonji that you already have, instead of getting a new hair oil, we’ve got you covered!
This is a popular South Indian remedy for preventing hair greying and promoting hair growth. All the ingredients are probably already in your home, and it’s also incredibly simple to make.
Step 1: Combine a spoonful of Methi (Fenugreek) and Kalonji seeds.
Step 2: Soak them in water overnight
Step 3: Blend them. Here, you might either blend the mixture with coconut oil for softer hair.
Step 4: Put the paste in a Muslin cloth.
Step 5: Squeeze the liquid out
Step 6: Massage your scalp with the liquid
Step 7: Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes
Related:
Popular Black Seed Oil Product Recommendations:
Blend It Raw Apothecary’s Kalonji Oil
Blend It Raw’s Kalonji oil is extracted using the traditional wood pressing method, which ensures that no nutrients are lost from the oil. This will ensure that your hair receives maximum benefits, and massaging your hair once a week will stimulate the growth of the hair and strengthen the roots. You can either use it singularly or combine it with coconut or almond oil. With continued use, you will notice fewer white hairs and more darker, thicker hair.
Love Planet Beauty Onion, Black Seed & Patchouli Hair Fall Control Shampoo
The Love and Beauty Planet Shampoo contains an interesting blend of onion, black seed, and coconut, all of which work together to decrease hair loss. It’s a fantastic cleaning shampoo. It includes no sulphates, dyes, or allergens, making it quite safe to use, and because it is vegan, it makes for a very environmentally friendly choice. It’s also incredibly nourishing. It’s ideal for coloured and treated hair. And its fragrance is very soothing as it lingers around post-wash.
Let us know about your favourite Kalonji products or DIYs in the comments below.
Article Sources
27-30-Article The Effectiveness of Coconut Oil Mixed With Herbs To Promote Hair Growth
Tavakkoli A, Mahdian V, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Review on Clinical Trials of Black Seed (Nigella sativa ) and Its Active Constituent, Thymoquinone. J Pharmacopuncture. 2017 Sep;20(3):179-193. doi: 10.3831/KPI.2017.20.021. Epub 2017 Sep 30. PMID: 30087794; PMCID: PMC5633670.
Eid AM, Elmarzugi NA, Abu Ayyash LM, Sawafta MN, Daana HI. A Review on the Cosmeceutical and External Applications of Nigella sativa. J Trop Med. 2017;2017:7092514. doi: 10.1155/2017/7092514. Epub 2017 Nov 22. PMID: 29358959; PMCID: PMC5735686.
Soleymani S, Zargaran A, Farzaei MH, Iranpanah A, Heydarpour F, Najafi F, Rahimi R. The effect of a hydrogel made by Nigella sativa L. on acne vulgaris: A randomized double-blind clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2020 Nov;34(11):3052-3062. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6739. Epub 2020 Jun 17. PMID: 32548864.
Sejal Jain is a passionate beauty content creator at TheBeautyInsideout. She believes that skincare is not just a superficial thing but more like an expression of self-love and respect for your body and yourself.