Sesame Seed Oil for Hair Growth and Moisturization: What to Know

It's packed with nourishing fatty acids.

Like skin, your hair can become incredibly dry especially in the colder winter months. So you may find yourself switching your hair-care routine to focus more on moisture. To do so, you may increase how frequently you deep-condition, use more hydrating shampoos, or even incorporate products like sesame oil.

“Sesame oil is great for scalp health, especially if you're dealing with issues like dandruff, itching, or an imbalanced scalp,” says Joey Scandizzo, celebrity hairstylist and co-creative director of Eleven Australia. “You can customize your use based on hair texture and you can even use it as a treatment for specific areas.”

Meet Our Expert

• Joey Scandizzo, celebrity hairstylist and co-creative director of Eleven Australia.

• Jennifer Thomas is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and SH-RD ambassador.

And while it moisturizes your hair and scalp, it also promotes hair growth. Ahead, Scandizzo explains everything you should know about incorporating sesame seed oil into your hair-care routine.

What Is Sesame Seed Oil?

“Sesame oil is an oil derived from the eponymous seed,” Scandizzo says. “It’s edible and an excellent source of amino acids and fat-soluble vitamins.” The oil also contains a high percentage of fatty acids. “Sesame seed oil contains a lot of oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid,” Scandizzo says. “Oleic acid is an excellent emollient, meaning it helps to soften and smooth the hair and skin by creating a barrier that locks in moisture.”

The type of sesame seed oil that you use will also matter. “For hair, I’d go with cold-pressed black sesame oil,” hairstylist Jennifer Thomas, adds. “It keeps all the good stuff intact since it’s not heated up for processing. That way, you get the maximum nutrients and antioxidants for your hair.”

Benefits of Sesame Seed Oil

The biggest benefit of sesame seed oil is that it can encourage hair growth. “It’s packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help keep your scalp healthy,” Thomas says. “If you’re using it consistently over time, you might notice your hair looking stronger and healthier, which is the foundation for proper hair growth.”

The fatty acids in sesame seed oil also provide moisture and in turn, soften your hair with continued use. “They create a protective barrier that helps keep your hair from drying out, which makes it feel smoother and more manageable,” Thomas says. Scandizzo adds: "Sesame oil is full of nutrients that can promote hair health like vitamin E and calcium also has antibacterial benefits. It's especially good for calming inflammation and is preferred over something like coconut oil for those with dry scalps.”

How to Use Sesame Seed Oil

Since sesame oil is such a deeply moisturizing ingredient, there are several ways to make the oil work for your specific needs. It can be integrated into your hair-care routine through scalp massages, deep-conditioning treatments, or even as leave-in. “Sesame oil is highly concentrated so it’s important to keep in mind that a little goes a long way,” Scandizzo says. “Still, if it feels too heavy for you, diluting it with lighter oils like jojoba or argan oil can make it feel more lightweight—you can also dilute the oil with a small amount of water.” Scandizzo also says that using sesame oil as a pre-shampoo treatment is also a way to benefit from its nourishing properties without the oil still remaining on your hair after you’ve finished styling. “Using it for specific areas like on dry ends is also one way to circumvent that greasy feeling.”

Risks and Precautions

Since it is a heavier consistency, sesame oil is typically better suited for more thick and coarse hair textures versus finer ones, but regardless of you hair type or how you will use it, it is incredibly important to patch test before fully committing. “Sesame allergies are a real thing,” Scandizzo says. “It's always best to be safe before fully incorporating it into your routine.”