Chia Seeds for Hair Growth: 7 Benefits and Uses

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Many people regard chia seeds as a superfood with numerous health benefits. Their nutritional profile promotes heart, brain, and metabolic health. As a result, chia seeds have become a staple part of a healthy diet.

However, the benefits of chia seeds extend to the external parts of your body too. They have been shown to contribute to skin and hair health. 

Whether you eat them or use them to make a nourishing mask or gel for your hair, chia seeds may promote growth, reduce hair thinning, and improve the overall condition of your hair. 

This article examines the research behind well-nourished hair, chia seeds, and how to use them to gain maximum benefit for strong, luscious, shiny locks. 

7 Benefits of Chia Seeds for Hair

While the benefits of chia seeds for hair may not yet have been proven, they have become a popular addition to people’s haircare routines. 

Chia seeds have excellent nutritional value and are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, and potent anti-inflammatory plant chemicals such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid.

Therefore consuming chia seeds is associated with health benefits, as well as haircare benefits. 

However, when it comes to the condition of your hair, chia seeds can also be used to make hair masks and gel to improve hair texture and shine. Below are 7 reasons why you should add chia seeds to your haircare routine.

#1 Reduce scalp inflammation

Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids with an ideal ratio of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, which have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties. These essential fatty acids fight inflammation throughout the body. 

Therefore, with regard to hair, chia seeds can increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids and help to reduce scalp inflammation. 

Additionally, research suggests that applying chia seed oil in the form of a hair mask helps to improve hydration and maintain the natural barrier of the skin, promoting scalp health. 

#2 Less hair loss

A diet that provides adequate amounts of all nutrients prevents thinning hair. Therefore, including chia seeds in your diet can boost your intake of nutrients such as iron, zinc, and copper, which are known to reduce hair fall. 

Additionally, one of the essential amino acids, L-lysine, found in these tiny black and white seeds, has been shown to reduce hair loss in combination with iron. 

#3 Improved hair growth

For hair to grow, the nutritional requirements of hair follicles must be met so they can produce new hair cells. Chia seeds on their own won’t boost hair growth, but their nutritional value contributes to your overall intake of the essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids that promote hair growth. 

#4 Greater strength and elasticity 

When your hair is healthy, the hair fibers can stretch and bounce back to their original position. Scientific studies reveal that the ability of hair to stretch without producing hair damage is the result of the keratin, or proteins that make up the hair, holding on to water. The dryer your hair, the more likely it is to break when stretched.

Consuming chia seeds can ensure more elastic hair. However, chia seeds applied directly to the hair in the form of chia seed oil, hair gel, or a hydrating hair mask can help trap the water in the hair fibers, improving its strength and elasticity. 

#5 Natural shine

Shiny hair is the result of a smooth outer layer (the cuticle) on hair fibers. Consuming a nutritious diet that includes foods such as chia seeds improves the quality of hair fibers, making them smoother and shinier.

Applying natural products such as coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and hair masks or gel made from chia seeds can boost the shininess of your hair. 

#6 No more frizz

Frizzy hair is caused by dryness which may be the result of washing your hair too often, heat from your hairdryer, or rubbing your hair too vigorously with a towel. Chia seeds in your diet may help to maintain your hair texture and prevent fizziness.

However, for healthy, frizz-free hair, applying chia seed gel or hair masks to damp hair will help to restore moisture to the hair fiber. 

#7 Delayed graying

The anti-inflammatory properties of chia seeds have numerous hair benefits. Apart from promoting scalp health, the integrity of hair follicles, and healthy growth, the nutrients in chia seeds can delay the graying of your hair. 

How to Use Chia Seeds on Hair?

Eating chia seeds can boost hair health. However, there are many other ways to use chia seeds to promote healthy hair. 

You can buy shampoos and conditioners that contain chia seeds, or you can make your own haircare products using chia seeds to boost the growth, strength, and shine of your hair. 

Homemade gel made with chia seeds applied to damp hair can improve hair texture, strength, and elasticity. 

Alternatively, you can mix chia seeds with a variety of other natural ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, or a few drops of almond oil, to make a hydrating hair mask.

How to Make Homemade Chia Seed Gel? 

Chia seeds make an excellent all-natural hair gel or conditioning hair mask which are easy to make. 

Chia seed hair gel

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup chia seeds
• 2 tbsp almond oil

Instructions:

1. Pour the water into a pot and add chia seeds. Cover and rest overnight.
2. Heat the soaked chia seeds mixture over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until a thick gel-like consistency is formed, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the mixture through a sieve and discard the seeds.
4. Add the almond oil and gently whisk to combine.
5. Allow to cool before transferring the gel to a sterilized jar for storage.
6. To use the hair gel: Apply to damp hair and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse off the residue and continue with your haircare routine. 

Chia seed conditioning hair mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 cup warm water
• 6 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup honey
• A few drops of lavender essential oil, CBD oil, or oil of choice, optional

Instructions:

1. Pour the water into a bowl and add the chia seeds. Set aside to soak for 30 minutes.
2. Drain the chia seeds and return to the bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and gently whisk to combine. 
3. After washing your hair, apply the mask from the roots to the tips and leave it for about 5 minutes before rinsing well and proceeding with the rest of your haircare routine.

FAQs

Conclusion

The reason chia seeds are regarded as a superfood is that they are a nutritional powerhouse, providing the body with numerous essential nutrients, including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. 

Adding them to your diet and including them in your hair haircare routine in the form of natural gels and masks can improve the growth, texture, and shine of your hair.