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Home arrow Beauty arrow Hair arrow Emu Oil for Hair Growth: Uses and 6 Benefits

Emu Oil for Hair Growth: Uses and 6 Benefits

HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Written by Rosmy Barrios, MD
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Fact checked by Edna Skopljak, MD
Last update: May 19, 2023
3 min read 1569 Views 0 Comments
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Does using emu oil might stimulate hair growth? We share the potential benefits of using emu oil for hair.

emu oil for hair growth

From olive oil to emu oil, most people try out every new hair growth oil that promises to solve their hair growth problems. What is emu oil?

Emu oil is a natural oil extracted from the fat deposits of the emu bird, a large flightless bird predominantly present in Australia. 

It is believed that emu oil has moisturizing, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties and is often added to skincare products. The versatile oil also treats stretch marks, acne, burns, and rashes. But how good is emu oil for hair growth?

This article explores everything you need to know about emu oil and whether the oil can moisturize hair, stimulate hair growth and prevent thinning hair.

Does Emu Oil Help With Hair Growth?

Yes, regular use of emu oil helps prevent hair degradation and may stimulate hair growth. Pure emu oil is rich in fatty acids that stimulate the follicle cell division and reawaken dormant hair follicles resulting in hair regrowth in bald areas.

Also, it can help to increase the volume and length of existing hairs.

6 Benefits of Emu Oil for Hair

Should you consider adding emu oil to your haircare routine? Here are 6 potential benefits of emu oil for hair growth.

#1 Acts as a moisturizer

Emu oil works well as a moisturizer because it seals moisture in the hair strands and prevents drying, thus making the hair soft and shiny. 

The oil has a small molecular size and has a similar composition as natural skin oils, which allows it to penetrate easily into the scalp, prevent itchiness, and keeps the hair shafts healthy.

#2 Stimulates hair growth

Emu oil is a good source of essential fatty acids that promote healthy hair growth because it improves the health of hair follicles. 

According to research combining emu oil with minoxidil is an effective way to treat thinning hair or hair loss and increase the volume and length of hair.

#3 Restores hair follicles

The oil helps to revive and nourish hair follicles and make them active and mature. Research suggests that using emu oil increases the number of hair follicles on the edge of a wound faster than when the oil was not used. 

#4 Prevents hair loss

Emu oil is rich in linolenic acid, which inhibits the activity of 5 alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 

High levels of DHT are responsible for hair loss and thinning. It affects the growth of follicles and prevents them from getting the necessary nourishment, such as proteins and vitamins, leading to hair shafts with stunted growth. 

#5 Has anti-inflammatory properties

The oil is rich in fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid and antioxidants such as carotenoids and polyphenols. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory properties and protect the scalp from oxidative damage that causes scalp infections, hair degradation, and breakage. 

#6 Strengthens hair

Emu oil strengthens the hair shaft leading to healthier, thicker hair. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, which promote the production of healthy skin cells and reduce hair damage and thinning.

How to Use Emu Oil for Hair Growth?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the oil for hair growth.

  1. Comb and part your hair. 
  2. Apply a few drops of emu oil directly on your scalp. Use your fingertips to massage the oil into your scalp in a circular motion for a few minutes. 
  3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let it stay overnight to allow the oil to penetrate the scalp and nourish the hair follicles.
  4. Wash the hair in the morning with a regular shampoo at least twice to get rid of the oil. For effective hair growth results, do the same process once a week.

FAQs

Are there any side effects of emu oil?

Emu oil is generally safe for external use since there are no documented side effects. However, if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test on a small area of the scalp and stop using the oil if you experience any reaction on your skin. It is also advisable to avoid using the oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can emu oil help with hair loss?

Yes, the oil is effective for hair loss because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and relieve scalp infections that cause hair loss.

A Word From a Trichologist

Using natural oils such as emu oil moisturizes the scalp and the hair, revives damaged hair follicles, improves the health of hair strands, and encourages hair regrowth. Apply emu oil with other essential oils, such as peppermint or rosemary, to the scalp and massage to boost hair growth.

You can use the oil to complement with minoxidil or finasteride but not as a standalone treatment for faster results. Combine with a balanced diet rich in proteins and healthy fats to speed up hair regrowth.

Note: No product guarantees hair growth because different products work for different people, and individual results may vary.  It may take about three to six months to notice the change in your hair.

We would suggest choosing pure emu oil that is free from additives from reputable beauty companies and refrigerated to extend the shelf life.

Conclusion

Emu oil is a natural product that is rich in essential fatty acids that easily penetrate into the scalp, moisturize the hair strands, and stimulate hair growth. 

You can add the oil to your daily hair routine to prevent hair loss and thinning and encourage healthy hair growth. 

However, do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin, and do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.

Written by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD, is a medical advisor for the Health Reporter, the head of the anti-aging department, and a regenerative medicine specialist in several medical institutions with years of experience in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology.
The article was fact checked by Edna Skopljak, MD
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HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Written by Rosmy Barrios, MD
HR_author_photo_Edna
Fact checked by Edna Skopljak, MD
Last update: May 19, 2023
3 min read 1569 Views 0 Comments
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