Emu Oil for Hair Growth: Uses and 6 Benefits

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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.

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

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.