Fact checkedExpert's opinion

Expert's opinion

The article is a subjective view on this topic written by writers specializing in medical writing.
It may reflect on a personal journey surrounding struggles with an illness or medical condition, involve product comparisons, diet considerations, or other health-related opinions.

Although the view is entirely that of the writer, it is based on academic experiences and scientific research they have conducted; it is fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts, and validated by sources attached to the article.

The numbers in parenthesis (1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to related scientific papers.

Emu Oil For Hair – Things You Need To Know In 2024

Cindy Scott

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD

emu oil for hair
Revitalize your hair with emu oil's nourishing brilliance. Photo: Nghi Tran

Unlocking hidden secrets in nature has led to discovering unique ingredients in unusual places. Emu oil is one of these hidden gems, a unique substance derived from a flightless Australian bird. Although certain cultures have utilized its potent healing properties for centuries, emu oil is gaining popularity due to its potential hair care benefits.

Can this unique oil for hair be the game-changer you’ve been missing? Let’s explore what you should know about emu oil for hair care, including its composition, benefits, uses, and risks.

Emu Oil Benefits For Hair

If you want to improve your hair health, emu oil could be just what you are looking for. With its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing properties, it can help:

  1. Moisturizes and nourishes hair.
  2. Enhances hair growth.
  3. Prevents hair loss.
  4. Adds shine and improves texture.
  5. Protects against heat and environmental damage.
  6. Supports scalp health.

Benefits Of Emu Oil For Hair

Check out these emu oil benefits for hair to see if it may be a valuable addition to your hair routine:

Moisturizes And Nourishes Hair

Emu oil has excellent moisturizing properties that can penetrate the hair shaft, providing hydration and nourishment from within. This helps restore moisture to dry and damaged hair, promoting softness and improving texture.

The oil’s natural antioxidants and vitamins further can contribute to its nourishing effects, protecting the hair from damage. Research suggests that emu oil may help reduce chronic inflammation[1] when applied dermally. However, continued research is needed to elaborate on those claims. 

Enhances Hair Growth

Enhances Hair Growth
Unlock hair growth potential with the power of emu oil. Photo: Kourdakova Alena/Shutterstock

Does emu oil grow hair? Emu oil contains essential fatty acids and other nutrients that can stimulate hair growth and promote healthy follicles. This oil’s moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties also help combat dryness and scalp irritation that can hinder hair growth.

Research has found that emu oil possesses unique penetration abilities,[2] helping deliver its beneficial nutrients directly to the roots. This study also suggests that emu oil may be helpful when combined with minoxidil, a medication used for certain types of hair loss, to stimulate hair growth.

Furthermore, massaging the oil into the scalp[3] can stimulate the scalp, leading to fuller, luscious locks. 

Prevents Hair Loss 

The essential fatty acids and antioxidants in emu oil may help prevent hair loss by nourishing the hair follicles and scalp. While research regarding emu oil and hair loss is limited, studies have shown that deficiencies in fatty acids,[4] such as linoleic acid, may result in the loss of scalp hair. Strong follicles may reduce hair breakage and shedding.[5] Use emu oil or other products for hair regularly to promote thicker, healthier hair.

Adds Shine And Improves Texture

Since palmitic acid[6] makes up a large part of the lipids in hair, replacing this essential amino acid may have a soothing effect on hair cuticles. Emu oil’s high concentration of palmitic acid may help balance the lipid content of hair,[7] resulting in a smoother surface that allows light to reflect more evenly.

Emu oil’s emollient nature works with your skin’s natural skin oils to help soften the hair, making it feel smoother to the touch and improving overall texture. Regular use of emu oil can contribute to vibrant, glossy hair that looks and feels more luxurious.

Protects Against Heat And Environmental Damage

Emu oil may form a protective barrier on hair strands, preventing moisture loss, breakage, and damage caused by external factors like heat-styling tools. Antioxidants can help protect hair[8] against environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution, which can contribute to hair damage and color fading. 

Although more studies are needed to investigate emu oil further, its antioxidant content may help protect your hair against the daily stresses that lead to dull, lifeless hair.

Supports Scalp Health

Supports Scalp Health
Nourish your scalp with emu oil for optimal hair health. Photo: New Africa/Shutterstock

Emu oil’s nourishing properties can also extend to the scalp. The essential amino acids and other beneficial nutrients in emu oil can help support a healthy, nourished scalp. They encourage optimal conditions that allow hair follicles to thrive and grow. 

Where Does Emu Oil Come From?

Although emus are primarily raised for meat and hide, their fat is a valuable byproduct. Once an emu is harvested humanely for its meat, the fat is collected, refined, and melted to remove any impurities from the oil. 

The oil then goes through molecular distillation or cold-press extraction to filter any remaining solids, ensuring the oil’s purity and quality. The final product is a clear, odorless oil with a pale yellow color. 

Because it contains many essential nutrients, emu oil is sought for its potential health benefits[9] and applications. These may include roles in skincare, dietary supplements, and hair care products.

Composition Of Emu Oil

Emu oil’s diverse composition sets it apart from other fats. According to the American Emu Association, emu oil is primarily made up of essential fatty acids like:

  • Oleic acid — which can help moisturize and nourish the hair strands, making them softer and more manageable.
  • Linoleic acid — an essential omega-6 fatty acid crucial in maintaining healthy hair and stimulating hair growth.[10] It has excellent emollient properties that can help moisturize[11] and nourish the scalp. 
  • Stearic acid[12] — may provide a lubricating effect, which can enhance the manageability and combability of hair. Stearic acid can help improve the texture and appearance of the hair, making it popular in cosmetics and hair care products.
  • Palmitic acid[13] — may help strengthen hair follicles, improve elasticity, and reduce breakage. It may also form a protective barrier on the hair strands to prevent damage from styling. 

Hair care products like conditioners, mask treatments, and hair oils with these fatty acids can help nourish and strengthen the hair. They may also enhance shine and improve your hair’s overall appearance and texture.

How To Use Emu Oil On Your Hair

To effectively use emu oil for hair, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a high-quality emu oil — Choosing an oil that is 100% pure helps to avoid products that contain fillers, additives, or synthetic ingredients. Pure emu oil should have a light, pale yellow color, and a mild, natural scent. Cold-pressed[14] emu oil is often preferred, as it retains the essential nutrients and fatty acids. Also, buy emu oil from a trusted source to ensure the highest quality, as not all emu oils are the same.
  2. First, clean and towel dry your hair — Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Then pat dry using a towel, terry cloth, or an old T-shirt until hair is lightly damp.
  3. Use a small amount of emu oil — Pour a few drops of emu oil into the palm of your hand. Do not use too much, as a little goes a long way.
  4. Warm the oil — Gently rub your hands together to warm up the oil. This helps it spread easily and penetrate the hair shaft effectively.
  5. Apply to the damp hair — Starting at the scalp, gently massage the emu oil onto your head. Work the oil from the roots through the hair to the ends. Evenly distribute the oil, but concentrate on the areas that need extra attention.
  6. Leave it in — Depending on your preference, you can apply the emu oil to your hair as a leave-in treatment or rinse it after a specific amount of time. An emu oil hair mask can be left overnight for an intense conditioning treatment or rinsed after 30 minutes for a lighter treatment.
  7. Style as desired — Proceed with your regular hairstyling routine after the treatment. 

Precautions And Safety

While it is generally safe for use, individuals with sensitive skin or certain allergies may be sensitive to emu oil. Before using it on your hair, perform a patch test. Using a small drop, apply emu oil to an area of the skin, like the inner forearm. 

Watch for any signs of irritation. If redness, itching, or swelling occurs, discontinue use immediately and wash the area of the patch test thoroughly with soap and water.

The Bottom Line

Emu oil holds promise as a valuable ingredient for hair care. Its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing properties can help address dryness, soothe the scalp, and promote healthier hair.

When choosing an oil, stick with a high-quality, pure emu oil from a trusted source. Always perform a patch test and be mindful of possible allergies or sensitivities. Emu oil can enhance hair health and promote more manageable, nourished strands when used correctly and in moderation.


+ 14 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Whitehouse, M.J., Turner, A.D., Davis and Mallory (1998). Emu oil(s): A source of non-toxic transdermal anti-inflammatory agents in aboriginal medicine. [online] 6(1), pp.1–8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-998-0001-9.
  2. Shatalebi, M.A. and Rafiei, Y. (2014). Preparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsion. Research in pharmaceutical sciences, [online] 9(2), pp.123–33. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311290/.
  3. Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K. and Ogawa, R. (2016). Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty, [online] 16, p.e8. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/.
  4. Guo, E.L. and Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. [online] pp.1–10. doi:https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01.
  5. Davis, M., Piliang, M., Bergfeld, W.F., Caterino, T.L., Fisher, B.T., Sacha, J.B., Carr, G.J., Moulton, L.T., Whittenbarger, D.J. and Schwartz, J.H. (2021). Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12734.
  6. Song, S.-H., Jong Sung Lim, Son, S., Choi, J.T., Kang, N.-G. and Sang Yup Lee (2019). Prevention of lipid loss from hair by surface and internal modification. [online] 9(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-46370-x.
  7. Marsh (2018). Role of Internal Lipids in Hair Health. Journal of cosmetic science, [online] 69(5). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30767883/#:~:text=Saturated%20and%20unsaturated%20fatty%20acids,feel%2C%20manageability%2C%20and%20strength.
  8. Meinert (2015). Influence of antioxidants on the sun protection properties of hair care products. Journal of cosmetic science, [online] 55 Suppl. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15645086/.
  9. Manish Kumar Jeengar, P. Senthil Kumar, Dinesh Thummuri, Shrivastava, S., Lalita Guntuku, Ramakrishna Sistla and Ganga, V. (2015). Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine. [online] 31(1), pp.21–27. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2014.04.004.
  10. Hwa Jung Ryu, Jeong, J.-Y., Chun Geun Lee, Lee, K.-S., Jung Pyo Lee, Sung Sup Park and Lee, Y.-M. (2021). Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Malva verticillata Seed. [online] 26(8), pp.2117–2117. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26082117.
  11. Saman Ahmad Nasrollahi, Azin Ayatollahi, Taraneh Yazdanparast, Samadi, A., Hosseini, H., Mansour Shamsipour, Amir Akhlaghi, Somayeh Yadangi, Abels, C. and Alireza Firooz (2018). Comparison of linoleic acid-containing water-in-oil emulsion with urea-containing water-in-oil emulsion in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a randomized clinical trial. [online] Volume 11, pp.21–28. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s145561.
  12. PubChem (2023). Stearic Acid. [online] @pubchem. Available at: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Stearic-acid#section=Consumer-Uses.
  13. Del Campo, R., Zhang, Y. and Wakeford, C. (2017). Effect of Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) Seed Oil (MFSO®) on the Measurable Improvement of Hair Breakage in Women with Damaged Hair: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Eight-month Trial. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, [online] 10(11), pp.39–48. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774910/‌.
  14. Durazzo, A., Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan and Lucarini, M. (2022). Editorial: Cold Pressed Oils: A Green Source of Specialty Oils. [online] 8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.836651.
Cindy Scott

Medically reviewed by:

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois

Cindy Scott is a registered dental hygienist, fitness coach and freelance writer, with more than 20 years of health and medical experience. She is passionate about overall health and wellness as it connects throughout to the whole body. Through writing, she seeks to share knowledge and connections with others to give them the best overall health possible. Keeping smiles and bodies healthy, and HAPPY!

Medically reviewed by:

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois

Journal of Physical Education and Sport

Trusted Source

Go to source

SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

Trusted Source

Go to source

African Journals Online

Non-profit Platform for African Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of The American Board of Family Medicine

American Board of Family Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Informit

RMIT University Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Food Safety Authority

Science, Safe food, Sustainability

Trusted Source
Go to source

OrthoInfo

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Academy of Family Physicians

Strengthen family physicians and the communities they care for

Trusted Source
Go to source

Agricultural Research Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

The American Journal of Medicine

Official Journal of The Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Lippincott Journals

Subsidiaries of Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Aging

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Translational Research

The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cell

An All-science Publisher

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of Translational Medicine

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Protecting America's Consumers

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Human Genome Research Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Food Production, Processing and Nutrition

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

BMC Gastroenterology

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

ACS Publications

A Division of The American Chemical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Annual Reviews

Independent, Non-profit Academic Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

PubChem

National Center for Biotechnology Information

National Library of Medicine
Go to source

PLOS Journals

Nonprofit Publisher of Open-access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Thieme E-books & E-Journals

Peer-reviewed & Open Access Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences

Peer-reviewed International Journal Publishes

Trusted Source
Go to source

Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing Home

Chemical Science Journals, Books and Database

Trusted Source
Go to source

Frontiers

Publisher of Peer-reviewed Articles in Open Acess Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

De Gruyter

German Scholarly Publishing House

Trusted Source
Go to source

Hindawi

Open Access Research Journals & Papers

Trusted Source
Go to source

Oilseeds and Fats, Crops and Lipids

EDP Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge Core

Cambridge University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

FoodData Central

U.S. Department Of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the American Heart Association

Peer-reviewed Open Access Scientific Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Organization of Food and Nutrition Professionals

tr
Go to source

Sage Journals

Database From Sage Publications

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Drug Abuse

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The ClinMed International Library

A Repository and an Open Access Publisher for Medical Research

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Royal Society Publishing

United Kingdom's National Academy of Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

APA PsycNet

Database From American Psychological Association

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Pharma Innovation Journal

Peer-reviewed And Refereed Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development

Peer-reviewed Bimonthly Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

British Pharmacological Society

Journals - Wiley Online Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Psychological Association

Scientific and Professional Organization of Psychologists

Trusted Source
Go to source

AAP Publications

Database From American Academy of Pediatrics

Trusted Source
Go to source

Karger Publishers

Academic Publisher of Scientific and Medical Journals and Books

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Database From Cambridge University

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Mental Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

MDPI

Publisher of Open Access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Bulletin of the National Research Centre

Part of Springer Nature

Trusted Source
Go to source

The New England Journal of Medicine

Massachusetts Medical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Economic Research Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Trusted Source
Go to source

MedlinePlus

Database From National Library of Medicine

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

National Institute of Health

An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Trusted Source
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The BMJ

Weekly Peer-reviewed Medical Trade Journal

The British Medical Association
Go to source

The British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society is a charity registered in England

Database From Wiley Online Library
Go to source

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

DailyMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

Google Scholar

Go to source

Science.gov: USA.gov for Science

Government Science Portal

Go to source

ResearchGate

Social Network Service For Scientists

Find and share research
Go to source

American Heart Association

To be a rentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

Go to source

BioMed Central

Research in progress

Go to source

JAMA Network

Home of JAMA and the Specialty Journals of the American Medical Association

Go to source

Springer Link

Database From Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Springer - International Publisher Science, Technology, Medicine
Go to source

ODS

Database from Office of Dietary Supplements

National Institutes of Health
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition and Economics
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Governmental Authority
Go to source

Oxford Academic Journals

Oxford University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

Taylor & Francis Online

Peer-reviewed Journals

Academic Publishing Division of Informa PLC
Go to source

WHO

Database from World Health Organization

Go to source

Journal of Neurology

Peer-reviewed Medical Journal

American Academy of Neurology Journal
Go to source

ScienceDirect

Bibliographic Database of Scientific and Medical Publications

Dutch publisher Elsevier
Go to source

Wiley Online Library

American Multinational Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. National Public Health Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database from U.S. National Library of Medicine

U.S. Federal Government
Go to source

U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Federal Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed Central

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source
Feedback

Help us rate this article

Thank you for your feedback

Keep in touch to see our improvement