Mustard Oil For Hair: Benefits, How To Use & More [UK] 2023
Updated on
- Written by Teresa Mboci, Pediatric Nurse, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
Because of its high concentration of alpha fatty acids and other essential nutrients, mustard oil is an effective hair or scalp treatment for hair thinning, hair loss, dry scalp, and other scalp issues.
According to research,[1] natural oils help nourish and fortify the follicles at the base of your hair. Furthermore, mustard oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can aid in treating dandruff, leaving hair nourished, smooth, and silky. For these reasons, mustard oil might be used as a hair treatment option.
In this article, we’ll look at mustard oil benefits, usage, hair type considerations, and potential negative consequences of using mustard oil for hair growth and health.
Should We Use Mustard Oil For Hair?
In addition to its culinary applications, mustard oil has grown in popularity as a haircare product due to its numerous benefits for hair. Some of the benefits of using mustard oil on your hair include:
- Encourages hair growth.
- Strengthens the hair
- Inhibits the growth of yeasts and other fungi.
- Promotes a healthy scalp.
- Enhances the overall appearance of your hair.
What Is Mustard Oil?
Mustard oil is one of the most powerful hair growth oils. The pungent aroma of mustard oil will undoubtedly transport us back in time, as it has been used in our family for millennia due to its multiple culinary benefits. But did you know that, besides enhancing your food’s flavor, mustard oil is also a natural conditioner?
According to nutritional studies,[2] mustard oil has a unique fatty acid content. This, together with the oil’s high oleic acid content, has led to its extensive use in cosmetics. Furthermore, mustard oil’s quantities of selenium and magnesium[3] contribute to its effectiveness as a hair oil. They help open sweat glands on the scalp and promote the growth of healthy hair.
Benefits Of Mustard Oil For Hair
There are several ways in which mustard oil might help your hair. Among these are:
Promote Hair Growth
Regular application of mustard oil may help you keep your hair healthy and smooth. This is due to minerals, such as selenium and other elements in the oil, that promote hair growth. Furthermore, regular mustard oil scalp massage stimulates blood circulation to the scalp. This gives the hair follicles the nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive.
Strengthens Hair
Mustard oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants and has the ideal balance of omega-3 and omega-6[4] fatty acids. These fatty acids nourish and fortify the hair shaft, making it more robust and less likely to break. The strength-boosting properties[5] of erucic acid and alpha-linoleic acid in mustard oil prevent the hair from becoming brittle and prevent breakage as it grows longer. Additionally, mustard oil forms a protective layer around the hair strands, acting as a barrier against harmful environmental substances.
Inhibits The Growth Of Yeasts And Other Fungi
The hair oil’s antibacterial[6] and antifungal properties[5] aid in the eradication of yeast overgrowth and fungal infections, both of which are common causes of hair problems. This keeps the hair moisturized and minimizes dandruff.
Promotes A Healthy Scalp
For hair to grow properly, the scalp must be in good condition. The antibacterial and antifungal characteristics of mustard oil make it excellent for preventing infections and an overly greasy scalp, which can hurt hair health. Regular scalp massage[7] with mustard oil has been demonstrated to alleviate itching and flaking, relax irritable scalp, and boost overall hair and scalp health.
Enhances The Overall Appearance Of Your Hair
The high fatty acid content of mustard oil not only helps to penetrate the scalp and promote healthy hair development, but it also helps to prevent split ends and add shine. The general health of your hair can be enhanced by using mustard oil. Because of its powerful moisturizing powers, it makes even the most unmanageable hair easy to work with and style.
Considerations For Hair Type
In general, mustard oil is an excellent ingredient for keeping a healthy scalp and hair. Due to its inflammatory qualities[8] noted in animal research, this oil may be too strong for some people’s skin, scalp, and hair. Here are some things to remember while applying mustard oil to different hair types:
- Damaged/Dry Hair: Mustard oil can work wonders for dry, damaged hair. Its intense hydration may help to restore luster and smoothness to dry, brittle hair.
- Dyed Hair: The natural yellow tones in mustard oil may have a subtle darkening effect on light-colored or highlighted hair. If you have recently colored your hair, do a patch test before putting mustard oil on it.
- Greasy Hair: Avoid mustard oil if your hair is prone to oiliness. To avoid oily hair, apply the oil to the ends of your hair rather than the scalp.
Ways To Use Mustard Oil For Hair
Here are some of the finest ways to use mustard oil on your hair.
Scalp Massage
Massages with mustard oil regularly have been demonstrated to enhance blood flow to the scalp and nourish hair follicles. Massage heated mustard oil into your scalp with your fingertips in circular strokes. Allow at least one hour for it to rest. Then, return to your usual hair care routine. Don’t forget to run a patch test before proceeding!
Hot Oil Treatment
If you’re losing a lot of hair, try rubbing your scalp with hot mustard oil once a week. Massage heated mustard oil into your hair from the roots to the ends. Wrap your hair in a warm towel or a shower cap for 30 minutes to receive the full effects of the oil. When you’re through, use a mild shampoo to clean your hair.
Mustard Oil Hair Mask
Mustard oils are sometimes combined with other nutritious foods,[9] such as baobab, yogurt, honey, lemon, banana, or aloe vera gel, to promote hair benefits. Put your pick in a bowl and add a few drops of mustard oil before mixing thoroughly. After leaving the mask on for 30 minutes to an hour, shampoo and condition as usual. This will provide intense nourishment and conditioning for your hair. Here are several combinations you should consider:
- Mustard Oil And Aloe Vera Hair Pack: Because of aloe vera’s outstanding nourishing and calming properties, combining it with mustard oil will do wonders for your hair. In a small container, combine mustard oil and aloe vera. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp. After an hour, wash it with your regular shampoo and conditioner. This will put a halt to further hair loss.
- Mustard Oil And Lemon Juice Pack: Lemon juice’s natural antibacterial and antifungal properties[10] make it great for preventing scalp infections. Apply a mixture of lemon juice and mustard oil to your hair. Wait one hour before washing for smooth, bouncy, and healthy hair.
- Mustard Oil Banana Hair Mask: A mixture of ripe bananas and mustard oil can be used to heal badly damaged hair. Mash a ripe banana[11] in a bowl with approximately 2 tablespoons of mustard oil. To change the texture of the mixture, you can add yogurt. Apply the smooth paste to your damp hair and cover it with a towel. Allow to set for a few minutes but not to dry, then rinse thoroughly.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Mustard oil applied topically to the hair is generally well tolerated. Some people, however, experience significant scalp irritation from naturally occurring substances, including allyl thiocyanate, erucic acid, capsaicin, and high selenium levels.[12] Individuals with extremely sensitive and greasy scalps should only use mustard oil only once or twice a month. Diluting it with a gentler oil base, such as coconut oil, and using it sparingly is another option.
The Takeaway
Mustard oil has many well-documented uses in both the cosmetic and medical industries. When applied topically, mustard oil is an excellent choice for preventing gray hair, decreasing hair loss, and stimulating new growth. Most people can use mustard oil on their skin and hair without worrying about negative reactions. However, it can irritate a sensitive scalp. Therefore, a patch test should be conducted to guarantee that your skin does not react unfavorably before full application to the scalp.
+ 12 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
- Mysore, V. and Adhikary Arghya (2022). Hair oils: Indigenous knowledge revisited. [online] 14(3), pp.84–84. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20.
- Chugh, B. and Dhawan, K. (2014). Storage studies on mustard oil blends. [online] 51(4), pp.762–767. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-011-0540-8.
- Nutritionvalue.org. (2023). Oil, mustard nutrition facts and analysis. [online] Available at: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Oil%2C_mustard_nutritional_value.html
- Swati, Sneha Sehwag & Madhusweta Das* . A Brief Overview: Present Status on Utilization of Mustard Oil and Cake. 9 June 2014.
- Mysore, V. and Adhikary Arghya (2022). Hair oils: Indigenous knowledge revisited. [online] 14(3), pp.84–84. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20.
- Rajesh Singh Tomar and Vikas Shrivastava. “Efficacy Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Brassica Nigra as Potential Antimicrobial Agent against Selected Microorganisms.” Https://Www.researchgate.net/, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Gwalior-474005, May 2014, www.researchgate.net/profile/Rajesh-Singh-Tomar/publication/292315357_Efficacy_evaluation_of_ethanolic_extract_of_Brassica_nigra_as_potential_antimicrobial_agent_against_selected_microorganisms/links/56ace6e708ae28588c5fb6c1/Efficacy-evaluation-of-ethanolic-extract-of-Brassica-nigra-as-potential-antimicrobial-agent-against-selected-microorganisms.pdf.
- 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/
- Inoue, H., Takuji Asaka, Nagata, N. and Koshihara, Y. (1997). Mechanism of mustard oil-induced skin inflammation in mice. [online] 333(2-3), pp.231–240. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0014-2999(97)01040-6.
- Trüeb, R.M. (2021). ‘Let food be thy medicine’: Value of nutritional treatment for hair loss. [online] 13(6), pp.1–1. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_124_20.
- Wilfred Mbeng Otang and Anthony Jide Afolayan (2016). Antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacy of Citrus limon L. peel extracts used for skin diseases by Xhosa tribe of Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. [online] 102, pp.46–49. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2015.08.005.
- Sampath Kumar, K., Bhowmik, D., Duraivel, S. and Umadevi, M. (2012). Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Banana. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, [online] 1(3). Available at: https://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue3/Issue_sept_2012/9.1.pdf?_ga=2.93710877.1822841834.1619743020-2124124910.1619743020.
- Almohanna, H.M., Ahmed, A., Tsatalis, J.P. and Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. [online] 9(1), pp.51–70. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6.
Written by:
Teresa Mboci, Pediatric Nurse, Nutritionist
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
