Fix Hair Loss With Black Seed Oil

Hair loss is something that can occur at any age to both men and women. While studying at university, I had a friend who began losing his hair and he was absolutely devastated. It can be stressful, knowing that something is taking its course and there’s little you can do. That is, unless you explore all of your options, like black seed oil. 

Although there are plenty of factors and unique cases, hair loss is generally based on genetics or hormonal changes. Sure, male pattern baldness is generally more common. However, women can also experience thinning hair and overall hair loss. If you’re noticing that your hair isn’t as thick as it once was, try this all-natural remedy.

Exclusive: Three Reasons Your Hair Is Thinning — And Ways To Treat It

Black seed: the remedy for all things but death

Nigella sativa, more commonly known as black seed or black cumin, is often referred to as the “magical” seed. Within traditional Indian medicine, this seed is said to contain more than 100 medicinal components. In turn, black seed oil is known to be the ultimate healing solution — curing a wide range of conditions.

One of this seed’s most unique properties is its ability to restore hair loss. Dating back to ancient Egypt, it was documented that these small black seeds allowed Cleopatra to achieve her shiny, luscious hair. It was also found in the infamous tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh, King Tutankhamun. Clearly, it was a valuable item.

Of the traditional benefits documented, many have been confirmed through research. Since the 1960s, there has been well over 600 published, peer-reviewed studies which have focused on this black seed. It offers analgesic (pain killing), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. The list goes on and on.

From type 2 diabetes to colon cancer, asthma to epilepsy, it is believed that the Islamic prophet Mohammed said, “black seed is the remedy for everything but death.” For those who are suffering from hair loss, it may be the missing piece you’re looking for. It’s something that is both simple and effective to apply.

Using black seed oil for hair loss

Not only does this seed strengthen hair, it addresses hair loss. Researchers aren’t exactly sure how it encourages growth, but it’s believed to be based on its antimicrobial compounds, anti-inflammatory effects and powerful antioxidants. Meaning, it’s more than likely a combination effect.

Within one study, published in JCDSA, participants with telogen effluvium (TE) were examined to see if Nigella sativa was an effective solution. TE is a scalp disorder which causes hair roots to be pushed into a premature resting state. It is generally characterized by the thinning or shedding of hair.

Participants were treated with a scalp lotion. Half received Nigella sativa for three months, whereas the other half were “treated” with a placebo. After three months, it was found that 90 percent of patients treated with Nigella sativa improved in both hair density and hair thickness, in comparison to just seven percent in the control group.

It also reduced inflammation in the majority of patients with TE. When following up at six months, more than half of the treatment group experienced a further increase in hair. The remaining participants showcased a stabilization of the disease with preservation of hair density.

Among those in the placebo group, at the three and six-month points, 60 percent of participants displayed severe hair loss. Researchers concluded that based on the anti-inflammatory effects of black seed, it promotes hair growth, improving density and caliber. They suggest using this topical treatment as a valid alternative to traditional options, such as minoxidil — better known as Rogaine.

What else can black seed oil do?

Even if you’re not experiencing hair loss, black seed oil will naturally moisturize your scalp, reducing itching and dryness. Rich in fatty and amino acids, it also soothes and protects the outer layer of your skin, targeting eczema, psoriasis and dandruff. Based on its antioxidant content, it will also reduce free radical damage.

From split ends to reducing the look of grays, black seed oil is a hair remedy that everyone can benefit from. Not only does it have the ability to alter the pigment in hair, but also in the skin. When studying patients with vitiligo — a condition that causes the loss of pigment in skin — Nigella sativa was shown to increase pigmentation and improve skin color.

Here are some of the other benefits this incredible seed offers:

• Anti-cancer properties: Within one study, black seed was shown to inhibit colon cancer cells. Using black seed oil, colon carcinogenesis was inhibited in rats without any adverse side effects. Researchers found similar findings for breast, oral, brain and blood cancer cases.

• Type 2 diabetes support: When taking just two grams of black seed daily, participants were shown to reduce fasting blood sugar levels, decrease insulin resistance and increase function within the pancreas.

• Reduces seizures: Within one study, children with epilepsy who were not responding to conventional treatment experienced a reduction in the frequency of seizures when taking black seed extract.

How to use it at home

1. Combine a 1:1 ratio of olive oil or coconut oil with black seed oil, rubbing it into balding areas.

2. Leave it on for 30 to 45 minutes before rinsing.

3. Repeat at least three times weekly.

— Krista Hillis