Kalonji Oil for Hair: Benefits, Side Effects & How to Use It

Hair problems are one of the most common issues women face with the increasing stress of everyday life. Are you too struggling with this issue? Looking for a natural remedy to get long, thick, and lustrous hair? You have come to the right place!

Kalonji oil is regarded as one of the best solutions for treating all hair-related problems like hair fall, dryness, frizziness, and more. In this article, we are going to discuss in detail all the benefits, uses, and side effects of kalonji oil for hair.

What Is Kalonji Oil?

Nigella sativa or black cumin or black seed, more popularly known as kalonji in India, is a flowering plant found extensively in the south and southwest Asia. Its seeds are used to extract oil, also known as kalonji oil or black seed oil.

It is a rich source of an antioxidant called thymoquinone, which helps fight harmful free radicals. Consuming and applying kalonji oil topically aids in the treatment of various medical conditions such as hair fall, asthma, hypertension, acne, weight loss, and more.

Is Kalonji Oil Good For Hair Loss?

A study conducted in 2016 showed that kalonji oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. These properties help alleviate several hair problems like dandruff, dryness, balding, and frizziness and assist in maintaining a healthy scalp by keeping it moisturised. Nevertheless, more extensive research is required to understand the impact of kalonji oil on hair health maintenance.

Kalonji Oil Benefits For Hair

Here are some of the known benefits of kalonji oil for hair:

1. Increases Hair Growth

Kalonji or black seed contains a high amount of potent antihistamines, i.e., nigellone and thymoquinone. These are known for promoting hair growth in medical science. Hence they are also prescribed to people having hair fall conditions like alopecia.

2. Protects From Premature Greying of Hair

Kalonji helps maintain black pigment cells in hair follicles due to the presence of linoleic acids. Thus, preventing the premature greying of hair and keeping them lustrous for a longer period of time. In some cases, it is also known to reverse the greying of hair.

3. Maintains the Moisture in Hair

Dry and frizzy hair is a result of less sebum production in hair follicles. Kalonji oil has properties that regulate sebum production and helps reduce the dryness of hair. It also contains fatty amino acids, which help lock moisture in the hair shaft. Thus, regular head massages with kalonji oil condition the hair and reduce dryness and frizziness.

4. Prevents Hair Damage

Hair gets exposed to external factors such as sun, pollutants, and impurities, leading to the formation of free radicals. These free radicals damage hair and make them look dull and lifeless. Additionally, free radical damage also causes premature greying of hair.

Regular massage with kalonji oil helps prevent such hair damage and restores its natural shine. It has antioxidants that neutralise the free radicals to minimise hair damage.

4. Promotes Scalp Health

Kalonji has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic (pain-killing) properties. These help keep the scalp clean and healthy. Massaging the scalp with kalonji oil stimulates hair follicles to prevent dandruff and itchiness.

5. Prevents Hair Fall

Minerals, vitamins, and nutrients in kalonji provide sufficient nutrients to hair follicles and scalp and thus help in maintaining positive hair health. This further helps reduce hair fall, making hair long and thick.

How To Make Kalonji Oil At Home?

Here's how you can make kalonji oil at home:

Ingredients:

Kalonji or Black Seeds: 1 tablespoon
Fenugreek Seed: 1 tablespoon
Coconut Oil: 200 ml
Castor Oil: 50 ml

Instructions:

Crush the black seeds and fenugreek seeds until they turn into a fine powder.
Now pour them into a glass container.
Add coconut oil and castor oil.
Stir with a spoon till all the ingredients get mixed properly.
Now put a lid on a glass container to seal it and place it in sunlight for 2-3 weeks.
Keep stirring the mixture every 2-3 days.
After 2-3 weeks, strain out the oil. It is now ready for application.

How To Use Kalonji Oil For Hair?

Check out these tips on how to use kalonji oil food various hair related problems:

1. Scalp Massage With Kalonji Oil

Massaging the scalp with kalonji oil twice a week helps nourish the hair follicles and reduces hair fall. Follow these steps for best results:

Take 2 tablespoons of kalonji oil in a bowl and heat till it gets mildly warm. You can increase or decrease the oil quantity depending upon your hair length.
Use a cotton pad to apply this oil to the scalp. You can also use your fingers for the application.
Now slowly massage the scalp with the applied oil for approximately five minutes. Make sure that the oil gets evenly mixed with your hair.
Put on a shower cap to cover your hair.
Wash your hair after about an hour with mild shampoo using cold water.

2. Kalonji Oil With Coconut Oil

This mixture is recommended for those women who are struggling with dry and frizzy hair. Apply kalonji and coconut oil as explained in the below-given steps to get smoother and shinier hair:

Mix equal quantities (depending upon hair length) of coconut and kalonji oil in a bowl.
Heat the mixture for a minute or until it becomes a little warm.
Now divide your hair into two equal portions from the middle and gently massage the oil into your scalp and hair for around 10 minutes.
Leave it for approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Then wash your hair with your usual shampoo and conditioner.
Repeat two to three times a week for best results.

3. Kalonji With Castor Oil

Here’s how you can use kalonji oil with castor oil to reduce hair fall:

Mix one tablespoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of kalonji oil.
Even out the consistency of castor oil by heating the mixture for some time. This makes the application of oils easier.
Apply to your scalp, especially to areas that have a high risk of hair fall like temples, and massage gently.
Let it rest for about an hour.
Then wash with shampoo and cold water.
Do this at least once a week to prevent hair fall and balding.

Kalonji Oil Side Effects for Hair

It has been noted by a study that kalonji oil for hair does not cause any serious side effects if used for less than three months. However, it should also be noted that more research is required to understand the impact of kalonji Oil on hair.

The application of kalonji Oil on hair for a longer duration may cause skin irritation and itchiness in some people. Kalonji can also cause the following side effects in people consuming it as a diet supplement:

Vomiting
Nausea
Stomach Bloating
Constipation

Research shows that people taking medications containing beta-blockers should not consume kalonji oil as it may cause counter-interactive effects. Similarly, as a study suggests, it is not suggested for patients having kidney issues since it may harm kidney health.

Summing Up On Kalonji Oil For Hair

The benefits of kalonji oil for hair issues are widely known. However, there is no scientific evidence to claim its usefulness. Still, since it doesn’t have any immediate side effects, you can try it yourself and see how much it benefits you.

FAQs

Does Kalonji Oil Cause Hair Loss?

There is no available evidence or studies suggesting that kalonji oil may cause hair loss. On the contrary, it is known to benefit people suffering from balding by promoting hair growth.

Can I Apply Kalonji Oil on Hair Daily?

Although studies suggest that short-term application of kalonji oil may not cause any side effects, it is recommended to apply it 2-3 times a week for best results.

Which Oil Is Best for Hair Growth?

Kalonji oil, castor oil, coconut, almond, argan, and lavender oil are considered best for hair growth.

References

F I Al-Jenoobi, January 2010; Effect of black seed on dextromethorphan O- and N-demethylation in human liver microsomes and healthy human subjects - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20201775/
Reza Mohtashami , December 2015; Efficacy and safety of honey based formulation of Nigella sativa seed oil in functional dyspepsia: A double blind randomized controlled clinical trial - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26386381/