Skim through

What it does: emollient 

Also called: sesamum indicum seed oil 

The science

Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. It is derived from the seeds of the flowering sesame plant, also known as Sesamum indicum. These plants are native to East Africa and India, but they’re currently grown in many countries around the world. Sesame oil is full of antioxidants. Along with vitamin E and phytosterols, it contains lignans, sesamol, and sesaminol. It also has fatty acids such as palmitic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid

Benefits for your hair

Prevents hair thinning and loss

Sesame oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are considered essential fats that your body needs to get from your diet.

A 2017 study noted that being deficient in these fatty acids could impact hair loss, and that while more and rigorous research needed to be done, getting more of these essential fats could improve hair growth for some people.

Softens dry hair 

Curly hair tend to get dry very often due to natural oils produced by the scalp being unable to travel down the titled hair follicles. Sesame oil is an emollient, meaning it can help to soften your hair and make the strands look smoother. Those same fatty acids in sesame oil that make it good with foods, also make it good for topically combating dry hair and scalp. 

Maintains scalp health

The fatty acids in sesame oil help it to get deep into the skin. Inflammation and irritation on the scalp and around the hair roots can cause hair to fall out or thin in patches. Fatty acids help to soothe and heal the scalp and roots. Sesame oil may improve small, bald patches, or areas of thinning hair.

Prevents dandruff and itchy scalp

Sesame seeds and sesame oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may help prevent or reduce common skin infections on the scalp. Using sesame oil on your scalp and hair may help reduce dandruff, which is often caused by a fungus or bacteria.

Sesame oil has some occlusive properties, so if applied to a clean scalp, might help the skin stay moisturized. This can help to prevent and treat scalp dryness, flaking, and itching.

TLDR

Sesame oil is a great ingredient to have in your hair care products owing to its moisturizing properties. It softens hair, maintains scalp health, and prevents hair thinning.