Grapeseed oil is used in everything from personal care to cooking products due to its lightweight consistency, antioxidant benefits and the fact that it’s so rich in vitamins — but can it work any wonders on hair growth? That’s the question of the hour, with grapeseed oil hair treatments taking over TikTok. We tapped two board-certified dermatologists for their expert insights into the benefits of grapeseed oil for hair, including how it works, which hair types it’s best for and if there are any potential cons to using it.
Grapeseed oil for hair quick picks
?Pure grapeseed oil: Pura D’Or Organic Grapeseed Oil
Dermatologist pick: Shea Moisture Weightless Hydrating Detangler
Luxury pick: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
Budget pick: Attitude Super Leaves Shampoo
What does grapeseed oil do for hair?
Much like coconut oil, grapeseed oil is a multipurpose ingredient that’s used in skin and hair care products as a result of its many beneficial properties. “Grapeseed oil is known for its antioxidant benefits to help protect against free radical damage and also contains polyphenols, such as proanthocyanidins, which serve as good antioxidants,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “In addition, it contains vitamins A, C and E.”
Due to its high content of antioxidants and vitamins, grapeseed oil can be very soothing and nourishing on the skin, as well as to hair. “It also helps to lock moisture in and contains linoleic acid, which can help to moisturize the skin and hair,” Garshick says. ”Additionally, it’s been shown to be both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and that can help calm sensitive scalps.”
Because it’s so moisturizing, grapeseed oil can aid in boosting shine and reducing frizz, as well as strengthening brittle hair. Oh, and that’s not all: Garshick adds that since it’s so rich in antioxidants, it can potentially help address premature graying as it protects the scalp and hair from oxidative stress found in our environment.
Is it good to put grapeseed oil in your hair?
Grapeseed oil is a great option to use as a hair or scalp treatment because it’s odorless, lightweight and teeming with nutrients. “It can add moisture and shine to the outermost layer of the hair shaft, known as the cuticle,” says Dr. Pooja Rambhia, another board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “The high concentration of essential fatty acids in grapeseed oil may also serve to strengthen the hair strand, potentially reducing breakage and split ends.”
Is grapeseed extract good for hair growth?
In short, maybe! But research is still limited. One study in mice, however, did show some promise, though more clinical studies need to be done in order to really cement the fact that grapeseed oil can spur hair growth. “Animal studies suggest that phenolic compounds found in the grapeseed, proanthocyanidins, can stimulate the hair follicle and induce the anagen growth phase of the hair cycle in mice, thus there may be benefit for hair,” Rambhia says. “However, this has not yet been studied in humans.”
So, while it can’t hurt to give it a shot, definitely manage your expectations and don’t expect to see rapid hair growth overnight (or even in a few weeks). Most hair growth treatments take at least several months to begin working.
Which hair types is grapeseed oil best for?
Good news: All hair types can reap the benefits of grapeseed oil, including those with thin and fine hair because it’s very lightweight and won’t weigh down strands. “It’s great for dry, frizzy and dull hair, as it can add lightweight moisture and shine to the hair cuticle and help tame flyaways,” Rambhia says. “It is safe to use on natural and color-treated hair as well.”
Now let’s dive into the best hair oils (and more!) that contain grapeseed, shall we?
Best grapeseed oil products for hair
Rambhia recommends looking for products that contain cold-pressed grapeseed oil, as processing it with very high temperatures can oxidize the oil and limit its nutritive benefits. This highly rated option available on Amazon is unrefined, cold-pressed and excellent for all skin and hair types.
Formulated with grapeseed and tea tree oils, this multitasking detangler helps to soften the hair while also conditioning strands and leaving them shiny, soft and smooth. Apply to damp hair after washing to help reduce breakage and improve manageability.?
On top of Olaplex’s patented technology, this weightless orange elixir contains grapeseed oil to help strengthen the hair while also helping to protect and nourish it. It’s fabulous for all hair types, works wonders on frizz and can be applied to either damp or dry hair (or both).
An incredible budget buy, this hydrating shampoo from Attitude contains grapeseed oil, along with watercress and Indian cress, both of which are famed for their high vitamin and mineral content. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free and derm-tested.
