Is Chili Seed Oil Good For Hair Growth?

We know that chili is a great source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. But what are the benefits of chili seed oil for your hair and is it true that chili seed oil is good for hair growth?

Is Chili Seed Oil Good For Hair Growth

Chili seed oil is said to stimulate blood flow to the scalp when applied, due to the heat produced by the compound capsaicin. This stimulation is thought to encourage the hair follicles to grow hair faster and promote new hairs to grow.

Read on to get all the information on chili seed oil and help yourself make an informed decision on whether you should use chili seed oil to aid hair growth.

What Is Chili Seed Oil?

Chili seed oil is derived from the seeds of hot chilies and peppers. It is a deep red oil often used in cuisine and herbal remedies alike. It can be diluted with different oils to prevent burning when applied to the skin. 

Also known by its botanical name ‘Capsicum Annum’, the oil is made of chili seeds that are incorporated into a plain oil.

The component of chilies that gives spicy foods their heat is capsaicin. This is the element of the oil that makes it beneficial for hair growth. 

This is because capsaicin is known for both its heat and its anti-inflammatory properties when consumed or applied to the skin.

Chili seed oil can be homemade or bought in the form of essential oil.

Chili seed essential oil is best used diluted into plain oil before it can be applied across the body due to its highly concentrated form.

The Mystic Moments Chili Seed Essential Oil from Amazon is just one of many essential oils you can find for this purpose.

Is Chili Seed Oil Good For Hair Growth?

Many believe that chili seed oil can help prevent hair loss and that it promotes hair growth.

This is due to how capsaicin stimulates the scalp and is said to encourage blood flow. This helps hair grow quicker and healthier due to the extra flow of blood and nutrients to the scalp. This encourages the follicles to increase the growth of hair.

Chilis contain nutrients such as potassium, vitamins B1 and B2, and iron. These all promote hair strength and growth. The oils used to make chili seed oil also help provide conditioning to the hair and scalp. Black pepper oil and garlic oil have similar qualities.

The capsaicin in chili seed oil will bring more blood flow to the scalp. This is due to the heat stimulating the skin. This causes it to flush like your lips do when you eat spicy food. 

A 2007 study found that consuming capsaicin alongside another chemical resulted in hair regrowth in mice and humans with alopecia, more so than the group who were instead only given a placebo to consume.

Also Read: How To Use Pine Tar Oil For Your Hair (3 Ways) 

How To Use Chili Seed Oil For Hair Growth

Chili seed oil should never be applied directly to the skin, as it will cause redness and skin irritation with its spice.

Instead, dilute a few drops into a larger amount of plain oil. This can be any oil, but many recommend coconut oil. This is due to its thick texture which helps to control application, compared to oils that remain in a liquid form at room temperature.

Apply the mixture along your scalp, concentration on areas of hair loss and the parting at the crown of your head.

The mixture should not be applied regularly, as overuse will cause skin irritation and burning. 

This could then hinder your hair growth due to poor scalp health, rather than improving it.

Therefore, it is important to exercise restraint and caution when using chili seed oil for hair growth.

Safety When Using Chili Seed Oil

Chili seed oil can be dangerous if allowed near the eyes or breathed into the lungs.

Never allow the oil near the face or eyes. An old shirt or headband may help when tied across the forehead to prevent leaking during the application of oils. 

If chili seed oil gets into your eyes, wash it out with cold water and seek medical attention immediately.

Chili seed oil should be diluted, and a small amount applied each time to avoid skin irritation and burning.

If any skin irritation or issues are felt upon application remove immediately from the scalp and discontinue use.

Making Chili Seed Oil At Home

chili seed oil

Instead of investing in an essential chili seed oil, you could instead make chili seed oil at home.

By simply combining hot oil with chili seeds and flakes, and straining to remove the pieces you can make a capsaicin-filled oil ready to dilute and apply.

Also Read: Shea Butter Vs. Coconut Oil For Hair: Which Is Better?

Ingredients for Making Chili Seed Oil

You will need chili seeds or flakes, alongside oil, to create the spicy capsaicin oil ready to apply on your scalp. 

Various oils can be used, including:

  • Canola Oil
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Peanut Oil
  • Vegetable Oil

Oils with a low boiling/smoke point may not hold the chili infusion well and will set after cooling. 

Coconut oil will also set after heating but it is often used as a hair mask. It may therefore be useful for those who use it regularly. 

Using oil that benefits your hair to make the chili seed oil will add more benefits to the application and use of chili seed oil.

Methods For Making Chili Seed Oil

  1. First, place the cup of oil into a pan and heat over a low flame. When the oil is hot, fill another pan or heat-resistant bowl with the chili seeds and any additional herbs or seeds. 
  2. Pour the hot oil over the seeds and stir, combining the ingredients. By combining them in this manner, you can easily avoid burning the ingredients. Stir for several minutes and then strain through a sieve into a jar or similar container. 
  3. Leave in the fridge until you are ready to use and then combine a few drops with another oil before applying to the scalp.

A quicker method for DIY chili oil comes from blogger Ishika Sachdev, who recommends mixing coconut oil with chili powder instead of combing seeds and oil. 

This mixture is quick to create and apply along the hairline and is said to promote blood flow to the scalp due to capsaicin just as the first recipe does.

Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.