Watermelon seeds are bursting with nutrients, including linoleic and oleic acid and omega 3 which offer great benefits for a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that watermelon seed is also great for your locks? In this article, we explain how to use watermelon seed oil for healthy, shiny hair.
So, how should you use watermelon seed oil for hair?
You can use watermelon seed oil in various ways such as a hot oil treatment, a pre poo treatment, or even for sealing in split ends. Watermelon seed oil can also be used for massaging the scalp.
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In a rush? Here are our top 3 favorite watermelon seed oils for hair:
RV Essential Pure Watermelon Seed Carrier Oil
Biopurus Certified Organic Cold Pressed Watermelon Seed Oil
What is watermelon seed oil?
Watermelon is made of 92% water and contains antioxidants. Surprisingly, there are over 50 varieties of watermelon.
The seeds of the watermelon are brimming with nutrients including linoleic and oleic acid, omega 3, 6, and 9, fatty acids.
They also contain minerals and vitamins which are perfect for healthy hair maintenance.
Often referred to as Ootanga oil or Kalahari oil, watermelon seed oil originated in the plains of Southern Africa.
A relative of the cantaloupe, squash, cucumber, gourd and pumpkin, typically there are two varieties of watermelon seed oils used in the cosmetics industry.
These are Citrullus Lanatus seed oil (obtained from wild watermelons) and Citrullus Vulgaris seed oil (obtained from the common red and green watermelons).
Both of these have similar benefits for hair.
After harvesting, the watermelons are split open, and the seeds are collected.
The method of extraction varies: the expeller method, cold pressing, solvent extraction or oil clarification.
The seeds are then dried out in the sun. After this, the seeds are pressed to extract the precious oil, which is collected, bottled, and ready to use.
According to Holland and Barratt, much like coconut oil and argan oil, watermelon seed oil has seen an increase in popularity for use in hair.
It can be used in your usual hair care routine, such as adding a few drops to shampoo or conditioner.
Watermelon seed oil can also be directly on washed hair for added nourishment.
Also Read: How To Use Lemongrass Tea For Hair (5 Benefits)
Benefits of Watermelon Seed Oil For Hair
Research conducted by the Laxminarayan Institute of Technology in India sets out the basic science behind the benefits of watermelon seed oil for hair.
They determined that the light oil contains moisturizing properties which help to restore the elasticity of the skin.
The oil is therefore used in many cosmetic, skincare and haircare products.
Here are some benefits of using watermelon seed oil:
Added Moisture
When massaged into the scalp and through the rest of the hair, watermelon seed oil provides nourishment and hydration for the hair and scalp- leaving it looking soft and luxuriant.
No Clogging
Watermelon seed oil has a light consistency and is easily absorbed by the scalp and hair. For this reason, pores do not become clogged as a result of using the product.
Growth
The nutrient citrulline is found in abundance in watermelon.
This nutrient helps increase levels of the amino acid, arginine, within the body. Arginine promotes blood circulation, particularly in the scalp. This results in a boost in hair growth.
Also check out this article on batana oil and hair growth.
Treat Itchy Scalp
The light texture of watermelon seed oil means it is ideal for treating a flaky itchy scalp. It adds moisture to the hair and scalp to combat and prevent this.
Less Breakage and Hair Loss
Watermelon seed oil contains essential fatty acids which can strengthen hair and help prevent breakage.
It is also bursting with Vitamin C- this helps your body to use non-heme iron which ensures sufficient levels of iron in your red blood cells to help carry oxygen to your hair follicles, promoting healthy hair.
Furthermore, watermelon boosts collagen formation which is also required for healthy hair growth.
Protects Hair Color
When used systematically, watermelon seed oil can stimulate the production of melanin which slows down the graying of hair.
How To Use Watermelon Seed Oil
There are 3 ways to use watermelon seed oil in your haircare routine:
1 Hot Oil Treatment
Hot oil treatments are great for protecting damaged and dry hair. Oil works as a moisturizer and can help to strengthen your hair whilst reducing frizz and split ends. Furthermore, a hot oil treatment is great for increasing the blood flow in your scalp.
To make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the oil, it’s always best to do a patch test 24 hours before intended use.
Instructions:
- Wash your hair
- Grab your watermelon seed oil and warm a few teaspoons in the microwave. Make sure the oil is not too hot and test before use.
- Massage the warm oil into your scalp and leave for a good 20 minutes. You can use a deep conditioning mask to maximise the effect.
- After 15-20 minutes, rinse the oil from your hair and follow up with your favourite conditioner.
2 Pree Poo Treatment
Watermelon seed oil can also be used as a pre-poo treatment. A pre-poo treatment is used to protect your scalp before shampooing.
This is especially useful if you have a sensitive scalp as the cleansing agents in shampoo can be very drying.
Instructions:
- Section your hair and apply the watermelon seed oil to your scalp
- Massage the oil in for a few minutes
- Wait 20-30 minutes and proceed with your regular shampoo routine
- Remember to use a moisturizing conditioner in order to hydrate your hair
3 Sealing Split Ends
You may often find that your scalp appears greasy but your ends are dry.
This is because the natural oils produced by your scalp do not always reach the end of the hair shaft. This is especially the case for those with curly hair.
Oiling split ends can help them appear healthier and shinier and provide moisture that may otherwise be lacking.
Instructions:
- Grab your watermelon seed oil and add a few drops to your palms
- Gently distribute the oil through your hair, focusing solely on the ends
You can use oil on your ends after washing or perhaps before going to sleep.
Also Read: How To Use Moringa For Hair Loss (For Best Results)
Top 3 Watermelon Seed Oils
RV Essential Pure Watermelon Seed Carrier Oil
This watermelon seed oil from RV Essential is cold-pressed and 100% natural. It is packed in high-quality glass containers and is suitable for your hair, face, and body.
Biopurus Certified Organic Cold Pressed Watermelon Seed Oil
This certified organic cold-pressed watermelon seed oil from Bioporus is vegan friendly and does not contain any artificial preservatives or artificial colors.
Moriveda Moringa Oil
This oil contains a mixture of nutritious seeds, including watermelon seeds. It is rich in nutrients and contains linoleic acid which is great for shiny hair. This is essentially a high-quality blend of the finest cold-pressed oils.
So, there you have it- the next time you discard those little seeds from your watermelon, take a moment to remember how packed full of hair goodness they are.
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