Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a flower also known as “black cumin.” Originally hailing from Southwest Asia, this plant holds particular prominence in Asia due to its medicinal properties and, notably, its spiritual significance.
Within Muslim communities, traditional texts (hadiths) advise believers to regularly consume black seed seeds, as they are regarded as a remedy for all ailments except death. Even before the emergence of Islam, these seeds were recognized and used for their therapeutic properties and distinctive flavors.
Is it effective against hair loss?
Currently, we have some studies and information regarding the potential relationship between black seed oil and hair loss.
In general, vegetable oils have similar compositions, and black seed oil is no exception. However, it stands out due to its notable content of volatile components.
In addition to the available studies, we possess detailed information about each of its constituents. This allows us to infer the potential benefits that the oil may offer for our hair.
Here is the fatty acid composition of black seed oil:
- Linoleic acid: 60%
- Oleic acid: 24%
- Palmitic acid: 12%
- Stearic acid: 2.5%
- Myristic acid: 1%
- Others: vitamin E, phytosterols, thymoquinone, p-cymene, a-thujene, and more
According to my research, black seed oil may have the following potential effects on hair loss:
Several scientific studies on slopecia
There are several scientific studies that have examined the effects of black seed oil on alopecia. Here are three notable studies:
Study 1: Oil mixture on alopecia
In a 2014 study led by Shahinoor Rahaman and colleagues, a solution containing various oils and extracts showed effectiveness in reducing alopecia. This blend also included a significant amount of black seed oil (source) (source)
In this study, the mixture was compared to coconut oil, and the results were as follows:
The oil and extract mixture (Test oil) proved highly effective in reducing hair loss. Participants went from a daily hair loss of 390 hairs to 94 hairs. While these results can’t be solely attributed to black seed oil, it can be inferred that black seed oil may have contributed to the positive outcome.
Study 2: 0.5% black seed oil on effluvium telogen
In a 2013 study by Alfredo Ross and colleagues, 20 women with telogen effluvium (a form of alopecia) experienced significant hair regrowth thanks to a lotion containing 0.5% black seed oil.
Study 3: black seed oil on chemotherapyinduced hair loss
In a 2017 study conducted by Uzma Saleem and colleagues, black seed oil was found to be effective in reducing hair loss induced by chemotherapy.
The authors of this study noted that the antioxidant properties of black seed oil were primarily responsible for its protective effect, and thymoquinone also stimulated follicle growth.
Potential to reduce seborrheic dermatitis: dandruff, acne, psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by excessive inflammation, primarily affecting the scalp. It can lead to the development of scaly patches, red skin, acne, and dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually occurs when the skin undergoes some form of “attack.” This can be due to the presence of the yeast Malassezia, a microorganism that typically inhabits the skin’s surface, a bacterial infection, or excessive exposure to pollution.
It’s important to note that certain forms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as dandruff, can exacerbate hair loss. If you are experiencing both androgenetic alopecia and dandruff, the hair loss may be more pronounced. In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis can even be a sole cause of hair loss.
In the case of black seed oil, it has properties that can significantly reduce seborrheic dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Several studies suggest that black seed oil components like thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties (source) (source).
Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a defense mechanism triggered by the immune system when the body faces various challenges, such as infections, irritations, muscle tension, or injuries.
Interestingly, almost all forms of alopecia are characterized by the presence of chronic scalp inflammation, and reducing this inflammation has proven effective in lessening hair loss (source).
Black seed oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties due to its composition of oleic acid, beta-sitosterol, and thymoquinone. The anti-inflammatory qualities of these three compounds are well-documented in multiple studies (source) (source) (source) (source).
While these studies may not directly address hair loss, it is reasonable to assume that the anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil could help alleviate the chronic inflammation associated with alopecia.
Antioxidant properties
One of the contributing factors to hair loss is oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an excess of free radicals relative to the antioxidants in the body. These free radicals can form excessively due to various factors such as stress, poor dietary choices, or exposure to pollution.
Oxidative stress can lead to significant health issues, including hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart diseases, and certain types of cancer (source).
Several studies have shown that the intake of antioxidants like vitamin E can reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Black seed oil possesses powerful antioxidant properties due to its rich composition of vitamin E, beta-sitosterol, and thymoquinone (source) (source).
In a 2010 study conducted by Lim Ai Beoy and colleagues, it was discovered that vitamin E intake could reduce hair loss (source).
In this study, participants who took 100 mg of vitamin E per day in the form of tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherols significantly increased their hair density.
The group receiving vitamin E saw their hair density increase from 284.8 to 383.1 in just 8 months, a substantial 34.5% increase. In contrast, the placebo group showed no changes.
The researchers concluded that this hair growth stimulation was attributed to the antioxidant properties of vitamin E.
Numerous other studies and articles also mention these antioxidant properties (source) (source) (source).
Anti-androgenic properties
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen hormone naturally produced in our bodies from testosterone in various tissues, a process facilitated by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5aR).
DHT is a significant factor in androgenetic alopecia, as it contributes to the inflammatory process in the scalps of individuals predisposed to hereditary hair loss. This process leads to the gradual thinning of hair, often referred to as miniaturization. As a result, reducing the formation of DHT is believed to be a potential approach to mitigate hair loss.
Upon examining black seed oil, we find that it consists of 60% linoleic acid and 24% oleic acid. Both of these fatty acids have the capacity to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, thereby reducing the production of DHT (source).
In a study conducted in 1992 by T Liang and S Liao, it was observed that oleic, linoleic, elaidic, linolelaidic, and gamma-linolenic acids exhibited anti-DHT properties through the inhibition of 5aR.
(source)
Additionally, in two other studies, beta-sitosterol demonstrated its effectiveness in inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase (source) (source).
Based on the findings from these studies, it can be inferred that topical application of black seed oil may also reduce the production of DHT.
Linoleic acid and hair growth
According to a 2021 study led by Hwa Sun Ryu and colleagues, linoleic acid has been found to activate the Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway.
The Wnt10b/β-catenin pathway plays a vital role in the hair growth cycle. Its activation promotes the anagen phase, stimulating hair growth, and enhances the proliferation and survival of follicular cells.
Based on this study, it can be reasonably assumed that oils containing linoleic acid may hold potential as effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia. Black seed oil, for instance, comprises 60% linoleic acid.
Closing thoughts and verdict
I believe that black seed oil may effectively combat hair loss, primarily due to its anti-DHT, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antibacterial and antifungal qualities could also be advantageous.
Moreover, it contains a significant amount of linoleic acid, which has the potential to stimulate hair growth by activating the Wnt/beta-catenin pathways.
What sets black seed oil apart from other oils is its high concentration of thymoquinone and beta-sitosterol, both of which are notably effective as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants.
If you’re considering using black seed oil, I would recommend using it as a carrier oil in combination with essential oils to enhance its effectiveness.
Precautions & side effects
- Potential for allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Avoid heating.
- Not recommended for pregnant women in high doses.