Can Arnica Oil Help Promote Hair Growth?
- What Is Arnica Oil?
- Benefits Of Arnica Oil For Hair
- How To Use Arnica Oil
- Side Effects Of Arnica Oil For Hair
- Where To Buy Arnica Oil
What Is Arnica Oil?
Arnica Montana, also known as the mountain daisy, is a yellow-orange perennial flowering herb grown in the cold and rocky regions of Eastern Europe and Siberia. Pure arnica oil is renowned for its hair benefits. The distilled extract of arnica, when diluted, is believed to treat various scalp and hair issues. Let us study the various benefits of arnica oil for hair in detail below.
Benefits Of Arnica Oil For Hair
1. May Boost Scalp Health
Arnica oil is known to have amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (1). It also may help mitigate pain caused by inflammation. It keeps the scalp free from dirt, sebum, debris, and excess oil. Arnica oil also clears away bacteria and built-up oils.
2. May Help Treat Hair Loss
Topical application of arnica oil may stimulate hair follicles and strengthen hair roots. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it also may strengthen the hair strands. It may enhance hair elasticity. Arnica oil, in a highly concentrated form, is thought to treat alopecia efficiently. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
3. May Improve Hair Shine
Arnica oil provides complete nourishment to the scalp. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can improve hair shine and also make hair softer and smoother.
4. May Help Treat Dandruff
Research is limited in this regard. Arnica oil may help treat seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff caused by fungal infections, dry skin, and scalp irritation. Some anecdotal evidence also suggests that the oil may improve scalp texture and relieve itching and inflammation.
5. May Treat Split Ends
You can strengthen your hair strands by coating them with arnica oil. The oils healthy proteins may eliminate split ends. Massage your scalp with the oil regularly to combat splits.
6. May Prevent Premature Hair Graying
While some claim that regularly applying the oil could prevent premature hair graying, more research is warranted in this regard.
Most of the benefits of arnica oil are yet to be validated by the scientific community. However, using the oil regularly appears to be generally beneficial. In the following section, we have listed how you can use the oil.
How To Use Arnica Oil
Arnica oil can be applied topically as a treatment for hair and scalp conditions. You can mix it with your hair conditioners, shampoos, and leave-in treatments.
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying arnica oil:
- Take the required quantity of oil into a bowl. Add some almond or coconut oil to it. The quantity will depend on your hair length.
- Apply the oil mixture to your scalp evenly and massage. Move your fingertips in slow, circular motions for 15 minutes.
- Apply the oil in the evening or leave it on overnight for best results. Wash your hair with lukewarm or plain water the next morning.
- Follow this procedure 3 to 4 times a week for two months.
You can also mix arnica oil with other natural ingredients like cinchona, rosemary, shea butter, sandalwood oil, grapeseed oil, sage, coconut oil, cantharis, calendula, etc.
While arnica oil is safe for many people, you may experience a few side effects. We explore the same in the next section.
Where To Buy Arnica Oil
You can purchase arnica oil in beauty supply stores, health food stores, and grocery stores. You may also procure it online.
Be informed that the benefits of arnica oil for hair have not been approved by the FDA. Hence, the results from its application may vary from person to person.
Conclusion
Arnica oil has potential healing and hair-stimulating properties. While there is limited research on the oils antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, anecdotal evidence vouches for its many claims. However, be wary of its side effects. Consult your doctor if you experience any.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best arnica hair oil?
Arnica hair oils containing 1-2% of pure arnica extracts are the best variety you can go for.
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