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Benefits of Baby Oil for Your Hair
Can you use baby oil on your hair?
According to Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of a brand of baby oil, this mineral oil is dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. This means that it’s made to be a mild formula that won’t cause an allergic skin reaction in most people.
Additionally, baby oil doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, dyes, and scents. It’s clinically proven to be safe for use on babies. So, if you want to apply it to your hair, it’s safe to do so.
Purported benefits
Unlike natural plant oils, there isn’t yet medical research on the benefits of baby oil for your hair. However, it may have some similar benefits.
1. Moisturizes hair
Johnson & Johnson claims that baby oil adds up to “10 times more moisture on wet skin.â€
Baby oil makes a barrier on the skin. This prevents moisture loss by evaporation. Similarly, using baby oil on your hair seals each cuticle.
This locks in natural moisture when you’re drying and styling your hair. It also helps to protect moisture loss from your hair due to wind and sun damage.
2. Soothes a dry scalp
A dry scalp can be flaky and lead to dandruff. This can damage hair roots and slow hair growth. A healthy scalp helps give you stronger, smoother, and healthier-looking hair.
Moisturizing the scalp helps to prevent dryness and flakes. Oils stay on the skin longer than other moisturizers. If you want to try this, condition your scalp and hair roots with a baby oil treatment before washing your hair.
3. Treats scalp problems
Baby oil and other mineral oils may be a good options to treat scalp problems in babies, like cradle cap. This scalp irritation is similar to dandruff.
Massage baby oil into your baby’s scalp to help loosen and remove dry, scaly skin. Similarly, baby oil may help prevent and get rid of dandruff in children and adults.
4. Makes stronger hair
Hair is porous — it has lots of tiny holes in it. This means hair can absorb a lot of water. This makes each hair strand swell and leads to weaker, damaged hair.
Stretching or pulling the hair and using chemical treatments like hair dye also damages hair.
Using baby oil as a pretreatment before shampooing your hair can help make it less porous. This means that hair will absorb less water, making the hair stronger and preventing it from breaking, tangling, and frizzing.
5. Smoothes hair
Use a small amount of baby oil on your freshly washed hair to help keep hair smoother. The baby oil closes each hair cuticle. This helps to prevent heat damage from blow-drying or other styling tools.
Using baby oil as a post-shower hair treatment helps hair look smoother, shinier, and less frizzy.
6. Protects hair
Apply baby oil on your hair before going for a swim in a pool or using a hot tub. The oil protects your hair and scalp from chemicals like chlorine in the water.
7. Helps you style hair
Use a small amount of baby oil to help style and hold hair in place. Unlike hair gel and hairspray, baby oil won’t make hair hard or leave a crust.
8. Gets rid of lice
Baby oil can help treat head lice in adults and children. Cover the scalp and hair from roots to tips with baby oil. Leave on for at least 8 hours before washing out.
Baby oil helps to get rid of lice and lice eggs. It’s most effective when combined with a chemical specific for treatment of head lice.
How to do an overnight treatment
Try a hot baby oil hair mask for dry, damaged hair. You can leave the baby oil on overnight for an intense treatment.
Risks
Like any kind of oil, baby oil can block your skin pores. This may irritate your scalp. It can also lead to acne if the oil gets onto your hairline or forehead. Using too much baby oil can also make your hair look and feel greasy.
Wash baby oil out of your hair carefully. Use warm water and plenty of shampoo. Massage your scalp and hair gently to make sure the baby oil is removed. You may need to shampoo twice if you have naturally oily hair.
If you’re using baby oil as a leave-in shine hair treatment, apply just a few drops.
Allergies
Baby oil can cause an allergic skin reaction in some people. Do a test patch before using baby oil on your skin. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.
Apply a small amount of baby oil to the inside of your elbow and leave on for 24 hours. Check for any redness, itching, or skin irritation.
Baby oil may irritate your eyes. Avoid using it on your eyebrows and eyelashes. Wash your hands carefully before touching your face or eyes.
Alternative treatments
There are plenty of natural plant oils that have been studied for their hair benefits. Note that most natural oils are also processed and may cause side effects on the skin.
Try these alternatives to baby oil on your hair and skin:
- olive oil
- sesame oil
- jojoba oil
- coconut oil
- avocado oil
The bottom line
Baby oil is a mineral oil that’s made from petroleum. This product is widely sold and has been tested extensively by the manufacturers. Baby oil is safe to use as directed for babies, children, and adults.
There isn’t yet medical research on the benefits of baby oil for hair. However, it’s a moisturizing oil and may help make your hair look and feel shinier and stronger.