Grapeseed oil is, of course, the oil of grapes. It is usually extracted from the seeds that are normally discarded in the winemaking process. Grapeseed oil offers a lot of benefits and is a great way to use a by-product that would otherwise be wasted.
Because they are so small, each grapeseed only produces a small amount of oil. Most grapeseed is extracted with the use of chemicals because this process is more affordable for producers and consumers.
Grapeseed oil is edible and tastes slightly nutty. It is considered a polyunsaturated oil and is beneficial because of its linoleic acid content.
Traditionally grapeseed oil has been used for cooking, and for cosmetic applications.
Grapeseed oil is very safe, but some healthcare professionals advise that it should not be used for more than 12 weeks at a time. This is because some side effects, such as elevated blood pressure, nausea, headache, and dizziness are possible with prolonged use. People who take anticoagulants, cholesterol, or blood pressure drugs should talk to a doctor before starting a grapeseed oil treatment because this natural substance could interact with the medications in ways that are not beneficial.
People who are allergic to grapes should be very careful in trying a grapeseed oil treatment, because they may also be allergic to the oil.
Benefits of using Grapeseed Oil for Hair
Grapeseed oil is available at most drug stores and health food stores. Tablets, oil, powder, and capsules are usually available. Cold-pressed organic is the ideal variety to choose from, though it may be more expensive than chemically pressed oil.
Chemically extracted grapeseed oil is usually manufactured by subjecting the seeds to high heat, and certain chemicals. One of those chemicals is usually the toxic solvent hexane. Chemically extracted grapeseed oil is still safe, but organically cold-pressed is of higher quality. If you would prefer to use cold-pressed grapeseed oil, then be sure to check the labels of any oil you buy. If it doesn’t specifically say it’s organic and cold-pressed, it was probably chemically extracted and isn’t what you want.
Grapeseed oil is a great choice for hair care because it contains a lot of vitamin E, which is necessary for hair growth, and health. The extensive proteins, minerals, and linoleic acid it contains also offer lots of benefits for hair.
Hot grapeseed treatment will help hair look shiny, but not feel greasy. It also helps moisturize the scalp to prevent dandruff. When it absorbs into the hair, it helps strengthen each strand from the roots, which helps prevent split ends, thinning, and breaking later on. It also smooths the cuticle and helps prevent frizz.
Grapeseed oil is mostly hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive skin, as long as there is no actual grape allergy present.
How To Use Grapeseed Oil for Hair
Patience is needed to see full results because grapeseed oil is not a quick fix; however, it is highly effective, even if a person has minor bald patches. Because it is odorless, colorless, and gentle, it should not affect your hair color.
- The first step is to create a proper mixture. Grapeseed oil does not require a complicated recipe. It can be used on its own, or mixed with other essential oils of your choice. Lavender or rosemary are common essential oil choices. If other oils are added, they should be added at a ratio of one drop of essential oil to 4 tbsp of grapeseed oil. For best results, mix the solution in a small plastic bag, just be sure the back is watertight so you don’t wind up with a huge mess. Ensure you’ve mixed the essential oil in well if you are using it.
- Next, you will need to heat the mixture. The easiest way to do this is to place it in a sink full of hot water, just don’t make the water so hot that the bag melts. Leave the bag in the water for several minutes.
- While you are waiting for the oil to warm up, wash your hair well with whatever shampoo you are used to using.
- Step four is to apply the grapeseed oil. Check the temperature of the oil to make sure it’s warm, but not so hot it’s going to burn your scalp. Applying is easiest if you gather your hair into the shape of a ponytail if it is long enough to do so. Then start adding oil at your roots and work it out toward the tips. Take your time and make sure your hair is thoroughly saturated with grapeseed oil. Take some time to massage some oil into your scalp too, because your scalp can benefit from this type of treatment in the same way your hair can.
- Allow your hair to absorb oil for about twenty minutes. You can leave it uncovered, or wrap your head in a towel that has been dampened with warm water.
- When the time is up, rinse your hair well with warm water. Then repeat the rinse with cooler water.
- For maximum benefit, you should repeat this hot oil treatment twice a week. Allow your hair to dry as much as possible, ideally all the way, before you comb it because it will be vulnerable to breakage just after treatment. This means it’s best to do this treatment when you know you will be home for the day and have time to let it work.
Another more complicated recipe is made up of 4 tbsp of grapeseed oil, 5 drops of cypress essential oil, the juice of half of a lime, and 2 egg yolks. It can be applied in the same format as above for a deep conditioning treatment.
Grapeseed Oil vs. Grape Seed Extract
There is some confusion surrounding grapeseed oil with grapeseed extract. They are processed differently and are non-identical when it comes to their health benefits.
Grape Seed Extract is made by grinding up the seeds of red wine grapes. Grapeseed oil is the tiny bit of oil that naturally results in each seed. Extracting it is similar to extracting olive oil.
Grapeseed oil is more likely to be used in hair care because it can easily be worked through the hair. It will also appear in salad dressings and other cooking applications. Grape Seed Extract is more likely to be used as a health supplement.
Both products are made from the seeds left over from winemaking.
Other Uses of Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil contains a flavonoid called oligomeric procyanidin. This substance is a strong antioxidant that rivals Vitamin C. Consuming grapeseed oil can help reduce free radicals in the body. People concerned about their cardiac health may also be interested in grapeseed oil because it helps regulate cholesterol.
The properties of grapeseed oils also help repair broken capillaries and blood vessels, which improves circulation and helps reduce varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Its anti-inflammatory effect will also help with arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. For patients who have recently had surgery, grapeseed oil could help reduce swelling and pain.
There is also evidence that grapeseed oil could be beneficial in the prevention of prostate, breast, colon, stomach, and lung cancer, probably because of its antioxidant effect. People who suffer from allergies, asthma, or skin conditions like dermatitis or acne can also find relief from this oil.
Besides hair care and health benefits, grapeseed oil can also be used for skin care. A wide range of products like moisturizers, lip balms, and sunscreens contain grapeseed oil because of its ability to help moisturize and tighten the skin. It can be used for sunburns and can help to reduce the look of wrinkles, stretch marks, and age spots.
Some massage therapists are turning to grapeseed oil for use as a massage oil, or as something to use as a carrier for their essential oils in the case of aromatherapy.
Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point, so some people find that it’s a good choice for high-temperature frying.
It should be noted that grapeseed oil does contain a lot of calories in comparison to the nutrients offered, so it’s something that should be enjoyed in moderation if it’s going to be eaten.
Conclusion
Properly choosing a quality bottle of grapeseed oil, and applying it correctly will go a long way towards increasing hair growth, and health. Shiny, healthy hair is something everyone wants, but few people know how to get it. Once you have mastered the art of treating your hair with grapeseed oil, you can share this phenomenon with all your friends and family. Although grapeseed oil has become more popular in recent history, it’s still something that a lot of people don’t know about.
With the exception of a few side effects that could result from consuming grapeseed oil or extract, this product is very safe to use. Topically there should be no side effects unless the user is allergic to grapes. If you are in doubt, always contact a doctor before beginning a treatment like this. If you’ve had no issues with eating or touching grapes in the past, get yourself some grapeseed oil, and start enjoying the benefits both inside your body and out.