What are the benefits of wheat germ oil, castor oil and olive oil on the hair? Of the 3, which is the best choice for hair growth? And which is the best choice for dry hair? Let’s look at each of these natural plant oils and their characteristics.
Wheat Germ Oil for the Hair
The reason for which wheat germ is so popular for hair use is Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has cell regenerating and rejuvenating effects. Wheat germ oil is also popularly used for its purportedly high protein levels, which are said to increase volume and thickness of hair.
Derived from the germ of wheat grains, this thick and sticky oil comes from the plant, Tritium vulgare. It is extremely nutritious since the germ of the wheat grain is what houses all the powerful vitamins and minerals that are needed for the plant to sprout and grow.
Like all plant oils, wheat germ oil is rich in fatty acids. It contains unique lipids called ceramides which help lock moisture into the hair strands. Vitamin F found in wheat germ oil helps to prevent hair breakage and makes your hair strong. It also contains vitamins A, B-range vitamins and vitamin D. In addition, wheat germ oil contains lecithin, which reduces frizziness in hair and seals in moisture.
How to use wheat germ oil: Since wheat germ oil is thick, mix it with a lighter carrier oil like grapeseed or jojoba. For 1 tablespoon of wheat germ oil, add 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Now wet your hair lightly and apply the oil mixture all over your hair. Allow it to sit for 10 – 30 minutes. Now wash off using a mild shampoo/conditioner.
Castor Oil for the Hair
Similar to wheat germ oil, castor oil has a thick viscous consistency. Therefore it cannot be applied directly to your hair. It must be diluted with a lighter oil first. When it comes to bolstering hair growth, the first oil that I recommend is castor oil – particularly Jamaican black castor oil.
Castor oil is derived from the beans or seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The use of this oil dates back to centuries ago, where it was revered as a potent medicinal remedy. In various parts of India and Africa, castor oil has been used to treat various ailments in the body ranging from bacterial infections to ovarian cysts.
Castor oil is rich in Vitamin E, minerals, proteins and fatty acids. It is packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties. There are unique compounds in castor oil such as ricinoleic acid, which stimulates blood circulation to the scalp and boosts hair growth.
How to use castor oil for hair: People who use castor oil have amazing testimonies, reporting upto 3 times faster hair growth. For best results, perform a hot oil treatment by mixing 1 tablespoon of castor oil to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Heat the oils together until they are just hot enough to apply on your scalp. Massage it onto your scalp using your finger tips. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing off with shampoo. Perform this treatment 1 – 2 times a week.
Dive deeper into castor oil for hair:
- How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth
- 5 DIY Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Growth Recipes
- Castor Oil Rosemary Hair Growth Oil for Thinning Hair
- How Often Should I Use Castor Oil for Hair Growth?
Olive Oil for the Hair
Unlike wheat germ and castor oil, olive oil is of a light consistency. Olive oil has been known to man since prophetic times. Interestingly, olive oil has been mentioned in religious scripts such as the Bible and the Quran.
Olive oil is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Further, it contains a unique chain of fatty acids, which make it anti-inflammatory. Further, it contains powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative destruction in our cells. It is an excellent remedy for dark circles, anti-aging, dry skin and more. When it comes to hair, olive oil is perfect for rehabilitating damaged hair. Olive oil can be used as a deep conditioner, leaving your hair silky and shiny. Moreover, it works wonders at softening frizzy and rough hair.
How to use olive oil for hair: Most of the olive oil out there in the market is adulterated to meet the high demands. Make sure you only buy 100% pure olive oil. Olive oil can be applied as it is, without diluting with other oils. To multiply the hair growth effects of olive oil, add 8 drops of cedarwood essential oil and 8 drops of rosemary essential oil to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Now dip your fingers into the oil, rub vigorously between your palms and apply the warmed oil all over your scalp, working in sections. Leave the oil on overnight and wash off the next day.
Further reading: DIY Olive Oil and Avocado Hair Mask for Gorgeous Locks
Wheat Germ Oil, Castor Oil & Olive Oil – Triple Action Blend
What if I told you that you don’t have to choose one of these three hair growth champions? Knowing that they are each excellent ingredients for hair growth, let’s mix them all to enjoy all their benefits at once!
Here’s a triple power hair growth booster oil recipe you can prepare:
Ingredients:
- Wheat germ oil – 1 tablespoon (where to get it)
- Jamaican black castor oil – 1 tablespoon (where to get it)
- Extra virgin olive oil – 1 tablespoon (where to get it)
- Rosemary essential oil – 5 drops (where to get it)
- Cedarwood essential oil – 5 drops (where to get it)
- Geranium essential oil – 5 drops (where to get it)
Procedure:
- In a pan, mix wheat germ oil, castor oil and olive oil together.
- Next, gently heat the oils until they are just hot enough to apply on your scalp.
- Finally, take off heat and carefully add in the essential oils.
- Now it’s time to apply the triple oil hair booster onto your scalp and strands. Gently massage it into your scalp. You can use a comb to evenly distribute the oil on your head. You can store the leftover all in an airtight container to use in future.
- Allow the oil blend to sit for 10 – 30 minutes at least.
- Lastly, wash off the oil with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. You may need to shampoo your hair two times to get rid of the excess oils.
- You can repeat this treamment once a week.
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