The hair care regimen has a new addition – the blood orange. But for many, it is a mystery ingredient. Research shows that blood orange contains exceptionally high levels of antioxidants that combat the effect of oxidative stress. How do you think this helps the hair? Let’s check out the blood orange uses for hair health:
What is Blood Orange?
In simple words, the blood orange of a citrus fruit. It grows on a tree native to the Mediterranean region. The fruit looks like an orange but has a bloody-red flesh which gives it its name. It is known to pack all that is required for healthy hair growth and is available in three main varieties – Tarocco, Sanguinello, and Moro.
Blood Orange Nutrition
Experts feel it is the high antioxidant count that makes blood orange exceptionally beneficial for hair health. The fruit also packs a high amount of Vitamin C – 52.3mg per 100g of serving along with important minerals like calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium.
Blood Orange Benefits for Hair
Want to know how blood orange benefits your hair? Here’s a quick look:
Promotes Scalp Health
Blood orange oil packs antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps fight the growth of infections in the scalp, thus helping with dandruff, itchy scalp, and other scalp-related conditions.
Boosts Hair Growth
The nourishing ingredients in a blood orange boost hair growth. The high amounts of iron help transport oxygen to hair follicles. This supports healthy hair growth.
Prevents Brittle Hair
Vitamin C in a blood orange is important for collagen production. High amounts of the protein make hair stronger, preventing brittle hair and split ends.
Controls Hair Frizz
The high water content in the fruit promotes hydration levels in the body. As dryness is the main cause of hair frizz, blood orange works effectively to counter it, making the hair soft and manageable.
Natural Hair Lightener
Burnt orange hair color looks classy. Did you know you can get it naturally by using blood orange oil? Apply a little amount of blood orange oil onto the hair roots and comb it out. Move out in the sun for a while to enjoy natural sun-kissed hair streaks.
Controls Sebum Production
Blood orange oil is acidic. This helps regulate the oil production in the scalp. Balanced pH levels of the scalp are important for scalp health and proper hair growth.
Best Blood Orange Uses
Blood orange is indeed a superfood with some interesting uses. The lovely reddish-hue and tantalizing citrus aroma make it an active ingredient in hair care products. Other blood orange uses include:
- Skincare products
- Scented candles
- Blood orange essential oil for aromatherapy
- Soap making
- Massage oil
- Steaming oil
- Pain relief
- Disinfectants
Precautions While Using Blood Orange Essential Oil
Although blood orange essential oil promises good hair health, a few precautions are to be taken for its effective use. Here’s how to use it safely:
- Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before topical application
- Avoid contact with the eyes, the inner lining of the nose, and the mouth.
- The essential oil is phototoxic and, therefore, increases the risk of sunburn and skin sensitivity.
- Stepping out in the sun after applying blood orange oil will lead to a change in the color of the hair. Use protective hair accessories to prevent discoloration.
- Dilute it to a 0.5-2% dilution rate for best results.
Conclusion
Blood orange is a tantalizing citrus fruit. Consuming it as a fruit or using the blood orange essential oil are the main ways to reap the benefits of blood orange for hair health. Remember, blood orange essential oil is different from sweet orange oil. Follow the usage instructions carefully to reap blood orange benefits.
