For centuries, camellia oil has been the secret behind the enduring beauty of Japanese women. Besides normal oiling for improved hair health, Japanese women use it as a savior for difficult and unmanageable hair textures. Read through to know what makes camellia oil an unmissable part of their daily self-care routine.
What is Camellia Oil?
Camellia oil, also known as tea seed oil or Tsubaki, is the oil extracted from the seeds of the Camellia oleifera plant. The oil has a pale yellow color, rich texture, and a mild, nutty flavor that makes it a perfect base for several Asian cuisines. Its light non-greasy formula also makes it a marked name in the cosmetic world.
The oil is exceptionally rich in monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, and a variety of beneficial compounds like polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Camellia Oil Nutrition
Camellia oil packs high amounts of vitamins like Vitamins E and A, minerals like magnesium, and zinc, and squalene lipids. It is a rich source of poly and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Oleic, linoleic acids, palmitic, and stearic acids are the primary ones.
Camellia Oil Benefits for Hair
The rich nutritional profile of camellia oil makes it a perfect cosmetic product for hair and skin benefits. Consistent topical application may help your hair quality in several ways. These include:
1. Prevents Hair Damage
The essential fatty acids in camellia oil prevent hair damage. A rich composition of fatty acids confers a rich shine and luster to hair. Its ‘leave-in’ properties render a fine coating on the hair strands, reducing friction and thus minimizing damage.
2. Reduces Side Effects of Hair Coloring
Camellia oil packs nutrients that act as a natural protective agent. As the hair dyes and new-world hair colors strip the outer layer of hair fibers, topical application of camellia oil helps replenish this outer covering. This protects the hair from damage caused due to frequent hair coloring.
3. Promotes Scalp Health
The nutrients in camellia oil are extremely beneficial in tackling scalp-related issues. A gentle massage with camellia oil will refresh the scalp and regulate the production of natural oils. As it strengthens the scalp’s skin barrier function, it reduces the incidence of scalp conditions like dandruff, flaky scalp and eczema.
4. Adds Natural Shine
Unlike other oils, camellia oil has a non-sticky formula. This makes it a perfect one for ‘leave-in’ treatments. When applied to damp hair, it renders a natural shine to the hair strands. Its high moisturizing abilities further nourish the strands from within.
5. Reduces Age-Related Hair Concerns
Camellia oil’s unique fatty acid profile promises high moisturizing properties. Furthermore, its antioxidant compounds like Vitamin A and E fight free radicals to cut oxidative stress that contributes to premature graying, hair loss, and other age-related hair concerns.
How to Use Camellia Oil for Hair?
Camellia oil can be used as an effective hair moisturizer for frizz control and as a heat protectant before using hair styling tools.
Take a few drops of camellia oil to your palms. Gently rub your hands together to give it a slightly warm feel before you massage the oil into the scalp. Make sure to apply it evenly from roots to tips. You can shampoo or condition it as normal or use it as a leave-in conditioner to reap camellia oil benefits for hair.
Conclusion
Camellia oil is a cherished secret of Japanese hair beauty. Thanks to its high nutritional value, camellia oil benefits for hair are remarkable. Besides moisturizing and deep conditioning, the most pronounced camellia oil benefits for hair include frizz control, dandruff prevention, and protection from side effects of hair coloring and heat-induced hair styling. Its unique, non-greasy formula makes it a perfect hair-care product with a leave-in formula.
