Is bakuchiol your new ingredient for healthy hair?
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol oil in hair care? To be honest, I never heard of it before. The reason I started to read about it was finding it in a new face cream. I really love that cream, so I got curious and wanted to know what is it. Is it something new? Is it only for skincare? Are there any benefits for hair? So, let’s see. Bakuchiol oil is an extract from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (Leguminosae), nicknamed babchi. This plant is mainly grown in India, China and Korea. A 60-150 cm tall annual herb with broadly ovate leaves and tiny blooms. It is nothing new. For me it is, but actually it has been used for centuries.
What has it been used for?
Bakuchiol has been used as a treatment for many years. It’s an important part of therapeutics in Ayurveda and in Chinese medicines. It is believed that it has preventive benefits against tumors and inflammation. Also, it may help to promote a more even skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Bakuchiol oil is a yellow to yellow brown viscous liquid.
Properties of bakuchiol
- This plant contains essential fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids).
- It has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties
- Full of vitamins (Vitamin A and E) and minerals (zink, calcium, magnesium)
- Bakuchiol contains psoralen compounds, which are effective natural treatments for skin conditions.
- Contains proteins
- It’s a natural ingredient without chemicals or additives
Bakuchiol benefits for hair
Let’s get back to hair care and see if bakuchiol should be something to consider when planning your hair care routine. It is said to have several benefits for hair and the regular usage may help to grow stronger hair. It may be worth a try when searching for natural solutions. What are the benefits?
- Thanks to its psoralen compounds, it can stimulate hair follicles
- May increase hair growth and reduce hair loss
- It is said to support to maintain hair’s natural colour
- Given its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be useful when dealing with dandruff
- By soothing scalp irritation, it can help about itchy skin
- Regular usage may help to increase hair thickness.
- The proteins of bakuchiol can help to strengthen the hair shaft.
- It can help to tame frizz
- Adds shine to your hair
How to use bakuchiol oil in hair care?
Make bakuchiol oil a part of your hair care routine by massaging it into your scalp or applying it as a hair mask. You can mix it with coconut oil and leave it on your hair for about 30 minutes and rinse it. You can also keep bakuchiol oil on your hair, if you prefer. Apply a few drops after hair wash and use it on the problematic parts. Use it for the ends for example to prevent breakage. It can be very useful also if you often use hot hair styling tools. Apply a few drops before hair styling. It works as a heat protection.
Are there any risks of using bakuchiol oil?
You may experience skin irritation, so it’s very important to always use good quality oil and remember to do a patch test before using it.
