Marula Oil for Hair Growth: Does it work?

If you are experiencing hair loss, you have likely heard of a range of hair-nourishing oils that may help reduce that and even help grow your hair back out. Introducing marula oil, an oil that’s gained a lot of popularity in recent years for its claimed hair-boosting benefits. The question is, does it work, or is it a waste of time? Find out everything you need to know about marula oil and its effect on hair growth here.

What is Marula Oil?

Before using marula oil for hair, it helps to know what it is! It’s a natural oil from the marula fruit tree that grows in Southern Africa. The oil itself is found inside the nut kernels that come from this tree. It contains many nutrients, including antioxidants and fatty acids that make it useful for both consumption and skin-boosting purposes. In fact, marula oil is even considered a delicacy in some regions and has been used by locals for hundreds of years! [1]

Marula oil is primarily used as a skincare treatment, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used on the hair and scalp, too. It’s important to note that there hasn’t been any specific scientific evidence that points to marula oil being good for hair growth; however, looking at its properties, it’s easy to see why it works so well for many people.

Marula Oil Benefits for Hair

Marula oil can be beneficial when used on the hair – here is why.

It Has Antioxidants

Antioxidants are very good for the body – including the scalp. When applied to the scalp, these antioxidants can help reduce damage caused by pollution and UV rays.

The Anti-microbial Properties

Marula oil has a lot of fantastic properties, including the fact it’s anti-microbial. That means it’s an excellent oil for people with dry, itchy scalps and inflammation. The pH-balanced oil will quickly calm down and heal the scalp.

It’s Lightweight

Many people don’t like using very intensive, heavy oils on their scalp. Not only is it challenging to apply these types of oils, but can clog your hair follicles if left on too long. The good thing about marula oil for hair is that it’s lovely and lightweight, contributing to healthy hair for people with all hair types.

It Can Be Used with Other Oils

As it’s lightweight, marula oil can be used alongside other oils. This is great, as it means you can benefit from the properties of a wide range of oils with just one application. Some other great hair oils include argan oil, jojoba oil, and rosemary oil.

It’s Quickly Absorbed

Marula oil won’t stay thick and greasy on your scalp. It’s an oil that gets absorbed quickly, making it a good choice as a leave-in oil, as it won’t cause hair follicle clogging.

It’s Packed with Nutrients

Marula oil is packed to the brim with healthy nutrients, including vitamin E, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. All these do their part to reduce inflammation, prevent scalp dryness, and protect the hair shaft. Plus, all the fatty acids lead to hair with more elasticity, which means you won’t have as many split ends or breakage.

Are There Any Downsides to Using Marula Oil in the Hair?

Marula oil is non-toxic and is 100% safe to use in the hair. However, it might work better for some people than others. If someone has an allergy to something in marula oil, they will, of course, experience a negative reaction and must stop using it immediately.

There’s also the fact that using too much oil on the hair can lead to greasy strands and clogged hair follicles. While marula oil is on the lightweight side of hair oils, this is still a possibility, so be sure to use only the amount you need and wash it out regularly.

How to Use Marula Oil on Hair

If you’re looking to use marula oil for hair to help hair health and reduce damage, there are a few ways to go about it.

The first way is by applying the oil directly to the scalp and strands using your hands. Pour a couple of drops onto your palms, then rub the oil into your scalp, giving yourself a massage as you do so (which can promote hair growth in itself!). [2] Make sure the oil is applied all through the lengths of your strands so that it has the best effect, leave it in for 30 minutes or more, and then wash out as you usually would. Some people like to leave the oil in overnight so it can fully penetrate the scalp and hair shaft.

It’s also possible to use marula oil at the other end of your showering routine. Shampoo and condition your hair like normal, then apply a couple of drops to your strands at the end while the hair is still wet. You can leave this in until you next wash your hair, as it will provide lightweight nourishment and hydration. This method tends to be better for those with less oily hair – those who get greasy hair quite quickly may want to avoid this method.

Also, you can mix marula oil with plenty of other hair products to boost hair health. It’s refreshingly simple to use! Regarding how often to use it, that depends on your hair type. If you have fine, greasy hair, limit your usage to once or twice a week. On the other hand, if your hair is thick, coarse, and dry, you can use marula oil daily for plenty of benefits.

Does Marula Oil in Hair Actually Boost Hair Growth?

So, to the all-important question: does marula oil help hair growth? Unfortunately, using marula on oil hair has not been scientifically proven to impact growth. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t help you. Considering all the benefits from above, marula oil may help prevent breakage, increase hair strength, and lead to a healthier scalp, which can all play their part in allowing you to grow longer, more nourished hair. At the same time, if you have experienced serious hair loss and are looking for a hair loss treatment with tangible, proven results, marula oil probably isn’t the only thing you should try. At Harley Street Hair Clinic, we specialise in hair restoration solutions that have been proven to work – check out our patients gallery if you’re interested!

Have Any Oils Been Proven to Increase Hair Growth?

Yes. While not much research has been put into hair oil’s ability to regrow strands, some have been proven to have a very real effect. One is rosemary oil, which was used in one study up against minoxidil 2% (a hair loss treatment proven to help reverse androgenetic alopecia), with the results showing it was just as effective at regrowing hair. [3] So, if you’re looking for an oil specifically for that purpose, rosemary oil is a better option.

Other Hair Restoration Solutions

There are plenty of other hair restoration solutions other than hair oils that can be a great help, including:

Hair Loss Medications

The most popular hair loss medications you can get are minoxidil and finasteride. The former – minoxidil – is a popular hair treatment that stimulates hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia and works in both men and women. On the other hand, finasteride can only be used by men as it blocks the male hormone DHT. It works well for reversing male pattern baldness.

Low-level Laser Therapy

Another hair treatment to try is low-level laser therapy. The lasers are directed towards the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles and boost hair growth. Many people have experienced fantastic results.

Hair Transplants

A hair transplant is a popular method for regrowing hair. It might be the most invasive option on this list, but it’s one of the most minimally invasive types of cosmetic surgery with the most significant effect on appearance. By grafting hair follicles from one section of the scalp and transplanting them to the balding section, people can grow a full head of hair once more.

Marula Oil for Hair: In Summary

If you’re looking for a lightweight hair oil packed with nutrients like fatty acids, you cannot go wrong with marula oil. It works well for a range of hair types, including thin, fine hair, and thick, coarse hair. There are many different ways you can apply it, whether it’s thirty minutes before your shower or as a leave-in conditioner after shampooing. While it has lots of hair benefits, though, be aware that it’s not a magic oil that will regrow your strands if you’ve experienced hair loss – while it might boost your hair health and prevent breakage, it doesn’t match up to other hair restoration solutions like minoxidil, low-level laser therapy, and hair transplants.

Are you interested in a hair transplant? You’re in the right place at Harley Street Hair Clinic. We have many years of experience in the hair transplant business and have a team of talented surgeons on our side, so download the hair track app to get started on your hair journey today!

Sources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-marula-oil#:~:text=Marula%20oil%20comes%20from%20the,harsh%20sun%20and%20weather%20there.
2. https://www.health.com/scalp-massage-8424494
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/