Black Currant Oil for Hair Growth: Benefits & Uses

In this article I’m going to show you in detail whether black currant oil works to reduce hair loss. You’re going to learn about a study conducted in 2005 that suggests blackcurrant could be effective for hair re-growth (when tested on mice.)

I recommend you read the entire article because at the end I’m going to share with you how to make your own blackcurrant shampoo that you can start using tonight to reap the benefits of this amazing oil.

Keep in mind though that using blackcurrant, or any other oil is only one small part of reversing hair loss.

That’s why I recommend you browse other articles on the site.

What Is Black Currant Oil?

Black currant (also referred to as blackcurrant and Ribes nigrum) is a shrub which is grown for its pungent, deep-colored berries. This plant, native to northern Europe and Asia, is relatively new to the cultivation scene.

The oil of this berry, used for a variety of reasons from culinary to medicinal, has been used in a number of traditional and modern civilizations.

Fun fact: Black currant, when compared volume-to-volume with blueberries, has 18 times the amount of Vitamin C and four times the amount of Vitamin A. This is why they taste so sour – it’s from the vitamin C!

How Can Black Currant Oil Be Used to Treat Hair Loss?

While this powerhouse of fruit has been utilized for many medicinal reasons, including boosting of the immune system, black currant oil has also been shown to be a promising treatment for hair loss. Below are just a few of the ways in which the supplementation of black currant oil can benefit hair loss sufferers.

Black Currant Oil Is a Source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient for individuals of all ages. Aside from the various health benefits associated with vitamin C consumption, such as lowered risk of cardiovascular disease, vitamin C is also a nutrient that is beneficial in the treatment of hair loss and hair regrowth.

Black Currant Oil Has Essential Fatty Acids

Insufficient supplementation of essential fatty acids has been linked to alopecia in some individuals. This is unsurprising, as essential fatty acids (especially gamma linolenic-acid) can contribute to healthy hair, skin, and overall health.

With the addition of black currant seed oil to your diet and hair care routine, you can boost your intake of fatty acids and keep your locks strong and healthy.

Black Currant Oil Provides a Healthy Dose of Antioxidants

Antioxidants play a crucial role in the treatment of hair loss and the prevention of thinning and follicle damage. In fact, antioxidants are your best line of defense against free radicals, molecules that contribute to premature aging and even hair loss associated with male-pattern baldness.

With the supplementation of black currant oil regularly, you can ensure that your body is receiving the antioxidants it needs to keep your scalp healthy and your hair strong.

What Does the Research Have to Say About Black Currant Oil?

A major benefit for those who use black currant oil is the abundance of antioxidants that are found in the berry fruit. These antioxidants are present in the form of polyphenol.

While research surrounding black currant oil use in the treatment of hair loss is minimal, there have been a number of studies done on the benefits that polyphenols provide.

One such study, published in the Journal of the National Medical Association in 2005, studied the effects of polyphenolic compounds on hair loss in mice. And, while the polyphenols present in this study were extracted from green tea, there’s certainly something to be said about the link between polyphenols (found in black currant oil) and the treatment of hair loss.

This study comprised of 60 female lab mice, all of which had experienced spontaneous hair loss on their heads, necks, and dorsals. The 60 mice were split into two groups: Group A (experiment) and Group B (control).

Group A received, daily, a 50% fraction of polyphenol extract from green tea. This was mixed into their drinking water. Group B received no such supplement.

At the end of the 6-month study, the results were obvious.

Hair regrowth (seen in the image above) was found in 33% of the mice in the experimental group (Group A). The control group, however, had absolutely no signs of hair regrowth at the end of the study.

Further, 8% of the mice in the control group (Group B) experienced progressive hair loss throughout the study. Mice in the experimental group, however, experienced no further hair loss.

Can Black Currant Oil Supplementation Help With Hair Loss?

As previously mentioned, the above study was performed with the help of polyphenol extract from dehydrated green tea. These same extracts, however, can also be found in black currant oil.

So, does this mean that black currant oil supplementation can help with androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair loss?

To answer this question, it’s first important to consider why polyphenolic compounds work in the treatment of hair loss.

Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors. From DHT sensitivity (which is the main cause for those suffering from male-pattern baldness) to stress and inflammation, hair loss can be triggered by a variety of things.

Polyphenols have been determined to have some health properties. Only in recent years has extensive research taken place, but in that period, polyphenols are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in nature.

This is fantastic news for hair loss sufferers, no matter the cause, because it shows that polyphenols can provide a multi-faceted approach to hair loss treatment.

So, whether you’re looking to fight DHT buildup on your scalp, or you’re hoping to repair damaged hair follicles with the help of an anti-inflammatory, black currant oil can certainly help you on your journey of hair loss treatment and contribute to healthy hair regrowth.

Are There Side Effects Associated with Black Currant Oil Supplementation?

For the majority of healthy individuals, supplementation with black currant oil should pose no risks.

Individuals with preexisting medical conditions, however, should be sure to consult with their doctor prior to the start of supplementation. Such conditions include insulin resistance, low blood pressure, and bleeding disorders.

As there has been no reliable research done on the matter, for women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or who are nursing, supplementation with black currant oil should be avoided.

Of course, an allergic reaction is possible with supplementation of any kind. If you experience symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips or tongue, you must seek medical attention right away.

How to Add Black Currant Oil to Your Hair Care Routine

Consider the below three ways to add black currant oil to your regular hair care routine.

Apply It Directly to Your Scalp

Black currant seed oil, whether purchased from the health foods store or prepared at home, is an excellent supplement for hair loss sufferers. If you’re looking for a simple way to apply this beneficial oil, then consider the direct application to your scalp.

To apply, pour a quarter-sized amount of the black currant oil into your palm. Rub between your fingers, and then gently massage into your scalp. Be sure to cover the entirety of the scalp (which may require the use of more oil), and then leave it in for at least 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Add It To Your Shampoo

While the addition of black currant oil to store-bought shampoo would likely have positive effects, there’s no doubt that the use of homemade, chemical-free shampoos are a better mode of application.

Are you worried that the process of making your own shampoo is too complicated and time consuming? Worry not!

Homemade shampoo can be made easily and without much preparation beforehand. There’s one thing to keep in mind, however, and that’s the simple formula offered here:

Cleansing agent + carrier oil + essential oil.

This three-step shampoo formula will provide you with all of the nutrients you need, and it also makes it insanely easy to prepare your own shampoo recipes, like the one outlined below, at home.

Black Currant Oil Shampoo for Hair Loss

Below is a basic hair shampoo base for normal hair types.

Ingredients:

• Liquid castile soap (½ cup)
• Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons)
• Carrot Seed Essential Oil (5 – 10 drops)
• Black Currant Oil (10 drops)

Method:

Combine all ingredients in the container of your choice. Mix well.

How to Apply:

Pour the mixture over wet hair, and be sure to massage into every inch of the scalp. Let sit for 2 – 3 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

Introduce Black Currant Oil Into Your Diet

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to hair loss and follicle damage, keep in mind that dietary changes can sometimes yield the best results. How can you add black currant and black currant seed oil into your diet? Simple!

For a delicious addition to breakfast, try the black currant jelly recipe from epicurious as outlined below.

Black Currant Jelly Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 quarts black currants
• 1 quart water
• Sugar

Method:

Rinse and drain the currants. Add to a sauce pan, crush the fruits, add 1 quart of water, and bring to a boil.

Pour the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds. Pour the remaining juices into a jelly bag (or into a colander with cheesecloth) and let drip overnight.

Measure the juices in the bowl, and then add equal amount of sugar. Combine the juices and sugar in a pot, and bring the mixture to a boil (stirring constantly). Continue cooking the mixture over high heat for 2 – 3 minutes (or until a thermometer registers 220*F).

Pour the mixture into hot, sterilized jelly glasses, and then cover with a thin layer of melted paraffin. Wait until the paraffin has hardened, and then cover and store.

Conclusion