Wheat germ oil has been valued since ancient times for its amazing healing properties and is one of the most effective natural hair care products. It is produced from fresh plant sprouts by cold pressing, which allows you to obtain a product containing valuable vitamins and minerals necessary for beautiful hair in high concentration.
Composition and properties of wheat germ oil for hair
Rich in ingredients beneficial to hair health, wheat germ oil is considered one of the best hair care products. Its main advantage is its extremely high content of vitamin E; it was from this plant concentrate that tocopherol was first isolated many years ago. A unique healing effect on hair is achieved thanks to a whole complex of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants in the composition. Let's list the most significant ones:
- Vitamin E (tocopherol). A powerful natural antioxidant, which is called the vitamin of beauty and youth. Helps hair gain smoothness, healthy shine and elasticity.
- B vitamins. Regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands, prevent dandruff and itching of the scalp, and inhibit the appearance of gray hair.
- Vitamin F. Provides healthy shine to hair, prevents dry scalp and dandruff.
- Vitamin A. Necessary for the synthesis of amino acids and protein compounds, ensures a dense hair structure, and prevents split ends.
- Iron. Helps avoid hair fragility and loss, prevents the appearance of gray hair.
- Selenium. Natural antioxidant, strengthens hair roots, accelerates growth.
- Zinc. Normalizes the functions of the sebaceous glands, helps fight oily hair at the roots.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, lanolin and others). They take care of the integrity of the hair, protect it from damage, strengthen it, help fight fragility and hair loss, and promote cell renewal.
Thanks to its balanced composition and the presence of valuable nutrients, the beneficial properties of wheat germ oil for hair are ensured:
- the fat content of the root zone is normalized;
- the natural color and shine of hair is revived;
- moisturizes dry hair and prevents split ends;
- hair is protected from damage and loss;
- hair becomes elastic, combing becomes easier;
- manages to get rid of dandruff and seborrheic crusts on the head;
- strands are protected from intense exposure to UV rays;
- skin regeneration is stimulated.
There are no contraindications to the use of wheat germ oil; this product is hypoallergenic and does not cause skin irritation. In rare cases, individual intolerance to the components of the oil occurs, in which case it should not be used.
Ways to use the oil
The reasons for the deterioration of hair condition can be a variety of factors - negative effects of the external environment, insufficient care, genetics, diseases of internal organs and others. To improve the appearance of hair, external use of products based on wheat germ oil may not be enough. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to take it orally in small quantities (1-2 tablespoons per day) in order to fully experience its beneficial effects on the entire body.
If you want to make your hair beautiful and well-groomed, try to protect it from harmful effects - avoid using curling irons, frequent dyeing, and using a hair dryer.
“Wheat” oil can be used in its pure form or in combination with other components beneficial for hair for the following health procedures:
- Scalp massage. Used to enhance hair growth and combat hair loss. To carry out the procedure, apply undiluted oil directly to the scalp and rub, pat, and press with your fingers for 5–10 minutes. Then the hair is wrapped in a towel and allowed to “rest” for another 10–15 minutes. After the allotted time, wash with shampoo and allow to dry naturally. With this procedure, blood flow increases, biologically active points are activated, the skin is saturated with oxygen and nutritional components of the oil.
- Rubbing into hair roots. The purpose of the procedure is to strengthen the follicles, get rid of dandruff and seborrheic crusts on the skin. The oil is gently rubbed into the skin at the roots of the hair and left to act for 20–30 minutes, wrapping the head in a towel or putting a plastic cap on the head. Then the hair is washed with shampoo and dried naturally.
- Therapeutic masks and wraps. They are used to improve the health of the scalp, strengthen the roots, and provide a comprehensive healing effect on the hair structure along the entire length. To prepare a mask, wheat germ oil is combined with other ingredients, and the exposure time depends on the active ingredients used and the purpose of application. Wraps differ from masks in the longer period of exposure of the healing composition to the hair. In this case, the hair must be wrapped in cling film to enhance the therapeutic effect.
To achieve visible results, procedures should be carried out regularly, 1–2 times a week for 1–2 months. Then it is recommended to take a break of at least 1 month. If necessary, the course is repeated.
Tips for use
Despite the low allergenic status of wheat germ oil, it is worth conducting a skin test before use to ensure that there is no particular sensitivity to the components of the product. Apply a little oil to your wrist and leave until completely absorbed. Analyze your sensations and skin reaction. If you feel itching or burning, redness or a rash appears on the skin, you should not use the oil.
When planning to use wheat germ oil for cosmetic purposes, follow several rules:
- to strengthen hair, oil can be added to shampoo or conditioner (5 ml of oil per 50 ml of product);
- when used in its pure form, wheat germ oil is recommended to be heated in a water bath to make the consistency less thick;
- masks prepared at home are used immediately and cannot be stored;
- the oil should be mixed with other components of the masks in ceramic or plastic containers;
- when applying the mask along the entire length of your hair, try to generously lubricate the ends; you don’t have to lubricate the roots if your scalp is oily;
- to enhance the effect of masks, it is recommended to create a greenhouse effect - wrap your head with film or foil, then blow warm air from a hairdryer on top;
- when adding essential oils to masks, the exposure time should not exceed 20 minutes;
- to increase the healing effect, the oil from the head can be washed off with herbal infusions (nettle, chamomile);
- Do not blow-dry your hair or use electric curling irons after using masks.
Before using the mask, pay attention to other ingredients besides wheat germ oil. It is worth considering that lemon juice in the composition can slightly lighten the strands, especially if the mask is left on for a long time, and carrot juice can add a slight reddish tint.
For damaged hair
For this purpose, the medicinal composition is applied to the entire length of the hair or from the middle to the ends if the hair quickly becomes oily at the roots.
With avocado
Ingredients:
- avocado ½ piece;
- 1 chicken egg yolk;
- wheat germ oil 20 ml.
The cooking process
- Mash the avocado pulp with a fork or grind in a blender.
- Heat the oil in a water bath.
- Mix avocado with yolk and oil.
- Apply to clean, damp hair.
- Wrap your head with film or a towel.
- Withstand 1 hour.
- Rinse off with warm water and shampoo.
With mint
Ingredients:
- dried mint leaves 1 tbsp. l.;
- natural yogurt 100 ml;
- 1 chicken egg yolk;
- lemon juice 10 ml;
- wheat germ oil 15 ml.
The cooking process
- Pour ½ cup of boiling water over mint and let steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain the mint infusion, mix with yogurt, yolk, butter.
- Distribute the product through your hair and put on a shower cap.
- Leave for about 1 hour.
- Rinse with water and lemon juice.
For dry hair and split ends
In order to normalize the oiliness of dry and brittle hair, you can apply healing mixtures with wheat germ oil to the entire length of your hair or just to the ends if you need to solve the problem of split ends.
With carrot juice
Ingredients:
- freshly squeezed carrot juice 1 tbsp. l.;
- natural honey 1 tbsp. l.;
- rosehip oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- wheat germ oil 1 tbsp. l.
The cooking process
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Apply to dry hair, generously lubricating ends.
- Wrap your head in cling film and cover with a scarf on top.
- Leave for about 2 hours.
- Wash your hair using shampoo.
With a banana
Ingredients:
- banana 1 pc.;
- kefir 50 ml;
- almond oil 30 ml;
- wheat germ oil 50 ml.
The cooking process
- Mash the banana with a fork or puree it in a blender.
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Apply to dry hair, generously lubricating ends.
- Wrap your head with film and a towel.
- Leave for about 20 minutes.
- Wash your hair using shampoo.
At night
Masks based on wheat germ oil, left on the hair overnight, will maximally saturate the strands with nutrients. In the morning, the curls will be shiny and manageable, easy to comb. Overnight masks are considered the most effective for preventing premature gray hair. In order not to overdo it with the amount of mask, it is recommended to apply it only to the roots and ends. Over a long period of time, the oil will saturate the entire hair.
With a composition of oils
Ingredients:
- castor oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- almond oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- wheat germ oil 1 tbsp. l.
The cooking process
- Mix the oils and heat in a water bath, stirring.
- Apply to hair.
- Wrap in film or foil, then with a towel.
- Leave overnight.
- Wash your hair with shampoo.
For hair growth
A mask with dry mustard is considered the most effective for hair growth. This component stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, can activate dormant follicles and cause increased hair growth. However, such a mask is not suitable for those with dry hair at the roots, as mustard dries out the skin. After applying the mask, you may feel warmth and a slight burning sensation. If the sensations are too unpleasant, you need to wash off the mask without waiting for the specified time to avoid burns to sensitive skin.
With mustard
Ingredients:
- olive oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- castor oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- wheat germ oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- mustard powder 2 tbsp. l.;
- chicken egg yolk 1 pc.
The cooking process
- Mix and heat the oils in a water bath until completely dissolved.
- Let cool slightly and stir in the yolk.
- Add mustard, mix thoroughly.
- Rub the mixture into dry hair roots and scalp, wrap with film.
- Leave for 30 minutes, rinse with water and shampoo.
For oily hair
Masks with dairy products will help correct excess oily hair. Most often, hair is oily at the roots, so it is recommended to apply the treatment mixture only to the root part of the hair. If your hair is oily along its entire length, lubricate the entire strand from roots to ends.
With kefir and lemon
Ingredients:
- kefir 0–1% fat 50 ml;
- wheat germ oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- lemon juice 1 tsp.
The cooking process
- Heat the oil in a water bath.
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Distribute on hair and leave for 40 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
With milk powder
Ingredients:
- chicken egg 1 pc .;
- wheat germ oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- dry milk powder 2 tbsp. l.
The cooking process
- Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Apply to your head and put on a cap.
- Leave to act for 1 hour.
- Rinse off with water.
Against hair loss
In case of excessive hair loss and fragility, it is recommended to use universal masks with base oils that help improve the structure and strengthen the roots of the strands. The exposure time can be changed depending on the hair type. If your hair is oily, it is enough to leave the mask on for 10–15 minutes; on dry hair, you can leave the oil mixture for several hours.
With burdock extract and oils
Ingredients:
- wheat germ oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- cedar oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- orange oil 1 tbsp. l.;
- burdock extract 1 tbsp. l.
The cooking process
- Mix and heat the oils in a water bath until completely dissolved.
- Add burdock extract and stir.
- Apply to damp, clean hair.
- Wrap with film, wrap in a towel.
- Leave to act for 40 minutes.
- Wash off with water and shampoo.
How to choose and store
Natural wheat germ oil has a pronounced aroma of fresh cereal and has a viscous consistency. The color of the composition is transparent, amber or light brown. It is recommended to purchase oil at a pharmacy in a dark glass container.
The oil is stored in a cool, dark place in a glass container. The shelf life of the oil is 6–12 months, and it is consumed quite economically, so it is not advisable to purchase it in bulk containers.
The cost of a 30 ml bottle is approximately 150–200 rubles. When purchasing, read the label - the composition should contain only natural oil without the addition of preservatives, dyes and other components.
Reviews from women about using wheat germ oil for hair
Of course, wheat germ oil is a very good remedy for strengthening hair. I rub it into the roots of my hair before washing my hair about a couple of hours before, wrap my head in a towel and walk like that. Then the most important thing is to wash your scalp well. And another important point in order not to overdo it is to apply no more than 1 tablespoon of oil.
I use: jojoba oil, pumpkin seed oil, wheat germ oil, I add essential oils there - this depends on the hair type and the problem. My hair doesn't fall out even if I apply it at night. True, I apply it in advance, wrap the whole thing well, and after a couple of hours I take it off - almost all of the oil is absorbed - I braid it in a high braid and go to bed.
With the help of jojoba and wheat germ oils, I also grew my eyelashes! Just don’t take the cheap stuff from pharmacies! Believe me, the difference is colossal.
I can’t say that I only pamper my hair with this oil, but the result of all my efforts is from tow to smooth, shiny, healthy curls, including with the use of this oil.
I still have an empty bowl from a hair mask, and I make a mask from this oil - I mix it in a ratio of about 1:1 or 1:2 with any conditioner and apply it to dry hair under a shower cap, and leave it for an hour or two , then I wash it in the usual way, with shampoo, my hair is just silk, very soft, strengthens and grows faster! I make this mask about once a week! I think that’s enough, more often you can overload your hair and it will hang!
Wheat germ oil is a natural hair care product that can transform your hair, give your hair vitality, and correct existing scalp problems. The key to success when using this product is regularity and a competent approach to organizing home procedures.