Borage seed oil is the one to reach out for when dealing with dry scalp and scalp issues such as dandruff and itchiness. Borage seed oil helps optimize hair growth and foster a healthy scalp.
Borage seed oil is also known as borage oil and starflower oil. Borage seed oil is a suitable oil for treating dry scalp and dandruff issues.
It can also aid with healthier hair growth when combined with other hair growth natural oils.
In this borage seed oil breakdown, we’ll be covering some of the most pertinent queries about borage seed oil:-
- Borage seed oil benefits for hair
- How to use borage seed oil for hair growth
- Borage seed oil recipes for dry scalp and dandruff
- GLA oils and where to buy borage seed oil
There is a handy how-to-use borage seed oil for hair growth card at the end of this article. You can print it and keep it on hand for when you’re ready to try out the recipe.
Is Borage Seed Oil Good for Hair?
Borage seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Borago officinalis aka starflower. The herb is native to Spain but has spread to the Mediterranean region.
The starflower is also grown in several areas of the world as the bright purple leaves are edible. Borage flowers can also be blue and white.
Borage seed oil has a similar profile to blackcurrant seed oil and evening primrose oil and has one of the highest amounts of gamma-linolenic acid or GLA of seed oils.
Borage seed oil also contains fatty acids such as palmitic acid stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, eicosenoic acid, erucic acid, and nervonic acid.
Borage seed oil is light-colored with a light texture. The aroma is strong but not unpleasant.
If you don’t like the smell, it can be masked when mixed with other recommended oils below.
Benefits of Taking Borage Seed Oil
All these qualities make borage seed oil ideal for hair, skin, and beauty but there are some warnings associated with borage seed oil use.
These warnings are detailed at the bottom of this article for convenience.
Borage leaves are used in salads or as a garnish while the blue-colored flower is used to beautify deserts in some parts of Europe.
Borage seed oil can be taken internally in supplement form (read warning at bottom of the article before trying this) with 1 ug of UPA daily recommended.
Borage seed oil supplement recommendations are also made at the end of this article.
Borage Oil Benefits for Hair
1. Borage Seed Oil Has a Perfect GLA Profile
Borage seed oil is one of the most ideal oils for hair with a very high GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) profile. GLA is converted into properties that have anti-inflammatory effects.
This article from Mount Sinai breaks down gamma-linolenic acid in great details.
Because of these properties, it can be used to treat inflammation on the scalp, eczema, and dry scalp.
It can also be used to treat a scalp condition known as folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles.
Doctors actually recommend GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) for women suffering from certain types of hair loss such as pattern baldness.
2. Borage Seed Oil is Loaded with Macronutrients
Borage seed oil has many macronutrients especially vitamins A and C, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.
These macronutrients are all beneficial nutrients for recovering from hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth.
3. Borage Seed Oil is Rich in Amino Acids
Borage seed oil is rich in amino acids. Amino acids are a building block for the type of protein found in hair.
Protein is responsible for strength, elasticity, and healthy texture.
4. Borage Seed Oil Strengthens Hair
Borage seed oil has a high keratin content. Keratin is an amino acid rich protein that is one of the primary components of hair and nails.
Keratin helps strengthen hair and reduce damage from manipulation.
Borage Seed Oil for Hair Growth
Borage seed oil is featured prominently in The Ultimate Hair Growth Guide in the oils for hair growth chapter.
The Ultimate Hair Growth Guide is a comprehensive resource for recovering from hair loss, regrowing bald spots, and filling in thin areas of your scalp.
How to Use Borage Seed Oil on Hair Growth
Borage Seed Oil Scalp Massage Oil
Heating borage seed oil breaks down the fatty acids and degrades the quality so avoid using it with heat as much as possible.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of borage seed oil
- 3 tablespoons of castor oil or Jamaican black castor oil
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
Directions
- Mix all the ingredients together and apply the oil mix to your scalp.
- Massage your scalp thoroughly. Pin up your hair and cover with a disposable cap.
- Leave on overnight then shampoo and deep condition your hair.
- This treatment can be used once or twice every week.
Best Borage Seed Oil for Hair
Ensure the borage seed oil you buy is free of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (UPAs).
Great borage seed oil recommendations include:-
- Life Flo Pure Borage Seed Oil
- Bella Terra Oils Borage Seed Oil
- Naissance Virgin Borage Seed Oil
- Natural Born Oils Borage Seed Oil
Keep your borage seed oil refrigerated to extend its shelf life. You can also add in 10 drops of vitamin E oil before refrigerating.
Conduct a patch test on your inner arm before using borage seed oil for the first time.
Borage Seed Oil Side Effects
The leaves of the borage flower have been found to contain small amounts of toxins, which can lead to liver damage.
Consuming the supplements has been documented to cause loose stool and stomach pain.
Due to the issues associated with taking it internally, I would recommend sticking to topical use.
If you still prefer supplement form as well, evening primrose oil and black currant oil are better replacements and have the same benefits.
In all cases, do not start taking supplements without consulting your physician especially if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Ingesting borage seed oil improperly can lead to adverse effects.
Storing Borage Seed Oil
To preserve your borage seed oil, it’s best to store it in a dark-colored bottle in a dark area like a cupboard. Stored properly, it can last up to 12 months.
Learn more about the shelf life of different natural oils here.
You May Like This
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll be interested in The Ultimate Hair Growth Guide: Stop Hair Loss. Regrow Bald Spots. Fill in Thin Areas.
The guide is a comprehensive tool for recovering from hair loss, regrowing bald spots, and filling in thin areas of your scalp.
There’s an entire chapter in the book dedicated to borage seed oil. Learn more and grab up to 20% off HERE.
Borage Seed Oil Hair Products
One of my favorite borage seed oil products is Amika THE KURE Intense Repair Mask – an intensive deep treatment that repairs, restores, and revitalizes dry, and damaged, hair. And it can be used weekly.
Another favorite is the L’ange Borago Borage Oil Deep Conditioning Masque – a protein masque that moisturizes and hydrates hair.
Follow up the deep conditioning masque with L’ange Hair Dream Creme Intensive Reconditioning Leave-in Hair Treatment.
If you prefer unscented borage seed oil products, ShiKai has a line that’s enriched with borage oil.
Borage Seed Oil for Hair Growth Recipe
This borage seed oil recipe is great for promoting a healthy scalp. It can help eliminate scalp issues hindering healthy hair growth such as dandruff, dryness, itchiness, and more.
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Open the bottle and measure in the borage seed oil, Jamaican black castor oil, jojoba oil, and lavender essential oil.
- Close and shake the bottle.
- To use, apply to your scalp in sections then massage thoroughly.
- Pinup your hair and cover with a disposable cap.
- Leave the mix on overnight then shampoo and deep condition the next day.
- This treatment can be used on your scalp once or twice every week.
Notes
- You can place the bottle in a hot water bath before applying it to your scalp but do not heat up the mix in a microwave.
- If you don't like JBCO, you can replace with clear castor oil.
Recommended Products
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References
- Borage (Borago officinalis L.)
- Natural Hair & Skin Care Tips
- Gamma-linolenic acid
- Borage Carrier Oil – Benefits & Uses
Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.
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