Camellia Oil, also known as tea seed oil or Tsubaki oil, is a burst of amazing in a bottle that does wonders for hair and beauty with its rich nutrient profile.
In this article, we’ll cover the origins of camellia oil, different types of camellia oil, the benefits of camellia oil for hair, how to use camellia oil, and where to buy the best brands.
Before you read the rest of the article, don’t forget to check out the free resource library for hair and beauty HERE.
What is Camellia Oil (Tea Seed Oil)?
Camellia oil (tea seed oil) is cold-pressed from the seeds of Camellia oleifera, a wildflower that grows in China and Japan.
This plant was featured prominently in Tea Rinsing Secrets for Healthy Hair Care and Growth. It’s a pale green color and has a high smoking point.
In some parts of China and Japan, camellia oil is used as a cooking oil.
Camellia oil (tea seed oil) shouldn’t be confused with tea tree essential oil, an inedible oil produced from the leaves of the tea tree plant native to Australia.
The composition of camellia oil is similar to olive oil. It contains about 85% unsaturated oleic acid, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids, polyphenols, and a good amount of vitamin E.
Japanese women have used camellia oil as a key ingredient in hair care for hundreds of years.
There are three different types of camellia oil – Camellia Sinensis, Camellia japonica, and Camellia oleifera.
Camellia oil isn’t an oil most people would think of when they want to try out natural oils on their hair and it’s not very popular but it has so many benefits for dry hair and annoying scalp issues.
Related Content: Which is THE Best Camellia Oil for Hair?
Interesting Fact About Camellia Oil (Tea Seed Oil)
The camellia plant is named after Georg Joseph Kamel, a missionary responsible for introducing many Eastern Asian plants to the Philippines.
The name “Camellia” was given to honor him by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish Botanist.
What Does Camellia Oil Do For Your Hair?
1. Easily Absorbed into Hair
Camellia oil (tea seed oil) has a light texture and is absorbed into the hair without leaving behind a greasy residue.
2. Promotes Shiny Hair
Camellia oil (tea seed oil) is perfect for dry and/or coarse hair as it smooths down the hair cuticle and promotes shiny hair.
3. Protects Hair from Damage
Camellia oil (tea seed oil) forms a protective barrier around hair, which prevents it from drying out. This benefit is due to the oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acid content in camellia oil.
If you especially have ends that are prone to breaking off, camellia oil should be one of your BFFs.
4. Excellent Scalp Treatment
Camellia oil (tea seed oil) is an excellent scalp treatment with the ability to nourish and moisturize the scalp and roots. Frequent use strengthens the roots and reduces scalp dryness.
Camellia oil also protects the scalp from various scalp conditions such as atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Another oil with this benefit is jasmine oil. Read Protect Your Hair and Scalp with Jasmine Oil for more on this.
5. Guards Against Color Damage
This study found camellia oil may be beneficial as a natural chemoprotective agent against scalp and hair damage from hair dyeing.
Dyeing hair with commercial products tends to strip and dry out the hair. Mitigate this by treating your hair with camellia oil prior to and after dyeing you.
Read Super Oil Hair Treatment to Prevent Color Damage for more on protecting hair from color damage with oils.
6. Blends Well into Hair and Scalp
Camellia oil contains an abundance of Triolein, a component similar to the sebum produced on the skin.
This helps camellia oil to blend into the scalp and provides a good balance between sebum and moisture.
How to Use Camellia Oil on Hair
DIY Dry Hair Treatment with Camellia Oil (Tea Seed Oil)
Ingredients
- 5 drops of camellia oil
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- Spray bottle
Directions
- Pour the warm water into the spray bottle
- Add the camellia oil and lavender essential oil. Close and shake the bottle.
- Section your hair and spray the camellia oil into your hair and scalp.
- Pin up your hair in twists and cover with a disposable cap.
- Leave on for an hour then rinse out with lukewarm water.
- Shampoo and deep condition your hair afterward.
You can use this mix to refresh a style midweek and restyle but don’t spray as generously so your hair doesn’t shrink all the way if you have curly hair.
Camellia Oil for Protecting Your Ends
For protecting your ends, rub a few drops on the hair ends once or twice a day. You will get the best results with camellia oil when applied to slightly damp hair.
Camellia Oil Pre-Poo Treatment
Camellia oil can also be used as a pre-shampoo treatment by applying it to dry hair and letting it sit for 1 hour, then shampoo and condition as usual.
Less is more with camellia oil. A few drops are all you need. A standard 100 ml bottle will last for some time.
If you’re wondering which other natural oils you can mix with camellia oil, it blends well with other oils for scalp issues.
Where to Buy Camellia Oil?
Some excellent camellia oil (tea seed oil) brands for hair include:-
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil is produced in Japan and has been gently refined to remove the scent and stickiness.
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia oil is available in a 60 ml bottle and retails for under $20. BUY HERE.
Edens Garden Camellia Seed Oil
Edens Garden Camellia Seed Oil comes from a woman-owned business that’s known for the finest oils and essential oils.
Edens Garden Camellia Seed Oil is available in a 4 oz pump bottle and retails for under $20. BUY HERE.
Oleo Botanicals Japanese Camellia Seed Oil
Oleo Botanicals Japanese Camellia Seed Oil is sustainably sourced from Japan and is pure and unrefined.
Oleo Botanicals Japanese Camellia Seed Oil is available in a 2 oz dropper bottle and retails for under $15. BUY HERE.
Related Hair Care Resources
Is Camellia Oil Good for Hair Growth?
Camellia oil is an excellent oil for dry and brittle hair. It forms a great barrier that seals in moisture effectively. Try it in this almond oil sealing oil recipe.
However, when it comes to hair growth, there are other oils much more suited for this purpose. I shared the best of them in the hair growth archives.
Does Camellia Oils Clog Pores?
With a non-comedogenic rating of 1, camellia oil is unlikely to clog pores. It’s light and easily absorbed.
For more on camellia oil for skin, read How to Use Camellia Oil for Skin Care.
Hair Products with Camellia Oil (Tea Seed Oil)
Camellia oil can be mixed with your own hair products or you can purchase products that have camellia oil as a component. I’ve tracked down some of the popular brands for hair below:-
- Shu Uemura Essence Absolute Nourishing Cleansing Milk
- Aubrey Organics White Camellia Conditioner
- Boucleme Intensive Moisture Treatment Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
- MyKirei by KAO Nourishing Shampoo (also contains rice water)
- MyKirei by KAO Nourishing Conditioner (also contains rice water)
- Sisley Regenerating Hair Care Mask (also contains hazelnut oil and shea oil)
Pin it for Later – How to Rejuvenate & Nourish Hair with Camelia Oil
References
- Camellia Oil and Tea Oil
- Research progress on the health function of tea oil
- Analysis of the Effects of Camellia oil-mediated Pre-treatment in Hair Dyeing on Scalp and Hair
- The Usefulness of Camellia Oil and Camellia Oil-containing Shampoo for Treatment of Various Scalp Conditions
- Comparison of Oil Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Ten New Camellia oleifera Cultivars
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…
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