Grapeseed Oil for Hair: Benefits and Uses

Grapeseed oil doesn’t get the same buzz as coconut or argan oil, but it might be one of the best oils for hair health.

A byproduct of the winemaking process, grapeseed oil is lightweight and nutrient-rich. This makes it a versatile option for nearly every hair type, from fine or thin hair to thick or curly hair.

Whether you’re looking to boost shine, reduce dandruff, or moisturize your hair, a grapeseed oil treatment might be just what your hair needs.

Let’s explore grapeseed oil for hair benefits, how it works, and how to use it effectively for healthier, stronger locks.

The short answer: absolutely.

Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid (a type of omega-6 fatty acid), and powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These nutrients make it a popular skincare ingredient.

Grapeseed oil also offers a range of benefits for your hair.

What sets grapeseed oil apart? Its lightweight texture.

Unlike heavier oils, it hydrates without leaving hair feeling greasy or weighed down, making it especially useful for people with fine hair.

So, what does grapeseed oil do for hair? Here are some of the reported benefits.

1. Improves Scalp Health

When it comes to hair care, we often overlook the importance of scalp health. In truth, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

If you struggle with dandruff, grapeseed oil might be worth trying.

A 2023 review shows that grapeseed oil may protect against seborrheic dermatitis, the main cause of dandruff. Thanks to its antifungal properties, the oil can kill yeast that leads to dandruff.

The same review also points out the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe an irritated, itchy scalp. Plus, grapeseed oil can moisturize and nourish a dry scalp.

These factors make grapeseed oil a good choice for scalp massages.

2. Tames Frizz and Adds Shine

If your hair tends to get frizzy, grapeseed oil can help. By sealing in moisture, it smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine.

According to a 2023 study that compared the effects of grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, and safflower oil, grapeseed oil was the best at adding shine to hair.

You can also use grapeseed oil to smooth split ends and flyaway hairs. Although this doesn’t actually fix damaged hair, it can reduce the appearance of split ends.

3. Strengthens and Moisturizes Hair

Grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that can help fortify the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends.

The study mentioned above also found that grapeseed oil improved hair elasticity and reduced breakage.

Additionally, grapeseed oil can seal in moisture, helping you avoid dryness. And since it’s a lightweight oil, it can moisturize your hair without weighing it down.

4. May Promote Hair Growth

Although more research is needed, evidence suggests grapeseed oil may stimulate healthy hair growth.

A 2023 study concluded that grapeseed oil should be studied as a possible treatment for hair loss conditions like male pattern baldness (AKA androgenetic alopecia).

Thanks to its high vitamin E content and antioxidant properties, grapeseed oil can improve scalp circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles to support hair growth. The antioxidant properties may protect follicles from oxidative stress, which is linked to hair thinning and loss.

However, we wouldn’t recommend grapeseed oil as a first-line treatment for hair loss. Since hair loss gets worse over time, it’s important to treat it with science-backed hair loss treatments ASAP.

You might be interested in reading our natural hair growth tips for men.

Ready to add grapeseed oil to your hair care routine? Here are a few ideas.

1. As a Scalp Treatment

You can massage grapeseed oil directly into your scalp to nourish follicles and improve circulation.

Simply apply it to your scalp using your fingertips, working in circular motions. Leave it on for 20–30 minutes, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo.

If you’d like, you can warm the oil beforehand.

2. As a Leave-In Conditioner

To tame frizz and add shine, apply a few drops of grapeseed oil to damp hair.

Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to avoid weighing down your roots. Don’t add too much oil to your hair — less is more!

3. Mixed with Shampoo or Conditioner

For an extra boost of hydration, add a few drops of grapeseed oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner.

If you’d prefer to avoid the DIY route, you can also purchase hair care products that already contain grapeseed oil.

4. Deep Conditioning Treatment

For very dry or damaged hair, use grapeseed oil as a DIY hair mask.

You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, massaging it into the lengths of your hair and letting it sit for 20 minutes before washing it out.

For an overnight treatment, apply grapeseed oil to your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap, and leave it on overnight. Rinse thoroughly in the morning with shampoo.

5. As a Sealant

Since grapeseed oil is a sealant, it’s most effective when you apply it after moisturizing your hair with water or a leave-in conditioner. This locks in hydration and prevents moisture loss.

You can add a few drops of grapeseed oil to your hands and smooth it over the ends of your hair before drying and heat styling your hair.

6. As a Carrier Oil

Grapeseed oil is a good carrier oil, which means that it’s often mixed with essential oils. By diluting essential oils with carrier oils, you reduce the chances of skin reactions. Plus, a carrier oil helps it spread better.

If you’re thinking of using essential oils for hair growth — say, tea tree or rosemary oil — grapeseed oil can be very useful. Add one or two drops of essential oil to a few teaspoons of grapeseed oil, mix it, and massage it into your hair or scalp.

Don’t forget to do a patch test before using essential oils on your skin.

Grapeseed oil is suitable for most hair types.

Unlike some other hair oils, grapeseed oil is lightweight. This makes it a good option for people with fine, oily, or normal hair types.

If you have very dry hair, you may need a heavier oil — like coconut oil or castor oil — for deeper hydration.

It’s very rare to have an allergic reaction or get a rash from grapeseed oil, but some people do experience irritation. It’s a good idea to perform a patch test before using grapeseed oil.

If grapeseed oil isn’t working for you, consider other natural hair-friendly oils, like sunflower seed oil and jojoba oil.

So, is grapeseed oil good for hair? Absolutely. This versatile oil has plenty to offer, from nourishing your hair strands to moisturizing your scalp.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• There are multiple grapeseed oil for hair benefits. You can use it to add shine and moisture to your hair, promote scalp health, and strengthen your hair.

• It’s a lightweight hair oil. Unlike coconut oil and castor oil, grapeseed oil is lightweight, making it a better choice for fine hair.

• There are many ways to use it. You can use grapeseed oil as a scalp treatment, DIY hair mask, and more.

Grapeseed oil is a hair-friendly ingredient, but It’s still not clear whether grapeseed oil can stimulate hair growth or slow down hair loss. More research is needed on that front.

Since hair loss tends to get worse over time, we recommend making a beeline for science-backed, evidence-based hair loss treatments — like minoxidil and finasteride. You can still use grapeseed oil as a nourishing hair treatment, though!

Ready to get the best hair of your life? Start by booking a free online consultation with a healthcare professional. They can assess your hair loss and suggest possible treatment plans. Take our short quiz to get started!