Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Collecting Hair Samples for Hair Cortisol Analysis in African Americans
Published on: June 10, 2018
Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited.
Venkataram Mysore1, Arpita Arghya2
1Venkat Centre for Skin, ENT and Plastic Surgery (Affiliated to RGUHS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Hair oils offer more than just emollient benefits for hair and scalp care. This review explores diverse hair oils and their potential advantages, highlighting the need for dermatological awareness.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
- Hair Care Science
Background:
- Hair oils have a long history of global use, yet their precise effects on hair and scalp remain incompletely understood.
- These products are generally affordable and readily available, contributing to their widespread application.
- While primarily functioning as emollients, the distinct properties of various oils suggest multifaceted actions beyond simple softening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review different types of hair oils.
- To explore the potential beneficial effects of these oils on hair health.
- To inform dermatologists about the impact and application of hair oils.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on hair oils.
- Analysis of the chemical composition and properties of various hair oils.
- Synthesis of information regarding the functional roles and benefits of hair oils.
Main Results:
- Hair oils exhibit properties beyond basic emollience.
- Different oils possess unique characteristics that may benefit hair and scalp health.
- Evidence suggests varied mechanisms of action for different hair oil formulations.
Conclusions:
- Hair oils offer diverse benefits for hair and scalp, potentially exceeding simple emollient effects.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the specific actions of various hair oils.
- Dermatologists should be informed about the efficacy and appropriate use of hair oils in clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Hair Cells
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...

