While grapeseed oil may not be the most talked about hair oil, experts share that it may be the most underrated in terms of the potential benefits it can provide for every hair type and concern.

Hair oils — from coconut oil to castor oil, cedarwood oil, jojoba oil and more — may be well known as the secret to having soft, shiny, healthier-looking strands. However, hair experts point out that they are not all created equal. And while grapeseed oil may not be the most talked about hair oil, the specialists share that it may be the most underrated in terms of the potential benefits it can provide for every hair type and concern. The benefits of grapeseed oil range from boosting hydration and shine, acting as a natural heat protectant and split end sealant, and working well alongside other hair oils in nearly any formula it’s woven into.

Meet the expert

• Ayana Johnson is a hairstylist at Luvme Hair.
• Gretchen Friese is a hairstylist and trichologist for BosleyMD.
• Philip B. is the founder of Philip B. hair care.

Plus, it’s been shown to soothe and nourish the scalp, and it's easily washed away and may even have some benefits for hair loss prevention. Here, we spoke to top hair pros and a trichologist (a hair-and-scalp expert) to reveal the proven benefits of grapeseed oil, precisely how to work it into your daily hair-care routine, plus a carefully curated pro-approved roundup of products that also contain the natural powerhouse. It’s time to give grapeseed oil the attention it clearly deserves.

What Is Grapeseed Oil?

“Grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes and is widely used in skincare and haircare due to its richness in antioxidants, vitamin E and omega fatty acids,” explains Johnson. Philip B. agrees, adding that this is precisely why many of the products in his namesake hair care line contain the natural difference-maker. “Grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids, making it a beneficial ingredient for hair care,” he adds.

Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Hair

Philip B. explains that grapeseed oil hits the ultimate trifecta when it comes to universal hair goals. “When applied to hair, grapeseed oil adds moisture, strength and shine,” he says. Our other experts agree that it truly has it all in terms of delivering a long list of hair benefits. First, it can help moisturize and boost shine. “Grapeseed oil contains a high level of antioxidants, Vitamin E, and omegas, making it one of the best natural choices to hydrate hair and maintain a nourished, shiny, healthy-looking appearance,” says Johnson.

It can also help fight frizz and minimize split ends. “Grapeseed oil contains high amounts of linoleic acid, which can form a protective shield on the hair strand, sealing in moisture and protecting the outermost layer of the hair from UV as well as mechanical damage,” Johnson adds.

As if that wasn’t enough to make it a part of your daily hair routine right now, Johnson also explains that grapeseed oil is both gentle and non-irritating, so it’s a perfect option to treat some scalp concerns. “It contains essential fatty acids that can nourish not only hair but also soothe the scalp,” she notes. “Grapeseed oil has an almost weightless texture, which makes it an excellent carrier oil to mix with other essential oils without weighing down your strands.”

How to Use Grapeseed Oil for Hair 

“Grapeseed oil can be applied directly to damp hair to add shine and seal in moisture,” says Johnson. “Alternatively, it can be combined with other ingredients to nourish and strengthen both hair and scalp.” Johnson has developed an ideal at-home grapeseed-oil mixture, especially if you’re seeking an easy, natural method to help bolster your hair’s softness and elasticity. She recommends mixing four drops of cedarwood essential oil to help slow thinning and enhance hair growth, along with three drops of rosemary essential oil to help strengthen strands, plus two drops of soothing lavender essential oil and one drop of ginger essential oil with a half ounce of a jojoba-and-grapeseed-oil blend to create the ultimate moisturizing nutrient seal on strands.

Friese notes that one of the many great pros of grapeseed oil is that it can be used on all hair types. “Especially if it is being used as a scalp treatment because the focus is more on the skin,” she says. “It can be used when massaging the scalp and also acts as a heat protectant when using hot styling tools.” When applying grapeseed oil directly to the scalp, Friese says to be sure to thoroughly massage it in, leave it on for as long as you want. But be diligent to rinse it out thoroughly and shampoo well. Friese also likes mixing grapeseed oil with rosemary oil or cedarwood oil because of how easily it is able to blend and interact with the other natural oils. 

Philip B. explains that how you should use grapeseed oil depends on what desired effect you are looking to achieve. For example, as a scalp treatment: “Massage a few tablespoons — decide how many depending on how much hair you have — of warm grapeseed oil into your scalp, moving it along the roots of your hair, and repeat twice weekly as needed,” he says. To tame frizz and seal cuticles, he says to apply a nickel-sized amount of grapeseed oil directly onto damp hair, then comb it through from the roots to ends. To enhance hydration, he suggests mixing grapeseed oil into your regular conditioner right in the shower. 

When to Avoid Grapeseed Oil for Hair 

Johnson explains that although grapeseed oil is 100 percent gentle and safe, and therefore suitable for use on both hair and scalp, you may want to apply diligently to not get too greasy. “If you want to use it on the scalp, apply only a small amount with a cotton ball or your fingers and massage it well into the scalp to avoid excess greasiness,” she explains. Friese does point out that uncommon side effects of using grapeseed oil, like all essential oils, could include headache, itchy scalp, dizziness and nausea. “People who are allergic to grapes should also not use grapeseed oil,” she adds.  Philip B. also recommends that anyone who is prone to acne, especially around the hairline, should avoid applying grapeseed oil or other pure oils directly to the scalp. “It can potentially exacerbate oiliness,” he says.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long can you leave grapeseed oil in your hair?

  Because grapeseed oil is very lightweight, Philip B. says you can leave it in your hair for as long as you want to, from 30 minutes for a quick conditioning treatment to overnight for a deeper treatment. “Grapeseed oil is a sealant, so it works best with damp hair,” Johnson advises. And of course, be sure to rinse and shampoo and condition afterwards to avoid oil and residue buildup on the scalp and hair.

• Does grapeseed oil help with hair loss?

  “Yes, grapes contain proanthocyanidins, which is a type of antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in the hair follicles that can lead to hair loss as well as help stimulate hair follicles, therefore promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss,” says Friese. Philip B. points out that “while there is limited scientific evidence to support grapeseed oil's effectiveness for hair loss, its nourishing properties may help to strengthen the hair and promote a healthy scalp environment, which can indirectly support hair growth and reduce hair loss,” he says.

• Is grapeseed oil or rosemary oil better for hair growth?

  Friese says that although there seems to be more studies about rosemary oil for hair growth, they can both be beneficial. “And mixing them together can give you the benefits of both,” she says. “For example, the moisturizing properties of grapeseed oil can help to balance the scalp while the stimulating properties of rosemary oil can help to promote hair growth.”