Hemp oil extract is also high in antioxidants that protect our cells from damage by combating the effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.* Plus, as long as the product is full-spectrum, hemp oil has an abundance of terpenes1 and flavonoids2 that can help manage inflammation as well.* When it comes to your tresses, hemp oil also contains vitamins and minerals that have the potential to protect against damage and3 hair loss3, though more research needs to be done into how exactly they work in the body.* With hemp seed oil, the protection starts with the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. Fatty acids have a hydrophilic end that aids in moisture retention, and a hydrophobic end that boosts shine, “making hemp seed oil a perfect product for coarse, curly hair,” says Austin-based stylist Sarah Lund. Additionally, vitamin E also plays a role in fending off the elements and battling damage. “This will create greater elasticity in the hair while adding shine,” Lund explains. You can tailor your use of hemp seed oil to your hair type. For dry, coarse, or curly hair, use the product as a daily leave-in moisturizer. “A small amount distributed through hair midshaft [the middle of your strands] to ends will help to strengthen and moisturize hair that is older and more vulnerable to styling damage,” says Leigh Hardges, a Chicago-based stylist. “Those with straight or fine hair that steer clear of daily oils could benefit from hemp seed oil as a hot oil treatment.” For a dry or oily scalp, Hardges recommends applying the hemp seed oil directly to the scalp overnight and then shampooing in the morning. “The amino acids in hemp seed oil can deliver properties to help balance the scalp and regulate the production of sebum, the body’s natural oil,” she explained.
