If you've noticed a sudden influx of grape-seed oil products on your For You or Explore pages, you're not alone. Over the past few months, there's been a spike in content from beauty novices and experts who've taken to social media platforms in hopes of sharing the benefits of the popular botanical extract. We've even found ourselves bookmarking a few and then asking fellow beauty enthusiasts which ones are worth shopping. So, yeah—it doesn't look like grape-seed oil is going anywhere.
As is the case for so many other viral ingredients, it's only fair to wonder how much of the trend is rooted in science with proven results across all hair types and textures. Below, we're taking a closer look at the popular haircare ingredient with the help of a haircare expert, as well as exploring the best pure grape-seed oil and infused products based on thousands of glowing customers reviews.
Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about grape-seed oil and get advice straight from an expert on how to address dryness, frizz, and more.
What Is Grape-Seed Oil?
According board-certified hairstylist turned trichologist Shab Caspara, grape-seed oil is a lightweight, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the seeds of grapes. Incorporating the trending ingredient into your haircare routine may one of the best things you can do for the health of your strands and scalp (especially if the latter is dry).
"[Grape-seed oil] can greatly benefit the scalp by moisturizing it, reducing dandruff, adding shine, and over time promoting hair growth," Shab explains. "It’s also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which are both great for scalp health. While side effects are rare, if your skin has a tendency to be more on the sensitive side, be on the lookout for signs of an allergic reaction or scalp irritation.
The Many Benefits of Grape-Seed Oil
- Adds shine to the strands: Because it acts as a sealant, the ingredient enhances shine. It can also be used to deliver definition to textured and curly hair types.
- Provides intense moisture: Grape-seed oil helps seal in moisture and hydrate the hair without weighing it down thanks to low amounts of fats and high amounts of linoleic acid on dry hair.
- Reduces hair loss and jump-starts growth: When applied directly to the scalp, grape-seed oil may prevent the production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to weakened hair follicles.
- Combats dandruff and soothes the scalp: If massaged into the scalp, the transformative ingredient features high levels of nutrients and emollient properties that can reduce dandruff and stimulate cell growth.
- Prevents and smooths split ends: Brushing the oil through your hair from root to tip or applying it directly to the ends can help tame frizz and ward off split ends.
- Strengthens weak, brittle hair: Grape-seed oil has high levels of vitamin E, omegas, and antioxidants that can help restore your strands to their healthiest state.
- Can help prevent premature graying: While graying hair happens due to a variety of factors (genetics, oxidative stress, and lifestyle), adding the powerful antioxidants found in grape-seed oil to you haircare routine may slow graying.
How and When Should Grape-Seed Oil Be Used?
You can rest easy in the knowledge that incorporating it into any existing haircare routine is incredibly easy. There are many ways to use grape-seed oil, including applying it directly to the scalp, using it as a pre-wash treatment, mixing it with conditioners or hair masks, and as a leave-in oil for added moisture. "Yes, you can leave grape-seed oil on your hair overnight for deep conditioning, especially if you have dry or damaged hair," says Shab. However, she does not recommend leaving it directly on the scalp for longer that 20 minutes, to prevent irritation.
While grape-seed oil can provide nourishing and moisturizing properties for all hair types, it's also important to use the right shampoo and conditioner to get the most out of your grape-seed product of choice. Shab raises the JooY Clarify Shampoo and Conditioner as a great complementing set. "These products can enhance the results of styling products containing grape-seed oil as increasing moisture begins in the shower on wet hair," she tells us. Both use nourishing fermented apple cider vinegar and superfoods to lock in moisture and shine.
Grape-Seed Oil for Different Hair Types and Textures
One thing to consider while shopping for grape-seed oil products is your hair type, texture, and styling goals. Individuals with dry hair types (or those who have experienced any type of damage that contributes to brittle strands) will definitely reap the benefits of the trending ingredient. It also works well for those with thin or fine hair since it doesn't weigh the hair down or leave it with a greasy appearance. Grape-seed oil also works well for natural textures and color-treated hair.
Ready to shop for your perfect match? With the guidance provided by Shab, we've pieced together an edit of the best grape-seed oil products on the market for every hair type, texture, and concern.
Our Favorite Grape-Seed and Grape-Seed-Infused Products
This is grape-seed oil in its purest form. Not only can it be used to deliver instant moisture to hair, but it's formulated to do the same for the face, hands, skin, and nails. Made with simple, effective ingredients, it's also gluten-free and non-GMO.
Customer Review: "I massage this into my scalp twice a week and leave it i overnight and it's worked miracles. I pair this with black Jamaican castor oil and rosemary oil. The hair loss is gone and my hair is healthy and shiny."
This cold-pressed, chemical-free, organic, single-ingredient grape-seed oil can be used to deeply moisturize the hair, skin, and face. Customers praise this one for being extremely lightweight and easy to layer with other nourishing self-care products.
Customer Review: "I've been using this grapeseed oil mostly on my hair to seal in the moisture and it does a great job at keeping my hair from getting dry and crinkly. It left it soft and shiny. Also used it on my skin and it didn't break me out, although I would only use a tiny amount if you have sensitive skin."
This underrated find from The Body Shop is a must-have for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to restore shine to their strands. Best suited for dull, frizzy hair, the Grapeseed Glossing Serum is also light enough for regular use.
Customer Review: "I have very thick, medium texture, naturally wavy hair. This stuff soaks in and adds moisture and shine without liking greasy. I’ve used it for years and have tried many other product. I haven’t found anything that compares."
Looking for a way to kick-start your hair growth? Consider giving the CurlMix Growth Serum a try. Designed with curls and coils in mind, it enhances hair growth and length retention for juicy, conditioned strands.
Customer Review: "This serum makes my hair soft and easy to manage. I only use a small amount between twists or on my hair. The bottle looks small, but it lasts a very long time. I recently ordered another bottle so I don't run out! It's amazing!"
The Mad Hair Co. Nourishing Hair Oil is enriched with natural ingredients and a blend of oils (including grape-seed, rosemary, and Abyssinian) that penetrate deep into strands to promote healthy hair growth.
Customer Review: "Love how lightweight this hair serum is! I've tried others that are too thick and leave my hair oily even after styling, but this serum has a seamless finish. My hair is very thick so I add more than a dropper and it's still great. It's helped smooth my ends and unpleasant frizz. I would definitely recommend!"
Aunt Jackie's coconut-enriched blend of grape-seed and avocado oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment. Not only does this product improve tensile strength, but it also improves your hair's porosity level and moisture balance.
Customer Review: "Absolutely love this oil. I have dry hair and I’ve been using this oil to treat my low porosity hair and it has done wonders! I’m on my third bottle now!"
The Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil uses an innovative blend of rosemary oil (combined with castor, tea tree, and grape-seed oil) fortified with vitamins and lipids to help fight flakiness and replenish essential moisture.
Customer Review: "I love this! I sleep with it and wash the next day. My scalp feels hydrated and my hairdresser told me my hair looked really healthy even if I have highlights! Will buy again!"
Another pre-wash treatment we're loving is this one by Fable Mane. Ideal for all hair textures, the formula is infused with grape-seed oil, ashwagandha, and more to help prevent breakage while providing weightless hydration.
Customer Review: "I have been using this product and it is amazing. My scalp was dry but this product was a life changer. I would 100% buy this product every time it finishes. Would recommend."
The Botanic Heart Tea Tree Oil With Jojoba and Grapeseed Oils features a built-in applicator to evenly disperse product across your scalp and hair. It also effectively addresses dry scalps and irritation, leaving it healthy and refreshed.
Customer Review: "This oil is amazing for my super thick hair! I tend to get itchy and flaky scalp. It’s hard to find a product that is easy to get worked through my hair. This product and applicator is easy!"
Designed to add shine, repair split ends, and add heat protection, this oil uses plant-based technology to address broken bonds, repairing the hair from the inside out. It also helps prevent frizz for shiny, silky-looking hair.
Customer Review: "I've tried a lot of hair oils for my hair and this one not only smells the best, but it leaves my hair feeling so nourished and hydrated, and not greasy or weighed down. If you're looking for a good hair oil for all hair types, including thinner hair, this is your oil!"
If you're struggling with cuticle damage, get your hands on SheaMoisture's scalp and hair oil for curls and coils. The oil provides moisture, promotes length retention, and soothes the scalp.
Customer Review: "Made my hair grow so much! I struggle with hair loss and this has made it so much thicker and strong. Perfect if you're someone who bleached their hair a lot or wants hair growth!"
Last, we love Bumble and Bumble's frizz-reducing hair oil. It uses a six-oil blend to condition, moisturize, and nourish your tresses while offering a feather-soft feel and eye-catching shine.
Customer Review: "Love it, love it, love it! I use it multiple times a week. It works well for heat styling (my hair is sooo silky and shiny after blow drying it) and also as a leave in. It helps a lot with frizz."
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