From Oat Milk To Oat Oil: How This Small Grain Can Make Your Hair Glow

If you thought that there couldn't possibly be any more hair oil types on the market, think again. An unexpectedly powerful grain recently made its way to the beauty aisle, ready to help soothe your tresses. According to Byrdie, this product is none other than oat oil.

The outlet notes that oats have worked as a natural remedy for itchy skin for thousands of years, now the oil from the seed kernel of the plant offers similar benefits to the hair itself. A hydrating, anti-inflammatory agent, oat oil may work well for people with dry skin and brittle hair. In fact, oat oil comes loaded with Vitamin E, antioxidants, fatty acids and lipids that fortify your strands and soothe inflammation on the scalp. Two acids, namely oleic and linoleic, provide the most benefit for your hair; the former naturally occurs in sebum. The skin produces oleic acid on its own to protect and hydrate the strands — adding a little extra from your oats certainly can't hurt if you have damaged hair. 

Board-certified dermatologist, Hadley King, MD, tells Mindbodygreen, "Linoleic acid stimulates hair growth, maintains a healthy scalp and also minimizes water loss, ensuring that the hair shafts stay hydrated." Plus, she adds, both oleic and linoleic help other ingredients seep into the skin more easily.

Oat oil's main benefits greatly impact the scalp. Byrdie suggests that the oil helps prevent an itchy, flaky scalp — including dandruff and eczema — due to its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, oat oil may help prevent damaged strands by increasing elasticity along the hair shaft. "Oat oil is an excellent moisturizer for the hair and scalp, adding a natural shine to the hair while improving the elasticity of hair strands," board-certified trichologist and Licensed Cosmetologist, Kari Williams reveals to the outlet.

To use oat oil in your hair, you can opt for a shampoo and conditioner duo that contains this powerful substance. Byrdie also suggests trying oat oil on its own as a leave-in treatment or a rinse out before you wash your tresses. For another option, try mixing the oil into your conditioner for a softening addition.

Beyond oat oil's ability to coat, protect and nourish your mane, it also contains powerfully soothing properties for skin health as well. By applying the product to your skin, it helps keep the skin's barrier functioning properly, Mindbodygreen notes, meaning that it can effectively regulate moisture levels. By increasing ceramide counts in the skin, your cells can better bind themselves together to protect against environmental damage and other stressors. Since ceramides are considered the glue that holds everything together, applying oat oil can help keep your skin looking strong and healthy. Particularly if you suffer from inflammatory conditions such as eczema, this oil can offer steady relief. 

To round out your beauty cabinet, consider heading down the grain aisle.