Chia Seeds Benefits for Hair Growth & How to Use It 2023

Chia seeds, derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, have been valued for their incredible nutritional benefits since ancient times. The name "chia" means "strength" in the Mayan language and these tiny seeds were supposedly even considered sacred by the Aztecs! Nowadays, chia seeds are renowned not just for their health benefits but also for their impressive effects on hair health. 

In this article, we'll explore the chia seeds benefits for hair, their nutritional facts, and how to use them for hair growth. So, are you ready to unlock the secrets of chia seeds and transform your hair game?

7 Impressive Benefits of Chia Seed for Hair

Chia seeds are more than just a nutritional powerhouse – they're also fantastic addition for your hair care routine! Let's take a look at some of the amazing chia seeds hair benefits:

Repairing Damaged Hair

One of the chia seeds' hair benefits is their ability to restore and repair damaged hair. Thanks to their high content of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, chia seeds nourish hair strands from within, effectively combating breakage and split ends. 

Their antioxidant properties also protect your hair from environmental stressors and free radical damage, which can lead to weak and brittle hair.

Improving Scalp Health

Chia seeds are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties(1), which can help reduce scalp inflammation and irritation. A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth and strength, as it provides a nurturing environment for hair follicles. By soothing the scalp and maintaining its health, chia seeds create the perfect foundation for strong, vibrant hair.

Fighting Greying

Chia seeds are a rich source of copper, which plays a crucial role in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for our hair's natural color. Increased copper content in the body leads to increased melanin formation, which can delay the onset of greying. 

Incorporating chia seeds into your diet or using chia seed oil topically can help maintain your hair's natural color and keep those pesky grey hairs at bay.

Strengthening Hair

You can use chia seeds for hair loss prevention because they provide essential nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to strong, healthy hair. They work to fortify hair strands from within, improving hair structure and reducing breakage. As a result, your hair becomes more resilient, less prone to damage, and easier to manage. 

Promoting Growth

The copper in chia seeds has another fantastic benefit – it improves blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach your hair follicles, promoting growth and improving overall hair quality. 

By adding chia seeds to your diet or applying chia seed oil directly to your scalp, you can encourage hair growth and enjoy thicker, fuller locks.

Natural Conditioning

Chia seeds transform into a gel-like consistency when soaked, making them perfect for hair masks and home treatments. This natural conditioner helps to tame frizz, improve hair elasticity, and retain moisture, preventing dryness. As a bonus, the gel-like texture of soaked chia seeds adds a soothing, hydrating effect, leaving your hair soft and silky.

Dandruff Treatment

Struggling with dandruff? Chia seed oil, when mixed with carrier oil, can come to your rescue! The anti-inflammatory properties of chia seeds help soothe an irritated scalp, while the oil's moisturizing effects improve scalp hydration(2). This winning combination works to reduce flakiness and keep dandruff under control.

Nutrition Facts of Chia Seed

Chia seeds are a true superfood, packed with essential nutrients that promote healthy hair and scalp. Let's break down the incredible nutritional profile of these tiny seeds:

Amino Acids and Proteins

Chia seeds are a rich source of essential amino acids(3), including lysine, which is crucial for maintaining hair strength and preventing early hair loss. They contain 15%-20% protein by weight, providing the building blocks for keratin, a key component of hair. With their impressive protein content, chia seeds are ideal for nourishing your hair from within.

Minerals

These tiny seeds are loaded with essential minerals that play a vital role in hair health:

• Copper: Helps regulate melanin production, which prevents premature graying of hair.
• Zinc: Supports hair growth and density, ensuring thick, luscious locks.
• Phosphorus: Strengthens hair roots, anchoring strands firmly to the scalp.
• Iron: Boosts scalp circulation, improving blood and oxygen flow to hair follicles.
• Calcium, magnesium, and selenium: Contribute to overall hair health and strength.

Vitamins and Antioxidants

Chia seeds are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which play a vital role in protecting hair and skin cells from free radical damage. Antioxidants like caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin(4) reduce inflammation, ensuring a healthy scalp and hair environment.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). One of the many chia seeds benefits for women's health, these healthy fats reduce inflammation, support hair health, and improve scalp hydration and barrier function, keeping your hair and scalp nourished and moisturized. 

Dietary Fiber and Calcium

High in dietary fiber(5), chia seeds aid digestion and promote gut health. They're also an excellent source of calcium, providing nearly 18% of the required daily intake, which contributes to strong hair and a healthy body.

How to Use Chia Seed for Hair Growth

Chia seeds have so much to offer when it comes to hair care, and incorporating them into your routine can be fun and easy. Ready to reap the benefits of chia seeds for hair and skin? Read on as we present the many ways to use chia seeds in DIY treatment:

Chia Seed Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients together and heat the mixture up for a few seconds. 
2. Apply to your hair, let it rest for 20 minutes, and then wash it off with water. 
3. This mask will leave your hair feeling smooth and hydrated.

Chia Seed Hair Gel

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 4 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp aloe vera
• 3 drops sweet almond oil (or essential oil of your choice)

Instructions:

1. Add the chia seeds to the cup of water and leave them to rest overnight. 
2. Heat this mixture for a few minutes and filter the seeds. 
3. You may now add aloe vera and almond oil to the mixture. 
4. Apply to your scalp and hair, let it rest for half an hour, and then rinse it off with water and a mild shampoo. 
5. This gel will give your hair a healthy shine and keep it in place.

Chia Seed and Egg Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 egg whites
• 1 tbsp yogurt
• 2 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients together to form a paste. 
2. Apply to your scalp, let it rest for 45 minutes, and then wash it off with water and a mild shampoo. 
3. This mask can help add moisture to dry and damaged hair, making it silky and smooth.

Chia Seed Smoothies

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp oats
• ½ cup milk
• ½ tbsp honey
• ½ tbsp peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients and blend them together to form a smoothie. 
2. Drink this smoothie once a day for optimal effects. 
3. Not only will it taste delicious, but it will also give your hair a much-needed nutrient boost!

Chia Seed DIY Skin Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Soak the chia seeds for 20 minutes until they develop a gel-like texture, then mix with honey and olive oil. 
2. Apply to your skin, gently massage for a couple of minutes, leave for 20 seconds, and wash off with lukewarm water. 
3. Chia seeds benefits for skin are numerous, including hydration, improved elasticity, and protection against free radical damage. This remedy in particular is excellent for managing acne, fading dark spots, and deeply moisturizing your skin.

Final Thought: Are Chia Seeds Good for Your Hair?

So, are chia seeds good for your hair? Absolutely! Incorporating them into your diet and hair care routine can lead to visible improvements in your hair's health and appearance. Plus, they're versatile, easy to use, and offer additional benefits for your skin and overall health. Give chia seeds a try, and you might just find yourself raving about their hair-transforming powers too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chia seeds good for hair and skin?

Yes, chia seeds are beneficial for both hair and skin. They provide essential nutrients, improve hair strength and texture, and the benefits of chia seeds for skin include promoting skin hydration and health.

Is chia seeds good for hair loss?

Yes, chia seeds can help prevent hair loss by providing essential nutrients and amino acids that strengthen hair follicles and support healthy growth.

Is chia seeds good for hair growth?

Yes, chia seeds promote hair growth by supplying vital nutrients, improving scalp health, and increasing blood circulation to hair follicles.

What can you mix with chia seeds for hair growth?

Mix chia seeds with ingredients like honey, coconut oil, aloe vera, or egg whites to create nourishing hair masks that promote growth and improve hair health.

What happens when I drink chia seeds everyday?

Drinking chia seeds daily can improve digestion, boost energy levels, support heart health, and contribute to healthy hair and skin, thanks to their rich nutrient profile.

References

1. Ullah, R., Nadeem, M., Khalique, A., Imran, M., Mehmood, S., Javid, A. and Hussain, J. (2015). Nutritional and therapeutic perspectives of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.): a review. Journal of Food Science and Technology, {online} 53(4), pp.1750–1758. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-1967-0.

‌‌2. Huber, K.L., Fernández, J.R., Webb, C., Rouzard, K., Healy, J., Tamura, M., Voronkov, M., Stock, J.B., Stock, M. and Pérez, E. (2020). HYVIATM: A novel, topical chia seed extract that improves skin hydration. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, {online} 19(9), pp.2386–2393. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13469.

3. Mohd Ali, N., Yeap, S.K., Ho, W.Y., Beh, B.K., Tan, S.W. and Tan, S.G. (2012). The Promising Future of Chia,Salvia hispanicaL.. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, {online} 2012, pp.1–9. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/171956.

4. Kulczyński, B., Kobus-Cisowska, J., Taczanowski, M., Kmiecik, D. and Gramza-Michałowska, A. (2019). The Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Chia Seeds—Current State of Knowledge. Nutrients, {online} 11(6), p.1242. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11061242.

5. Knez Hrnčič, M., Ivanovski, M., Cör, D. and Knez, Ž. (2019). Chia Seeds (Salvia Hispanica L.): An Overview—Phytochemical Profile, Isolation Methods, and Application. Molecules, {online} 25(1), p.11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25010011.