6 Benefits of Grape Seed Extract for Hair

You've likely heard that wine grapes are heart-healthy, but did you know that using grape seed extract for hair might also have beauty benefits? Grape seed extract has been long used as a supplement to help with a variety of conditions, including those impacting the skin and hair.

Below, discover more on how grape seed extract could bolster hair, skin and overall health, along with which supplements support your body and bolster hair wellness.

What Are Grape Seeds?

When seeds are extracted from grapes, the resulting natural grapeseed oil is used as a supplement to address various physical issues. Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins, which are chemical compounds that have been used in modern medicine to aid in a variety of health conditions.

Proanthocyanidins found in grape seeds could have similar protective effects to red wine, which might encourage:

• Wound healing
• Reduce inflammation
• Kill cancer cells
• Stop the breakdown of collagen
• Improve venous issues
• Boost blood circulation

Related: Take the Hair Quiz

6 Beauty Benefits of Grape Seed Extract

Wellness begins from within. Optimum blood flow and circulation are key for many important functions within the body, including protecting and soothing the scalp and hair follicles that are needed for healthy hair growth. Read on for six ways in which grape seed extract and its powerful proanthocyanidins can support the scalp, skin and hair.

1. Promotes a Healthy Gut & Hair Follicles

"Grapeseed oil can encourage hair growth due to the composition of omega-6 fatty acid and flavonoids, procyanidin oligomers, which provide a conducive environment for the follicles," said Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and co-founder of MIJA. "Further these benefits by enjoying foods that are rich in magnesium, omega-3s and probiotics."

2. Grape Seed Extract Contains Antioxidants

"Grapeseed oil is an antioxidant-rich carrier oil that contains a high concentration of nourishing antioxidants such as vitamin E, which can protect the cells from free radical damage, along with linoleic acid," said Koszyk. "As a carrier oil, it has a lightweight texture that can help the skin stay plump and moist when applied directly, without oiliness."

3. Minimizes Dandruff, Adds Moisture & Shine

"This also makes it wonderful for hair conditioning, adding shine and moisture," said Koszyk. "For those with a flaky, dry scalp, the omega-6 fatty acids found in grapeseed oil can improve these conditions, including dandruff."

You can also try a weekly clarifier like GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum. The lightweight serum helps soothe and de-stress the scalp, eliminating buildup, dead skin, dirt and pore-clogging residue at the hair follicle to visibly reduce signs of dandruff in as little as 3 days.

4. Boosts Circulation to Support the Scalp

Proper circulation in the scalp and in the hair follicle, where hair growth happens, is a necessity for scalp and hair wellness.

Opt for the GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager, which iss safe for use on all hair types, wet or dry hair, and features gentle bristles that both stimulate the scalp and its circulation. Try it in the shower when you wash your hair. Or, opt to use it on dry hair at the end of the day to unwind with a scalp-soothing massage that supports hair growth.

5. Powers Collagen With Plant Pigments

"Grape seed extract contains a group of plant pigments that exert many beneficial effects in supporting healthy collagen structures in the skin," explained Dr. Michael T. Murray, N.D., iHerb Chief Scientific Advisor and author. "Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is critical to healthy skin. It is also the main component of connective tissue such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone and blood vessels."

Grape seed extract might impact collagen metabolism in many ways, according to Dr. Murray.

"These flavonoids produce an antioxidant activity that is more potent and effective against a broader range of oxidants than the traditional antioxidant nutrients," said Dr. Murray. "These effects go a long way in protecting collagen structures from damage."

Grape seed oil also has the unique ability to cross-link collagen fibers.

"This results in reinforcing the natural cross-linking of collagen that forms the so-called collagen matrix of connective (ground substance, cartilage, tendon) tissue."

It also prevents free radical damage with potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging action. and inhibits the destruction of collagen structures by enzymes secreted by our white blood cells during inflammation. "This prevents the release and synthesis of compounds that promote inflammation, such as histamine," said Dr. Murray.

6. Might Help to Inhibit DHT & Inflammation

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is linked to some forms of hair loss, as it limits proper blood circulation which could compromise hair growth by weakening the hair follicle. When applied directly to the scalp, grapeseed oil is one such natural ingredient that could aid in the prevention of DHT.

Inflammatory conditions of the scalp can also contribute to hair loss issues. Try inflammation-reducing tactics such as maintaining a balanced diet paired with probiotic-powered supplements containing grape seed extract.

"To ensure sufficient levels of these beneficial flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, increase your intake of richly colored berries and other fruit," said Dr. Murray. "It is also a good idea to supplement your diet with grape seed extract daily for general support."

Read: 9 Biotin-Rich Vegan Foods for Healthy Hair

Practice Whole Body Wellness Habits

"Healthy, lustrous hair doesn’t come from a bottle. We need to take care of ourselves with good, clinically-proven products and a healthy and well-balanced diet," said Koszyk. "Complete lifestyle is a major component that is often overlooked."

To keep your skin and hair as healthy as possible, Koszyk suggests focusing on achieving a balanced healthy lifestyle by integrating the following into your day-to-day routine:

• Utilize stress-management techniques, like deep breathing and meditation.
• Get adequate sleep to rejuvenate.
• Maintain balance in nutrition.
• Supplement your diet with probiotics and essential nutrients like biotin.
• Do mindful movement such as walking or yoga.

"Stay active. Every little bit we do matters," said Koszyk. "And, taking care of one’s self is the most important step."

MORE from VEGAMOUR

• Why Millions of Women Choose GRO Hair Serum
• How Horsetail Root Impacts Hair Growth
• 12 Vegan Protein Sources to Add to Your Diet
• Turmeric for Hair Growth: Here's What Research Shows

Photo credit: Any Lane/Pexels