OPINION: Grape seed oil for healthy hair

Grape seed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy and odourless oil. It assists your scalp in absorbing natural oils faster and will not leave a residue on the scalp or hands. The oil is also effective in treating split ends and breakage of brittle or damaged hair. Grape seed oil is also hypoallergenic and people with sensitive scalps can use it.

As a hot oil treatment, warm the oil up in the microwave; apply to scalp and hair – especially the ends – and leave it on for 30 minutes to two hours. If you wish to use the oil as a sealant; after a good wash and conditioning session, apply the warm oil to damp hair to lock in the moisture and leave in. To enhance your hair moisturiser mix a small amount of oil into your moisturiser or mix into whipped butter as a hair mask. This acts as a sealant and increases moisture retention.

In treating dry, flaky hair, you will need three cups of lukewarm grape seed oil. Massage into your scalp using your fingertips in circular motions. Once you are done massaging the oil into your scalp, cover all your hair in the oil and wrap a lukewarm towel around your head. Leave on for 30 minutes or overnight. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo (you may need to wash it more than once but it will be worth the effort).

Grape seed extract is available at most herbal food and drug stores, in the form of capsules, tablets, oil and powder.

Claire Brown is a natural remedy expert based in Northcliff