Mineral oil has long been a controversial ingredient in hair care products. Many articles on the internet claim that mineral oil is bad for your hair although it has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) as safe to use. Some claim that it is harmful and a pore-clogging substance and it should be avoided completely whereas others say that it is a safe and effective moisturiser. So what do we believe in? Is it bad or good for your hair?
To understand whether it is beneficial for your hair or not, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Stuti Khare Shukla, M.D. Dermatologist, Founder of Elements of Aesthetics, Hair Growth Queen of India, Founder of FDA-Approved Hair Growth Booster.
To comprehend its effects on our hair, we’ll first have to understand what mineral oil is? As per Dr Khare, mineral oil is a colourless and odourless liquid which is derived from petroleum. “Due to its low cost of production, it is frequently used in conditioners, serums, and hair treatments in hair care products. Its purpose is to lubricate the hair strands and stop moisture loss,” Dr Khare said.
Benefits Of Mineral Oil For Hair
Mineral oil holds enormous benefits for your hair. Dr Khare said, “It helps in conditioning your hair and closing the cuticle scales, leaving your hair silky, smooth and thicker. This is how your overall hair structure gets healthier.”
Adding further, Dr Khare said that its antistatic qualities aid in preventing flyaways helping you keep your hair smooth and controllable. “Mineral oil increases flexibility and durability in hair by increasing its elasticity, which lowers the risk of breakage. In addition to preventing tangling, its hydrating qualities make brushing and styling simpler.”
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How Is Mineral Oil Bad For Hair?
Yes, mineral oil does hold numerous benefits for your hair but they can prove bad for your hair as well. Explaining about its bad effects, Dr Khare said, “Mineral oil is heavy and occlusive, which means it creates a barrier on the scalp and hair shaft that prevents moisture from penetrating. Over time, this buildup can cause dull, lifeless hair and possibly contribute to scalp problems like dandruff.”
Furthermore, Dr Khare said that mineral oil's thick consistency can cause the hair to appear flat and greasy. “This is especially problematic for people who have fine or thin hair because it exacerbates issues with volume and structure. Even while mineral oil is usually regarded as safe, some people may still have rashes, acne breakouts, eye discomfort, and scalp irritation from it.”
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Substitutes
- Here are some substitute ideas given by Dr Khare to revitalise, enhance, and shield hair from harm.
- Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which may improve the health of your hair.
- Olive oil contains squalene, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, which all soften the hair.
- Argan oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which are extremely beneficial to hair health.
Conclusion
Mineral oil is not inherently "bad" for your hair. Like any ingredient, it has its pros and cons, and its effects can vary depending on your hair type and the way it's used. If you're concerned about using products containing mineral oil, consider doing a patch test to see how your hair reacts, and always follow up with a clarifying shampoo to prevent buildup.