Sunflower oil for hair: benefits of the new hero for repairing hair care

Interest in sunflower oil for hair emerges as consumers are increasingly interested in a holistic approach to hair care, demanding protective, healing and cleansing treatments that align with the clean movement narratives. As an antioxidant-rich ingredient, sunflower oil for hair is gaining increasing attention for its capacity to protect the scalp and nourish every strand.

The advancement of sunflower oil for hair must also be understood in the specific current social and economic context. On the one hand,advances in cosmetic science have meant more and more is understood about the impact of environmental factors like pollution on hair health, leading to specific formulations that target anti-frizz in the era of climate change. On the other hand, there’s an increased focus on the impact of stress on hair: when distressed, hair can feel dull, delicate, or irritated. 

It’s at the intersection of these two movements where sensuous ingredients like sunflower oil for hair provide the deep cleansing, de-stressing properties linked with natural oils that allow for a self-care hair ritual with a mood-boosting scent and soft texture. 

Here, we take a closer look at the trend and why it’s just an ingredient that’s getting swept to prominence with the broader clean beauty movement..

Sunflower oil for hair benefits: the FAQs, explained

Does sunflower oil help hair?

It is emerging as an essential trend in hair care due to this ingredient’s unique benefits, including:

• Deep moisturization thanks to sunflower oil’s content in fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, which helps retain moisture in the hair, preventing dryness, brittleness and frizz. The ingredient generates a protective barrier by penetrating the hair shaft, moisturizing and softening hair.
• Scalp nourishment and soothing: sunflower oil for hair presents anti-inflammatory properties, able to soothe an irritated scalp and reduce potential conditions arising from it, including dandruff and itchiness. Additionally, it promotes an increase in blood flow to the scalp, which can have a positive impact on hair growth.
• Hair strengthening thanks to antioxidants: contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, which play a role in strengthening hair strands and protecting them from damage caused by environmental factors.

All in all, this conjunction of benefits associated with sunflower oil for hair has turned this ingredient into a key ally for hair care formulas that target hair repair and nourishment.

Is Sunflower good for hair growth?

The mechanisms of linoleic acid (present in sunflower oil) for hair growth has been the subject of scientific research. For instance, a paper by Ryu et al. (2021) considered the activation of hair cell growth factors by linoleic acid.

In short, sunflower oil for hair presents various characteristics that make it a good candidate for hair growth formulas. First, its high content in linoleic acid, which helps strengthen the hair and improve moisture retention, both essential for hair growth. Additionally, its high vitamin E content implies powerful antioxidant properties, protecting hair follicles and promoting a healthy scalp environment conducive to hair growth. Additionally, vitamin E is also capable of enhancing blood circulation in the scalp, which means hair follicles receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen for growth.

Is sunflower oil better than coconut oil for hair?

The question is better framed when looking at the distinct advantages of these two types of oil and how they can help distinct approaches to hair care formulations and needs.

Regarding coconut oil, a paper by Rele et al. (2003) studying the effect of different types of oils in preventing hair damage showed coconut oil presented unique properties, as it “was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss” from hair. The paper attributes this unique capacity to coconut oil’s composition, as it presents “a high affinity for hair proteins”.

As such, formulations targeting significant hair damage can benefit from incorporating high-quality Coconut Oil as the main ingredient.

On the other hand, sunflower oil presents separate advantages that could be beneficial for certain specific hair concerns. For instance, sunflower oil is lighter than coconut oil, which could be advantageous for applications for fine or oily hair. Additionally, it presents a distinctively high content of vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), which acts as a powerful antioxidant. As such, sunflower oil for hair can be an ally in formulas that target overall hair health and concerns around hair damage from pollution.

Why sunflower oil for hair is receiving renewed attention

Increasing sustainability concerns are driving great transformations across all industries, and the hair care segment is no exception. In this context, anti-pollution is rising as a trendy claim in hair care formulations: according to Grand View Research, the global anti-pollution hair care products market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2030. 

This aligns with a new type of consumer whose presence has been slowly growing recently:  health-conscious consumers and those looking for hair care that protects and promotes overall hair health.

An opportunity to develop formulations that use the potential of antioxidants present in sunflower oil for hair to protect hair. However, this movement must be accompanied by strict sustainability policies that involve the whole supply chain (from ingredient sourcing to product packaging), as consumers not only want products that protect them: they want to protect the environment too. 

This is in line with a joint research initiative by McKinsey and NielsenIQ, which found products that put the focus on environmental, social and governance claims “grew faster than those that didn’t”, including 3 out of 4 categories within personal care. And it’s precisely in this context where growth for sustainable products like solid shampoo formulas can be understood, a format that is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2023 and 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Today, developing a formula that focuses on sunflower oil for hair can build on this ingredient’s pleasant scent, warming and evocative feel, creating a nourishing self-care experience. Meanwhile, successful formulas will ensure employing high-quality ingredients that are sourced sustainably. 

This is where Provital comes in. Both our CareMotives Vitaoils Plus and Vitaoils Repair combine rich natural oils, including sunflower oil for hair care formulas such as moisturizing solid shampoos that build from this ingredient’s powerful protective and nourishing properties.