Emu oil is one product that I’ve read about for several years now, but never had a chance to try. It’s purported benefits include being an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, moisturizer, and anti-aging. For our purposes, I’m interested in its affect on hair growth rate.
Emu oil is said to promote hair growth rate by “waking up” dormant hair follicles. One article I found, claimed that hair “experiences nearly three times its normal cellular activity” when emu oil is applied consistently. I did a quick search on Google Scholar, but could not find any scientific journals with research on the benefits of emu oil for hair growth in humans. However, the absence of research certainly does not discredit the affect of emu oil on hair growth. Even if such effect is based on anecdotal evidence.
Emu oil has a clear color and a nutty smell (not unpleasant per se, but certainly not fragrant). It is expensive compared to other oils that most of us use in our hair. The 4oz. bottle I bought today at Vitamin Shoppe was $23, while my 32oz. tub of coconut oil was $35. But the oil is potent so a small amount can still yield great results.
I did a test spot with the emu oil on my nape. Although the emu oil reportedly has no potential to irritate skin, I prefer to be safe. Assuming, I have no reaction to it, I will mix it with my coconut oil and apply it to my scalp. I also plan to add the emu oil to my scalp oil mix, and use it in the wintertime. I haven’t decided on the proportions that I will use, so I will post my “recipe” when I do.
How have you used Emu oil?