Sea Buckthorn and Hair

What are the benefits of sea buckthorn oil for healthy hair?

Sea buckthorn oil is a vegetable oil extracted from sea buckthorn berries that is remarkably rich in omega-7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid), omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, vitamin E, and carotenoids. This composition makes it an exceptional hair care product. Here’s why it deserves your attention as an informed skeptic.

Palmitoleic acid (omega-7) is structurally very similar to human sebum. As a result, sea buckthorn oil naturally regulates sebum production on the scalp. Oily hair? It helps control excess sebum. Dry, irritated, or flaky scalp? It nourishes and soothes without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier.

Sea buckthorn also naturally stimulates the production of keratin, the structural protein that makes up 95% of the hair shaft. With regular use, tired or damaged hair gradually regains its strength and body. Dry ends and split ends are reduced. Hair becomes more supple and shiny, without that greasy film so dreaded by those with fine hair. A real benefit for both the scalp and the hair shaft.

In terms of protection, the high content of vitamin E and carotenoids gives this oil powerful antioxidant properties. According to research by Vernet (2006) published in Phytothérapie, sea buckthorn oil has proven benefits for “protecting and regenerating the skin and mucous membranes.” Hair, which consists of keratinized cells attached to the scalp, directly benefits from this protective action against external aggressors: UV rays, pollution, and heat-styling tools.

An important point to note: sea buckthorn contains 10 times more beta-carotene than a carrot. These antioxidants support the health of the hair follicle and help slow down hair aging. Sea buckthorn oil works on both the hair shaft and the scalp, making it a comprehensive hair care treatment rather than just a surface-level product.

How should sea buckthorn oil be used on dry hair, and how often?

Sea buckthorn oil is highly concentrated and naturally pigmented (its orange color comes from carotenoids). Warming 2 to 3 drops of the oil in the palm of your hand will do the trick.

For daily use: Apply 2 to 3 drops to the lengths and dry ends of your hair. Sea buckthorn oil absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, adding shine and nourishment. It can be used on both dry and damp hair. This beauty routine is particularly suitable for hair that is dry, damaged, or weakened by coloring.

As a hair mask: massage a few drops of oil into your scalp using gentle circular motions. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before shampooing as usual. This massage promotes hair regeneration while soothing an irritated scalp. Doing this once or twice a week is enough to see a visible improvement in your hair’s texture and strength.

As a dietary supplement: hair health also comes from within. As naturopath Myriam Lepetit-Brière points out, “about 75% of skin quality is determined internally, at the level of cell membranes, inflammatory balance, and oxidative stress.” The same is true for hair. La Rayonnante, a dietary supplement from La Maison de l’Argousier, combines organic sea buckthorn oil with coenzyme Q10, lutein, and vitamin E. Just 4 ingredients, 100% natural. Its formula specifically targets the health of hair, skin, and mucous membranes.

Is sea buckthorn oil suitable for fine, oily, or colored hair?

At this point, skeptics raise an eyebrow, and rightly so. Isn’t applying oil to oily or fine hair counterproductive? With most plant-based oils, yes. But with sea buckthorn, it’s a whole different story!

The palmitoleic acid in sea buckthorn helps regulate sebum production in both directions. Is your scalp too oily? This fatty acid, which is very similar in structure to sebum, sends a “stop” signal to the sebaceous glands. Excess sebum gradually decreases. It is this same property that makes La Maison de l’Argousier’s Secret Sublimant a remarkable dry oil: its pleasant texture absorbs without leaving a greasy film, even on fine hair.

For colored hair, sea buckthorn oil is a godsend. Hair coloring weakens the scalp’s protective barrier and dries out the hair shaft. Sea buckthorn deeply nourishes, restores elasticity, and protects the scalp and hair from oxidative stress, which accelerates color fading. Its softening properties smooth frizz without weighing hair down.

Other oils, such as castor or jojoba, have their merits, but none offer this combination of sebum-regulating omega-7 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins. Castor oil is thick and difficult to rinse out; jojoba moisturizes but doesn’t nourish as much. Sea buckthorn does both—and regulates sebum production to boot.

Oral or topical sea buckthorn: which method is best for hair regeneration?

The honest answer: both, and ideally together. That’s what professionals call an “in & out” approach.

When applied topically, sea buckthorn oil acts directly on the hair shaft and scalp. It nourishes, protects, and softens. Le Secret Sublimant, formulated with organic sea buckthorn oil, plant-based squalane, and grape seed oil rich in fatty acids, provides complete care in just a few drops. Its dry oil texture, pleasant grapefruit scent, and simple application (spray) make it an effortless everyday beauty product. Rated “Excellent” on YUKA, 96% natural ingredients, clinically tested.

When taken orally, sea buckthorn addresses the root causes of hair regeneration. La Rayonnante, a 28-day renewable treatment (1 pipette per day), provides omega-7 fatty acids and vitamin E that nourish hair follicles from within. Myriam Lepetit-Brière, a naturopath, considers it “a real gem” that she recommends in particular to women in perimenopause, a time when hair and skin lose their vitality.

A study by Michel (2011), conducted at the University of Orléans in partnership with INSERM and the CNRS, confirmed the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of various parts of the sea buckthorn plant, which is linked to the presence of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. These bioactive molecules help protect hair cells.

Are there any contraindications or side effects?

Sea buckthorn oil is generally very well tolerated, even by sensitive skin and reactive scalps. Products formulated without synthetic preservatives, such as those from La Maison de l’Argousier, further reduce the risk of intolerance.

As a precaution, it is still recommended to perform a patch test on the inside of your elbow before using the product for the first time, even on healthy skin. This is a simple precaution that applies to all vegetable oils. If you are taking anticoagulant medication, consult your doctor before taking sea buckthorn orally.

For pregnant or breastfeeding women, there are no documented formal contraindications for external use on the scalp. However, if taking it orally, consult your healthcare provider.

How can you tell if a sea buckthorn oil is high-quality for your hair?

Not all sea buckthorn oils are created equal. The variety, extraction method, and traceability make all the difference when it comes to hair care.

La Maison de l’Argousier cultivates 26 hectares of the Clara variety—one of the richest in active ingredients—on a plantation that has been certified organic since 2016. The berries are frozen within two hours of harvest to preserve all their benefits. Extraction is carried out using an enzymatic process, without solvents or heat—a crucial factor given that vitamin C and carotenoids are sensitive to heat.

What to look for: a deep orange color (indicating a high carotenoid content), a fruity aroma, certified origin, and a gentle extraction process. Be wary of oils that are nearly colorless or extracted using chemical solvents, as their active ingredients may have been altered.

Your hair deserves the most comprehensive care possible. Sea buckthorn, whether used topically or as a dietary supplement, offers a holistic approach that works on the hair shaft, scalp, and hair follicles. The ideal hair care routine? Apply a few drops of Le Secret Sublimant to the lengths, massage your scalp once or twice a week, and take a course of La Rayonnante to nourish from within. Simple steps, tangible results.

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sources and references

• Vernet, A. “Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)”. Phytothérapie 4, 125–129 (2006). Link to the study
• Michel, T. “New Methods for Extraction, Fractionation, and Identification: Application to Bioactive Compounds from Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides).” Ph.D. dissertation, University of Orléans, 2011. Link to the dissertation
• Report on the chemical characterization of sea buckthorn berries using NMR spectroscopy; data provided by La Maison de l’Argousier.

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