Grapeseed Oil Is the Secret for Banishing Flyaways and Nourishing the Scalp

Whether you're deep into culinary or you're a hair care obsessive, surely you've heard of grapeseed oil. Believe it or not, it's likely lurking in your skincare collection right now. After all, the inflammation-taming ingredient is popping up in everything, from face oils to serums these days. Even Brad Pitt founded a skincare empire centered on Le grape. However, allow us to delve into the benefits of grapeseed oil for hair. While the ingredient’s glow-boosting properties are well known for the complexion, they’re equally beneficial to the scalp and strands. We tapped two dermatologists, a trichologist, an oil expert, and a cosmetic chemist to explain the powers of grapeseed oil for hair—what it does, how to use it, and if there are any gnarly side effects.

What is grapeseed oil?

Not only is it a great cooking oil alternative, but it works wonders for your strands. “Grapeseed oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil derived from the seeds of grapes, typically after wine production,” says cosmetic chemist Manuela Marcheggiani. “It's renowned for its high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, as well as vitamin E, phenolic compounds, and other antioxidants.”

According to Marcheggiani, linoleic acid “aids in maintaining the skin's barrier function, thus supporting hydration, and promoting a smoother complexion,” while vitamin E “acts as a potent antioxidant, shielding the skin and hair from environmental stressors and oxidative damage. Phenolic compounds contribute to grapeseed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in soothing irritated skin and scalp,” she explains.

Why is grapeseed oil good for the hair?

Ready for a bit more chemistry? According to Gretchen Friese, BoselyMD trichologist, “Grapeseed extract contains proanthocyanidins which are chemical compounds that can reduce inflammation—inflammation can lead to hair loss—reduce the breakdown of collagen, which is important for skin elasticity and hair growth, and increase blood circulation, which is great for hair follicle health.”

UMA Oils founder Shrankhla Holecek says grapeseed oil is also a clarifying agent for the scalp. “People often don’t realize how scalp build-up can lead not only to dandruff but also to significant hair fall. As a lightweight emollient for the hair, it can also smoothen the hair shaft without adding too much weight.”

It doesn’t hurt that it can tame flyaways like a champ. Grapeseed oil has moisturizing properties “without a heavy consistency, so it can be used even on fine hair to help give it shine and reduce frizz,” says board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD. “Also, it can be used on the ends of the hair to help reduce the severity and appearance of split ends and to tame flyaways.”

Which hair type is grapeseed oil best for?

According to Friese, grapeseed oil can be used on any hair type. “Especially if it’s being used as a scalp treatment, where the focus is more on the skin,” she notes. Marcheggiani notes that grapeseed oil is “particularly beneficial for fine or thin hair, as it moisturizes without weighing hair down.”