Is horse oil good for scalp care? Effects and how to use it

Horse oil is an oil extracted from the mane and fat of a horse, and has been used for skin care and medical purposes since ancient times, mainly in Japan and China.
Horses' fatty acids are approximately 30-40% saturated and 60-70% unsaturated, which is a ratio close to that of humans. Because it is so similar to human sebum, it is easily absorbed by the skin and is said to have high moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Horse oil contains many ingredients that have great beauty and moisturizing effects. Here we will introduce some of the most notable ingredients and their effects.

The ingredients in horse oil work together to provide excellent moisturizing effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and strengthen the skin's barrier function. As a result, it is effective against a variety of skin problems, including dry skin, sensitive skin, rough skin, and the care of minor burns and wounds.

~ Ingredients contained in typical horse oil ~

■ Oleic acid
Effect: Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is found in large amounts in human sebum. It has a high moisturizing effect, penetrates the skin quickly, and keeps it moisturized. It is very effective for moisturizing care of dry and sensitive skin.

■ Linoleic acid
Effect: Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that strengthens the skin's barrier function and enhances moisturizing effects. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and redness of the skin.

■ Palmitic acid
Benefits: Palmitic acid is a type of saturated fatty acid that forms a protective film on the skin as a component of sebum. It helps maintain skin flexibility and protects against external irritation.

■Stearic acid
Effects: Stearic acid is also a type of saturated fatty acid that has moisturizing and emollient effects, making the skin smooth and protecting it from dryness.

Vitamin E
Benefits: Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that help prevent skin aging and keep the skin healthy. It also promotes blood circulation and can help improve dull skin.

■ α-Linolenic acid
Effect: Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid with a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which is effective in improving sensitive skin and atopic dermatitis. It helps to increase the skin's moisturizing ability and maintain healthy skin.

■ Squalene
Effect: Squalene is a component of sebum and has moisturizing and antioxidant effects. It helps maintain skin flexibility and protects the skin from dryness and external stimuli.

Research has shown that horse oil has high moisturizing properties and is not sticky.

In an experiment conducted by Chiba University, in which horse oil, olive oil, and Vaseline were applied to the skin and the amount of moisture retained was measured, the results showed that horse oil had the highest moisture retention.

Additionally, 240 minutes after being applied to the skin, horse oil was quickly absorbed into the skin and did not feel sticky, whereas Vaseline felt sticky.

Source: KANKEN
" Experimental research into the promotion of blood circulation and anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects of topical application of horse fat oil "

Because horse oil has these benefits, it is especially recommended for people who want to moisturize their scalp but are concerned about the stickiness of oil.

Massaging your scalp with horse oil can produce effective results.

Massage your scalp before taking a bath.
The procedure is to first apply horse oil to your scalp and immediately rub it in, rubbing it into your scalp until it is absorbed.

Horse oil is less sticky and penetrates quickly, so it is recommended for people who don't like sticky oils.

For better results, warm your head a little with a steamed towel after the massage. After that, just take a bath as usual and wash off with shampoo. The oil penetrates without stickiness, so it helps prevent dandruff and itching, and can also help prevent split ends caused by dryness due to tangled hair.

Scalp massage has a variety of benefits, and incorporating it into your daily routine can contribute to the health of your scalp, hair, and even your entire body.

■ Promotes blood circulation

Benefits: Massaging the scalp improves blood circulation in the scalp. This makes it easier for nutrients to reach the hair roots, promoting healthy hair growth. It is also believed that improved blood flow improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair, making it stronger and healthier.


■ Relaxation and stress reduction

Effect: Many nerves are concentrated in the scalp, so a massage can have a relaxing effect. Reducing stress will ease tension throughout the body, which can help prevent and reduce headaches.


■ Maintaining scalp health

Effect: Massage helps to naturally remove oil and dirt from the scalp. This helps to keep the scalp clean and prevent dandruff and itching. It also promotes the metabolism of the scalp and promotes the excretion of waste products.


■ Prevents pores from clogging

Benefits: Scalp massage helps open pores and expel oil and dirt, which helps prevent clogged pores and promotes healthy hair growth.


■ Hair growth effect

Effect: Continuous scalp massage promotes hair growth by improving the supply of nutrients to the hair roots through improved blood circulation and preventing clogged pores. Scalp massage is considered to be an especially effective method of care for those who are concerned about thinning hair or hair loss.


■Facial lifting effect

Benefits: The scalp and facial muscles are linked, so massaging the scalp tightens the muscles in the whole face, giving a lifting effect. This is especially helpful in preventing sagging in the forehead and around the eyes.


■ Balance the autonomic nervous system

Benefits: Scalp massage promotes relaxation and balances the autonomic nervous system, which can improve the quality of your sleep and have a positive impact on your overall health.

<Points to note>
If you massage your scalp too hard, you may end up damaging your scalp or putting strain on your hair roots, so it is important to massage with just the right amount of force.

Get healthy hair by taking care of your scalp.