Did you know the eminent ancient Diva Cleopatra (Egyptian Queen) regularly used beeswax to beautify her hair and skin? History says so, and after looking at its scientifically proven benefits, we can easily believe why.
According to studies, beeswax contains more than 70% esters, 8% essential fatty acids, and 6% of other critical components that help promote our skin and hair health. Specifically, people have been employing beeswax for hair growth for centuries due to its various lucrative properties.
At SkinVeteran, we are a team of experts who believe in helping our readers maintain healthy skin and hair. This article will take a closer look at how beeswax can be valuable for your hair.
Chemical Composition of Beeswax (and Making)
Honeybees are a remarkable creation. By far, the best-known product of the labor of bees is undoubtedly honey, but the best part is their by-product, a treat in itself.
Helper bees secrete a thick leathery substance from their abdominal regions that forms the cells of honeycombs, preventing the flow of honey. The product, called Cera Alba or beeswax, is one of the most underrated natural hair care products available. And its outstanding benefits have us in awe.
Beeswax is an organic product consisting of
- Esters
- Free Fatty Acids
- Hydrocarbons
- Plenty of Vitamins, especially Vitamin A
Beeswax is initially white but turns yellow-brown due to the presence of honey in the surroundings. The actual color differs in different regions because of nectar extracted from various flowers.
Benefits of Beeswax for Hair (Growth)
Beeswax is insoluble in water because of its hydrophobic nature but makes a great combination with oils and other hair products. While honeybees use it to store nectar, humans have found more great applications of beeswax.
From making candles and lip balms to being used as an anti-microbial agent, it has diverse uses today. However, we will focus benefits of beeswax for hair and its growth. Here’s why you should consider using it on your scalp.
1. Moisturizes Hair and Scalp
Rich in natural Esters, beeswax makes an excellent moisturizer. Esters are components of great value for both your skin and hair. They help hydrate your scalp and keep it moisturized. They can stimulate the scalp cells to release sebum, an oily secretion that locks in moisture and maintains standard hair growth conditions.
The deep conditioning and hydration of your scalp and hair shaft by beeswax keep your hair frizz-free. Also, it may prevent split ends and roughness.
2. Beeswax Promotes Hair Growth
According to an investigation in 2016, beeswax had considerable positive effects on hair growth. This 30-day study has evidenced that beeswax holds several ingredients which can stimulate hair strand growth and enhance its strength.
Vitamin A in beeswax has a critical role in hair follicle (fastest growing tissue in the body) growth. Moreover, it supports sebum production in your scalp, which is also inevitable for keeping hair healthy.
It is evident from various studies that essential fatty acids promote hair growth and thickening. So, beeswax containing a good amount of free fatty acid contributes to hair shaft strength and lengthening.
3. Prevents Scalp Infections
Beeswax is known for sealing weak ends and straightening them, which is why it acts as a potent barrier against all kinds of scalp bacterial and fungal infections. It also protects against heat and pollutants in the air and stops them from entering the scalp pores.
Beeswax can even soothe minor cuts and prevent the accumulation of fungi, algae, and other common microbes from making your head a habitat.
It winters when the appearance of dandruff and dryness grows common; you can employ beeswax to prevent these conditions. Its antifungal properties are capable of taking down fungi. As a result, dandruff-born dryness will evade.
4. Beeswax is Allergen Free
The worst damage to hair strands nowadays is due to excessive use of products containing toxic chemicals. Because of its organic nature, beeswax is free from allergens known to cause any harm to hair. Also, it is free of hazardous chemicals, a perfect choice for hair care.
On top of all, beeswax is odor-free, so its use won’t irritate you. You can use it to keep your hair settled, even during formal gatherings.
5. Helps Better Styling
Hair frizz can be highly irritating, especially when nothing seems to tame it. You don’t need to use any hair-settling gels and creams anymore; beeswax has got you covered. Besides keeping flyaway locks in place, it soothes hair frizz and makes your hair smooth even when any other product won’t help.
6. Eases Scalp Conditions
A 2003 study has proved that beeswax works wonders in healing some major scalp issues, including eczema, common dandruff, and even psoriasis, which is the worst case of dandruff. It is the ultimate solution for itchy and irritated skin. The betamethasone esters in beeswax reduce inflammation.
It is important for you to know that beeswax is not an ingredient you should be applying to your hair daily. Overuse of it can clog pores in the scalp resulting in acne.
How to Use (apply) Beeswax For Hair Growth
The use of beeswax has to be correctly determined because it is insoluble in water. Apply it in minimal quantities. For removing, don’t bother washing it off with water or shampoo only because it won’t wipe off easily.
- You’ll need to oil your hair first or dissolve beeswax in oil and then apply it. You have to mix the beeswax well in oil by stirring it and heating slightly.
- Leave the oil on for some time, and then use a shampoo and conditioner combination to remove grease.
- Some other everyday organic solvents, such as vinegar or baking soda, can also help clean the hair after a beeswax moisturizing routine.
- Don’t use it more than twice a week.
As mentioned above, washing beeswax off from hair is critical because it can clog pores and cause acne.
How To Get Beeswax Out of Your Hair?
When you overuse it, beeswax commonly gets stuck in your hair or builds on your scalp. The following is an effective way of getting out stuck beeswax from your hair; 5 steps.
- Beeswax is soluble in oil instead of water. Therefore, take one tbsp of olive oil and evenly massage on to your scalp.
- In case beeswax is stuck in your hair, only apply the olive oil to those hair strands.
- Leave the oil in your hair for half an hour so that it completely dissolves the beeswax.
- Then wash your hair with warm water and dish cleaning soap.
- Once done with the above steps, wash your hair with a good moisturizing shampoo and apply a conditioner.
Bottom Line
Beeswax is a vital product that acts as a humectant which means it hydrates and moisturizes your hair. Along with it, there are multiple other benefits of beeswax for hair. There are different ways how you can use it to promote your hair health. However, excessive use of it can cause it to build on your scalp, which leads you to complications.
