Social media users are calling batana oil a natural hair-growth remedy, but does it really work? Here's what science says

Can Batana Oil Really Help With Hair Growth? Here's What Dermatologists Think

• Batana oil, a nutrient-rich extract from palm tree nuts, is gaining popularity on social media as a natural remedy for hair growth.
• Experts said there’s no scientific proof that it regrows hair, though it may help with hydration and scalp health.
• It’s generally safe to try, but experts said those with scalp conditions should be cautious, and it’s not a substitute for proven hair loss treatments.

Rosemary, castor, argan, and other natural oils have long been praised for their ability to help with hair growth. Now, the internet is obsessed with a new so-called miracle product: batana oil.

On TikTok, users have dubbed batana oil “liquid gold,” saying it can help regrow hair, strengthen strands, and prevent hair loss.

“Unrefined, one ingredient batana oil is going to be your answer to maximize your hair growth and stimulate your hair follicles to grow a lush, thick, healthy head of hair,” said creator FastingWithEthan in a November video viewed 3.5 million times. “If you have a receding hairline, dead ends, split ends, your hair is thinning, or you’re full on balding, batana oil is absolutely amazing.”

But are TikTokers’ luscious locks really thanks to banata oil, or have the oil’s benefits been overhyped? Here’s what experts had to say.

What Is Batana Oil? 

Batana oil is extracted from the nuts of American palm trees, which are native to Central and South America, Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach, California, told Health.

It’s a natural oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants—including vitamin E—and is used in cooking and soap-making, she said.

Many batana oil sellers claim that the product has a history of being used as a hair treatment by indigenous people in Honduras.

However, more recently, batana oil has gained popularity in the U.S. as a remedy for hair loss, with social media users claiming it can promote hair growth and reduce breakage, said Palm.

“Thanks to social media and celebrity endorsements, batana oil is making the rounds as a popular ‘natural’ hair treatment,” she said.

Batana oil is typically sold in a jar as a balm or as an oil with a dropper application.

Can Batana Oil Really Regrow Hair? 

For now, there is a lack of research supporting the benefits of batana oil for hair health—the only evidence is anecdotal, according to Palm.

“This means further evidence is needed to prove its true efficacy as a treatment for hair growth,” she said.

Batana oil might have some benefits for skincare when used as a body or face oil, Palm explained, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

And because batana oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, it might provide extra hydration and contribute to hair health, Palm said. However, more research needs to be done on the possible connection between vitamin E and hair health, too.

In general, hair oils can't directly cause hair growth, Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, told Health. But they can improve scalp conditions, promoting healthier skin and hair follicles.

“Hair oils repair dry, damaged hair by restoring moisture, providing important vitamins and nutrients, and limiting shedding and breakage,” said Camp.

Should You Try Adding Batana Oil to Your Hair Routine? 

If you’re struggling with hair loss, you shouldn’t rely solely on batana oil for hair growth, Palm recommended. Instead, proven treatments such as light therapy, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and medications such as minoxidil may be more effective.

Though there are no studies that support batana oil’s effectiveness for hair growth or overall hair health, if you’re interested in giving it a try, it’s generally safe to do so.

“It couldn’t hurt if you wanted a means of incorporating some ‘natural’ hydration into your hair care routine,” Palm said. “But it doesn’t mean it will be particularly helpful in the realm of hair regrowth.”

There are a number of different ways to use batana oil, including massaging it into the scalp, applying it to the ends of the hair to hydrate split ends, using it as a hair mask for a couple hours, or incorporating it into protective styles such as twists or braids, said Palm.

However, for some people, batana oil might do more harm than good. If you have dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, Palm said she “wouldn’t recommend leaving any type of occlusive oil or product on your scalp for long periods of time, as this could contribute to overgrowth of Malassezia yeasts, which will worsen your seborrheic dermatitis.”

Like any new skincare product, batana oil should be used with caution, especially for those with sensitive skin, Camp added.

“When used on the scalp, be careful not to apply too much or too often, especially for those with oily skin, to prevent blocked pores,” he said.

If you’ve never used batana oil products before, both Camp and Palm recommended doing a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions before applying it to your scalp, face, or body. People with any known allergies to palm oil should avoid batana oil.

Edited by Health, where she covers breaking and trending news on health and wellness topics. Her work has been featured in The Heights, an independent student newspaper at Boston College, and Minnesota Monthly." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Julia Landwehr Julia Landwehr Julia is a news reporter and editor for Health, where she covers breaking and trending news on health and wellness topics. Her work has been featured in The Heights, an independent student newspaper at Boston College, and Minnesota Monthly. learn more

This story originally appeared on: Health News - Author:Alyssa Hui-Anderson