SKIN SCIENCE
Is oat milk good for hair? Why you'll love this ingredient
Oat milk is one of the latest lactose-alternative beverage to hit the scene. While it makes the perfect addition to your morning smoothie, that's not all it can do. As you raid your kitchen for beauty inspiration, don't pass over oat milk — here's what it has to offer.
Liz Thompson September, 02, 2020
Freelance writer, green beauty expert, coffee drinker, beach bum wannabe
Is oat milk good for hair?
Oat is no stranger to beauty routines. There are plenty of oat milk benefits for skin and hair. A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology states that saponins, natural compounds found in oats, quinoa and many legumes, are responsible for oats' cleansing properties. Saponins mix with water to create a sudsy foam that, when used in oat milk shampoo, gently cleanses away excess oils and dirt on the scalp and hair.
The study also reports that oats are high in antioxidants, as well as vitamin E and ferulic acid. These components of oat milk help skin and hair feel soothed and moisturized. Paired with essential fatty acids such as palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid, oat milk has the potential to make damaged hair look smooth and healthy, according to the Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies.
The Polish Journal of Microbiology also notes that oats contain polysaccharides, which may have prebiotic properties. Prebiotics help replenish the skin's natural barrier and support its natural ecosystem, meaning all the pieces can fall into place for a healthy, balanced scalp.
Hair types best suited to oat milk benefits
So, the science says oat milk has some serious goodies in it. But is oat milk good for hair of different textures? Luckily, this ingredient gets along with every hair type.
It's also incredibly gentle: According to research published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, personal care products that contain oat aren't likely to cause irritation and sensitivity. This makes the ingredient an optimal choice for all skin and hair types, including sensitive scalp. It won't bother your skin even if you want to use it daily.
Not only will oat milk not cause irritation, but it could soothe irritation that's already there. Due to oat milk's ability to soothe skin and banish irritation, this ingredient is also a smart option for anyone with an itchy scalp.
How to get oat milk benefits for hair
Before you grab that carton of oat milk from your fridge and head for the shower, keep in mind that there are better (and more pleasant) ways to get in on the goodness of this hair health superstar.
Oat milk shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping it. It's gentle enough not to cause irritation even for daily hair washers.
Hair conditioner made with oat milk makes hair feel moisturized without weighing down strands. Take advantage of oat's nourishing properties to combat the appearance frizz and smooth out split ends. Those moisturizing qualities mean oat milk is also the perfect addition to a leave-in hair conditioner. Trust oat to infuse your hair with long-lasting moisture and curb the appearance of stubborn flyaways.
Using oat milk for hair is a little outside the box, but the results are well worth getting out of your comfort zone!
