Vaseline is an important ingredient of many beauty hacks, but not all that glitters is gold. It is true that it can help with several ailments and it’s a great beauty trick in many occasions, and among these are the applications of Vaseline for hair. Some provide real results, others, not so much.
Can Vaseline help with hair growth?
There is no scientific proof that it does and no sensible arguments are put forward as to why it would.
It is the same situation as with Vaseline for eyelashes growth. This is an emollient jelly, which means it creates an occlusive layer over the skin that induces its hydration from within and protects it against external aggressions. It does not contain any moisturizing or nourishing properties within itself.
This protective layer allows the hair to grow healthier which can give the impression that it does it faster. In reality, though, it grows at the same rate as always, but because it’s stronger it gives a fuller impression.
Vaseline for hair growth can, in fact, be harmful. It can create a moist environment where bacteria and germs thrive. You can even trap them there yourself if you apply this protective layer without washing your scalp and hands properly. Furthermore, it can block the follicles and prevent the hair from piercing through.
If you’re using Vaseline for hair treatments, you must remember not to apply it on your scalp or it can become a source of problems rather than a beauty hack. Nevertheless, petroleum jelly can be safely applied to the strands to make them even more beautiful looking.
Prevents split ends
Hair ends are the oldest bits of the hair strands. This means they have been suffering external aggression for the longest and are very likely to split as they become dry and lifeless.
Once the hair has split, there is nothing that can restore it to its original shape, but Vaseline can aid to mask their dryness and prevent it from expanding.
Where it works best, though, is in prevention. Even if petroleum jelly doesn’t work as a moisturizer, the protective layer it creates helps to reduce further damage.
This is also likely one of the reasons why so many people believe that Vaseline supports hair growth. If the ends are healthy there is no need to cut them and reduce the hair length.
Sorts frizzy hair
Applying a very small amount of Vaseline over the hair strands can reduce the frizz effect and help to gain control of it again.
The key, though, is really to use just a tiny amount or you’ll go from frizzy to greasy in no time.
Chewing gum removal
Accidents happen and for one reason or another you might end up with chewing gum stuck in your hair. Vaseline can be the great savior in these cases.
Just put the scissors away, stop the tears, fill yourself with loads of patience and slowly lubricate the gum and the hair around it with petroleum jelly until every bit of it is out.
Avoid messy dyes
This is not a direct benefit of Vaseline for hair, but it can aid you in getting perfect results.
To avoid any messy stains on your forehead, neck and ears when dying your hair, all you need to do is apply a thin layer of Vaseline around the hairline. The protective layer will prevent the skin from absorbing the color.
How to use Vaseline for hair?
Applying Vaseline on the scalp can be tricky and since you have more chances of damaging your hair than improving it, perhaps you should quit this idea.
As for improving the strands, be it by reducing the frizz or by protecting the split ends the key is: tiny quantities. Don’t cake the hair with petroleum jelly or it won’t be able to absorb it and you’ll end up with a very greasy hair.
Natural tricks to increase hair growth
Unfortunately, Vaseline doesn’t work to promote hair growth but there are other natural solutions that can help out.
The main thing you can do to speed up your hair is to improve your diet to increase the intake of vitamins essential for hair strength and vitality. You can also use supplements if that’s more convenient for you, although consuming them as foods would also bring other benefits. Focus particularly on vitamins A, C, D, E and biotin.
Sleeping more hours and reduce your stress levels is also fundamental as they are disruptors that promote hair loss.
Finally, you can also massage your scalp gently to increase the blood flow in the area, which in turn would mean more oxygen and nutrients brought to the follicles. If you do it using an oil, such as vitamin E, you will also be nourishing the scalp simultaneously.
