It’s perhaps not as notorious as the almighty almond or jojoba, but this lightweight oil is certainly worth a try. We tapped two celebrity hairstylists to get the scoop on what rosehip oil is, why it’s great for the hair, and how to use it. Make some room in your hair care collection: This nourishing oil is worth a spot. Rosehip oil has a centuries-long history of use: It comes from the rosa canina bush grown in Chile and has been beloved by Native American and ancient Egyptian populations for its healing properties (more on that below). “The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega fatty acid that’s excellent for maintaining a healthy skin barrier,” board-certified dermatologist Cybele Fishman, M.D., once shared with mbg. By strengthening your skin barrier function, you can keep your scalp flake-free and happily moisturized. Rosehip oil contains vitamins C and A3, which can help support collagen production (vitamin C, in particular, is an essential part of the collagen synthesis process). When you apply it topically on the scalp, it can aid your skin cells’ fibroblasts (or what creates collagen) and stabilize the collagen you already have for one healthy head of hair. Not to mention, these antioxidants can also protect your hair and scalp from free radical damage and oxidative stress, which can keep your tresses strong, shiny, and vibrant. As for inflammatory scalp conditions, more research is needed before we can deem it a viable treatment option; talking to a derm is your best bet. It’s particularly a good option for those with curly or coily hair, Fitzsimons notes, since this hair type tends to be naturally drier. It can not only help balance out moisture levels but also help keep frizz at bay by sealing the cuticle shut. Finer hair types should be super careful with oils in general to avoid buildup: Apply to a small area of the hair first, preferably from the mid-shaft to ends, and wash out thoroughly during your next shampoo session. For coating split ends, apply a quarter-size amount to the ends of the hair and massage into the strands. If you have finer hair, you may want to use this as a deep treatment and rinse out after a few minutes; those with denser hair can apply and style as usual. Porter also recommends using rosehip oil as an overnight mask to deeply condition and moisturize the hair. Apply the oil from root to tip, “leave it on with a plastic cap, and wash out in the morning,” she says.
