Remember when TikTok was all about rosemary oil for hair growth? Like you couldn’t open the app without seeing a ton of influencers raving about the ingredient or sharing how they used it in their hair care routine. The exact same thing is happening right now with batana oil. Yes, batana oil is a new (at least on social media) natural oil that TikTokers claim can speed up hair growth, soften strands, smooth split ends, and more. But does it really work? Read on to get all the info—and how you can use batana oil in your hair care routine.
What is Batana Oil?
Batana oil is extracted from the nuts of the American palm tree, which is native to Central and South America. In addition to being ingested, batana oil is often used on hair and skin, especially in products (particularly in Honduras, where it is native), says dermatologist Dr. Omer Ibrahim. It has a smoky, tobacco-like, earthy smell, but this disappears when rubbed in and doesn’t last long.
Compared to the overly popular coconut and argan oils, it’s much richer and denser, making it great for thick, curly, and/or coarse hair (but, my goodness, I’ve listed some uses below if you have finer hair texture and want to reap the benefits too). Currently, you’ll mostly find it on its own, but since it’s so popular on social media, companies will likely start using it in deep conditioners, curl creams, and protein treatments at some point.
Try these Batana oils:
RA Cosmetics 100% natural, unrefined Batana Oil
Benefits of Batana Oil for Hair:
Batana oil is packed with nutrients that can moisturize your hair and skin. “It is rich in fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and stearic acid, all of which help moisturize the hair and scalp, adding shine and strength,” explains Dr. Ibrahim.
“It also contains carotenoids, specifically alpha and beta carotenes, which are converted into vitamin A and have positive effects on scalp health,” he adds. “Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant also found in batana oil, can protect against oxidative damage,” he further notes. Basically, it’s a powerhouse for protecting your scalp and keeping your hair and skin looking and feeling healthy and smooth. Plus, it’s suitable for all hair types and textures (though it may leave a greasy film on some fine hair types when it sits or is used in excess).
Does Batana Oil Really Regrow Hair?
No, batana oil cannot regrow your hair, says Dr. Ibrahim. “There are currently no studies on the effect of batana oil on hair health or hair growth,” he says. “At best, we can assume that its composition helps keep hair strands moisturized, supple, and flexible.” Based on all the information we have about its benefits above, that means batana oil could potentially improve hair health over time and prevent hair breakage.
Actual hair growth requires a comprehensive approach, trichologist Bridgette Hill previously said Cosmo, so it takes more than just a simple oil to do the trick (think: healthy eating habits, hydration, a good hair care routine, a health certificate from your doctor, and more). To be honest, other than Minoxidil (aka the active ingredient in Rogaine), there are no products you can just smear on your scalp, and there is sufficient research to prove that it can speed up hair growth.
How to use batana oil for hair:
As with all hair oils, there are different methods you can try with batana oil depending on your goals. You can also try hair oiling, an Ayurvedic practice that involves smearing and massaging your scalp with oils to increase circulation and (hopefully) promote hair growth. Simply apply a few drops of the oil to your scalp, then massage it in using circular motions of your fingertips for four to five minutes. Then, comb or brush the oil through your hair to evenly distribute it down to the ends. You can leave it on overnight, or simply wash it out with a mild shampoo after 10 to 20 minutes.
You can also mix a few drops of batana oil into your own hair products such as a hair mask or leave-in conditioner to give the hair extra nourishment. However, if you have fine hair, don’t leave it in for too long as the oil is quite rich and can weigh the hair down.
QQ: Can I leave batana oil in my hair?
Yes, you can leave batana oil in your hair overnight. However, for some fine hair types, batana oil might be a bit too rich, says Dr. Ibrahim. In that case, try a short-contact method, such as a 10-minute pre-poo treatment, and then wash your hair as usual with shampoo and conditioner. You’ll get shiny, soft and smooth results almost immediately, says Dr. Ibrahim.
How often should I use batana oil?
You can use batana oil daily if your hair is extremely dry and rough, but generally once or twice a week should be sufficient. Because the oil is so rich, you don’t need to coat your hair with it as often as you would with other oils. Since the only risk is that your hair might become weighed down, you can’t really overuse it, so if you feel like your hair is a little dried out and dull, feel free to increase your use of batana oil.
Final verdict:
Don’t expect batana oil to do wonders for hair growth (by the way, no hair oil is clinically proven to promote hair growth). But! It can definitely improve the health of your scalp and hair over time. Overall, though, it’s an antioxidant-rich, fatty acid-rich oil that’s fantastic at improving the moisture levels of your hair and scalp and increasing shine, silkiness, and smoothness. And that’s what finding the best new oil is all about, bbs.
Meet the expert:
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing and editing hair stories ranging from Olaplex knockoffs to almond oil for hair. She is an authority on all hair categories but is an expert when it comes to batana oil for hair after consulting dermatologists and trichologists for their opinion on this trending ingredient.
Beth Gillette is beauty editor at Cosmopolitanwhere she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails and more in digital and print media. You can usually see her wearing bright eyeshadow, furiously typing about her latest feature or ranting about a new product you “have to try.” CosmopolitanShe spent four years writing and editing beauty content as an editor at The Everygirl. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hairstyle every few months.
