For centuries, Perilla or shiso (Perilla frutescens) has been used in Asian cuisine not just for its minty flavor but also for its many health benefits. Herbalists have used it to treat various ailments, including asthma, food poisoning, and indigestion.
Like other botanicals, this herb contains powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties – so it is not surprising that beauty companies have begun incorporating Perilla Oil in their formulations.
Benefits of Perilla Oil to the Hair
Fights Hair Aging
Forget your skin. Your hair can give away your age, too. Experts say that once you hit your 30s, your hair will start to grow thin, fragile, or worse shed. And this is due to lack of Co-enzyme Q10 (COQ10) in our bodies.
COQ10 is a substance that our cells use to generate energy. When we’re low on COQ10, our energy level declines and all our organs start to age fast. Our hair follicles are complex mini-organs that also undergo an aging process.1 And without ample energy, the follicles can’t produce enough keratin, the protein responsible for keeping our hair strong and healthy.
Perilla is one of the potent sources of COQ10.2 Using tonics and shampoos enriched with this herb, like Oway Hbalance Post-Color Neutralizing Shampoo, activates the hair follicles by penetrating deep into the roots. Think of it as a spark plug that awakens the cells to help them perform their normal functions.
Reduces Scalp Irritation
A natural antiseptic, Perilla oil is an excellent treatment for scalp acne and itching. It also has emollient properties that allows it to be quickly absorbed by the skin. When applied, this oil goes right down to the source and eliminates the bacteria causing the inflammation.
If you are highly sensitive to color and other treatments, using serums infused with Perilla oil can provide scalp protection and relief. Oway Hscreen Skin + Scalp Protector can be added to color mixture or applied to the hairline, hands, and cuticle to block color from touching your skin.
Aids Hair Growth
This oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid essential for hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids make it easier for essential nutrients to pass through the cells in our body, including our hair follicles. Without Omega-3 fatty acids, cells won’t receive the nutrition they need and the hair growth cycle stops there.
Also, Perilla’s minty coolness helps soothe the scalp, enabling blood and nutrients to flow to the follicles. This, in turn, regenerates the follicles and promotes hair growth.
Mends Hair Damage
Perilla is best known for its rich antioxidant content. It washes away all the impurities and chemicals drying out and damaging the hair, then fills in the gaps with moisture and nutrients to bring it back to health.
After coloring, we recommend using Oway Hbalance Post-Color pH Mask, to restore the hair’s pH level and seal the cuticle. Doing so will not only lock in moisture, but also preserve the color.
Conditions Strands
Dull and lifeless strands is a sign of unhealthy hair. Similar to Kukui Butter, Perilla has rich Vitamin A content that hydrates the hair without weighing it down. Because of its lightweight composition, the oil quickly penetrates the hair shaft, giving it a beautiful shine.
Have you ever tried using Perilla oil?
Sources:
1Giesen, M et al. (2009). Coenzyme Q10 has anti-aging effects on human hair. Available: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00451_5.x/full
2Wass, B. Guide to Antioxidants. Available: https://books.google.com/books?id=jFbfAPjhXpUC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false
