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Wheat Germ Oil Is The Magic Ingredient That Makes Your Hair Crazy Shiny

wheat-germ-oil-for-hair-thumbnailwheat-germ-oil-for-hair-header
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Regardless of how well you treat your hair on a day-to-day basis, we all can use a bit of repair. Aside from the occasional heat styling, there are plenty of other ways your hair gets put through the wringer. Color changes, hard water, harsh climates, aggressive brushing, pool water, ocean water, pollution…you name it, it's wreaking havoc on your hair.

Enter wheat germ oil for hair. This magic ingredient promises to repair damage, boost hydration, and strengthen strands when applied topically. Hairstylist Michelle Sultan tells us, "wheat germ oil is extracted from the germ of a wheat kernel, and it's a really rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids." We’re getting into how wheat germ oil can benefit your hair and the hair care and styling products you need to incorporate more wheat germ oil into your hair routine.


About the Expert:

Michelle Sultan is a celebrity hairstylist and creative director for Imbue. She has assisted in creating formulas for the brand since its launch two years ago.

Wheat Germ Oil Hair Benefits

Brief intro, then bulleted list of benefits. Please give each bullet a bolded subheading, then a brief description.

  • It's Extra Hydrating

Vitamin E is known for being a super moisturizing ingredient, and wheat germ oil is naturally packed with it. With consistent use, your hair will look infinitely shinier, and your ends will feel much softer. "It's literally perfect for all hair types," says Sultan. "It can help to boost hydration, repair damage, and help to strengthen weaker hair."

  • It Saves Your Hair From Damage

If you subject your hair to daily heat styling, regular color treatments or the occasional bleaching, chances are your strands have seen better days. "While wheat germ works great on all hair types, it's particularly great on colored treated hair, curly, coily and kinky hair, and chemically treated strands as it helps to promote elasticity making it more supple and softer to touch," explains Sultan. The fatty acids and vitamins naturally hidden in wheat germ oil have a way of not only repairing existing damage but preventing future damage.

  • It Promotes New Hair Growth 

Vitamin B is said to help increase circulation on the scalp area, which can help promote new hair growth. Incidentally, wheat germ oil is also packed with said vitamin. With continued use and some serious patience, it's possible to see new growth and fuller hair over time.

  • It Banishes All Traces Of Frizz

Trade your dry-looking frizz with a smooth, Insta-worthy shine when you work a few drops of wheat germ oil through your hair. Wheat germ oil's long-chain fatty acids and vitamin E have moisturizing properties that create a softer, smoother finish. However, Sultan tells us, "be careful of using too much oil on the hair as this can weigh down the style of the hair making it appear greasy."

***Disclaimer: Tread with caution or spot test if you have a severe wheat or gluten allergy. Sultan says "if you have a wheat allergy, wheat germ oil may cause a flare up."

Wheat Germ Oil Hair Products We Love

1. Conditioning Cleanser: IMBUE Coil Awakening Sulphate Free Cream Cleanser

IMBUE Coil Awakening Sulphate Free Cream Cleanser
Courtesy of IMBUE

This sulfate-free cleanser removes all traces of product build-up, dirt, and sweat without stripping your strands of their natural oils. Scalp-friendly and lightweight, the blend of oils is perfect for conditioning your curls without weighing them down.

2. Hair Oil: MOROCCANOIL Glimmer Shine

MOROCCANOIL Glimmer Shine
Courtesy of MOROCCANOIL

If you're looking to add shine to your finished hairstyle, this lightweight mist moisturizes with every pump and imparts an envy-worthy shine, thanks to the added wheat germ oil. It’s free of SLS and SLES, parabens, and formaldehyde—plus, it’s safe for color- and chemical-treated hair.

3. Hair Mask: MOROCCAN GOLD SERIES Black Truffle Mask

MOROCCAN GOLD SERIES Black Truffle Mask
Courtesy of MOROCCAN GOLD SERIES

This combo of wheat germ oil and black truffle is packed with antioxidants that leave all hair textures feeling silky smooth, frizz-free, and looking super shiny. And the best part is this thick hair mask won't weigh your hair down—in fact, it helps make it bouncier and more voluminous.

4. Scalp Treatment: NATURAL BEAUTY Natural Growth Butter

NATURAL BEAUTY Natural Growth Butter
Courtesy of NATURAL BEAUTY

Soften, moisturize, and nourish your strands with this whipped butter that's packed with wheat germ oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and essential oils. Massage it onto the scalp to soothe any dryness and help stimulate hair growth.

Want in on all the IPSY Glam Bag fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started and discover more good-for-your-hair products. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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About the author
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie Montes
Stephanie is a freelance contributor covering all things beauty. She writes about her adventures testing the latest trends in skincare, hair, and makeup. Stephanie's bylines have also appeared on Who What Wear, Elle, Byrdie, Bustle, and more.
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Article Last Updated March 7, 2022 12:00 AM