Cholesterol Hair Treatment: Benefits and How to Apply

High levels of cholesterol can have negative effects on health, but did you know that cholesterol can make your hair healthy? 

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance in the body cells and bloodstream. (1) It is needed for hair and skin health. (2)

The membranes of keratinocytes (the cells that make up hair) have cholesterol as one of their components. (3) Cholesterol plays a role in normal hair biology. Therefore, its balance results in proper hair growth, whereas an immoderate quantity can affect your hair growth negatively. (4)

Cholesterol keeps the moisture balance in the scalp and hair. A well-moisturized hair and scalp are less prone to breakage and dryness. Cholesterol forms a shield around the hair shaft to protect it from environmental damage and to boost hair growth.

According to recent studies, cholesterol and its products and intermediates are crucial to controlling hair and hair shaft formation. (5)

You can find cholesterol hair treatment creams on the market and get it done in salons easily. However, the treatment can be heavy on the pocket.

However, you can also do this treatment in the comfort of your home, using only a few ingredients available in the kitchen.

Continue reading to learn more about cholesterol hair treatment.

What Is Cholesterol Hair Treatment?

A cholesterol hair treatment moisturizes and hydrates the hair by coating and deeply penetrating each hair strand with fats and lipids. It may include a deep conditioner or a hair mask that is rich in cholesterol. 

A cholesterol treatment must contain lipids for your hair to stay healthy and flat for moisture retention and proper hair growth. Hair cuticles rely on three main lipids: cholesterol, ceramide, and 18-MEA. (6)(7)

Conclusively, cholesterol treatment is a thick, creamy, deep-conditioning formulation with beneficial fats.

Benefits of Cholesterol Hair Treatments

The following are the benefits of cholesterol hair treatments.

1. It promotes hair growth

Researchers have speculated that cholesterol may boost hair growth. (5)

2. It makes the hair soft

Cholesterol forms a protective layer on dry hair and repairs damage, reducing hair roughness and making the hair shiny and soft.

3. It is ideal for overprocessed hair

When the hair lipids are damaged, chemical, heat, or color damage occurs. This damage can be overcome through cholesterol treatments, as they moisturize, soften, and restore hair health. 

4. It protects the hair from environmental stressors

Almost every tissue and organism needs a lipid barrier for environmental protection.

Lipid molecule structures such as cholesterol and fatty acids are crucial in protecting the hair from losing internal moisture and penetration of foreign matter. (7) Thus, cholesterol protects the hair from external damage.

5. It defines curls

Curly hair has less natural oils and sebum. The oils present in cholesterol treatments help retain hair sebum and define the waves and curls.

6. It keeps hair moisturized and hydrated

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum in the hair follicles. Sebum is made up of cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides. It acts as a waterproofing agent and coats each hair shaft with gloss. (8)

Ways to Use Cholesterol Treatments on the Hair

Today, you can find multiple cholesterol hair treatments, varying from creamy masks and hot oils to homemade DIY treatments. Some are store-bought or done by professionals, while others can be done at home.

These treatments make your hair healthy. According to experts, a suitable way to start is by using them once a month or every 2 weeks and observing your hair’s reaction. Gradually switch to once a week or more, depending on your hair needs.

Note: Ingredients rich in fats, such as olive oil, egg yolks, and mayonnaise, are generally used in cholesterol treatments.

Below are some effective ways to treat your hair with cholesterol.

1. DIY mayonnaise hair treatment

Mayonnaise is rich in cholesterol as it contains egg yolks. So, you can do the mayonnaise hair treatment to add nourishment and cholesterol to your hair. 

How to make:

1. Take half a cup of mayonnaise (with high fat and cholesterol content (9)) in a bowl, keeping your hair length and density in mind.
2. Add half a cup of olive oil and mix them well.

How to apply:

1. Start with your roots and generously work your way down to the ends.
2. Cover your hair with a shower cap, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thoroughly rinse your hair and wash it with a clarifying, gentle shampoo. 

2. Cholesterol hot oil treatment

A cholesterol hot oil treatment restores the hair’s natural moisture. It nourishes the hair and brings back the shine, giving it a healthy look.

If you frequently use chemical or heat styling tools, treat your hair with cholesterol hot oil after shampooing to bring life back to your hair.

Cholesterol hot oil is also available on the market.

How to use:

1. Apply cholesterol hot oil to your hair right after shampooing. 
2. Leave it on for a minute, and cover your head with a plastic cap.
3. Wash it off and apply your regular conditioner. 

3. Cholesterol deep-conditioning treatment

Professionals do cholesterol deep-conditioning treatment.

How it’s done:

1. A deep-conditioning product is applied to your hair.
2. A plastic cap is wrapped around your head, and the product is left on the hair for at least 15 minutes.
3. A warm towel is wrapped around your head, or your head is put under a hooded dryer. 
4. The conditioner can be left for an hour if your hair is severely damaged.

Most deep-conditioning treatments contain olive oil. However, you can add more olive oil if you want better results. This treatment makes your hair shiny, soft, and smooth.

Cholesterol Versus Protein Hair Treatment

A protein hair treatment strengthens damaged and weak hair, while a cholesterol hair treatment moisturizes dry hair and restores its shine and softness.

Treat your hair with cholesterol oil, cover your head with a shower cap for at least 3 minutes, and rinse it off.

General Queries

Final Word

Cholesterol hair treatments can be a game changer for brittle, dry, or damaged hair. They are a great and easy way to achieve radiant, healthy, and strong hair.