Batana oil: What is it, how to use it and benefits

What to know about the trending hair care ingredient

Published Jan 10, 2025  •  4 minute read

Batana oil: Uses and benefits. Photo by Getty Images

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Every so often in the beauty world, a buzzy ingredient shakes things up as the new must-have for glowing skin, shiny hair or the perfect pout. The latest to catch our eye? Batana oil, a naturally-occurring ingredient that’s been praised for its potential hair growth benefits. 

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To get to the bottom of whether this oil can really help strengthen hair and promote growth, we reached out to the experts to find out. Caroline Ruggiero is a Certified Trichologist specializing in treating hair loss and scalp disorders, and the CEO of Truly You Hair & Scalp Clinic in Mississauga, Ont. Read the full interview below. 

Q&A with Certified Trichologist Caroline Ruggiero

Q: What is batana oil, and is it safe to use on hair?

A: Batana oil is derived from the nuts of the American palm tree, known scientifically as Elaeis oleifera. It is generally regarded as safe to use on the hair, however ‘natural’ does not always mean safe. Allergies are widespread to varieties of different oils/ nuts etc, and it is best to do a patch test [before use].

Q: What are the potential benefits or side effects of using batana oil?

A: Benefits of batana oil include moisturizing (batana oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants), conditioning (it can act as a natural conditioner) — it also has some anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit the scalp by reducing irritation and flakiness.

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While side effects are rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, irritation or breakouts in the case of sensitive skin. Of course, one should always proceed with caution if they are prone to oily skin/scalp and they are adding oils into an already seborrheic environment. This can create complications in the scalp environment and lead to issues like seborrheic dermatitis.

[Learn more about how to maintain a healthy scalp with dermatologist-approved tips here.]

Q: Who should consider using batana oil?

A: Batana oil can be helpful with dry, brittle, or damaged hair. It can also prove helpful for curly or textured hair types that crave extra moisture and conditioning.

Q: How should you use batana oil (or other oils) in your hair routine?

For optimal benefits, consider the following ways to incorporate batana oil into your routine:

1. Pre-shampoo treatment: Apply batana oil to dry hair before washing. Leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour and wash off with shampoo.
2. Scalp treatment: Massage a small amount into the scalp to promote circulation. Be sure to rinse and wash well as residue can lead to further scalp issues.
3. Conditioner addition: Mix a few drops of batana oil into your regular conditioner for an extra moisturizing boost.
4. Leave-in conditioner: Use batana oil sparingly as a leave-in treatment to tame frizz and add shine.

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Q: Are there any other ingredients or products that you recommend to stimulate hair growth?

A: Hair loss is complicated and individual. Its cause is often multifactorial. Scientifically speaking there are first, second and third-line treatments for hair loss disorders. 

The first step is diagnosis. You may suspect a less complicated hair loss issue like Telogen Effluvium (this is a ‘reaction’ hair loss that can occur suddenly as a result of a physiological or psychological shock) but upon trichoscopic analysis, the hair specialist uncovers a more complicated autoimmune scalp or hair disorder. The bottom line is you need to know what kind of hair loss you have and why – then and only then can you determine treatment options.

Some may opt for more ‘natural’ remedies, but you have to know that most of these remedies are third and maybe even fourth-line treatments – this means that no matter what Instagram tells you – the research and evidence for them is just not there. 

Topicals like castor oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil etc. can and do aid in hair loss but they cannot be advertised as proven solutions. Still to this day Minoxidil (the primary ingredient in Rogaine) is a safe, very effective, proven and approved topical treatment specifically for hair loss in both males and females. 

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Seek professional help and advice first, and then you can explore solutions that work within your budget, ethics and timeline.

Our favourite batana oil products

If you’re curious about incorporating batana oil into your hair care routine in 2025, here are some products to consider: 

• Batana Babe The Original Batana Oil
• Wealthskin 100% Batana Oil
• Acolye Raw Batana Oil
• Jardient Batana Oil

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