Grape Seed Extract is one of the single most hair-healthy natural ingredients out there. It has been recognized for its medical value and nutritional properties since the days of Ancient Egypt 6,000 years ago. In the 1600s, the potent cure-all was introduced to European and North American people.

That’s when European herbalists started to use Grape Seed to make ointments that treated everything from a sore throat to skin disorders, smallpox, and eye infections. And hundreds of years later, its reputation hasn’t been tarnished a bit. In fact, this derivative of whole grape seeds is in more beauty and health products than ever, thanks to its high levels of flavonoids, linoleic acid, vitamin E and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). More on how those benefit your strands later.

In hair products, Grape Seed Extract is commonly used as a deep moisturizer, sealant, shine enhancer, and heat protector from blow drying and flat ironing. 

It has a worldwide cult-like fan club thanks to its ability to increase shine, softness, and silkiness. Some call it an Rx for their damaged hair, as it prevents frizz, mends split ends, and helps keep hair stronger and healthier so it can grow longer. Those with curly texture love it because it helps define and moisturize their coils while being lightweight enough to not weigh down their locks.

Grape Seed also contains a high content of vitamin E, which is fantastic for natural sun protection, and keeps hair color from fading.

WHERE IT’S SOURCED

Grape Seed Extract refers to a set of derivatives made from whole grape seeds. Ours at Green Tailors are grown in vineyards in Portugal and France. Once seeds are dried, they are extracted at 40 degrees Celsius in a two-hour process using only green solvents. The low temperature helps maintain the integrity of the active nutrient molecules, while extracting the maximum amount of target compounds.

THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES SCIENCE: PROMOTES HEALTHY HAIR GROWTH AND STRENGTHENS STRANDS

In one study, a sample of Caucasian hair was washed with a shampoo and then treated with Grape Seed Extract. The hair was rinsed with water and dried using a hair dryer. A physical stress test that combined wetting hair using a water spray and drying using a hair dryer was repeated 10 times. The hair was then washed, filtered, and the concentration of proteins in the filtrate was determined. Results showed that hair damage was reduced by 77% after five drying cycles and 60% after 10. This indicates that Grape Seed Extract protects hair against damage caused by hair dryers on a long-term basis.

REFERENCES

1. Montagut G., Bladé C., Blay M., et al. Effects of a grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) on insulin resistance. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2010;21(10):961–967. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2009.08.001.