The hair on your head only grows around six inches a year. Those who don’t want to wait usually search for a hair growth elixir. Vaseline crops up quite a lot — both for the hair on your head and your lashes and eyebrows.
The theory behind this is simple. While Vaseline doesn’t have any moisturizing properties, the protective layer it creates can lock in moisture from moisturizing products. This might make your hair less prone to breakage.
There’s no scientific evidence to support the popular claim that Vaseline makes your hair grow faster. It might protect your hair against breakage and dryness, but it won’t encourage your hair to grow at a faster rate.
Some people also warn against applying Vaseline to your scalp or face, claiming that it can create a breeding ground for bacteria or even block hair follicles. But there’s no evidence to back up these claims, either.
Some claim that petroleum jelly can also be an easy way to combat scalp dryness, and there may be some truth to this. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends using petroleum jelly to manage cradle cap in infants.
Others find that a small amount of Vaseline works well as a styling gel to reduce frizz, but it may be too heavy for thin or fine hair.
There are several ways to use Vaseline on your hair, depending on the benefits you’re looking for. While there’s not much evidence that you’ll get noticeable results, there isn’t much risk in trying, either.
Make sure to do a patch test first if you’ve never used Vaseline before. This involves applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area of skin and watching the area for any signs of irritation or an allergic reaction for 24 hours.
Even though there’s no research to support hair growth, you may want to try putting a tiny amount of Vaseline on your finger — aim for no bigger than the size of a pea. Gently massage it into your scalp. Do this process once per week.
You can also try applying a small amount onto the ends of your hair each day to potentially prevent breakage.
Some people swear by Vaseline hair masks for healthier looking locks. You can try applying Vaseline and leaving on overnight or for just a few hours.
