Batana oil: miracle for hair or just a trend? Here is everything you need to know before clicking "add to cart"

If you’ve seen people on TikTok swearing by batana oil as the miracle cure for their hair, you’re not alone. Extracted from the American palm elaeis oleifera, this oil is often praised as the ultimate solution for hair woes like thinning, dryness, and split ends. But is that really true?

Batana oil: what is it?

Let’s start from the beginning: batana oil is extracted from the seeds of the American palm, which grows mainly in Honduras, and has been used for centuries by the indigenous Miskito people, who, in fairness, do have famously long, thick, shiny hair. But is the oil the only reason? Probably not. Diet, climate, genetics, and a very different lifestyle all play their part. Chemically speaking, it’s rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, all of which are great for nourishing and hydrating the scalp and hair. But regrowing hair from nothing? That’s a different story.

So, does it really work? What science says

Unfortunately, as confirmed by Healthline, there are no clinical studies proving that batana oil can regrow hair or stop it from falling out. In fact, some plant-based oils like rosemary or pumpkin seed oil have stronger evidence backing them up, so if you’re looking for something to fight hair loss, these might be a better bet.

How to use batana oil

So, you bought it. The bottle is sitting on your bathroom shelf, and now that you’ve realized it won’t exactly give you Rapunzel hair, you’re not sure what to do with it. But don’t panic: nothing goes to waste. Batana oil is still a rich, natural oil that can help nourish dry strands and tame annoying frizz. Use it as a pre-shampoo mask: massage it well into the scalp and lengths and leave it on for a few hours. Or apply a couple of drops to your ends every night to keep split ends under control. It’s not magic, but you might notice a difference. The only real warning? Watch out for fakes. Real batana oil has a strong scent (think roasted coffee), a dark brown color, and a texture similar to coconut oil, solid but melts with warmth. Be wary of versions that are overly fragrant, creamy, clear, greenish, or made in places where the American palm doesn’t even grow.