7 Benefits of White Oak Bark | Barber Surgeons Guild

Nature provides countless health and beauty ingredients, many of which have been used for centuries. Throughout history, white oak bark was one such ingredient, offering a wide range of beneficial properties — particularly for the look and feel of the scalp.

What Is White Oak Bark?

As its name suggests, white oak bark is the bark from oak trees, which is actually more light gray than white in color. Native to eastern North America, white oaks can live for several hundreds of years. They’re known to be a lot more resilient to stressors than other oak species.

Used to improve various symptoms, the bark of this hardwood tree contains a key component known as tannins. Also found in red wine, tea, and cocoa, these naturally occurring polyphenols are what produce specific properties. For example, white oak bark is a natural astringent that contains between 10 and 20 percent tannins. In turn, it may directly benefit your skin, scalp, and hair. This ingredient also contains quillaic acid, providing even greater anti-inflammatory activity.

White oak bark, scientifically known as Quercus alba, translates to “fine tree.” Historically used to remedy a long list of conditions, this ingredient is mainly added to washes, baths, teas, tinctures, and other infusions. White oak bark may benefit both human hair and skin.

Throughout history, the bark of white oaks was often dried, ground into a powder, and then applied topically or consumed in a tea. In fact, native North American tribes long used white oak bark, mainly because of its astringent and antiseptic activity. Today, white oak bark is being studied based on its activity of tannins, which may help target a number of internal and external issues.

Here’s how it can benefit the look and feel of your hair.

1. Promotes Shinier Hair

If you suffer from dry, dull hair, you know how frustrating it can be — especially in terms of breakage. On a daily basis, your hair is exposed to a number of stressors. In order to remain healthy, it needs to be cared for. By providing your hair with this level of support you can ensure that your hair is as shiny and healthy as possible.

White oak bark is also often recommended when aiming to take the coarseness out of hair. This is particularly true for graying or silver hair. That is why for optimal hair health, be sure to incorporate a hair serum into your daily routine.

2. Acts As a Natural Astringent

Astringents help cleanse the skin while drying out oil. Applying white oak bark helps better control the amount of oil that is on your hair and scalp, supporting a more optimal balance. This is particularly beneficial for athletes who are looking for a quick and efficient solution following their workout, as white oak bark can effectively remove excess oils from the skin and scalp.

In fact, natural astringents benefit a wide range of people, including those who have a naturally oily scalp, those who suffer from an itchy scalp, or those who sweat a lot.

3. Visibly improves a Flaky Scalp

White oak bark is known to offer soothing properties, potentially benefiting those suffering from a dry, flaky scalp. When applied topically, it can help target problematic skin — including the skin found on your scalp. Often studied because of its potential impact on eczema and other dermal problems, white oak bark may help reduce inflammatory symptoms of the scalp.

In terms of a potential infection, white oak bark’s tannin influences its antiseptic property. This means that it may help actively prevent and fight the build-up of bacteria. Medical professionals often recommend white oak bark for various conditions based on this beneficial effect.

4. Improves the Strength and Look of Your Hair

Brittle strands are a sign that your hair is not as healthy as it could be. This is where white oak bark comes into play, helping you not only improve the health and strength of each strand but also the follicle.

In addition, the combination of the tannins and resins found in the bark itself has potent astringent properties. Applying it directly to your hair can result in fuller looking hair.

5. Conditions the Hair and Scalp

As it enhances the level of shine to your hair, white oak bark will also actively condition your locks and scalp. When applied on a regular basis, it can improve the overall appearance, feel, and manageability of your hair. To ensure the best possible results, incorporate a quality shampoo and conditioner into your routine, in addition to key treatments.

6. Has Key Nutrients

Your scalp has thousands of tiny hair follicles, all of which require nourishment. The follicles themselves are connected to blood, gland, and muscle cells, which need various vitamins and minerals to function optimally. Although the tannins in white oak bark offer a wide spectrum of benefits, this herbal remedy also contains vitamin B12, potassium, iron, and other beneficial nutrients — all of which may improve the look of healthy hair.

7. Supports Optimal Dental Health

If you look back at the history of barber surgeons, you’ll see that dentistry was one of their main focuses in the past. Although times have changed, white oak bark’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties continue to be studied in relation to oral health.

Before toothpaste came into wide use, many people used white oak bark to keep their mouths healthy. This is based on its ability to target oral infections, toothaches, gingivitis, and oral sores. Plus, you can make a tea from the bark or its extract and use it as an all-natural, organic mouthwash.

Incorporating White Oak Bark Into Your Hair Regimen

When you invest in quality products, you can reap the advantages of beneficial ingredients, including white oak bark. To learn more, please check out the products at BSG today.