Garden Cress and Arugula Seed Oils for Hair: Two Levantine Seeds
Ask about hair oils in many Arab households and you may hear two names that also belong to the kitchen: habb al-rashad, garden cress, and jarjeer, arugula. Both are small seeds of the mustard family, and both give oils used before the wash. This guide explains what each is, how they differ and how to use them.
Garden cress: habb al-rashad
Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) is a fast-growing herb whose tiny, reddish-brown seeds have long been kept in pantries from the Gulf to the Levant. Its oil is medium in feel, with a distinctive, earthy natural scent.
FAYNAN Pure Garden Cress Seed Oil is a single ingredient, with nothing added.
Arugula: jarjeer
Arugula (Eruca sativa) is the peppery leaf often eaten fresh alongside meals in the Levant. Its seeds give an oil with a slightly peppery character.
FAYNAN Pure Arugula Seed Oil is a single ingredient, with nothing added.
How they compare
| Garden Cress Seed Oil | Arugula Seed Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic name | Habb al-rashad | Jarjeer |
| Botanical name | Lepidium sativum | Eruca sativa |
| Scent | Earthy, distinctive | Slightly peppery |
| Use | Before the wash | Before the wash |
| Allergen note | Mustard family | Mustard family |
In practice they are used the same way. Choose by the scent you prefer, or alternate between them.
How to use them before the wash
- Warm: place a few drops in your palms and rub them together.
- Apply: work through dry hair and scalp, section by section.
- Rest: leave for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wash: shampoo thoroughly, twice if needed, then condition as usual.
Hair feels softer afterwards, with a natural-looking shine. For the full method, read How to Use a Pre-Wash Hair Oil.
Softening the scent
Both oils have natural scents that some people find strong. Mixing either one with an equal amount of Pure Date Seed Oil gives a lighter feel and a softer scent, without changing the ritual.
Who should choose another oil
Garden cress and arugula both belong to the mustard family. If you are allergic to mustard or related plants, do not use either oil. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a healthcare professional before using garden cress seed oil.
A few things to keep in mind
- For external use only.
- Test on a small area of skin before first use.
- If your hair is light or color-treated, try a small strand first.
- Store tightly closed, away from heat and light.
To compare these with date seed, pumpkin, argan and neem, read How to Choose a Hair Oil.