Right now, KONEO Batana oil is trending. From TikTok, Amazon, Facebook, it’s being promoted as the solution to thining hair, breakage, hair loss and receding hairline. If you follow my blog, you’d know I’ve been dealing with postpartum alopecia and I’ve tried a handful of hair products.
Though I’m not a fan of hair oils (they tend to dry out my hair), I decided to give KONEO batana oil a try especially as it comes in a thick paste texture.
I placed my order for a tub and it got delivered in less than two weeks. Here’s my brutally honest review of KONEA batana oil after applying it on my hair for one month.
What I liked about KONEO Batana Oil
The first thing I like about this hair product is that it has a natural smell, a faint coffee- cocoa smell which I really like. When I checked online about what real pure batana oil smells like, information online confirmed that raw batana oil has a strong, distinct earthy, smoky, and nutty aroma that strongly resembles roasted coffee or burnt caramel.
Another thing I like is that unlike conventional liquid hair oils, KONEO comes in a thick, sticky paste-like consistency. It is more like a hair mask than an ordinary oil and is intended to be applied to the hair and washed out afterwards.
Batana oil is traditionally obtained from the American oil palm and is associated with the Miskito communities of Honduras.
When applied, my hair felt so soft, smooth and manageable. I could easily have mistaken that first experience for a sign that I had found a really good hair treatment.
What I Didn’t Like about It
After about three weeks of applying KONEO batana oil, my hair became extremely dry, damaged and frizzy. Its texture changed noticeably, becoming much tougher and less manageable than it normally was. It was a complete contrast to the softness I had experienced when I first started using KONEO.
At that point, I decided to stop using it. I wasn’t comfortable continuing with a product while experiencing such concerning changes in my hair.
Since discontinuing KONEO, my hair texture has returned to normal, which is a relief. However, the damage remains, and I’ve lost a significant amount of hair. Getting my hair texture back is one thing, but dealing with the amount of hair I lost is another.
Better Alternative
Right now, I’m using a blend of natural oils on Amazon called Lebanta (you can check it out yourself and see other reviews too). It does make my hair super soft and shiny, and I’ve noticed my scalp is less dry, too.
It’s also good for scrunching out the cast if you use curl gel. In four weeks of using this I noticed my hair grew two inches taller. The only downside is the smell. I think it smells horrible, but it’s not overwhelming
Batana Oil vs Rosemary Oil vs Castor Oil
Batana oil isn’t the only hair oil attracting attention. Rosemary and castor oil have also become popular, particularly among people looking for ways to improve hair thickness and condition.
| Hair oil | Main appeal | Hair growth evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Batana oil | Conditioning and softening | Insufficient clinical evidence |
| Rosemary oil | Scalp and hair growth treatments | Limited human research |
| Castor oil | Moisturising and improving hair shine | No convincing evidence of regrowth |
Rosemary oil: Of the three, rosemary oil has some interesting research behind it. One small human study found improvements in hair count after six months of use. However, this doesn’t establish rosemary oil as a guaranteed hair loss treatment. Rosemary essential oil must also be properly diluted before applying it to the scalp.
Castor oil: Castor oil is popular because of its thick consistency and ability to coat hair strands. It can help give hair a shinier appearance and reduce the feeling of dryness. However, there is no convincing scientific evidence that it stimulates hair follicles or directly promotes hair growth.
Batana oil: Batana oil is traditionally used as a hair conditioning treatment and is now heavily marketed for hair growth. It may help soften hair, but claims that it can restore receding hairlines, reverse baldness or produce substantial regrowth haven’t been established by clinical research.
Personally, I wouldn’t pay a premium for batana oil simply because it is the latest social media sensation.
Does KONEO Batana Oil actually work?
KONEO Batana oil didn’t work for me. It made my hair very dry and frizzy after weeks of using this thick paste. I also didn’t notice any hair growth. Honestly? I think it’s not for all hair types. It’s best suited for coarse, curly, coily, dry, or chemically treated/damaged hair.
If you’ve fine, thin, or naturally oily hair like mine, it might not work for you. Pure batana paste is heavy and concentrated; applying too much or leaving it on too long can easily weigh fine hair down, make it look greasy, or cause product buildup