A relative of the sunflower, the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius), has many uses. Whether applied topically or ingested, safflower has been shown to have beneficial effects on the skin and scalp, helping especially with crown hair loss. Its high oleic acid content makes it easily absorbed, and it can act as a vasodilator, dilating blood vessels to allow more nutrients to penetrate hair follicles and improve blood flow and circulation—factors essential for hair regrowth.