Almond oil for hair is a healthy choice, considering that many commercial hair care products contain chemical detergents that strip your hair of its good natural oils. If you’re ready to switch to a natural hair care routine, almond oil can give you the healthy shiny hair you want.
What is Almond Oil?
Unrefined almond oil is the pressed oil from almonds. It is high in vitamin E and a variety of healthy fats. It is versatile and can be used in cooking, as well as for skin and hair care. Refined almond oil is also available, but may have undergone chemical processing and is therefore not recommended.
Almond Oil for Hair
As per the USDA FoodData Central, almond oil is rich in vitamin E, choline, vitamin K, and fatty acids. People use almond oil for hair because it is categorized as an emollient, meaning that it prevents moisture from escaping the skin. This makes it an excellent hair treatment because its moisturizing properties can repair damage to hair strands and roots, while also promoting a healthy scalp! Regular treatments with almond oil protect your hair from damage caused by the sun, in addition to styling and pollutants. Use an almond oil treatment every week and you will definitely notice shinier hair, less frizz, and fewer flyaways. [1] [2]
Almond oil is beneficial for nourishment and strengthening of hair. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Energy 884 Energy [kJ] 3699 Total lipid (fat) [g] 100 Choline, total [mg] 0.4 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 39.2 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 7 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 8.2 16:0 [g] 6.5 18:0 [g] 1.7 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 69.9 16:1 [g] 0.6 18:1 [g] 69.4 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 17.4 18:2 [g] 17.4 Phytosterols [mg] 266 Sources include : USDA [3]
How to Use Almond Oil for Hair?
There are a few kinds of almond oil treatments, depending on your hair’s level of damage.
Deep Oil Treatment
To repair damage and maintain healthy strands, try a deep treatment 2-4 times a month. Massage almond oil into your scalp, working your fingers from your hairline inward. According to research published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, almond oil massage does double duty by stimulating your scalp and relaxing your mind! Comb through your strands to disperse, adding a little more to the ends if you need. Wrap your hair and let it sit for an hour or overnight. Shampoo, but don’t condition! Your hair should look shiny and healthy when you’re finished with this simple treatment. [4]
Daily Maintenance
If you have particularly dry hair, try rubbing just a drop of almond oil into your hands and massaging it through any split ends before styling. Don’t use too much or you could be left with greasy-looking hair.
Hair Mask
Mix almond oil with jojoba oil and egg yolk or avocado and fully coat your hair. Leave it on for an hour and then wash it out with detergent-free shampoo. Repeated treatments will give you softer and stronger hair, and researchers have also found that it can promote hair growth! [5]
Where to Get Almond Oil?
This useful oil is widely available at nearly any grocery, specialty store, or online. Remember to buy the unrefined variety – even though it’s a few dollars more, you will notice a big difference.
