In this article
Overview
Almond Oil is – simply – the oil extracted from almonds. It is primarily composed of oleic acid and has been researched to have many health benefits from preventing cardiovascular diseases, to help moisturise hair and skin.
Almond oil is produced by pressing ripe almonds to extract the oil. This unrefined oil protects the nutritional composition and flavour of the almond.
Ripe full of nutrients including Protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, almond oil can help strengthen and hydrate your hair making it a perfect addition to any hair health regime.
What makes almond oil good for your hair
Strengthens and Repairs hair
Almond oil can help reduce hair frizz, making it less susceptible to breaking by sealing moisture into the hair. This means, your hair will have more life and bounce to it. Plus, it helps protect your hair particularly if you’re using hair products on a daily basis.
It does this by deeply conditioning your hair. Since it is rich in Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids, almond oil helps prevent follicle inflammation (which can contribute to hair loss). The Omega 3 fatty acids help lubricate your hair follicles deeply, which can help promote a health scalp eliminating dandruff and itchy scalp.
Plus, this is a great way to consume or hydrate your hair with a vegan source of omega vs traditional fish sources. And, if you consume it through your foods, almond oil doesn’t leave the same fishy after-taste or smell you would get through other, less kinder – sources.
Softens Hair
Almond oil contains Vitamin E and hydrates your hair deep within the follicle. This helps soften the hair, and the more frequently you apply it during the week, the softer your hair becomes. This works in parallel with strengthening your hair from the root, by reducing frizz and maintaining moisture so your hair is more resilient and softer, for longer.
Helps Hair Growth
Because of its ability in helping make hair stronger and reduce frizz, almond oil can help reduce potential hair loss associated with dry and damaged hair.
Almond oil is rich in Vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant that eliminates free radicals. Vitamin E diets help improve nitric oxide production, which helps promote blood circulation in your body. This in turn enhances the supply of nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles, thus helping promote healthy hair growth.
Plus, Vitamin E helps produce antioxidants which eliminate free radicals. Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to hair fall, and by neutralising the free radical build up in your scalp, almond oil can help indirectly support healthy hair growth.
Vitamin E also supports the production of collagen, which is essential in building Keratin. Keratin is the main hair protein, and as hair is primarily a protein, the healthy production of keratin is essential for hair growth.
So while there are no clinical studies per se, awarding almond oil certification as a hair-growth ingredient, the science behind its nutritional composition suggests Almond oil can help assist hair growth, by reducing hair fall and providing essential nutrients to your scalp.
How to use it
Directly on your hair and scalp
We recommend using almond oil is a pre-wash. Rub a small amount of almond oil between your palms and apply it to your scalp, gently rubbing it into your scalp. Apply to your hair strands, too – as it’ll help lock in the moisture and hydrate your hair all over. Leave in for about 30 to 40 minutes before washing.
As a food or supplement
You can also take almond oil in your food – as a salad dressing, or a supplement. While this won’t directly nourish your hair in the same way as applying it, you will still obtain benefits of hair growth by digesting the vitamin E and omega content of almond oil.
We recommend a mix. Apply directly to your hair once or twice a week and incorporate into your diet for the full benefits of hair growth. You’ll also obtain other benefits associated with Almond Oil, such as healthier looking skin and healthier heart.
Risks
Generally, anyone with an allergy to almonds or nuts should avoid almond oil.
It is not advised to use almond oil before conducting a heat treatment (such as blow-drying or straightening). Almond oil activates under heat and could burn your hair leaving lost lasting damage.
Summary
You can use almond oil to increase hair growth by either applying directly to your hair and scalp, or by taking in through your foods. While research is limited on the effectiveness of almond oil for hair growth, we do know it contains a healthy amount of Vitamin E (which acts as a natural antioxidant) and Omega 3 fatty acids. Both of these key nutrients help hydrate and protect your scalp, leading to a healthier scalp and reduced chance of hair loss.
