Traditionally, almond oil is derived from pressing almond nuts and extracting the oil from what is left. Since ancient times, almonds have been valued for their high protein content, omega-9 fatty acids, and vitamin E content. These properties suggest that almond oil can improve the shine and strength of your hair.
Often sold and recommended as a hair product, sweet almond oil can help make your hair look better. Continue reading to understand more about how you can take advantage of sweet almond oil to make your hair look better.
What is Almond Oil?
Almond is a nutrient-laden food with variants, i.e., sweet and bitter. Sweet almond oil is ideal for making food and keeping skin and hair healthy. Bitter almond oil for hair has medicinal properties.
Almond oil for hair is either cold-pressed or refined. It is a rich source of protein, Vitamin E, and many other nutrients. Unrefined almond oil is healthy to consume as it is rich in nutrients and retains the flavour of the oil. In contrast, refined almond oil has high heat tolerance, which often has less nutrition than the unrefined one.
Benefits of Almond Oil for Hair
Using almond oil for hair provides deep nourishment to the hair. The following are the detailed benefits of almond oil for hair:
1) Keeps the hair hydrated:
Omega 3 fatty acids in the almond oil acts as a great moisturiser. Hence, it keeps the hair moisturised, hydrating the dull and over-processed hair.
2) Helps treat dandruff:
Dandruff causes build-up, which restricts the oxygen supply to the scalp. When you use almond oil for hair, it softens and loosens dandruff. Hence, while shampooing, it gets washed off easily. You can use a teaspoon of amla powder with the almond oil and apply it thoroughly over the scalp. Just keep it for an hour and wash it with a mild shampoo.
3) Protects from hair damage:
Accumulated dandruff around the roots limits the proper airflow. It makes the hair dull, dry, causing quick damage. Using almond oil for hair cleans dandruff, preventing hair damage.
4) Helps reduce infection and inflammation:
One of the benefits of almond oil for hair is it helps reduce the infection and inflammation caused due to dirt, germs, and pollutants. Almond oil has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the inflammation and infection caused due to dandruff or pollutants.
5) Provides softer and shinier hair:
Almond oil keeps the hair hydrated, which provides shiny and silky hair. The essential fatty acids keep the hair moisturised, providing healthy hair.
6) Repair and strengthen the hair:
Almond oil for hair infuses essential nutrients and moisture. Hence, if you include it in your regular hair regime, it helps repair the damaged hair caused due to brushing, hair styling, or coloring.
7) Enhances hair growth:
Applying almond air directly on the scalp activates the inactive hair follicles. Biotin and Vitamin B7 thicken the thin hair and assist the regrowth of hair follicles.
8) Provides deep conditioning:
Deep conditioning is possible due to almond oil’s omega fatty acid content. Deep conditioning provides elasticity to the hair, keeping it nourished.
9) Prevents frizzy hair:
Almond oil is quite effective in sealing moisture. It seals moisture in the hair cuticles, avoiding it to look frizzier. Despite heavy styling, using almond oil regularly can protect the strands against frizziness.
10) Helps manage split ends and hair loss:
Lack of nutrients and dryness causes split ends and hair loss. Almond oil has magnesium, zinc, and calcium that boost hair growth. Its rich nutrient content prevents split-ends.
Also Read: Cottonseed Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More
How to Use Almond Oil for Hair?
1) As a hair oil
As per Nicholson, almond oil for hair provides shininess and manages hair follicles. Just take a few drops of oil, spread it over the palm, and gently massage the scalp to the ends for its even distribution.
2) As a hair mask
Prepare a moisturising mask while using avocado and almond oil for hair. Take one peeled avocado and mix two tablespoons of almond oil. Use the brush to apply it over the scalp and hair strands and keep it for 30-45 minutes. Shampoo and condition the hair as usual.
3) As an essential oil
Add a few drops of almond essential oil with olive oil or coconut oil for deep hair conditioning and avoiding hair breakage. Use it at least once a week for better and quick results.
Almond Oil vs Coconut Oil for Hair
Both almond oil and coconut oil provide hair nourishment. However, it is the nutrient content that varies. Almond oil for hair is rich in vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids. Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats.
Coconut oil restores the damaged hair, while almond oil promotes hair growth. Both oils have hair nourishment properties, available with immense benefits and versatile uses.
Experts suggest using almond oil as a carrier oil base due to its unnoticeable and faint scent. Whichever option you choose, ensuring that it is in the most natural form can help extract the utmost benefits.
Side Effects of Almond Oil for Hair
It is generally safe for anyone to use almond oil on their skin. If you have an allergy to nuts, don't use almond oil on your hair or in any other way, as it could trigger a serious reaction.
Don't use pure almond oil on your hair before heat styling. As the oil heats up around your hair follicle, it may burn your scalp or hair shaft.
Summing Up on Almond Oil for Hair
Using almond oil on their hair to increase strength and shine is low risk and likely to work for most people. Currently, limited studies show how almond oil strengthens and conditions hair, so more research is needed. Nevertheless, almond oil's active nutrients and properties have been shown to improve the strength, softness, and radiance of hair. Additionally, almond oil is gentle on your scalp and smells great when applied.
FAQs
1) Can Almond Oil Regrow Hair?
The effectiveness of almond oil in making hair grow is not proven in clinical trials. However, there is one thing that we do know: almond oil can make hair stronger and less prone to split ends, which means that your hair growth won't be slowed down by losing damaged hair.
2) Is Oiling Hair Everyday Good?
Leaving oil on your hair every day for too long can cause buildup on your scalp. Additionally, it can clog your pores, attract dirt, and accumulate dandruff.
Using hair oil every day also means you'll have to wash your hair every day with shampoo. If you want luxurious hair, you shouldn't wash your hair daily with shampoo. You should oil your hair once or twice a week instead.
3) Should We Comb Hair After Oiling?
Often, we grab our combs right after we oil our hair to remove tangles. However, this is a common mistake that should be avoided. Immediately after a good oil massage, your scalp is relaxed and fragile, causing hair loss and hair breakage. If you have to comb your hair, you should start from the tips and slowly work your way up to the top.
