One crazy ingredient that you didn’t know was good for your hair

Cactus oil: chances are, you didn’t even know such a thing existed, let alone that you can actually reap its benefits. Yep, that’s right- cactus oil is actually a brilliant tool for skin, beauty and hair. Apparently a discovery that originated from Jamaica, where women would peel the cactus and wash their hair with the oil to keep it “lush and hydrated”, it seems that there really is something to be said for the prickly plant.

Cactus oil regenerates the skin, has anti-ageing properties, and absorbs quickly into the skin, but we’re not here to focus on that stuff. You want to know how it can possibly give your hair any sort of benefits, and we’re here to tell you.

One of the ingredients you can find in abundance in cactus oil is fatty acids, which play a role in supporting the hair-growth process. They do this by helping with blood circulation and cell growth, which are important for increasing nutrient absorption at the hair follicles. As well as promoting hair growth, a good intake of fatty acids will add sheen and lustre to hair.

Already swayed to set out on your own cactus oil hunt? We haven’t finished yet. Because of its superior water retention, cactus oil is actually one of the best moisturising agents out there. The moisture replenishment keeps hair thick and shiny by coating hair follicles with a layer of protection, which adds volume and ultimately acts as a shield to protect hair from damage.

If you’re reading this thinking: okay, so it’s good for me, but I don’t live anywhere near a desert, and I don’t fancy peeling my own cactus anyway- don’t stress. Cactus oil is available in little bottles from pretty much anywhere (just make sure that if you’re buying online, it’s from a trusted source). If you’re into your hair oils and remedies, cactus oil is definitely one for you to try.