Almond Oil: Why This Humble Oil is one of the Best Hair Products

When it comes to looking after our hair, many of us spend tens, if not hundreds of pounds on finding the absolute best products. We all know that the cheaper products tend to contain ingredients that aren’t so good for our hair, and frustratingly, paying more often means that you get access to a product that contains only thoroughly-tested and/or natural ingredients.

While having our on favourite commercial hair products is to be expected, don’t forget about natural hair products, either. That’s not to say that you need to try out all the crazy remedies that we’ve covered here on this blog, including onion juice, beer and eggs. But it’s definitely worth looking into some of the natural oils that are great for hair growth – like almond oil.

Almond oil is, as the name suggests, is oil that has been extracted from almonds. Just like almonds themselves, almond oil is packed full of nutrients, including protein, phospholipids, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin E.

You might have seen commercial products containing almond oil selling in your local beauty stores, which is because when it’s applied to the hair, almond oil helps strengthen, soften, hydrate and smooth the hair.

The best thing about almond oil is its versatility; it can treat nearly every hair concern out there. There might not yet be a whole lot of studies on this hair-healthy oil, but it’s considered a go-to for treating hair by plenty of experts for these reasons:

1. Offers deep conditioning

All hair types, from straight to thick to curly, need deep conditioning to stay healthy. Deep conditioning targets existing damage while also adding moisture and elasticity to the hair, thanks to its omega-fatty acid content. Hair that’s shiny and bouncy (as opposed to brittle) is much easier to style. It’s a good idea to use almond oil as a hair mask if you’ve used hot tools or spent a long time outside in the sun.

2. Soothes and softens hair

Almond oil is known as an emollient, which softens and soothes both hair and skin. Additionally, because it has a high content of vitamin E, almond oil helps to repair small breaks and splits in the hair shaft at a cellular level. With consistent use, almond oil will help to soften your hair, making it much easier to brush and style it.  

3. Fights frizz.

Almond oil is a great sealing oil that helps lock moisture into the hair, preventing it from escaping. As a result, it helps hair to look and feel more hydrated – and there’s no need to weigh it down with heavy styling products. By doing this, it can also fight frizz – so it’s a must if you constantly struggle with frizzy hair.

4. Aids in hair growth.

Almond oil contains all the properties needed to promote healthy hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids found in the oil help to keep hair healthy, and magnesium helps combat hair loss in both men and women. Even better, when almond oil is applied directly to the scalp, it can promote better hair growth and reverse hair loss, according to studies.

5. Soothes scalp inflammation

It’s common to experience some kind or itchiness, dandruff or redness on your scalp from time to time, and applying almond oil directly to this area is said to be able to help reduce inflammation. Because almond oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it can improve blood circulation to the scalp and naturally reduce inflammation. Being an emollient, it is often used as a soothing treatment for the likes of eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.

Using Almond Oil

If you have fine and oily hair, make sure to use only small amounts of almond oil at a time – or you’ll end up with grease that you can’t manage. And if you have nut allergies, for obvious reasons, you'll want to avoid almond oil altogether.

Almond oil might just be the hair styling product that your strands have been missing. Not only can it nourish hair, it can also strengthen strands and soothe the scalp. If you’re looking for strong but soft hair, almond oil is an ideal go-to solution. You can find it selling everywhere, from health stores to beauty shops, and even online. Just make sure you buy from a trusted seller with plenty of positive reviews to avoid disappointment.

Aana Bowering