Dry Hair? Almond Oil Is the Lightweight Oil Your Strands Need
The hero oil has an impressive resume.
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No doubt you’ve heard about applying olive oil or coconut oil to your hair as a way to moisturize super thirsty strands. But have you ever considered using almond oil for hair? This underused, natural oil is rich in vitamins that benefit scalp and hair health, and its rich, emollient properties make for conditioned and shiny strands, too. Plus, there are all sorts of ways you can use almond oil in your hair ranging from a moisturizing mask to flyaway tamer.
Benefits of Using Almond Oil for Hair
Almond oil is a highly emollient, lightweight, and quick-absorbing oil that’s packed with vitamins E, A, and D, minerals such as magnesium and calcium, and omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. All the above help nourish your hair, boost shine, and deeply condition your strands. Its antioxidant benefits means that this natural oil can also help protect your hair and scalp from environmental-related damage.
Hydrates
Conditions
Protects from damage
Boosts shine
Soothes a dry scalp
Seals split ends
Nixes frizz and flyaways
Strengthens the hair follicle
Almond Oil Versus Other Types of Oil
A key difference between almond oil and others—like coconut and olive oil—is that it’s much lighter weight. “So, if you have fine to medium fine hair, it’s a great option as other oils are heavier,” explains celebrity hairstylist Kimberly Gueldner. “You can use it as a styling product as well as a treatment since it doesn't just stay on the surface of the hair. Rather, it soaks into the hair shaft.”
Who Should Use Almond Oil for Hair?
Though it’s lightweight, almond oil is still best reserved for those with dry, normal, or combination skin. However, if you do deal with an oily scalp or hair, you can use it conservatively on the mid-shift to ends versus directly at the scalp.
“Sweet almond oil is particularly beneficial for dehydrated, dry, damaged, and frizzy hair types,” notes celebrity hairstylist Orlando Pita. “Its hydrating properties effectively combat dryness, eliminate frizz, and provide a high-quality shine.”
How to Use Almond Oil for Hair
If you’re a beauty DIY-er, grab yourself some pure almond oil—like ULTA Beauty Collection Sweet Almond Carrier Oil ($8, Ulta)—and try using it in the following ways.
Hair Mask: Apply slightly warmed almond oil to dry hair, focusing on the mid-shaft to ends. Let it set for 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition perth normal. “You could even mix a couple of oils together, like with coconut oil, for a heavier conditioning treatment,” Gueldner says.
Hair Oiling: Warm a small amount of almond oil and massage it gently into your scalp with your fingers or a silicone massager for about 10 to 15, then rinse.
Styling: Gueldner says almond oil does a bang up job as a finishing product. Use it to tame flyaways or add some sheen to your ends.
Scalp Soother: If you have a dry or flaky scalp, apply a small amount to your scalp to help provide some soothing hydration and moisture.
RELATED: Hair Oiling is More Than Just a Beauty Routine for Me and My Mom
What to Avoid
“One thing to remember when using almond oil is do not put the oil on your hair before heat styling—only use it after [or before shampooing it out],” notes Gueldner. “Almond oil shouldnt be heated, as it could burn your hair shaft and cause damage.”
Also avoid applying it directly to your scalp, particularly if you have oily or acne-prone skin, and refrain from using it altogether if you have any nut allergies. It’s smart to apply a small amount to your skin to test it out prior to applying liberally.
Best Almond Oil Hair Products to Try
Prefer to use already made hair care products? Check out these winners that incorporate almond oil into the formula.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil ($45, Sephora)
Orlando Pita Play Strong Bond Split End Sealant ($13.67, Amazon)
Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil Healthy Hair and Scalp ($12.99, Target)
Botanic Hearth Almond & Jojoba Oil Hair Mask ($9.88, Amazon)
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