Sweet almond oil is having a spot in the limelight as an oil that can help hair grow, get rid of scalp dryness, hydrate the hair strands, etc. Sweet almond oil is extracted from the almond nut (Prunus dulcis), which has been used in ancient medicine systems due to its nutritional and therapeutic properties. (1)
Rubbing sweet almond oil on your scalp can smoothen and soften the skin as it contains a high amount of fats (50%), proteins (25%), carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, etc. (2)(3)(4) It is also used to dissolve certain medicines before they are given to people as shots.
The abundance of nutrients in almond oil is the reason it is used for food flavorings and in the cosmetic industry. (3)
The high amounts of fatty acids, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, and vitamin E in almond oil improve the texture and shine of the hair and helps in its growth as well. (5)
Article Contents
Benefits of Using Sweet Almond Oil for Hair
You can use sweet almond oil on your hair to get these benefits:
1. Promotes hair growth
Almond oil is rich in nutrients that are essential for hair growth. Massaging your scalp with sweet almond oil improves blood circulation to the hair follicles, resulting in improved hair thickness and growth.
Hair loss occurs due to a deficiency of certain nutrients. A small study showed that sweet almond contains high amounts of protein, vitamins, and tocopherol, which are needed for hair growth. (6)
Moreover, almond oil has soothing properties for the skin. It is abundant in vitamin E, which is an amazing antioxidant that helps stop oxidative stress from damaging the hair and causing premature graying. (7)
Additionally, using sweet almond oil regularly as a pre-wash/post-wash oil can help moisturize the scalp and hair and restore the lost moisture from washing.
2. Reduces dandruff
Almond oil is excellent for treating dandruff and other disorders of the scalp that make it dry and flaky. This oil is rich in vitamins and proteins that help eliminate scalp contamination and infection. It also stops the spread of the fungus Malassezia, which is the main reason behind dandruff and itchy scalp.
Almond oil helps to calm the scalp due to its soothing nature and provides nourishment to it. It softens dandruff and loosens its hold on the scalp for its easy removal when washing the hair. (8)
3. Reduces scalp acne
Many people suffer from scalp acne that causes itching and redness. The essential nutrient zinc is present in almond oil and helps to treat acne scars on the skin.
One small study suggested that almond oil can treat acne due to its nutrient content. (9) Almonds are a natural ingredient that can be used to eliminate scalp disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and seborrhea because they exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Protects against UV damage
Almond oil is teeming with essential fatty acids that have double bonds and hence helps to protect the scalp and hair from UV radiation that causes structural damage to the hair. (5)
A small study conducted in 2018 shows that the application of almond oil to the hair can prevent the damage caused by harsh UV rays. (10)
5. Moisturizes the hair shaft and scalp
Sweet almond oil has emollient properties that help to soften and moisturize dry hair strands. (11)
By oiling your hair regularly with sweet almond oil, you can transform your dry and brittle strands into silky-soft hair. Your hair also becomes less prone to breakage and fall and can grow better than before. (2)
Sweet almond oil supplies vitamins, amino acids, and other hair-friendly nutrients that the hair needs to stay healthy. (5)
6. Maintains hair protein and elasticity
The use of almond hair on the hair helps increase its elasticity and fill the gap between cuticle cells. It does not cause protein loss as it is not able to penetrate the hair shaft. (5)
Ways to Use Sweet Almond Oil on the Hair
Here are some ways to use sweet almond oil for improved hair quality:
1. Pre- or post-hair oil
- In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Rinse it off with a vegan shampoo and conditioner the morning after.
2. Hair mask
Hair masks are all about pampering the skin with nutrients derived from various ingredients, and one such ingredient is almond oil. This oil is rich in nutrients, minerals, and moisture and can be used alone or with other ingredients in a homemade mask.
To use almond oil alone:
- Take a few drops of it, and rub it between your palms.
- Massage it on your scalp and hair.
- Brush your hair with a wide-toothed comb to disperse the oil from roots to tips.
- Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
You can also use almond oil and other ingredients such as avocado to prepare a creamy, moisturizing hairs treatment:
- In a bowl, combine one ripe mashed avocado and 2 tablespoons of almond oil. Mix them well.
- Apply the mixture to your hair, and leave it on for 1 hour.
- Wash it off with natural shampoo and conditioner.
3. Hair serum
The popularity of hair serums is on the rise, and using natural ingredients to pamper, nourish, and style the hair is an excellent way of taking care of it.
Almond oil is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, making it a great hair serum and styler. You can apply some sweet almond oil to your baby and prevent flyaway hair from spoiling your hairstyle.
General Queries Related to Sweet Almond Oil for Hair
What is the difference between sweet and bitter almonds?
Sweet almond contains less amygdalin (~0.2 mg to 16 mg per 100 g), which is a poisonous cyanogenic glycoside, whereas bitter almond contains very high amounts of this glycoside (3,300 mg to 5400 mg per 100 g). (12)
Why is almond oil a popular carrier oil for essential oils?
Sweet almond oil is widely available and is a mild, hypoallergenic, and readily absorbed oil, making it a preferred carrier oil. The skin absorbs it well, and it is an excellent moisturizer and can carry any essential oil to the skin.
Are there any side effects of using almond oil on the hair?
No. Almond oil is safe for everyone to use on their hair. But to be extra safe, do a patch test to check for allergies and reactions. If you experience such reactions, discontinue its use.
Can sweet almond oil clog the pores on the scalp?
Sweet almond oil does not have comedogenic effects, which means that it will not clog your pores. Instead, the oil benefits those with oily, dry, and sensitive skin.
Can I take sweet almond oil as an oral supplement?
You can consume sweet almond oil as an oral supplement to get reasonable amounts of vitamin E, protein, vitamin A, and omega-9 fatty acids for healthy and strong hair.
What is the recommended intake amount of almonds?
You can have a dietary intake of 30–50 g of almonds as part of a healthy diet.
Final Word
Sweet almond oil is a fantastic addition to your hair care routine as it contains nutrients and moisture that hydrates and helps the hair grow.
Moreover, the essential amino acids in sweet almond oil can transform dry, flaky scalp and seal in moisture, smoothen the hair cuticles, and promote thicker and better hair growth. (13)
References
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- Ahmad Z. The uses and properties of Almond Oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388109000772. Published July 15, 2009.
- K; OMBSETMT. Almond oil: A comprehensive review of chemical composition, extraction methods, preservation conditions, potential health benefits, and safety. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34056853/.
- Barreca D, Nabavi SM, Sureda A, et al. Almonds (prunus dulcis mill. D. A. Webb): A source of nutrients and health-promoting compounds. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146189/. Published March 1, 2020.
- Mysore V, Arghya A. Hair oils: Indigenous knowledge revisited. International journal of trichology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/. Published 2022.
- Almond : A health diamond – research journal. http://researchjournal.co.in/upload/assignments/1_147-151.pdf.
- Hosking A-M, Juhasz M, Atanaskova Mesinkovska N. Complementary and alternative treatments for alopecia: A comprehensive review. Skin appendage disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388561/. Published February 2019.
- Goyal A, Sharma A, Kaur J, et al. Bioactive-based cosmeceuticals: An update on emerging trends. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8837976/. Published January 27, 2022.
- An updated review on efficacy and benefits of … – Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ics.12758.
- Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/. Published December 27, 2017.
- Zaid AN, Jaradat NA, Eid AM, Al Zabadi H, Alkaiyat A, Darwish SA. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/. Published July 5, 2017.
- Grundy MM-L, Lapsley K, Ellis PR. A review of the impact of processing on nutrient bioaccessibility and digestion of almonds. International journal of food science & technology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003169/. Published September 2016.
- Ijraset. IJRASET Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Hair Oil. https://www.ijraset.com/research-paper/formulation-and-evaluation-of-polyherbal-hair-oil.