The source of refinement of almond oil is through the cold pressing of the almond nuts, which are also the seeds of an almond tree. It is a very nutritious oil as it contains vitamin E, proteins and omega-9 fatty acids, among other benefits to your hair. The common sweet almond oil extracted from Prunus amygdalus var dulcius, is the most popular variant when it comes to hair care, offering a myriad of benefits.
This is what you should know about the goodness of sweet almond oil for hair health.
Sweet Almond Oil Benefits for Hair
Apart from being a nutrition pack, sweet almond oil is very light in texture and hence, nourishes hair without turning it into an oily mess. There are many ways in which sweet almond oil benefits your hair, such as:
1. Makes Hair Soft and Smooth
Sweet almond has strong emollient power and acts as a filler for gaps between hair cells. This imparts softness and smoothness to your hair. You can take advantage of this oil by adding it to your hair regimen for easy combing and styling of your hair.
2. Promotes Hair Growth
Sweet almond oil promotes the growth of hair cells. Using this oil on your scalp frequently thickens your hair by stimulating dormant hair follicles. Besides, it is an excellent resource for Vitamin B7 (biotin), which helps in regulating keratin synthesis and promotes new hair follicle generation.
3. Repairs and Strengthens Hair
It helps keep your hair hydrated and nourishes it against any damage that could take place due to coloring the hair, hair styling using heat or even combing it using a brush. It lubricates the hair strands to minimise friction while doing the hairdo. The use of this oil on the scalp and hair length, regularly, prevents split ends, in addition to making your hair stronger and less prone to breaking.
4. Boosts Scalp Health
Over hundreds of years, traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have used sweet almond oil for treating dry scalp. This oil is helpful in treating seborrheic dermatitis, which is characterised by scalp psoriasis and a flaky scalp. Applying sweet almond oil also boosts blood flow to your scalp, supplying it with potent antioxidants. Infused with powerful antimicrobial (antibacterial and fungicidal) properties, this oil acts as a great remedy for dandruff caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Those suffering from dandruff or a red and itchy scalp may find this oil useful in soothing irritation and reducing inflammation.
Sweet Almond Oil Uses for Hair
There are different ways of using sweet almond oil for hair care. You can choose to massage it directly into your hair and scalp. If you want to make your hair softer and more lustrous, focus on massaging the oil into your hair tips, leaving them oiled after styling. Moreover, you can choose to make a hair mask containing sweet almond oil to condition your hair. To do this, mix two parts of coconut oil with one part of sweet almond oil and a natural conditioning agent, such as avocado. Apply this hair mask from the scalp to the tips and leave it in for 40 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. You can also take almond oil in liquid or capsule form as oral supplements. This may or may not have a direct effect on your hair health, but it supplies you with plenty of essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Sweet almond oil is packed with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids, all of which are extremely beneficial for your hair. This oil can help moisturise your scalp and hair and deeply nourish them. This, as a result, improves the texture, appearance and overall well-being. Introducing sweet almond oil to your hair care routine can serve as a great option for almost all hair types, including both dry and oily hair.