Using avocado oil for hair is a beauty hack set to take over the reign of coconut oil. Rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants but much lighter than the coconut variety, this oil can support your hair recovery without leaving a greasy feeling. And although most claims are yet to be tested, the potential is definitely there.
Is avocado oil good for your hair?
The efficiency of avocado oil for hair is yet to be scientifically researched. Therefore, there is no proof to date that this oil can be good for the hair.
However, it makes sense that it is. The oil isn’t as nutritious as the pulp of the fruit, but it still contains a good amount of beneficial compounds such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids, biotin, minerals and vitamin E.
All of these nutrients have a role to play in the hair’s well-being. Then, it is logical using avocado oil for hair can provide good results even if there isn’t any study to back this effect.
To enjoy the following benefits you should take full advantage of this oil. Besides applying it topically, you can also add it to your meals or replace your regular cooking oil with it, as some of its nutrients are more efficient when ingested.
Keeps the scalp healthy
A healthy scalp is fundamental to have a beautiful and nourished hair. If the skin is weak, it becomes more prone to infections which can lead to itchiness, scaling and eventually to hair loss.
The fatty acids in avocado oil penetrate easily in the scalp to help balance the skin’s balance of natural oils and restore its flexibility and plumpness.
Due to this effect, using avocado oil for hair can also be beneficial to prevent and treat dandruff, provided that its cause is a dry scalp and not a viral infection.
Repairs damaged hair
The blend of nutrients present in avocado oil works to repair, strengthen and moisturize the hair, even when it’s very damaged.
A 2005 study analyzing the effect of different oils for hair, for instance, concluded that those with a similar composition to the avocado oil help prevent breakage by sealing the hair cuticles.
The biotin also improves the structure of keratin, the protein responsible for keeping the fibers of the hair healthy and strong. The deficiency of this vitamin is also linked with alopecia, according to a 2018 study, which reinforces the possibility that using avocado oil for hair can be beneficial.
May help with hair growth
This is one of the most famous benefits of avocado oil for hair, although it hasn’t been confirmed by any scientific study to date.
Nevertheless, even if it doesn’t actively promote this growth, it can support it. Keeping a healthy and clean scalp is the first step to remove any source of stress from the follicles, and this oil can help you with that.
The fact that it also nourishes the strands and prevents breakage also works in favor of a healthier and longer hair.
Moisturizes the hair
Even if your hair is not damaged, it needs to be moisturized to prevent any damages. Besides reinforcing the hair shaft to prevent breakage, avocado oil also works as a deep and light moisturizer that is quickly absorbed.
It also helps to prevent and remove the frizz effect, while leaving the hair strands smooth and shiny.
How to use avocado oil for hair
The avocado oil can be applied to the hair in 3 different ways, depending on your goal with its application.
Scalp massage
You can use avocado oil to massage the scalp in order to moisturize it and treat any skin problems. Although this oil is liquid, unlike coconut oil, this method still requires warming it up a bit to increase its absorption and the soothing feeling it produces.
How to do it
1. Warm a small amount of oil, approximately the size of a nickel, in a small bowl. You can put the bowl inside a bigger one with hot water or use the microwave. Be careful so the oil is warm, but not hot.
2. Separate your hair strands and apply the oil directly on the scalp using your fingertips or a cotton ball.
3. Massage the oil gently with circular motions.
4. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo afterwards.
You can also leave the oil on the scalp for a bit to allow for its absorption before rinsing it off.
Conditioner
You can use avocado oil to replace your regular conditioner too. You use it in the same way as the latter.
How to do it
1. Wash your hair normally with a shampoo.
2. Dip your fingers in the avocado oil and apply a small quantity to your wet hair. Start at the root and run your fingers through the hair until the tips to spread the oil.
3. Wait a few minutes to allow for the oil be absorbed.
4. Rinse using only warm water to remove the oil.
Hair mask
This is the most common use of avocado oil for the hair. It is used as one of the main ingredients of nourishing masks containing other rich and nutritive foods and oils too.
This oil is also a very good option to mix with essential oils which promote hair health, as it is a good carrier.
Avocado oil vs coconut oil for hair
When it comes to moisturizing the hair and strengthen it, both oils have similar effects, which is why they are good substitutes for each other.
The main difference between the two is that coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is thus more effective in treating scalp infections and preventing them. Furthermore, these properties also make it effective in treating dandruff caused by inflammation or infections, while avocado oil can only help with that caused by dry skin.
While coconut oil is solid and needs to be warmed up before being used, avocado oil is liquid and presents a lighter form that increases its absorption.
Avocado oil for hair recipe
There are several recipes of hair masks with avocado oil among its ingredients. If you want to give this oil a try, you can prepare the following recipe to assess its effect yourself.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of avocado oil
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 3 tbsp of natural yogurt, without sugar
Directions
1. Mix all the ingredients together until achieving a creamy paste.
2. Apply the mask over damp hair and work gently with your fingers or using a hairbrush to spread the mask evenly through your hair strands.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap. Let the mask sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with warm water and a chemical-free shampoo. It isn’t necessary to apply a conditioner afterwards.
