Almond Oil for Hair: Benefits, Uses, and Tips for Healthier Hair

If you’re after softer, smoother, shinier hair, you might want to try adding almond oil for hair to your hair care routine.

Ever wondered why many shampoos and conditioners contain almond extract? It’s one of many popular oils for hair growth and it’s packed with hair-friendly proteins, omega-9 fatty acids, and vitamin E.

But can applying almond oil to your scalp really make your hair look healthier?

Below, we break down why almond oil is good for hair and outline tips for how to use it safely and effectively.

Almond oil comes from almond nuts and is available in two types: bitter and sweet.

• Bitter almond oil frequently shows up as an ingredient in soaps and massage oils, but it contains cyanide so it’s not safe to eat or drink.

• Sweet almond oil is safe to ingest and is a popular ingredient in skin care and hair care products.

Sweet Almond Oil For Hair

Sweet almond oil’s emollient properties help to fill in gaps on a cellular level, leaving your hair softer and smoother.

Sweet almond oil is also rich in:

• Oleic acid

• Linoleic acid

• Protein

• Omega fatty acids

• Vitamin E

• Magnesium

• Biotin

Is almond oil good for hair? If you’re looking to boost shine, reduce breakage, and keep your scalp moisturized, almond oil may be just what you need.

Let’s look at the benefits in more detail.

1. Softens and Smooths Hair

If you’re after softer, easier-to-manage hair, almond oil is a great choice. As an emollient, it smooths out the hair shaft, which makes hair feel silkier and more manageable.

Almond oil fills in tiny gaps in your hair cuticle, giving it a smoother look and reducing flyaways. If you’re struggling with split ends or dry hair, almond oil can help your hair look a bit healthier.

2. Strengthens Hair and Reduces Breakage

Almond oil may not directly regrow hair, but it strengthens and reduces breakage. This helps retain hair and can indirectly promote longer locks.

Thanks to its lubricating properties, almond oil makes hair easier to comb and style. By reducing friction, it prevents tangles and snags during the hair styling process, helping to reduce breakage.

3. Protects Hair from Environmental Stress

Almond oil provides a layer of protection against environmental stressors that can leave hair looking dull and lifeless. The vitamin E in almond oil acts as a potent antioxidant, shielding hair from damage due to sun exposure, pollution, and other environmental factors.

Environmental stressors can sap moisture and nutrients from your hair, leaving it dry and vulnerable. By applying almond oil, you add a protective barrier that locks in moisture and keeps hair looking healthy.

4. Soothes the Scalp

Since healthy hair starts at the root — literally — it’s important to keep your scalp healthy. After all, a healthy scalp supports healthy hair growth.

There’s evidence that almond oil can also:

• Improve eczema symptoms

• Soothe scalp conditions like scalp psoriasis

• Repair the skin barrier

• Moisturize dry skin

Almond oil might also have anti-inflammatory properties, though the evidence isn’t conclusive.

Research shows that almond oil can calm itchy skin — including an itchy scalp.

And because almond oil helps lock in moisture, it can be a great treatment for dry scalps prone to dandruff.

We’re sad to report that there’s not enough research to suggest almond oil can promote hair growth or treat hair loss conditions.

However, because it can help keep your hair and scalp healthy, it might reduce hair breakage. This can give the appearance of a thicker, fuller head of hair.

Almond oil does contain biotin, which often shows up as an ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss supplements. But biotin supplements only reduce hair loss in people with biotin deficiencies. And there’s no evidence that topical biotin is a hair loss cure either.

If you’ve noticed thinning hair, don’t panic. Stick to evidence-based hair loss treatments like:

• Finasteride, an FDA-approved treatment for male pattern baldness

• Minoxidil, another FDA-approved hair loss treatment that comes in two forms: minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution

• A topical finasteride & minoxidil spray, which combines both treatments in one

Remember that hair loss usually gets worse over time. If you’ve noticed the early signs of balding, make an appointment with a healthcare professional as soon as you can to start treatment.

So, you’re keen to add almond oil to your hair care routine — but how exactly do you do this? Here are a few of your options.

1. Apply It Directly To Your Scalp and Hair

For maximum effect, apply a small amount of almond oil directly to your scalp and hair. If you’re using pure almond oil, you can also add it to a nourishing carrier oil — like coconut or olive oil.

Massage the oil into your scalp using gentle, circular motions to boost blood flow and ensure even distribution. This method helps condition both the scalp and hair strands, leaving hair softer, shinier, and easier to manage.

Learn more about giving yourself a scalp massage.

2. Use A Conditioning Hair Mask

If your hair needs an extra moisture boost, try adding almond oil to a DIY conditioning hair treatment.

Here’s how to make your own almond oil hair mask:

1. Mix almond oil with other hydrating ingredients, such as coconut oil, avocado, or honey.

2. Apply this deep conditioning treatment to damp hair.

3. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Rinse it out thoroughly.

Aim to use an almond oil hair mask about once a week to keep dryness and frizz at bay. If you have particularly dry hair, you could try using this mask twice a week.

3. Add It to Shampoo or Conditioner

For a more subtle approach, add a few drops of almond oil to your favorite shampoo or conditioner. You can also add it to other hair care products, like leave-in conditioner.

This approach can give you a little extra shine and moisture without adding an extra step to your routine. It’s a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of almond oil if you’re short on time.

While almond oil is generally safe for most people, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Possible side effects of using almond oil on your scalp include:

• Scalp sensitivity. People with sensitive scalps may experience mild irritation with almond oil. Try a small patch test on your skin before applying it to your entire scalp.

• Allergies. Those with nut allergies should avoid products containing nut oils like almond oil to prevent any risk of reaction.

• Heat damage. Avoid applying almond oil directly to your hair before using heat tools like flat irons or curling wands. The oil can heat up and damage your hair and scalp. Instead, use a heat-protectant product before styling your hair.

• Excessive oiliness. Almond oil is a fairly lightweight hair oil, which means it can work for all hair types. But applying too much, especially if you have fine hair, can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.

If you have a scalp condition like eczema or psoriasis consider consulting with a healthcare professional before using a new product. They can advise you on whether it’s safe.

With its powerful blend of nutrients, almond oil offers several benefits for hair health.

It can help make it softer and stronger and protect it from environmental damage.

Before you grab that bottle of sweet almond oil, keep the following in mind:

• There are many benefits of almond oil for hair. It might keep your hair softer, smoother, and stronger — plus, it can be good for your scalp.

• But it doesn’t stop hair loss.  If you’re trying to hold onto your hairline, opt for evidence-based hair loss treatments, like finasteride.

• It’s not safe for people with nut allergies. Avoid almond oil if you have a nut allergy, and don’t use it before heat styling your hair — this could spell disaster for your scalp.

Whether you’re applying it directly, using it in a conditioning mask, or adding a few drops to your shampoo, almond oil can help give your hair a healthy, lustrous look.

But if you’re dealing with specific scalp issues like hair loss, it’s best to speak directly with a healthcare professional. They can help pinpoint the root cause and outline your hair loss treatment options.