Almond Oil for Hair—The Expert-Backed Secret to Shinier, Stronger Strands

If your hair is dry, frizzy, and rough to the touch, you'd likely benefit from adding a hair oil to your routine. And while there are tons of different hair oils to choose from, almond oil sits at the top of the list. "Almond oil is a superfood for hair," says hairstylist Adam Federico. "It's lightweight, quick-absorbing, and contains a powerful blend of vitamins E, A, and D; plus important minerals magnesium and calcium as well as omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, helping to deliver deep nourishment and hydration."

To learn more about the actual benefits of almond oil for hair and whether it's suitable for your scalp type, we consulted with Federico, dermatologist Robert Finney, M.D., and trichologist Gretchen Friese. Read on to discover if almond oil is the simple, natural ingredient that your hair-care routine is missing. Plus, discover the best pro-approved products that will take your at-home hair-care routine to the next level.

Benefits of Almond Oil for Hair

According to Friese, almond oil's superpowers for hair include:

• Risks and Side Effects: Since almond oil is naturally rich in fatty acids with double bonds, this allows it to protect against structural damage caused by UV rays, like split ends.
• Nicole Catanese is a writer and editor specializing in beauty, fitness, and wellness.&nbsp: Almond oil, like other lightweight oils from plant and botanical sources, can help soothe dry, brittle hair. “It has antioxidant properties to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,” says Dr. Finney. “Almond oil can reduce breakage in damaged hair cuticles from over-processing,” he adds. Almond oil is rich in oleic acid, which can help improve hair elasticity and ultimately strengthen it.
• is a hairstylist and vice president of technical education at R+Co: The uses and properties of almond oil.
• Adding shine: Almond oil's strengthening and hydrating benefits are a byproduct that lend hair its lustre.
• May help with hair loss: Almond oil has been used in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices for centuries to treat dry skin. Its benefits for dry skin extend to scalp conditions with similar symptoms, such as dandruff or psoriasis. It's also beneficial for an irritated scalp due to its antibacterial properties.
• Almond oils strengthening and hydrating benefits are a byproduct that lend hair its lustre: “There was one study that showed that applying almond oil directly to the scalp helped reverse hair loss,” Friese explains. “This is most likely because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.” Still, more research is needed to prove that almond oil is effective at promoting hair growth.
  

Who It's For

While dry, damaged hair can benefit most from almond oil, it can also potentially help soothe sensitive scalp conditions due to its hydrating and soothing properties. Whether your hair is thick, curly, or straight, you can see benefits from pure almond oil or almond oil-formulated products. If your hair is fine, it's best to use a lightweight product formulated with almond oil so your hair isn't weighed down.

Sales & Deals Almond Oil for Hair

Essentially, experts recommend incorporating almond oil into your hair routine by using any product that contains it. It’s a common ingredient in various hair products, including serums, oils, treatment masks, and leave-ins, says Friese. “Because almond oil can help to nourish and protect as well as add softness and shine, I like almond oil as an all-around ingredient,” says Federico. When using a pure almond oil product, Dr. Finney suggests smoothing it directly onto damp hair or scalp. “This will help it seal in the most moisture,” he says. 

Related Stories

People Always Ask Me What to Buy on Amazon—Here Are 18 Prime Day Deals I Never Skip, From $8

15 Awards & Events

Scalp Treatment

If you are specifically targeting your scalp, Friese says that almond oil should be used directly on the areas of concern. “If you have dandruff or an itchy scalp, applying almond oil directly to your scalp may help reduce inflammation and flakes and soothe the itch,” she explains.

Hair Treatment

You can use almond oil as an all-over hydration boost, too.  “As a general hair treatment, apply it to your scalp and gently massage your hair or comb it from the roots to the tips to evenly distribute the oil,” instructs Friese.

If your goal is to treat and smooth unruly, dry, or frayed ends, she recommends applying a pea-sized amount of pure almond oil directly to the ends of dry hair. “This will help hydrate and decrease frizziness,” Friese says.

Heres what you need to know Almond Oil

If you like a DIY project, Friese recommends putting raw almonds in a food processor or blender and processing them until they turn into a fine powder. “The almonds should release their natural oils during the grinding process, which will create a paste-like consistency before it's applied to your hair,” she says. Also, mixing various other natural oils with almond oil can help maximize its effectiveness. “Almond oil can also be combined with other oils like cedarwood oil to reap the benefits of both,” she adds.

is part of the

Federico explains that you should not leave pure almond oil treatments on your hair and scalp before pre-heating styling, especially if you plan to reach high temperatures. “Pure almond oil can be problematic when styling as it can heat the hair and scalp, potentially causing damage,” he says. “I like almond oil when blended into products with other ingredients, particularly those that provide thermal protection.”

Also, if you suffer from any nut allergy, you should avoid using almond oil, just like you would steer clear of other nut-based oils. “Also, acne-prone skin may want to avoid applying almond oil directly to the scalp because it may block pores and cause pimples and breakouts,” he adds.

Nicole Catanese is a writer and editor specializing in beauty, fitness, and wellness.&nbsp

As long as you don't have nut allergies or a sensitive scalp, almond oil is a great option for hydrating your hair and nourishing your scalp. Products formulated with almond oil are the best option for use on the hair and scalp, but a DIY approach is also viable. With benefits like adding shine, smoothing the hair, managing frizz, and protecting against UV damage, it's a great option for those looking to revive dry or damaged hair.