Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil for Your Hair

Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil for Your Hair
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Sweet almond oil is a mild oil that has a variety of applications, especially in the health and beauty arena. It is made by warm-pressing and concentrating sweet almonds, which are the longer, more oval-shaped almonds common for baking or snacking. With high concentrations of vitamin E, according to BellaSugar.com, almond oil is ideal for skin and hair. Buttery yellow, sweet almond oil can be added to your existing hair care regimen to make for healthier, smoother hair.

Smoother Ends

Hair is made up of keratin, which is a dead protein, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Since the protein is dead, once it becomes damaged there is no way to fix it other than to cut the damaged ends off. Damaged ends can make you look messy and unkempt, especially when you're going for a more polished style. The weight of the sweet almond oil can help temporarily fuse together the split ends of your hair so they look healthy and smooth for a neater look.

Less Frizz

During the winter months, indoor heating and a lack of moisture in the air can have your hair feeling frizzy and full of static, especially if you wear hats to keep warm. A small amount of sweet almond oil applied around the roots of your hair can weight down the shafts so they are less susceptible to frizz. IndiaParenting.com recommends sweet almond oil to smooth down the hair shaft for less frizz and flyaways. Apply only as much oil as you can rub on your fingers, and never pour the oil on your hair, which could result in a greasy appearance.

More Shine

Sweet almond oil can infuse your hair with a high-gloss shine that makes your hair look healthy and luscious. By spreading a small amount of sweet almond oil across your palms, and then smoothing your hands over your already-styled hair, you can create a glossy look that is an ideal addition to your beauty routine, notes HairBoutique.com. Most shine sprays and serums are made with unnatural silicone, and sweet almond oil is a natural substitution with similar, if not better results.

Carrier Oil

Almond oil is an ideal carrier oil for essential oils because it is smooth and mild, allowing the essential oils to be as effective as possible. Some essential oils are useful for hair health. For instance, ylang ylang is thought to enhance hair growth, while tea tree oil combats dandruff and peppermint invigorates the scalp and increases blood flow for healthier hair. The University of Maryland Medical center points out that lavender essential oil can also help slow the progression of alopecia. You should never apply essential oils directly to your hair or body. Quinessence.com recommends beginning with 5 mL of carrier oil for every one drop of essential oil.

References

Article reviewed by Kathleen Stebbins Last updated on: Jun 16, 2010

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