Over time, harsh weather, styling products and even shampoo can leave hair dull and dry. A natural hair treatment with avocados and olive oil gently lifts out dirt, excess hair oils and styling product residue that shampoo alone may not remove. The healthy oils in these plant products replenish moisture in your hair, leaving it softer, shinier and more manageable.
Benefits of Avocado
Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, note experts from New York University. This fat adds shine to your hair. Avocados also provide vitamins E and C, anti-oxidants that can help defend your hair from environmental factors like pollution. [See ref 1] The folate, or vitamin B9, in avocados may also contribute to hair health. California avocados are richer in fat, while Florida avocados contain more vitamin C.
Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil provides a nourishing base for hair oil treatments. Like avocados, olive oil also provides significant amounts of vitamin E and healthy fats. This oil is an especially good source of monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid and polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, notes the website Olive Oil Source. Omega-6 is essential for hair growth.
Additional Ingredients
While just avocado and oil olive can help improve your hair's appearance, blending in other natural ingredients will boost the nutrient content of your hair treatment. Egg yolk, which is rich in hair-building protein, is one option to add, suggests the website Care2. Adding honey provides humectants that help moisturize dry hair. Aloe gel and lemon juice are also among the ingredients you could include in this hair treatment.
Use
For long hair, mash one whole avocado and thoroughly blend it into 1/2 cup olive oil, recommends the Care2 website. For shorter hair, use only half an avocado. If you have dry hair or just want a little extra conditioning, add 1 tbsp. honey with the avocado. As a variation, blend 1 tbsp. each aloe gel and lemon juice into the avocado. Apply the mixture to dry hair and cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap, then with a towel. Wait 20 minutes, then rinse and shampoo.
Considerations
Rinse and shampoo the treatment out thoroughly to remove any residue that could leave your hair sticky and dull. The natural ingredients in this hair treatment spoil quickly, so make only enough for one treatment at a time. Those allergic to latex, melons, peaches or bananas may be sensitive to avocados. If you're unsure whether or not you're allergic, place a small amount of avocado on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours to check for reactions.
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