Almond oil is produced from the seed of the sweet almond fruit of the Prunus amygdalus tree. It's available online and in health food stores, and it doesn't have to be the main ingredient in a hair treatment recipe to impart its benefits to your hair. Even just a teaspoon can help improve your hair and scalp from the first time you use it.
Ingredients
Though you can use almond oil alone as a hair treatment, other ingredients are often part of a hair treatment recipe both for their own benefits to hair and to stretch your supply of almond oil. Egg yolk for protein, olive oil for shine and honey for moisture are common additions. You can also add essential oils for fragrance.
Making the Treatment
Mix a teaspoon of almond oil with similar amounts of other ingredients until everything is thoroughly combined. Stir in drops of any essential oils last. If you have long hair, you may need to add extra of one or more of the ingredients to make sure you have enough treatment for all of your hair. You should end up with one-fourth to one-half cup total of the treatment.
Using the Treatment
Start with dry, brushed hair. Massage the almond oil hair treatment into your scalp first, then apply it to the length of your hair. Pin your hair on top of your head and cover it with a plastic shower cap or bag. Leave the treatment on for 30 minutes to an hour, then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. You might need to use extra shampoo to make sure you wash out all of the oil.
Benefits
Almond oil is rich in protein, which strengthens your hair, and contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E. The vitamins all work to keep your hair and scalp healthy, leading to increased softness and manageability, and the vitamin B complex may prevent hair loss.
Warning
Oil will make a shower floor slippery. If you wash out an almond oil hair treatment in the shower, use caution.
Considerations
Because the almond oil will spatter or drip, wear old clothes whenever you apply the hair treatment. If you are allergic to almonds or other types of nuts, consult your doctor before using an almond oil hair treatment.
References
- "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients: Complete Information About the Harmful and Desirable Ingredients in Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals"; Ruth Winter; 2009.
- "Ecobeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, Rinses, and Bath Bombs for You and Your Friends"; Lauren Cox and Janice Cox; 2009.
- "Health and Beauty Therapy: A Practical Approach for NVQ Level 3"; Dawn Mernagh-Ward, Jennifer Cartwright; 2004.
- "The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been So Delicious"; Lisa Drayer; 2008.
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