Uses Of Almond Oil For Hair

Almond oil is used extensively in beauty and hair products and aromatherapy applications. Many Eastern cultures have used almond oil to help moisturize and protect their hair and scalps. According to holistic health practitioner Francesca Gould in her book, "Indian Head Massage," almond oil contains many beneficial hair nutrients, including protein, essential fatty acids and vitamins. Almond oil can also add shine and luster to your locks.

Aromatherapy Treatments

Almond oil is frequently used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy hair care preparations. A carrier oil is an oil that is used to dilute specific essential oils, as many essential oils are too potent for direct application to the skin, scalp or hair. According to aromatherapist Marcel Lavabre in his book, "Aromatherapy Workbook," almond oil is often used as a diluting agent in aromatherapy hair care preparations due to its lightweight, non-drying and emollient properties. It mixes well with most essential oils. Unlike other carrier oils, such as olive oil, it doesn't have a strong odor that will interfere with the delicate aromas of essential oils.

Scalp and Head Massage

According to Francesca Gould, almond oil is used in scalp and head massage to promote healthy, shiny hair and encourage blood flow to the scalp. Scalp massage can ease tension while encouraging hair growth, because it helps to deliver the necessary nutrients to your hair follicles. You can perform scalp massage at home by gently massaging a small amount of almond oil into your hair and scalp with your fingertips, using circular motions. You can also get a scalp massage as part of a salon treatment. Scalp massage slows down hair loss and helps to moisturize the scalp, which can ease dry, itchy scalp conditions, says Gould.

Moisturizing Treatments

Almond oil is an excellent moisturizing and conditioning treatment for most hair types. It can be used as a stand-alone deep conditioning treatment to add moisture and nutrients back to dry or damaged hair. To use almond oil as a weekly deep conditioning treatment, you can apply it to dry hair before shampooing and leave it in for 20 minutes to allow the nutrients to absorb fully into your hair. According to Janice Cox in her book, "Natural Beauty at Home," almond oil can also be added to many hair care products, such as styling gels, to prevent moisture loss and brittleness and to protect your hair from splitting and drying out.