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How Effective Is Almond Oil for Hair Growth?

A. Gamm
A. Gamm

The use of almond oil for hair growth has been popular since ancient Egypt when it was commonly mixed with castor oil and applied to the hair to create a smooth, shiny appearance and lock moisture in the hot climate. It is considered a preferred all-natural tool for hair re-growth by many, as several chemical options may in fact cause adverse side effects. There is no research to support the theory that almond oil actually makes hair grow, but it is believed that it may help promote healthy hair growth.

Both bitter and sweet almond oil have components that are believed to be beneficial for hair growth, namely vitamins E, D, A and B as well as copper, zinc, and protein. It is uncommon to use bitter almond oil for hair growth, however, as it also contains other substances that may be harmful. Young children and the elderly are recommended to avoid bitter almond oil completely. Instead, sweet almond oil is the most commonly used almond oil for hair and is frequently used in hair growth products.

Shelled and whole almonds.
Shelled and whole almonds.

One theory behind the effectiveness of almond oil for hair growth is the high amounts of protein. As hair is made primarily of protein, several people believe that the protein in the oil binds to the hair follicles and is absorbed and added in with the protein within the follicle. This theory has yet to be tested as of 2011, but many healthcare professionals highly doubt the validity of this.

As almond oil may help dry hair retain moisture, thus preserving its glossy appearance, in hot climates, it is occasionally used by people of northern European descent who live in sunny areas.
As almond oil may help dry hair retain moisture, thus preserving its glossy appearance, in hot climates, it is occasionally used by people of northern European descent who live in sunny areas.

Generally, as of 2011, people believe that using almond oil for hair growth does not necessarily make the hair grow more rapidly, but instead promotes healthier hair that may in turn help to speed growth. The use of almond oil on the scalp may also help make hair growth more noticeable. This is all because the almond oil benefits also include locking in moisture and strengthening the hair, making it less brittle. All of this is believed to benefit the promotion of hair growth and make it more obvious. The process of massaging the oil into the hair also brings more blood to the scalp, which may also promote more growth.

Most oil treatment products should be washed out of hair completely.
Most oil treatment products should be washed out of hair completely.

Until research with concrete results become available, many people recommend that almond oil should be used knowing that there is no evidence it does in fact help hair growth. People who have nut allergies should also avoid using almond oil as it may cause an allergic reaction. Plain sweet almond oil or almond oil mixed with essential oils may be applied to the hair as often as deemed necessary by the user with little to no side effects otherwise.

Discussion Comments

Nicole0000

I actually tried almond oil and it really helped my hair grow fast. However, I'm still getting hair fall. So I searched for other alternatives and stumbled on this store that sells this shampoo called Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo. It helped my dry and frizzy hair a lot, and stopped the hair loss pretty quick. I really recommend this shampoo to everyone who has this kind of hair problem.

rachelsjulia

Hmm, never heard of this. I thought almond oil was for dandruff.

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    • Shelled and whole almonds.
      By: Elenathewise
      Shelled and whole almonds.
    • As almond oil may help dry hair retain moisture, thus preserving its glossy appearance, in hot climates, it is occasionally used by people of northern European descent who live in sunny areas.
      By: gromovataya
      As almond oil may help dry hair retain moisture, thus preserving its glossy appearance, in hot climates, it is occasionally used by people of northern European descent who live in sunny areas.
    • Most oil treatment products should be washed out of hair completely.
      By: Roman Gorielov
      Most oil treatment products should be washed out of hair completely.
    • Almond oil was mixed with castor oil in ancient Egypt to create a smooth, shiny appearance for hair.
      By: edwardderule
      Almond oil was mixed with castor oil in ancient Egypt to create a smooth, shiny appearance for hair.
    • Regularly clipping away dead ends may help promote hair growth.
      By: Africa Studio
      Regularly clipping away dead ends may help promote hair growth.
    • Almond oil helps to lock in moisture and strengthen hair.
      By: puhhha
      Almond oil helps to lock in moisture and strengthen hair.
    • Young children and the elderly should avoid bitter almond oil.
      By: Kirill Kedrinski
      Young children and the elderly should avoid bitter almond oil.
    • Pure essential oil usually costs more than formulations containing almonds, but they are also often more effective.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Pure essential oil usually costs more than formulations containing almonds, but they are also often more effective.