Avocado for hair
Avocado is a delicious fruit that adds a healthy punch to any meal. The fat content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and minerals also makes a great ingredient for your hair and skin. Learn how avocado oil hair can help tame frizz while promoting growth, shine, and more.
Benefits of avocado oil
You can use avocado as the fruit or oil for your hair. The oil itself is rich in:
- antioxidants
- minerals
- essential fatty acids
- biotin
- vitamins A, B-5, and E
Eating healthily is the best way to keep your hair strong. Biotin, vitamin B-5, and vitamin E all promote hair health. Add more avocado to your diet or swap your cooking oil with avocado oil to reap the benefits.
From the outside, avocado oil can benefit your hair, as well. Treating your hair with avocado can moisturize, repair, and strengthen your hair. A 2015 Trusted SourceInternational Journal of TrichologystudyTrusted Source found that minerals like those in avocado oil can help seal cuticle cells, which can prevent hair from breaking.
How to use avocados for hair growth
Animal studies suggest that lavenderTrusted Source and peppermintTrusted Source essential oils can promote hair growth. Avocado oil is commonly used as a carrier oil for essential oils. Mix an ounce of avocado oil with three to six drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil for a homemade hair treatment.
You can also massage a nickel-size amount of avocado oil onto your scalp. Avocado oil will help stimulate blood flow and unclog blocked follicles. These effects may help fight hair loss.
Your skin will absorb the oil easily, so don’t worry — it won’t leave a greasy film on your scalp. If you do use too much avocado oil on your hair, you can wash it out thoroughly with a chemical-free shampoo until you feel the oil is gone.
How to use avocado oil for conditioning
Hair mask
You can purchase avocado-based hair masks at the store or make one in your own kitchen. For a lump-free, protein-rich hair treatment, whip together the following ingredients:
- 1 avocado
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp. avocado oil
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 tbsp. honey
Mix solids in the blender to avoid a lumpy texture. Add the oil and honey after and apply the mask to your hair. Let the paste set for at least 20 minutes or up to three hours. Wash off the avocado mask with warm water or a chemical-free shampoo, depending on your preference.
Other methods
| Method | Directions |
| Leave-in conditioner | Distribute a nickel-size amount of avocado oil evenly through the ends of damp hair. You can also apply it once you’ve dried your hair. Avoid styling with heat unless the oil is completely dry. |
| Detangler | Run a dab of avocado oil through the tangled parts of your hair. Using avocado oil to detangle hair will cause less damage than a comb. |
| Antibreakage solution | Rub avocado oil on the ends of your hair to guard against split ends and breakage. Use the oil sparingly to avoid over greasing your ends. |
How to use avocado oil as a hot oil treatment
What you need:
- avocado oil
- extra virgin coconut oil
- warm towel
- glass jar
- saucepan
Steps:
- Boil water in a sauce pan.
- Use equal parts avocado oil and extra virgin coconut oil (3 to 5 tablespoons each, depending on the length of your hair) and combine in a glass jar. For an extra boost, add a few drops of an essential oil such as rosemary or lavender.
- Place the jar of oil in the hot water for a minute or two.
- Test the temperature of the oil on your wrist before applying to your hair.
- Gently massage the oil into washed hair and wrap it with a warm towel for up to 20 minutes.
- Wash the treatment out with warm water.
What the research says
There is limited research on the benefits of using avocado oil for hair. Although it’s a great moisturizer, avocado oil isn’t as beneficial when you use it as a topical treatment as when you eat it as part of a healthy diet. Hair is made of dead cells, which is why maintaining overall health is the best way to get healthy hair.
Learn more: 10 health benefits of avocado »
Risks and warnings
Overall, avocado is safe to use, but people who are allergic to avocados should check with their doctor. Using avocado oil may still cause side effects, even if you aren’t eating it. You should do a patch skin test before using avocado oil to rule out any allergies before using it on your hair.
The bottom line
Eating avocado is associated with overall better quality of diet and health, according to results from a national surveyTrusted Source. A 2012 study found that avocado consumption supports heart and digestive health, as well as healthy aging. To amp up your diet, replace corn or castor oil with avocado oil when you cook or make salad dressings.
You can find avocado oil in any food store. The nutrients in avocados may be especially beneficial for hair growth. For long-term results, make sure to eat a well-balanced diet that allows you get the vitamins and nutrients you need for hair growth and health.
