If you've spent any time looking at the ingredient lists on shampoos, conditioners, or hair masks lately, you've probably noticed many different types of natural oils being highlighted in them. One in particular that I’ve noticed is avocado oil.
Avocado has been an ingredient used in many DIY hair mask recipes I’ve seen, and now it’s really making its way mainstream.
Since avocado oil is considered one of the natural oils that can penetrate the hair shaft, it's often recommended for dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair. That makes it a great option to consider if you have relaxed hair.
Here's what avocado oil does, some ideas on how to use it on relaxed hair, and when it might be worth adding to your hair care routine.
(This post includes affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will earn a commission.)
What is avocado oil?
Avocado oil is made by pressing the flesh or meat of the avocado rather than the pit.
As with many natural oils, there are different types of avocado oil. The best one to look for when it comes to hair care is cold-pressed, unrefined avocado oil. This type generally undergoes less processing and retains more of its naturally occurring fatty acids and nutrients than refined versions.
Unlike many other oils that simply coat the hair, avocado oil is often classified as a penetrating oil because of its fatty acid profile. That means it may be able to move beyond the surface of the hair shaft instead of only sitting on top.
Is avocado oil good for relaxed hair?
The short answer: yes.
Avocado oil can be a great addition to a relaxed hair routine because it can help soften dry hair, improve manageability, and reduce moisture loss when used correctly.
I especially liked to use oils like avocado oil when my hair was feeling dry from regular heat styling, relaxing, or environmental exposure.
Benefits of avocado oil for relaxed hair
Avocado oil is high in Vitamins A, B, D, E, and amino acids that help protect and strengthen the hair. This is probably why more and more hair products have avocado oil in them.Helps reduce moisture loss
Avocado oil doesn't actually moisturize your hair by itself.Instead, it helps seal in moisture that's already been added through water-based leave-in conditioners or a moisturizing deep conditioner.
For best results, apply avocado oil after moisturizing your hair rather than using it on completely dry hair. While it can be used on dry hair, when it comes to using it for moisture help, applying a moisturizer first provides the best results.
Softens dry hair
One thing many people notice with avocado oil is how soft and manageable it can leave the hair.If your relaxed hair feels rough or difficult to comb through, a small amount of avocado oil may help smooth the hair cuticle and improve slip for detangling.
Supports healthier-looking hair
Relaxed hair can become more fragile over time from chemical processing and heat styling.Avocado oil contains beneficial fatty acids and vitamin E that can help condition the hair, leaving it feeling smoother and looking shinier.
Works well in DIY treatments
One reason I like avocado oil is how versatile it is. It can easily be mixed with:- deep conditioners
- hot oil treatments
- massage oils for the scalp
- essential oils and other natural oils
How I would use avocado oil
The great thing about avocado oil, besides what it can do for the hair, is that there are many ways it can be worked into a healthy relaxed hair regimen.If I were adding avocado oil to my own routine, these are the ways I'd be most likely to use it.
As a pre-poo
Apply avocado oil to damp or dry hair before shampooing and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before washing.Or combine it with a rinse-out conditioner and apply it before shampooing.
Add it to your deep conditioner
Mix a small amount with a moisturizing deep conditioner you're using for a little extra softness.I prefer adding oil to one application rather than the entire bottle.
Use it in a hot oil treatment
Combine avocado oil with other oils like coconut oil or grapeseed oil and warm it slightly before applying it to your hair.Related read: Is Scalp Oiling A Do Or A Don't?
Seal in moisture
After applying your leave-in conditioner or moisturizer, smooth a few drops of avocado oil over the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to help reduce moisture loss.To make sure I cover as much of my hair as possible, I rub the few drops between my hands and get my palms completely covered with the oil before smoothing it over my hair.
Mix with essential oils
Because avocado oil is considered a carrier oil (a plant based oil used to dilute strong essential oils), it's a good option for diluting essential oils like tea tree or rosemary before applying them to your scalp.Is avocado oil worth trying?
If your relaxed hair tends to feel dry or needs a little extra softness, avocado oil is definitely worth considering.
If your hair is very fine or becomes weighed down easily, you may prefer a lighter oil like grapeseed oil for everyday use.
I like that avocado oil is versatile enough to use as a pre-poo, a hot oil treatment, a deep conditioner booster, or a lightweight sealant after moisturizing. While it won't replace a good deep conditioner or leave-in conditioner, it can be a helpful addition to a healthy relaxed hair routine.
More about natural oils for hair care
Best Natural Oils That Penetrate The Hair Shaft (And Why It Matters)Penetrating Natural Oils For Relaxed Hair: Olive Oil
References: http://oilypedia.com/the-amazing-benefits-of-avocado-oil-for-hair/, http://www.avocadooilforhair.net/, https://www.goodhealthacademy.com/health-benefits/avocado-oil-for-hair-growth/
Have you used avocado oil on your hair before?
0 comments
Spam comments and comments with links promoting other sites will be deleted by the moderator.