Avocado Oil for Hair: Benefits and How to Use It

Avocados might be the most revered fruit—and yes, it is a fruit—to hit produce stands ever. Just imagine a world without avocado toast or guacamole. However, aside from satisfying our taste buds, the superfood, especially when in oil form, is also an incredible source of endless hair benefits.

Packed with a slew of vitamins, lipids, and antioxidants, avocados oil is the haircare game-changer your routine's been looking for. From reviving brittle hair to optimizing potential hair growth, this ingredient packs a punch. But don't just take our word for it. We tapped experts Paula Simpson, Gretchen Friese, and Dr. Michael Murray, who gave us the 411 on this magic kitchen staple that deserves a spot in your shower and on your vanity.

Keep scrolling to learn all there is to know about the powers of avocado oil for hair.

What Is Avocado Oil?

Avocado oil is an oil extracted from the pulp of avocados. While avocado oil is most commonly used in edible food products, it can also be found as an ingredient in many haircare and skincare products.

Benefits of Avocado Oil for Hair

"Avocado oil is a potent dynamo of omega-rich oils and antioxidants for healthy hair," says Simpson. It's mainly composed of monounsaturated fatty acids, which seal hair strands, lock in moisture, and smooth breakage, she tells us. "In addition to the lipids, avocado oil contains fat-soluble antioxidants and bio-active phytochemicals, including vitamin E tocopherols, vitamin D, and carotenoids (lutein and beta carotene) that defend hair from UV damage, environmental aggressors, and pollutants that can make hair feel dry and look brittle." Below, find more notable benefits like:

• Nourishes and strengthens hair: Treating your hair with avocado can moisturize, repair, and strengthen your strands. "Avocados are rich in antioxidants, biotin, minerals, essential fatty acids as well as vitamins A, B-5, and E. All of these help to seal the cuticle of the hair and prevent breakage," explains Friese.
• Encourages hair growth: Avocados naturally contain biotin, a member of the vitamin B family believed to promote healthier, thicker, and longer hair, as well as circulation-promoting vitamin K. These nutrients help create optimal conditions for hair growth. "However, the only clinically proven product for hair growth is one containing minoxidil," notes Friese.
• Promotes shinier hair: "Studies have found that minerals in avocado oil, including potassium and magnesium, may seal cuticle cells, which can help hair look smooth and shiny," Friese says.
• Penetrates hair on a deeper level: Avocados are praised for their non-greasy feel and ability to penetrate the hair and scalp, as opposed to other oils that sit on the surface. According to Friese, "Avocado oil is extremely rich in oleic acid and monounsaturated fats (good fats), which makes it one of few oils that can actually penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize your hair, rather than sitting on top and just coating your hair."
• Supports a healthier scalp: The cocktail of vitamins and lipids moisturizes and nourishes a dry, flaky scalp. "A healthier scalp also means no more dandruff or flaking," says Murray. Friese adds, "Avocado oil can help stimulate blood flow to the scalp and unclog blocked follicles. This can help create a healthy scalp environment for hair to grow. These effects may also help fight hair loss."
• Protects your hair from the elements: Carotenoid antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein are powerful antioxidants that help defend the scalp and hair against UV damage and pollutants. "Because it has antioxidant properties, avocado oil can protect hair against sun damage and other elements," says Friese. On top of that, Murray cites avocado polyphenols as a key factor in shielding both the scalp and hair from environmental aggressors.

Hair Type Considerations

Good news: No matter your hair texture or concern, you can reap the benefits of avocado oil. Simpson says the oil's non-clogging properties make it the perfect option for all hair types, including thicker, higher-density strands. "It can penetrate the hair and scalp, making it more effective than other oils that clog or sit on top of the hair strand," she explains.

Avocado oil is a natural alternative to store-bought hair products, but if you have an avocado allergy, it's best to consult a physician before trying it at home. If you're unsure, perform a skin patch test before applying it to your scalp and strands to rule out any allergies.

How to Use Avocado Oil for Hair

Now that you know the benefits of avocado oil, you might be wondering how to incorporate the ingredient into your haircare routine. Whether you have an afternoon to spare or you're looking for a quick addition, here are our favorite ways to achieve healthy, shiny strands with the superfood oil:

• Apply it as a styling serum: No need to shell out tons of cash for an expensive styling serum. The omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids in avocado oil work to promote a healthy mane. Lightly apply it with your fingertips from the mid-shaft through the ends, and use a natural boar brush to distribute evenly.
• Give yourself a scalp massage: "Using pure avocado oil as a scalp massage is great for the health of the scalp and hair. It is beneficial not only because of the fatty acids but also because of the valuable antioxidant polyphenols that protect the scalp and hair from free radical damage," says Murray. "To use pure avocado oil to nourish the scalp and hair, it’s a very simple application." He instructs, "As you shower, just massage about a teaspoon of oil into your hair with your fingertips. Ideally, let it set into the scalp for a minute or two before rinsing out with shampoo."
• Try it as a shampoo: Regardless of your hair care product arsenal, having a good shampoo is essential. So the next time you're shopping for a new 'poo, Murray recommends reaching for one with avocado oil. If you're looking for a more accessible price point (that still manages to get the job done), we recommend Love Beauty and Planet's Avocado Oil & Aguacate Mango Sulfate Free Shampoo.
• DIY a dandruff-busting scalp treatment: Everything from stress to color treatments—and even the weather—can cause dandruff. Avocado oil's fat content, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties nourish dry and irritated scalps, which, in effect, can help minimize flaking. It's a quick and convenient way to incorporate the ingredient into your routine.
• Use an avocado oil mask: While there's definitely potential to make a DIY hair mask at home, a full-service, right-out-of-the-bottle mask won't disappoint. With ingredients like avocado, kiwi, and spinach, we recommend Briogeo's Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask. It helps define waves, decrease frizz, and moisturize dry hair.