Different oils have long been used in hair care to improve health and shine. Research shows that some kinds of vegetable oil near the scalp can coat hair follicles and help prevent damage as it grows out. Here we explore the history of avocado in beauty and explore avocado oil benefits in hair care.

Avocado has been used in beauty, skin care and hair care for centuries. Rich in vitamin E, the fruit is believed to have been used by Aztecs, Incas and Mayans as food, but they also used the pulp on their skin.

Over the centuries, and especially more recently, that use has been refined. Today they are used to create fine creams, rich in vitamins, that penetrate the skin well. Avocados are also used in hair care, perfect for deep nourishment and the oil also has lots of benefits for massage.

Saturated and monosaturated oils are shown to be best at protecting and nourishing hair. That’s because they penetrate the hair better than their polyunsaturated counterparts.

Examples of saturated oils include:

• Coconut oil
• Palm oil
• Cocoa butter

Examples of monosaturated oils include:

• Olive oil
• Avocados
• Certain nuts

Examples of polyunsaturated fats include:

• Walnuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Flax seeds or flax oil
• Fish, such as salmon

• Seals cuticle cells by penetrating the hair shaft to moisture whilst locking in hydration on the hair cuticle's surface.
• Prevents breakage due to its ability to get into the hair shaft. Avocado oil helps to reinforce the cuticle so hair strands can stay flexible and less likely to become brittle.
• Moisturises hair and scalp. Its rich concentration of monosaturated fats and vitamins E and D enables avocado oil to prevent dry, flaky skin whilst moisturising hair shafts.
• Repairs damage by restoring hydration to the hair shaft and stop moisture from escaping.
• Strengthens hair by fortifying the hair shaft to protect against daily wear and tear.
• Reduces dandruff by softening skin flakes and moisturising the scalp to calm any irritation or dry skin that is associated with a dandruff prone scalp.
• Detangles hair. Avocado oil acts like a natural lubricant. reducing friction between strands so they don't get caught or knotted.
• Protects hair against environmental damage. Avocado oil acts as a mild shield against UV radiation and pollution due to its high concentration of antioxidants.

Eat them: One of the best ways to get all the nutrients that avocados have to offer, is to eat them! Bring on the avo on rye!

Scalp massage: Avocado oil is excellent for this, it’s best to warm it a little in your hands first.

Hair mask: You can use a fresh avocado to create a hair mask. Some people choose to add additional ingredients like honey.

Conditioner: Avocado and avocado oil is used in some shampoos and conditioners, like several of ours, to nourish and condition hair on a regular basis.