Avocado Oil for Hair: A Comprehensive Guide

Is Avocado Oil Good for Hair?

Avocado oil is extracted from the fruit’s pulp through a cold-pressing process, which preserves its nutritional properties. This gentle extraction method ensures a high-quality oil that’s particularly beneficial for hair due to its exceptional composition. Research has identified specific compounds in avocado oil that contribute to its protective effects on hair cells (Park et al., 2021).

Deep Hydration

Thanks to its unique composition, avocado oil deeply penetrates the hair fibre. It hydrates dry and brittle hair, making it softer and more manageable. Unlike some oils, it doesn’t leave a greasy film, making it an ideal option for hydration without weighing hair down.

Protection Against Environmental Damage

Whether it’s pollution, UV rays, or the frequent use of heat styling tools, our hair is constantly exposed to damaging elements. Avocado oil forms a protective barrier around the hair fibre, preserving its integrity against external aggressors. Studies have shown that certain compounds in avocado oil can protect hair cells against damage induced by harmful agents (Nam et al., 2019).

Frizz Reduction

For those battling with frizz, avocado oil is a natural solution. Its light texture helps smooth the hair cuticles, resulting in sleeker, more disciplined locks.

Split End Repair

Split ends are a common problem, especially for those with long or chemically treated hair. Regular use of avocado oil helps prevent and repair this damage by strengthening the hair fibre.

Growth Stimulation

Avocado oil promotes blood circulation in the scalp thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. This stimulation improves nutrient supply to the hair follicles, creating an optimal environment for hair growth. Moreover, the presence of vitamin D in avocado oil may play an important role in regulating the hair cycle and stimulating hair growth (Saini & Mysore, 2021).

Can I Leave Avocado Oil in My Hair?

Avocado oil can be used as a leave-in treatment for very dry or coarse hair. However, for most hair types, it’s best used as a temporary treatment before shampooing.

The amount and application time should be adapted to your hair type: a few drops suffice for fine hair, while thick and coarse hair can benefit from a more generous application.

Is Avocado Oil or Olive Oil Better for Hair?

Both oils offer beneficial properties for hair, but avocado oil stands out with its higher content of vitamins D and E and proteins. It also penetrates the hair fibre more easily due to its molecular structure.

Avocado oil is recommended for thick and dry hair, while olive oil is better suited for fine hair that needs light hydration. Research has identified specific compounds in avocado oil, particularly fatty acid derivatives, which have shown protective effects on hair cells (Park et al., 2021).

How to Use Avocado Oil for Hair

Avocado oil can be used in several ways:

To Detangle Hair:

• Warm a few drops of avocado oil in your hands
• Apply it to the ends of your hair only
• Gently brush your hair, starting from the bottom and working up. Use a comb if your hair is very tangled.

As an Oil Treatment:

For an intensive treatment, apply avocado oil generously to your entire head of hair, from roots to tips. Gently massage the scalp to stimulate blood circulation. Leave it on under a warm towel for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing.

In a Hair Mask:

Mix avocado oil with other natural ingredients to create a personalised mask. For example, combine it with honey for its hydrating properties or with an egg yolk rich in proteins to strengthen hair. Apply the mask to damp hair, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Does Avocado Oil Make Hair Grow?

The vitamin D in avocado oil stimulates the creation of new hair follicles, while its essential fatty acids strengthen the roots. Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of vitamin D in hair follicle biology and its potential involvement in various forms of hair loss (Saini & Mysore, 2021).

Avocado oil acts on several aspects of hair health: it nourishes the hair bulb, strengthens the hair’s natural keratin, and protects against oxidative stress that can hinder growth. Minerals such as potassium and magnesium in the oil also contribute to the cellular metabolism necessary for hair growth.

However, it’s important to note that these benefits cannot counteract hair loss caused by genetic or hormonal factors. Avocado oil can be used with other treatments, but it’s not a miracle solution for baldness. In such cases, a hair transplant might be necessary.

What Solutions Are There for Baldness?

Hair transplantation is a durable and effective solution for those facing significant hair loss. Two main techniques are currently favoured: the FUE technique (Follicular Unit Extraction) and the DHI technique.

The FUE Technique

The FUE technique involves individually extracting follicular units from the donor area to reimplant them in thinning areas. This minimally invasive method leaves almost imperceptible scars. The surgeon extracts each follicle one by one using a micro-punch less than a millimetre in diameter, allowing for quick recovery and natural results.

The DHI Technique

The DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) technique represents an evolution of FUE, allowing direct implantation of grafts without prior incision, thanks to a Choi Implanter Pen.

This method offers increased precision and faster recovery. It also allows precise control of each implant’s angle, direction, and depth, ensuring a particularly natural result.

Why Choose Turkey for Hair Transplantation?

Turkey has established itself as a destination of choice for hair transplantation, combining cutting-edge medical expertise with competitive pricing. Turkish clinics are equipped with the latest technologies and employ highly qualified medical teams. Moreover, thanks to all-inclusive packages including accommodation and transfers, getting a hair transplant is greatly facilitated.

Among the recognised experts, Dr Emrah Cinik, a cosmetic surgeon based in Istanbul, has built a reputation for excellence in the field of hair transplants. Treating thousands of patients each year, he has become an international reference for hair restoration. His clinic uses the most advanced technologies and offers personalised follow-up to each patient, from the initial consultation to post-operative care.

Can I Apply Avocado Oil After a Hair Transplant?

After a hair transplant, the recovery phase is crucial for the procedure’s success. During this period, the scalp undergoes several healing stages requiring special care and meticulous attention. The application of avocado oil, although beneficial for hair under normal circumstances, must be strictly controlled during this post-operative phase.

The first week following the procedure is particularly delicate. During this period, it is strongly advised against applying any product, including natural oils, to the scalp. The grafts are still very fragile and in the process of healing. Any contact could compromise their proper implantation or increase the risk of infection.

From the second week onwards, and only after validation from your surgeon, you can gradually reintroduce gentle hair care. Avocado oil can be considered, but its application should be very gentle and only on non-grafted areas at first. It’s recommended to start with small amounts to observe the scalp’s reaction.

During the first six months post-transplant, a critical period for the implantation and growth of new hair, any modification to your hair care routine should be discussed with your surgeon. They can advise you on the optimal time to reintroduce avocado oil and the best application method for your particular case.

Avocado Oil and Hair: What You Need to Know

• Avocado oil is particularly effective for dry, damaged, or brittle hair thanks to its composition, rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. Studies have shown that certain compounds in avocado oil can protect and regenerate hair cells (Nam et al., 2019).
• Depending on your needs, it can be applied as a detangling treatment, a nourishing oil bath, or a repairing mask.
• It contributes to hair growth but cannot counteract loss due to genetic or hormonal factors. The vitamin D in avocado oil plays an important role in regulating the hair cycle (Saini & Mysore, 2021).
• For post-hair transplant use, wait for your surgeon’s authorisation.
• Adapt the quantity and application time to your hair type for optimal results.

Sources

Nam, Y. H., Rodriguez, I., Jeong, S. Y., Pham, T. N. M., Nuankaew, W., Kim, Y. H., Castañeda, R., Jeong, S. Y., Park, M. S., Lee, K. W., Lee, J. S., Kim, D. H., Park, Y. H., Lee, K. W., Moon, I. S., Choung, S. Y., Hong, B. N., Jeong, K. W., & Kang, T. H. (2019). Avocado Oil Extract Modulates Auditory Hair Cell Function through the Regulation of Amino Acid Biosynthesis Genes. Nutrients, 11(1), 113. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010113

Park, S., Jeong, S. Y., Nam, Y. H., Park, J. H., Rodriguez, I., Shim, J. H., Yasmin, T., Kwak, H. J., Oh, Y., Oh, M., Lee, K. W., Lee, J. S., Kim, D. H., Park, Y. H., Moon, I. S., Choung, S. Y., Jeong, K. W., Hong, B. N., Kim, S. H., & Kang, T. H. (2021). Fatty Acid Derivatives Isolated from the Oil of Persea americana (Avocado) Protects against Neomycin-Induced Hair Cell Damage. Plants, 10(1), 171. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010171

Saini, K., & Mysore, V. (2021). Role of vitamin D in hair loss: A short review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(11), 3082-3089. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14421