Almond oil is a popular hair oil, but the research behind it is thinner than the claims. We could not find a trial that tested sweet almond oil on hair, so this guide separates what studies show about oils on hair in general from what is still unproven.
We sell Pure Almond Oil, so read this with that in mind. Where we have a source, we link it. Where we are giving practical advice or our own reasoning, we say so.
We found no trial that tested sweet almond oil on hair. A 2010 review says no conclusive scientific data exists for many almond oil uses, so hair claims here are general to oils.
In a 2003 study, coconut oil was the only one of three oils that reduced protein loss from hair. Sunflower and mineral oil did not, so not every oil does the same thing.
A 2015 review says oil on the hair surface can reduce water uptake and lubricate the shaft, which may help limit breakage. That describes oils generally, not almond oil specifically.
No source we found shows that almond oil makes hair grow. Almonds are a priority tree nut allergen in Canada, so patch test first if you have nut allergies or sensitive skin.
Does Almond Oil Work for Hair?
It may help the look and feel of hair, but there is no almond-specific trial to prove it. The 2010 review of almond oil concludes that no conclusive scientific data exists for many of its uses, and its abstract says nothing about hair.
- What is solid: Studies on other oils show that oil on hair changes how it behaves when wet and combed.
- What is not: Whether sweet almond oil does the same, and by how much, has not been tested in anything we found.
What Does the Research Say About Oils on Hair?
Oils on hair can reduce water absorption and add lubrication, but they differ. A 2015 review in the International Journal of Trichology says some oils reduce the water absorbed by hair and so lower swelling, and that regular oil use can lubricate the shaft and help reduce breakage.
- Coconut oil: In a 2003 study by Rele and Mohile, coconut oil was the only one of three oils to reduce protein loss in both undamaged and damaged hair, used before or after washing.
- Sunflower and mineral oil: The same study found they did not reduce protein loss at all.
- Surface film: The review notes that the oil left on the outer cuticle, not oil that gets inside, is what reduces water pick-up.
Can Almond Oil Help With Split Ends and Breakage?
Possibly, by coating and smoothing the hair, but this is not shown for almond oil. The 2015 review describes a study in which oil treatments reduced split-end formation, with Brazilian nut oil and mineral oil giving the lowest split ends. Almond oil was not among the oils it lists.
- A reasonable guess: The review says saturated and monounsaturated oils diffuse into hair better than polyunsaturated ones, and sweet almond oil is mostly monounsaturated oleic acid. That is our reading, not a tested result.
- What it cannot do: Oil does not repair a split end. It can only smooth the surface until the hair is trimmed.
Does Almond Oil Make Hair Grow?
We found no evidence that it does. None of the sources above studied hair growth with almond oil, and the oil acts on the hair shaft, not on the follicle under the skin.
- Thinning or shedding: A sudden change in hair thickness can have medical causes, so ask a doctor or dermatologist rather than relying on an oil.
- Other oils: Our castor oil guide covers what the research does and does not show for hair growth.
How Do You Use Almond Oil on Hair?
Use a few drops on the lengths and ends, not the scalp. Our Pure Almond Oil listing suggests warming 2 to 3 drops between your palms and smoothing it through mid-lengths and ends, on damp hair after washing or on dry ends between washes.
- Start small: Put 2 to 3 drops in your palms and rub them together to warm the oil.
- Apply to the ends first: Smooth it through mid-lengths and ends, then add a drop at a time if needed.
- Choose when: Use it on damp hair after washing, or on dry ends between washes.
- Or use it before washing: The Rele and Mohile study tested oils applied both before and after washing.
- Wash out if it feels heavy: The review notes a thick oil film can leave hair looking oily and heavy.
Featured in this guide
Pure Almond Oil
Cold-pressed sweet almond oil, a single ingredient in a 120 ml amber glass bottle. Contains tree nuts. Full details are on the product page.
Shop now → ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee · Free shipping over $75How Does Almond Oil Compare With Coconut and Argan Oil for Hair?
Coconut oil has the strongest study behind it for protein loss, while almond and argan oil have little direct hair data. See our argan oil vs coconut oil guide and our argan oil for hair guide for those two.
- Coconut: The 2003 study found it reduced protein loss; almond oil has not been tested the same way.
- Argan: The 2015 review mentions argan oil as a popular hair ingredient, but it does not report a trial on it.
- Almond: Mild scent, light feel, and a single-ingredient listing. It is a reasonable surface oil, not a proven treatment.
Who Should Be Careful Using Almond Oil on Hair?
Anyone with a nut allergy should ask an allergist first. Health Canada lists tree nuts, including almonds, among Canada's priority food allergens, and our listing says to patch test before first use if you have nut allergies or sensitive skin.
- Patch test: Try a small amount on the inside of your forearm and wait before using it on your hair.
- When to consult a professional: See a doctor or dermatologist for itching, redness, a rash, scalp problems, or sudden hair loss. An oil is not a treatment for these.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is almond oil good for hair?
It may smooth and soften the surface of hair, but we found no trial that tested sweet almond oil on hair. The evidence is for oils in general.
Does almond oil help hair grow?
We found no evidence that it does. It acts on the hair shaft, not the follicle. See a doctor or dermatologist for sudden thinning or hair loss.
How often can you put almond oil on hair?
There is no tested schedule. Start with 2 to 3 drops on the ends and adjust to how your hair feels, using less if it looks heavy.
Can almond oil fix split ends?
No oil repairs a split end. It can smooth and lubricate the surface, which may reduce breakage, until the hair is trimmed.
Can you use almond oil if you are allergic to nuts?
Ask an allergist first. Almonds are tree nuts, a priority food allergen in Canada, and our listing says to patch test before first use.
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