Among all those beneficial hair oils, the versatile sweet almond oil has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the natural hair community. This article will discuss the benefits of sweet almond oil for natural hair and what we stand to gain from our inclusion of it in our everyday lives.

What is Sweet Almond Oil?

There are two types of almond oil: bitter and sweet. Bitter almond oil is extracted from the pink flower of the almond tree (Prunus Dulcis Var. Amara).

Although they are both very beneficial, sweet almond oil is the one that is largely used in the cosmetic industry on skin and hair. It is extracted from the white flower (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) It contains nutrients like;

• Vitamin A (Retinol) which helps in regulating oily skin, brightening and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps cells fight infection and repair the already damaged ones while protecting skin and hair from harmful UV rays.
• Omega- 3 fatty acids prevent premature aging.

Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil on Natural Hair

Here are 4 advantages of using sweet Almond oil for natural hair.

1. Contains antioxidant properties

Almond oil contains flavonoids and phenolic acids. These two have antioxidant properties meaning they inhibit the production of free radicals whose chain reactions may lead to the damage of cells of organisms. These oxidative processes may include; thinning of hair, graying and even aging.

According to a research study conducted in 2014, persons suffering from Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) benefitted from antioxidants like sweet almond oil by reducing damage such as immune reactions and inflammation caused by oxidative stress.

2. Helps promote a healthy scalp with its antifungal properties

Additionally, phenolic properties have shown tremendous results against the spread of scalp ringworms. Since ringworms are fungal infections, they are responsible for alopecia in children, but with the right symptoms like redness, itchiness, and inflammation, the oil showed superiority against these fungal infections.