All about Avocado Oil For Hair: Avocado oil is a thick, greenish-yellow liquid with a fairly pleasant mild taste that resembles peanut butter and an original piquant odor. It is obtained by cold pressing from the pulp of the avocado, the fruit of a tall tree from Laurels. It is this technology that makes it possible to fully preserve all the properties of the oil, its minerals, vitamins, acids, and other biologically active substances.
Avocados were cultivated by the tribes of Central America about seven thousand years ago, and today this fruit is included in the diet of all people all around the world. Avocado oil was exported to Spain, England, and other countries as an exotic and used there for cosmetic purposes.
Because the aborigines of Latin America considered it an excellent skin care product that can protect it from the harmful effects of wind and the sun. However, Native Americans considered the oil to be the strongest aphrodisiac, arousing passion, and women used juicy pulp as the first lure for children.
Therefore, the oil obtained from the avocado is very rich in nutrients. The extraction of avocado oil occurs by centrifuging the fruits when they are ripe. That is when they are soft in consistency exactly at the moment when they present higher oil contents. The main obstacle to obtaining avocado oil is the high amount of moisture that interferes with the extraction yield, affecting its quality.
However, new extraction methods are already being used to increase the yield of the production process. As it is a substance of small worldwide production, avocado oil has a high commercial value. The vegetable oil obtained is rich in several substances that provide health benefits, such as lecithins, phytosterols (mainly beta-sitosterol), vitamin A. And a high content of vitamin E, which is almost twice the amount contained in the seed oil of grapes.
Avocado Oil Characteristics
- The acidity of avocado oil is less than 1%. Avocado oil has several medicinal substances in its composition. Avocado oil contains many vitamins, including A, C, E, B, and D. It is known that E in combination with A and C is not only an excellent antioxidant but also a strong immunostimulant. And vitamin E in this oil is 5 times more than in olive.
- Another valuable substance of avocado oil is squalene, which is an integral part of the skin and is part of sebum and subcutaneous fat. This substance takes part in the formation of sex hormones, has a strong disinfecting and wound-healing effect.
- The chlorophyll content gives this product a characteristic greenish tint. This substance is involved in metabolic processes, positively affecting all systems.
- Lecithin is needed for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Of course, all these substances can only be present in oil obtained by cold pressing with the obligatory observance of all norms and requirements.
- Also, avocado oil contains histidine, phytosterols, salts of phosphoric acid, polyunsaturated, as well as saturated fatty acids (stearic, oleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, linoleic, linolenic). Essential oils, micro, and macro elements (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, cobalt, etc.).
Useful and healing properties of avocado oil
- Avocado oil has wound healing, antifungal, antiviral and bactericidal properties that make it possible to use it for the prevention of various injuries and skin diseases.
- Magnesium and potassium are essential for the functioning of blood vessels and the heart. Vitamin E helps lower blood pressure, prevents blood clots, and together with vitamin C reliably strengthens blood vessels.
- A complex of unsaturated acids, vitamin E, and beta-sitosterol helps reduce bad cholesterol. All of the above allows us to recommend the inclusion of oil in the diet for prevention. And in the complex treatment of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, coronary disease, strokes, hypertension.
- In addition, avocado oil can stimulate the blood formation process. Vitamins B, C in combination with copper, iron, cobalt, zinc, and other useful trace elements are actively involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin, which is part of red blood cells. In this regard, oil is considered a useful product for people suffering from anemia.
- Avocado oil helps to improve the digestive system. Its systematic use helps to improve metabolism and digestion. Avocado oil can exert a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. And hence, it is an extremely effective means for the prevention of gastritis, ulcers of the stomach, and duodenum 12.
- The oil also stimulates bile secretion, improving fat metabolism and the composition of bile, and can be beneficial for ailments such as cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, etc.
- Among other things, with regular use, avocado oil will reliably protect the gastrointestinal tract from the effects of toxins, free radicals, and also radionuclides and various heavy metals.
- Avocado oil is also beneficial for those suffering from diabetes. Due to its low sugar content (1.5%) and very high-calorie content, this product can be considered ideal for such people. Fatty acids can help lower sugar levels and are excellent sources of energy for the body.
- In addition, oil can improve the functioning of the nervous system. Its constant use is an effective tool used in the prevention of various neurosis, headaches, and insomnia.
- Avocado oil in your daily diet will help to cheer you up, as well as increase your working capacity and improve your mental abilities. In English pediatrics, oil has long been advised as a complementary food for very young children.
- It is also introduced into the diet of lactating and pregnant women. After all, it can improve the course of pregnancy and childbirth, help strengthen lactation, and plays a major role in genetic processes.
- In addition, the constant use of oil in food will help women improve their mood and well-being in menopause or premenstrual period. Vitamins E, B6, B3, and beta-sitosterol help to increase potency, and are considered highly effective in the treatment of infertility.
- Regular consumption of oil is also recommended for men to prevent and treat problems such as prostatitis and adenoma. Avocado oil is also used in the prevention of osteoporosis and various diseases of the joints, oral cavity, thyroid gland, and urinary system.
Avocado Oil Consumption
One tablespoon a day is enough. If possible, divide that amount at least 2 times a day. (2 dessert spoons not too full). Be careful not to exceed this amount as excess oil can irritate the stomach lining.
Related Post: 25 Surprising Benefits of Avocado Oil For Natural Hair
Discard
It is also worth mentioning that the improper disposal of oil causes serious environmental impacts, especially about water contamination. Thus, the disposal of vegetable oils in drains and sinks is inappropriate, as it can cause several environmental risks and also clog the pipes. So, avoid wasting and discarding avocado oil. Also, remember to properly dispose of the container if you are not going to reuse it.
Benefits of avocado oil in cosmetology
Avocado oil is an excellent ingredient for the preparation of aromatic and healthy dishes. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. But have you ever thought about using this delicious product to care for your skin as well as hair?
Avocado oil, like argan oil, has many advantages in cosmetology. It is rich in fatty acids (omega-3), vitamins A, D, and E, it perfectly moisturizes, nourishes, and even heals our skin, so it is used in many creams ( including sunscreens). Take a look at its benefits for skin and hair:
1. Moisturizes and nourishes
In addition to vitamins A, D, and E, avocado oil contains potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients that can perfectly nourish and moisturize dry skin. Our epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) easily misses these beneficial elements. The main advantages of avocado oil are soothing and moisturizing properties, so it will not work on oily skin.
2. Prevents and treats acne
Avocado oil is one of the oils with a moderate level of comedogenicity (the ability to clog pores and form black spots). This is a very conditional and individual thing, which depends on the characteristics of the skin, on the quality of the oil, on its quantity, and the time the oil is applied to the skin. With proper use of avocado oil, it does not clog pores, which reduces the risk of acne.
It is also easily washed off with warm water, without leaving greasy marks on the skin. It also helps prevent acne. Avocado oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with rashes.
3. Accelerates wound healing
Avocado oil has regenerative properties, so it also helps to quickly heal skin wounds. Essential fatty acids and oleic acid in their composition contribute to the synthesis of collagen, which is the process of creating new connective tissues. Fatty acids also help reduce inflammation during healing. It is commonly used in post-surgical treatments due to its anti-inflammatory property.
4. Relieves inflammation from psoriasis and eczema
Antioxidants and vitamins in avocado oil can also help heal dry, irritated, and flaky skin caused by dermatological diseases like eczema and psoriasis. However, before use, it is necessary to test for an allergic skin reaction to make sure that the oil does not cause unpleasant consequences and does not exacerbate existing symptoms.
5. Acts as a natural sunscreen
Avocado oil is one of those base natural oils that help protect our skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It can be used as a natural sunscreen that makes tanning safe and prevents UV rays from drying out and aging skin.
6. Saves sunburned skin
Sun protection is not all avocado oil can do. The antioxidants it contains can even help alleviate symptoms of sunburn. Substances such as vitamin E and D, beta-carotene, vitamin D, lecithin, and essential fatty acids promote healing and soothe the skin after a sunburn.
7. Reduces signs of aging
Antioxidants, healthy fats, and other important elements found in avocado oil also help our skin stay smooth, strong, and supple. Therefore, to maintain youthful skin, it is recommended to use avocados as food and oils for external use. The presence of vitamin E contributes to the prevention of premature skin aging, combating the appearance of wrinkles. This is due to the antioxidant action present in the vitamin.
8. Softens stretch marks
The healing power of avocado oil contributes to the reduction of stretch marks, in addition to preventing such unwanted marks.
9. Promotes soft and hydrated hair
The oil extracted from the avocado is also a great moisturizer for the hair. Provides hydration for dry and weak hair giving shine and softness. It helps in strengthening the hair by stimulating growth, in addition to reducing hair loss. The oil helps to control frizz and leave hair softer and shiny, as well as helping to restore dry ends.
10. A natural alternative to massage
The avocado oil has good penetration into the skin, working well as oil massage, it leaves the skin soft and well-nourished. It can also be mixed with essential oils and other vegetable oils, in addition to being added to shampoos and creams to enhance its effects and properties. It is a great ingredient for bar soap production.
11. Healthy cosmetic product
The avocado oil serves as a great substitute for natural cosmetic creams and products, which often contain chemicals that may be harmful, such as the parabens, damaging consumer health. In cosmetics, the oil can be used pure or mixed with creams, stimulating the production of collagen and thus preventing wrinkles and stretch marks, giving vitality to the skin.
12. Dry scalp treatment
For this treatment, avocado oil works at full potential when mixed with castor oil (oil extracted from castor). Mix 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon of castor oil. Then heat the mixture. Use this mixture to massage your head and scalp before bed and leave it overnight. The mixture will penetrate through the hair shaft and will also provide essential nutrients to the scalp. Remember to wash your hair with shampoo in the morning. In addition to being useful for dry scalp, this treatment can help you get rid of some hair problems, like dandruff.
Benefits of avocado oil for health
Among the various types of functional oils, avocado is one of the most beneficial for health. Scientific studies prove its effects against cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, and diabetes, in addition to its contribution to weight loss. The ideal is to consume 1 tablespoon per day. It can be used pure, in salad dressings, or even sautéed – avocado oil does not lose its properties when heated. Look at the benefits of avocado oil for our health:
1. Flat belly
Food helps to control levels of cortisol, a hormone related to increased binge eating and the accumulation of abdominal fat.
2. Heart up to date
Rich in fatty acids, it decreases the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Diabetes under control
Avocado oil has high levels of vitamin E, which helps control blood sugar levels, as well as protecting the body against atherosclerosis and premature aging.
4. Strengthened immunity
Its lipids, vitamins, omegas, and antioxidants increase the production of defense cells in the body, preventing flu and other infections.
5. Healthy eyes
It is a source of antioxidants, vitamin A and nutrients that prevent cataracts and eye problems, which can lead to blindness.
6. Protected prostate
Food inhibits the action of an enzyme related to the reduction of testosterone production, thus preventing a hormonal imbalance and preventing an enlarged prostate gland.
7. Controls cholesterol levels
With the presence of good fats, the oil contributes to the reduction of bad cholesterol, LDL, and helps to increase the good cholesterol, HDL. With the reduction of bad cholesterol, it becomes easier to prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition to preventing cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol, avocado oil also prevents them from having an anti-inflammatory action that reduces the risk of damage to arterial walls.
8. Improves digestion
The oil helps the digestive system to process food better due to the presence of some vitamins, minerals, and monounsaturated fatty acids.
9. Increases the absorption of some nutrients
The unsaturated fatty acids present in avocado oil enhance the absorption of carotenoids in the diet. Carotenoids are antioxidant pigments found in yellow, red, green, and orange foods (such as carrots, for example). Precursors of vitamin A and important in preventing diseases such as cancer, carotenoids are soluble in fat.
Therefore, its consumption must be associated with some type of food that contains fatty acids, such as avocado oil. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that the absorption of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein (carotenoid pigments) in a salad with avocado oil was 15 times greater.
10. Collaborates with oral health
Periodontal disease – a type of progressive lesion that can damage jawbones and cause tooth loss can be prevented with regular consumption of avocado oil. One reason would be that avocado oil would have the ability to reduce inflammation in the gums, thus preventing the progression of bone tissue degeneration. Recent research still suggests an antibacterial capacity of avocado oil, which would also allow its use as a mouthwash.
Benefits of Avocado Oil for Men
The oil works by reducing the enlargement of the prostate (prostatic hyperplasia), preventing and helping in the treatment of prostate cancer. It does this through a specific action on the liver, inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which works by reducing testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This drop-in normal level of testosterone and its conversion to DHT causes several problems. The binding of DHT to androgen receptors in the prostate tends to cause dilation of the prostate, hair loss, vascular problems, and the possibility of sexual impotence.
Benefits of Avocado Oil for Women
It also acts positively on women causing an anti-estrogenic effect, decreasing the binding of DHT to estrogen receptors. This prevents the unwanted effects of high levels of estrogens in the body such as the development of gynecomastia, fluid retention, and weight gain, especially in the stages of PMS.
Avocado Oil For Hair
Our hair is always asking for attention and begging us for more specialized care. There are many daily aggressions such as dust, soot, sun, and wind for those who live in the city. Especially for those who have chemically modified hair, hair must be treated with great care. A very simple, fast, and inexpensive process to take care of the hair is through capillary moistening by avocado oil.
This comes down to passing 100% natural oils on the hair and leaving it for a certain time to return the natural fat that exists in the hair fiber. This gives strength, softness, and shine to the locks. Avocado helps retain moisture in the hair, cleans and treats the scalp, accelerates healthy hair growth, strengthens damaged fiber. It provides shine, fights hair loss, reduces frizz, avoids split ends, seals cuticles, conditions. Among many other benefits that prove that avocado has really extraordinary power in the hair.
Benefits of avocado oil for hair
Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E in addition to nutrients such as proteins and minerals such as amino acids, folic acid, iron, magnesium, among others. All of these substances together strengthen the hair and promote their health. It is excellent for all hair types especially for those with dry hair.
Avocado oil makes the hair retain water and thereby promotes hydration. It is also effective for those who did and is doing some type of chemical treatment on their hair. Take a look at what avocado oil does to your hair:
1. Preventing Damage
In a study conducted by A 2015 Trusted Source International Journal of Trichology study Trusted Source, avocado oil is said to be able to help seal cells in the cuticle, to minimize the damage to the hair. Then, the presence of biotin, vitamin B-5, and vitamin E can make hair healthier. You can use avocado oil as a hair mask material and used it routinely. Then, unsaturated fat can strengthen the hair shaft.
2. Moisturize Hair
If you know someone who has dry hair type, then suggest he to use avocado oil. Applying avocado oil can be a way to moisturize your hair and scalp. Avocado oil can be trusted to quickly penetrate into the second layer of skin (dermis), and provide a deep moisturizing treatment for the scalp. In addition, avocado oil also stimulates hair follicles, copes with matted hair, and without making it oily.
3. Accelerate Hair Growth
Do you want to have long hair immediately? Try to consider treatment with avocado oil that can be bought at the nearest supermarket. This is because avocado oil has vitamin D which plays an important role in the formation of new hair follicles. Just smear the entire hair to the scalp, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with shampoo.
4. Healthy and shiny hair
The high fat and vitamin content in avocado oil can also work well to add shine and beauty to your hair.
5. Prevent Hair Loss
If you have problems with hair loss, avocados can also be a solution. The content of avocados, can stimulate hair growth and control hair loss. Generally, it is the body that lacks vitamins that can cause hair loss and other hair problems. The content of B vitamins and Vitamin E in avocados can strengthen strands of hair, protect them from damage, which in turn prevents hair loss. Massage the head area using avocado oil, in circular movements and let stand for one hour. Then rinse using shampoo.
How to choose avocado oil for hair?
If this is your first time choosing avocado oil, don’t worry! There are two types of avocado oil, namely for consumption and for cosmetics, for example, used on hair and skin. For skin and hair care, it is recommended to use avocado oil which is intended specifically for beauty. Avocado oil for beauty purposes is a higher purity oil. The dirt attached to the oil is removed completely. Many people use avocado oil which is intended for consumption as a hair and skincare.
However, you should not do that. If in fact there are additives and chemicals added during the manufacturing process, it can cause problems with your skin. If you still want to use avocado oil consumption for skin and hair care, make sure the product is processed by the cold-pressed method. Also, check that there are no additives or other chemicals in them.
- There are two methods of extracting oil from avocados, namely cold-pressed and hot pressed. If you want to buy avocado oil, choose one that uses the cold-pressed method. This is due to oil with these methods are richer in nutrition and high quality.
- Basically, oil extraction with high temperatures ( hot pressed ) is more efficient because it can produce more oil. However, the nutrients in avocado oil will be damaged so it tends to oxidize quickly. Therefore, there are many additives added because of the lack of this method. On the other hand, cold-pressed is a method of carefully squeezing oil at low temperatures so that heat does not arise. This method is only able to produce half the amount of oil produced by the hot-pressed method. This causes the selling price to be expensive because of the low level of efficiency. However, you don’t need to doubt nutrition and quality anymore.
- If you are concerned with quality, you should check the product packaging for the list of ingredients used. In addition, also ensure the presence of certification marks from organic certification bodies.
- Avocado oil will oxidize when exposed to sunlight. To maintain the quality of avocado oil, you should choose products that are packaged in a light-proof bottle. If you have already bought avocado oil in a transparent bottle, transfer it to a light-proof bottle. You can also cover the transparent bottle with aluminum foil to prevent sun exposure. To be more practical to use, choose a lightproof bottle or stainless steel container from the beginning.
- For your attention, avoid using plastic containers. This is due to the possibility that chemicals contained in plastics also dissolve in oil. All oils also experience oxidation from the first day the packaging is opened. This can reduce the taste, phytochemicals, and vitamins in it. For this reason, avocado oil should be used 1-3 months after opening.
How to use avocado oil for hair?
You can use this oil as a hair mask, shampoo, or conditioner. Here are some avocado oil recipes that you can try at home.
1. In its wetting:
Apply the oil to dry hair, wrap with a warm towel, and let it act for 40 minutes to 1 hour. If you prefer you can apply and sleep with the oil, remove it the next day. In both steps, rinse and wash your hair as usual.
2. Combined with other oils:
A great option is to combine avocado oil with other vegetable oils, coconut oil, or olive oil. They are great to use together.
3. Inserted in the shampoo:
You can add extra hydration to your shampoo by inserting a few drops of avocado oil. Just don’t abuse the quantity. This option is ideal for extremely dry or discolored hair.
4. As a pre-shampoo:
Apply to the hair tips before washing, leave on for 20 minutes. This process helps to protect the tips from drying out.
5. Hair mask
Animal studies show that essential oils such as lavender and peppermint can stimulate hair growth. Well, you can do your own hair care to stimulate hair growth by mixing 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and a few drops of your chosen essential oil. After all the oil is evenly mixed, apply the oil to all of your scalp and hair evenly.
Gently massage your head so that the oil absorbs quickly into the skin. If used routinely, a hair mask from a combination of healthy oils will help stimulate blood flow and blocked hair follicles, thereby reducing hair loss.
6. A natural conditioner for your hair
Here are the steps to make avocado oil as a natural conditioner that you can try at home. You require the following materials:
- 1 teaspoon of avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon natural honey
- 1 avocado
- 1 banana
Steps to make the hair conditioner
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and evenly mixed, then pour the contents into a bowl.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to untangle your hair. Comb the hair from the middle of the hair down.
- Divide the hair into small groups, then apply the hair oil evenly.
- Massage the scalp using the fingers gently for 10 minutes.
- Tie your hair with loose ties, then cover your head with a shower cap. Leave for up to an hour.
- After that, rinse thoroughly, use shampoo, and wash the conditioner.
After the first use, the hair will be twice as soft and shiny. To increase hair growth, this treatment can be done at least twice a month.
7. Hot oil treatment
Avocado oil doesn’t lose its nutrients with heat treatment and can be safely used. Here are the materials that you need:
- 3 tablespoons of avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Prepare a pan and set the stove on low heat, add 3 tablespoons of avocado oil, and simmer for a few seconds.
- Add olive oil and honey. Then let it warm for 30 seconds or until it reaches a comfortable temperature. Turn off the heat and let the oil cool before applying it to the hair. Never apply hot oil directly to the skin.
- Make sure the oil is lukewarm so it can absorb well. Massage the scalp using the fingers gently for 10 minutes.
- Leave the hair for about an hour. Then rinse and wash thoroughly.
Don’t overuse the avocado oil neither for consumption nor for applying on your hair or on your skin. If used correctly, you can enjoy numerous benefits of avocado oil.