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In the 2010s, placing mashed avocados on toasted bread became a popular Instagrammable moment. Today, it’s the oil extracted from the fruit’s pulp that’s trending, but this time as a beauty treatment. “Incorporating avocado oil into your beauty routine is a great way to get healthier looking hair,” says Alexis Young, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Ahead, Dr. Young and other hair experts look at how the oil from this fruit does just that.
Meet the expert
- Alexis Young, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Teresa Song, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. Shab Caspara, is a board-certified trichologist.
Avocado Oil Benefits for Hair
In the 1990s, avocado oil found fame in kitchens across France and Spain, thanks to its versatility and health benefits. It's rich in vitamins (like A, B6, C, D, and E) minerals, and monounsaturated fats, which can help strengthen hair, reduce frizz, and protect against free radicals. Ahead, experts break down each benefit.
Hair Strengthener
Avocado oil contains monounsaturated fats that coat the hair, helping to prevent breakage. “It can also seal the cuticles, strengthening the hair,” says dermatologist Teresa Song, M.D. Factors like free radicals, heat, and chemical treatments can cause hair to become brittle and dry. “Avocado oil is lightweight and easily penetrable. It protects and strengthens strands by preventing moisture loss,” says Dr. Young. “Plus, it’s loaded with amino acids and potassium, which help strengthen and deep condition.”
Frizz Reducer
Avocado oil has emollient properties that smooth hair cuticles and lock in moisture, creating a protective barrier and smoother look. One study found that minerals in avocado oil, including magnesium and potassium, help seal cuticle cells, resulting in shinier strands and less breakage. “By preventing water loss and preventing humidity from entering, you’ll see less frizz,” says Dr. Song.
Hair Protectant
“The fatty acids found in avocado oil can help coat and protect the hair from pollution, environmental stressors like UV rays, and water contaminants like chlorine,” notes Shab Caspara, a board-certified trichologist. However, it’s not a substitute for a dedicated hair and scalp sunscreen formulated for UV protection, adds Dr. Song.
Dandruff Fighter
Dandruff is an overgrowth of yeast, which lives on the skin. "Avocado acts as an anti-microbial to decrease inflammation and reduce yeast but it all depends on the cause of dandruff,” notes Dr. Song. “Dryness-induced dandruff can be improved upon with avocado oil as it hydrates and moisturizes the scalp, yet fungal-related dandruff, known as seborrheic dermatitis, can be worsened by an oil application as the oil can promote fungal growth.”
Detangler
“Avocado oil can loosen hair knots and tangles,” says Dr. Song. “Apply a small amount of avocado oil to the ends of damp hair and gently comb through to detangle.”
Scalp cleanser
“You’d think an oil would block pores on the scalp, but avocado oil's monounsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and vitamin E can decrease inflammation, unclog follicles, and allow new hair to grow,” says Dr. Young.
The Best Type of Avocado Oil to Use on Your Hair
Not all avocado oils are created equal, and their quality can vary depending on the production process and the source of the avocados. Look for naturally refined 100% pure avocado oil that doesn't use harsh chemicals to extract or refine the oil. For ease of application, consider an avocado oil spray.
How to Apply Avocado Oil to Your Hair
Avocado oil performs well as a shower conditioner, a leave-in treatment, or a deep conditioning mask. For leave-in conditioning, apply a few drops to damp hair and massage it into the ends. As a mask, warm a small amount of oil on the stove or in a microwave, separate the hair, and massage the oil into the scalp in small, circular motions using your fingers. Leave on for ten minutes before shampooing.
Risks and Side Effects
Botanicals such as avocado oil have the potential for causing an allergic dermatitis, resulting in a red, flaky or itchy rash. “For those with sensitive skin, a patch test on the inner arm could be helpful to check for oil sensitivity,” says Dr. Young. “Place the oil on the inner forearm under a Band-Aid for three days to see if any irritation develops.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What hair texture is avocado oil best for?
Avocado oil works well on dry, thick, curly, or coarse hair, as these textures tend to be extra porous and can absorb more of the oil’s moisturizing and smoothing properties. “Those with fine or oily hair should use it sparingly to prevent heaviness and excessive oiliness,” warns Dr. Song.
Can avocado oil prevent hair loss and promote growth?
There are no clinical studies directly supporting avocado oil’s ability to prevent hair loss or promote hair growth. “However, avocado oil can improve scalp health by providing hydration and nutrients, which in turn may potentially support hair growth,” shares Dr. Song. Avocado oil also contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation on the scalp. “Two major precursors of hair thinning,” adds Caspara.
Avocado oil can act as an anti-inflammatory to mitigate loss from conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, and its anti-microbial properties can decrease yeast and bacterial overgrowth on the scalp. “In this context, it could prevent hair loss and promote hair growth,” says Dr. Young. "It contains beta-sitosterol, a plant-derived 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used in prescription strength products to prevent hair loss and promote growth by blocking the hormone DHT. “But it can be difficult for beta-sitosterol to penetrate the scalp’s barrier to reach the hair’s follicle."
Will eating a diet rich in avocados help the hair?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that after two weeks of eating two avocados a day, you may notice enhanced shine, softness, and manageability when it comes to your hair,” says Dr. Young. “I’m a firm believer, especially for my hair patients, that eating a healthy diet is much more efficacious than taking unnecessary and expensive supplements.”