How to Apply Almond Oil to Hair

A guide to making your hair look healthy and shiny with almond oil

Co-authored by Lorena Barcal

Last Updated: February 6, 2023 Approved

Almond oil contains all kinds of healthy ingredients for hair like Omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin E, and magnesium. Using almond oil nourishes and strengthens your hair, and is optimal for treating hair loss and damaged hair. A few drops go a long way to add silkiness and shine and nourish the scalp. Use pure almond oil; most store brands contain only a small percentage of almond oil and a large proportion of petroleum paraffins.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Doing an Extensive Treatment

1
Rinse your hair and comb it out. Almond oil absorbs most readily into wet hair. Rinse your hair with warm water to help soften the bonds of your hair. Use a comb to brush out the tangles before you apply your almond oil conditioning treatment.
2
Heat up the almond oil. Put a small bowl of the almond oil in the microwave and heat it up in 10 second increments until it's warm but not too hot. You want it to be warm to the touch so that the heat will open the outer cuticles of your hair. This will make it easier for moisture to penetrate into your strands.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Make sure to test the warmth of the oil by holding the back of your hand an inch or so away from the oil so that you don't get burned.
- Don't have any almond oil handy but you do have some almonds? If so, the easiest way to make almond oil is by blending a cup of raw almonds with 2 Tbsp. of olive oil. If the paste is too thick, simply add more olive oil. Blend well. Store the mixture in the fridge for two weeks and then filter it into a new glass container for storage, ready for use.
Advertisement
3
Rub the oil into your scalp. Put a small amount of almond oil onto your palm and apply it to your scalp around the root area. Using your fingers, gently start massaging at the front of your head, working your way back to the crown of your head and then massage at the nape, working up towards the crown. This will help stimulate new hair growth, condition your roots, and protect your hair.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Massaging into the roots can also help prevent dandruff.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
4
Use a wide-toothed comb to disperse the oil. Comb it from your roots to the tips of your hair. Make sure all of your hair gets coated with a small amount of oil. This may require applying a few more drops to your ends.
5
Cover your hair. Put on a shower cap and let the oil absorb into your scalp and hair for about an hour. If you have especially dry hair, consider leaving it on overnight.^{[4]
X
Research source}
6
Shampoo your hair. Use shampoo to wash the oil from your hair. If you rinse without shampooing, it'll leave your hair looking oily. Shampoo your hair just once, and apply it to your scalp in the same way you applied the oil. Start at the front of your head, work your way towards your crown, and then massage from the nape area up to the crown.^{[5]
X
Research source}
7
Rinse and dry your hair. Rinse out the shampoo and pat your hair with a towel. Once it dries, your hair will look silky and shiny.
8
Repeat once a week for best results. Doing regular almond oil treatments will help foster new hair growth over time. It will also make your hair strong, smooth and soft by sealing in moisture.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Doing a Quick Fix

1
Comb your hair. Comb your dry hair until it's tangle-free. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to prevent painful snagging and breakage.
2
Rub a few drops of almond oil into your palms. Just a few drops, less than half a teaspoon of almond oil, should be enough to coat your hair. You don't want to go overboard, or your hair will end up looking oily for the rest of the day.
3
Run your fingers through your hair. Start at the ends of your hair and then slowly work up into the strands, stopping at least 5 inches (12.7cm) from the scalp. Coating the ends of your hair with almond oil will tame flyaways and frizz and give your hair a sleeker look.
- Don't apply it too close to your roots, or your hair will look oily.
4
Apply it to the tips as needed. Using almond oil is a great way to protect your hair from dryness and split ends. Put a few drops onto your fingers and apply the oil to the very tips of your hair a few times a day, or however often you need, to keep your hair strong and beautiful.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

Can I use almond oil daily for hair growth?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Almond oil will condition your hair and scalp, providing optimal conditions for growth and keeping ends supple so they won't split or break. However, there is very little you can do to impact your natural hair growth rate.
Question

Will almond oil reduce the frizz in my hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Probably, depending on the cause of the frizz. If fuzziness is due to chemical damage or curls that are separating or responding to humidity, the oil will not be as effective.
Question

Will using almond oil make my hair silky and shiny?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, you should see dramatic improvements. However, the oil will not change your curl pattern, so if your hair is naturally kinky or curly, it will not turn smooth and straight.