Taking care of the hair by practicing good hygiene can have a big impact on how shiny and healthy it appears. Using certain oils can also have benefits in keeping the hair strong and smooth.

Avocado or persea gratissima oil may have specific benefits due to its composition of vitamins, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fats.

In this article, we take a look at the benefits of using avocado oil in the hair, how to use it in hair masks or scalp massage, and we discuss the possible risks of these treatments.

Oils have an essential role in stopping hair from breaking. A person’s scalp naturally creates oil, but sometimes an uneven balance of oil or environmental factors can make a person’s hair dry or brittle.

According to a 2015 research paper, using some kinds of vegetable oils near the scalp can coat the hair follicles to prevent damage at the base of the hair and to prevent hair from breaking later, as it grows out.

Some oils are better for this than others. Saturated and monosaturated oils are better able to penetrate the hair than polyunsaturated fats. Avocado oil contains monosaturated fats, making it a good choice for hair treatments.

Avocado oil also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that some believe can help keep a person’s hair strong and healthy. It may have the following benefits:

1. Reducing dandruff

Well-hydrated skin on the scalp can make hair appear healthier. If the skin is dry or flaky, massaging oil into the scalp before washing and conditioning hair may help.

Avocado oil used on the scalp could also help reduce the appearance of dandruff. Moisturizing the skin using oils can help to prevent it from drying out and flaking.

2. Preventing breakage

The strands of the hair can break if they are dry and brittle. Coating the hair with a thin layer of oil can make it more flexible. This may help to prevent hair from breaking when a person brushes it or ties it up.

A person should treat their hair gently to prevent breakage. A good way to untangle the hair is by brushing the ends first, rather than tugging a brush through it.

People should also avoid using elastic bands rather than hair bands, or tying hair up too tightly, as this can damage the hair strands or roots.

Bleaching, heat treatments, and relaxing hair can all cause damage.

Using avocado oil on hair is unlikely to undo severe hair damage, but it may help to prevent further breakage by lubricating the hair strands.

3. Detangling hair

Applying avocado oil to the ends of the hair may help to detangle it. Using the fingers, coat the ends of the hair in a small amount of oil for smoother brushing.

Using a wide-toothed comb, gently comb through tangles until the hair begins to unknot. A smaller toothed comb or hairbrush can then be used to continue brushing the hair.

4. Protecting hair from damage

Environmental damage, including pollution, sunlight, seawater, and chlorine can dry out a person’s hair shafts.

A person may find that applying oil to their hair can protect it from some of the effects of environmental damage. Before swimming in the sea or sunbathing, they can coat their hair with a thin layer of avocado oil. Long hair can be tied up in a bun or a plait to stop the oil from getting onto the skin.

When in strong sunlight, it is important also to protect the head with a hat and to wear sunscreen always. Rinsing hair after contact with seawater or chlorine can help to prevent it from drying out.