Every week, it seems like there’s a new oil promising fantastic effects for your hair: coconut oil, avocado oil, macadamia oil, and more. Apricot oil is the most recent addition to that list. The fruity oil is believed to soften the scalp and mane. Is the buzz, however, justified?
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
Shab Reslan, a trichologist and hair health specialist at HairClub, is a board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained Mohs surgeon.
APRICOT OIL
- Emollient and anti-inflammatory in nature.
- Main advantages: Softens the hair shaft, calms the scalp, and attracts moisture into the hair.
- Who should make advantage of it: Apricot oil may be used by anybody with curly to coily hair.
- How frequently should it be used: It is safe to apply on the hair and scalp as needed.
- Works well with: The majority of hair care products.
We wanted to hear from the professionals about how to use apricot oil to get smoother, healthier hair. We spoke with a dermatologist and a trichologist to learn more about the oil. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about apricot oil for hair.
Apricot Oil’s Hair Benefits
Many of us utilize oils to enhance shine and hydration using the LOC technique (liquid, oil, and cream). Softer, glossy, moisturized strands and a healthier scalp are just a few drops away with apricot oil—but how we utilize it is crucial.
Contains fatty acids to keep hair hydrated: According to Henry, apricot oil is a fatty acid-rich oil that has various advantages for both the hair and scalp. “[Apricot oil] includes linoleic and oleic acid, which are omega-9 fatty acids and function as a superb emollient, making hair and scalp smoother and more malleable,” she explains. “It not only seals in moisture, but it also collects little quantities of water from the humidity of the air to assist maintain that hydration barrier inside the strand and scalp.”
Rich in vitamins: In addition to its humectant properties, apricot oil has a vitamin that is beneficial to our skin and can also be beneficial to our scalps. “Apricot oil has significant levels of vitamin A, which is necessary for cell renewal and collagen activation,” adds Reslan. “It also has a lot of vitamin E, which is important for scalp health.”
“It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, which give protection and hydration to the scalp by minimizing inflammation, which can contribute to scalp disorders and hair thinning or loss,” says Reslan.
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Anti-inflammatory for scalp health: According to Henry, “it can be calming so that it might aid scaly irritated scalp by reaching the outer layer.” She does caution, however, that if you have dandruff, the oil will not treat it, but it may assist soothe due of its anti-inflammatory characteristics.
“On its own, it may be used to hydrate and nourish the scalp and follicle, but because it’s an excellent carrier oil, it can be blended with any other essential oil to assist spread its characteristics,” Reslan explains.
Considerations for Hair Type
Oils are commonly used on curly and coily hair types. Reslan, on the other hand, advises using apricot oil exclusively on the scalp. “This oil is fantastic for the scalp,” Reslan explains. “I would definitely recommend using apricot oil to moisturize your dry or itchy scalp.”
Reslan cautions, however, that the oil should not be applied directly to hair strands since it might “produce build-up if left on for too long.” This might cause your hair to become weighed down, snarled, and lifeless.
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How to Apply Apricot Oil to Hair?
Oils on hair are multifunctional and can help reduce hygral exhaustion (a fancy phrase for dryness). As previously said, if you opt to apply it to your strands rather than only your roots, make sure you shampoo well to avoid build-up.
Most hair experts recommend applying oil sparingly on the hair shaft, but utilizing oils to hydrate overnight or up to 30 minutes before your washing session will avoid hygral fatigue—the repetitive swelling and drying of the hair cuticle.
Mix with essential oils: According to Reslan, apricot oil is a good carrier oil, and he has a few more suggestions for incorporating it into your hair care routine. “My personal favorite essential oils for scalp cleansing and hair growth promotion are lemon and cedarwood,” she explains. “They should be blended with a carrier oil since no essential oil can stay on the scalp or skin surface for an extended period of time on its own.”
Make a conditioning treatment: If making your own DIY pre-poo conditioner is part of your wash day routine, consider mixing in a few drops of apricot oil. Olive oil, bananas, honey, and even eggs (for protein) can be great at-home ingredients for giving your hair what it needs if it’s parched or brittle. For inspiration, see the recipe below.
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Ingredients:
- 1 yolk of an egg
- 1 teaspoon of apricot oil
- 2–3 drops of your favorite essential oil
Instruction:
- Mix all of the ingredients until completely blended.
- Massage the ingredients into the scalp and gently slide your fingers through the ends of your hair.
- Apply to hair for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Warm water should be used to rinse.
- Shampoo and condition normally.
- Is apricot oil greasy on the hair?
Apricot oil is rather light, therefore it will not clog your hair as much as other oils. A little goes a long way when coupled with other oils, such as coconut or argan.
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Is it true that oil makes hair thicker?
The beneficial ingredients in apricot oil can help with hydration, making it seem thicker and more moisturized than dry, brittle hair.
Is apricot oil beneficial for hair with low porosity?
Low porosity hair is resistant to product and repels moisture. Because apricot oil is so light in comparison to other oils, it works well for low porosity hair to keep moisture from leaving.
