Avocado, the ‘green gold’ is loved by many not just as a nourishing food but also for promoting healthy hair growth.

Many years ago, the ancient Egyptians began using Avocado for hair by applying it directly to the scalp and the hair shaft.

After World War II there was a boom in avocado farming across the globe leading to a need to explore other ways of profiting.

This led to the invention of Avocado oil extraction through the solvent method.

Avocado oil then became an essential product for hair loss, dandruff, and promoting hair growth.

Avocado Benefits for Hair

#1. Promotes healthy hair growth

The Avocado fruit is rich in antioxidants, minerals, essential fatty acids, minerals, biotin, and vitamins A, B-5, and E.

According to a 2015 study, minerals present in avocado oil can help seal cuticle cells, which can prevent hair from breaking thus promoting hair growth. [1]

Avocados are also loaded with potassium, vitamins and other amino acids that help in revitalizing dry and coarse hair giving it a glossy look and feel.

Vitamin B and E also help in giving the hair a natural shiny look.

#2. Unclogs hair follicles

Nutrients present in avocados help in unclogging hair follicles and stimulating hair growth. [2]

By massaging the avocado oil into the scalp, you promote blood flow and unclog any blocked hair follicles, allowing the natural oils to get absorbed more quickly.

Potassium also helps in regulating fluid balance inside and outside the cells in the blood and is required to prevent hair loss.

#3. Protects hair from damage

Avocados contain antioxidant such as Vitamin C and E that help to shield the hair from harmful free radicals. [3]

Avocado oil is a natural sun block. It blocks the scalp from direct exposure to the sun which could lead to hair breakage and fading of colored hair.

#4. Smoothens hair & adds shine

Minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc present in avocados help in locking in the moisture thereby improving the hair’s smoothness and shine.

These minerals, coupled with Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E have a vast wealth of benefits for hair.

#5. Promotes a healthy scalp

Vitamin E as well as healthy fats help to nourish the scalp and ease dandruff.

Healthy hair should be regularly moisturized using conditioners made from avocado. It can be directly applied to the scalp as a deep conditioning hair mask or used used as an oil for scalp massage.

#6. Avocado as an anti-aging hair product

As you advance in age, hair starts to lose its natural pigment. It also begins lose its thickness.

Some studies have shown that avocadoes can slow done the aging process by increasing skin elasticity and firmness. [4]

Avocados also help to eliminate free radicals that cause premature aging.

How to Use Avocados for Hair Growth

There are different ways you can use avocado to maintain healthy hair.

These include:

 1. Avocado hair mask

An age old way of using avocados for hair is to make a nourishing avocado hair mask.

You can play around with different recipes but here is one very simple one you can try.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey

Method

1. Mash or blend together the avocado, olive oil and honey until you have a paste. Ensure it’s finely blended so its easier to rinse off without leaving residue.
2. Before applying the mask, spray some water to make your hair damp
3. Apply the mask generously from the roots to the tips
4. Gently massage your head for about 2-3 minutes, then cover and let the mask sit for 20-30 minutes.
5. Rinse off the mask. Do this thoroughly to ensure no residue is left in your hair
6. Proceed to shampoo and condition as per your normal routine.

2. Moisturize with avocado oil

Another common way to use Avocado on hair is to use it in the oil form.

Avocado oil is lightweight allowing it to deeply penetrates the hair delivering moisture and nutrients.

It’s particularly good for people with low porosity hair as it’s easily absorbed.

The oil can be used for scalp massage, in a hot oil treatment or for pre-pooing the hair.

Avocado oil is great in protecting the hair from harsh environmental pollutants, the presence of vitamins and lipids helps to maintain good blood flow to the scalp, therefore, creating a dandruff-free scalp.

3. Add it to your diet

Avocado is a great source of Folates hence adding it your diet is one of the best ways for your hair to benefits.

The human body requires vitamin B9 for the production of folate.

Folate aids in the formation of red blood cells that is required in the growth of hair.

4. Use products containing avocado

Thanks to the numerous benefits that Avocados have, they are common place in hair products.

If you are not a DIY person, using products that contain avocado as an ingredients is a great way to benefit.

Regular use of avocado products will help reduce or prevent common hair conditions such as dandruff and dry hair.

BTW, did you know hair porosity plays a key role in hair growth? Take this simple hair porosity test to determine if your hair is HIGH, LOW or NORMAL porosity.

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