Did you know that most of the macadamia nuts in the world are grown in Hawaii?
This little nut is the third highest-grossing export crop out of the southernmost state, behind only sugarcane and coffee. Macadamia nuts are a beach vacation staple, but there’s a lot more to these little nuts than meets the eye. They actually have a ton of health benefits. And their oil can turn your hair from barely there to full and shiny!
In this article, we’re dishing up the full scoop on macadamia nut oil for hair and health!
What are the Benefits of Macadamia Oil for Your Hair?
Macadamia nut oil has the highest concentrations of fatty acids of any nut oil. That high fatty acid content is the key for healthy, beautiful hair. Those fatty acids nourish the hair follicle and add strength and shine. This, in turn, reduces hair breakage and loss. Macadamia oil is the best at calming frizzy hair, dullness, and is a natural detangler. It’s also a light oil which makes it easier for hair to absorb it.
Everyone’s hair absorbs oil and hair products differently. Hair that’s more porous will have an easier time absorbing than hair that’s less porous. One problem that many people have is that certain oils won’t sink into the hair follicles because it’s too thick.
Because macadamia oil is so light it won’t weigh hair down, but instead, it will protect the follicle from the inside out.
Once the oil penetrates the hair, it infuses the hair with lots of vitamins and nutrients. The fatty acids help protect and strengthen the follicle so it’s less prone to breakage. Nutrients help your hair recover from heat damage. And it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help if you have scalp issues like dandruff or dry scalp.
Using this oil adds a level of protection to your hair. Like your skin, your hair is exposed to the sun and outside pollutants. Adding macadamia oil to your hair after you wash it is like adding sunscreen to your skin.
It’s known for its emollient qualities. Using this nut oil on your hair as part of your regular routine keeps it smoother longer. Or you can spritz a small amount on and smooth it through your hair to tame stray hairs and flyaways.
The biggest benefactors of macadamia nut oil are those who have curly hair. Even if you have small, tight curls, you can benefit from this oil.
Curly hair tends to break easier than straight hair. That’s because tight curls keep the ends from getting the moisture they need. Then they become dry and weak, causing breakage.
Macadamia nut oil soaks into the hair follicle better than most other oils. So it can get moisture into those dry hair follicles better, preventing further breakage. And once it’s properly moisturized, curly hair is much easier to comb and style.
What’s in Macadamia Nut Oil?
Nuts are known for having lots of nutrients and antioxidants. But macadamia nuts have a few special ingredients that make them perfect for your hair.
Macadamias high level of fatty acids makes them a great way to get good fat in your diet. Your body uses these fatty acids to produce sebum, a light, oily substance secreted from your skin.
Sebum keeps your skin and hair moisturized. It also protects the hair shaft from harsh chemicals and environmental toxins. And it helps move dead cells away to keep skin and hair from looking dull.
As we age, our bodies have a harder time making sebum, which is why many of us experience drier hair the older we get. When macadamia nut oil is massaged into the scalp, it can promote sebum growth.
It’s a light, almost colorless oil that’s liquid at room temperature. This makes it easy to apply to your hair and keeps your hair healthy without adding weight. It’s also less likely to build-up and causes dullness, like heavier oils like mineral oil.
Macadamia nut oil has a ton of other vitamins and nutrients in it too. It’s a rich source of vitamin E, similar to walnut oil or pumpkin seed oil, which is a known antioxidant. Vitamin E makes your hair stronger and shinier while preventing breakage.
Potassium is an important nutrient for your body because it helps build proteins. Hair loss is a common sign of potassium deficiency. Macadamia nuts are a good source of potassium to help keep your hair growing strong.
How to Use Macadamia Nut Oil for Hair
There are no side effects of using macadamia nut oil. But if you’re allergic to other tree nuts, consult with your doctor before you start.
It’s best not to apply the oil before you use heat tools. This leads to a higher temperature at the hair follicle and could cause more damage. Once styled, add a drop to your fingers and run it through the strands to add shine.
If you have tight curls, apply the oil all over your hair before you comb it. Make sure you get all the way to the ends to ensure that the dry, brittle ends are protected. The oil creates a slippery surface so the comb passes easier through the curls.
Massage the oil directly into your scalp. The fatty acids in macadamia nuts promote sebum to form in your hair follicles. This will help your hair grow stronger right from the root.
Try adding a spoonful of macadamia nut oil to store-bought shampoo and conditioner. These products, especially shampoo, tend to strip hair of natural oils that keep it strong. Adding nut oil to them helps replenish these lost oils.
Different types of oils have different properties that help your hair. Mixing them can give you the best results. Try mixing macadamia oil with avocado and apply it as a hair mask that you wear once a week for added moisture.
The oil has a light, nutty smell. Many people love how it smells. But if you’re not a fan of it, that’s where mixing it can be beneficial. Mix it with coconut oil and apply to the hair with your fingers to add shine and tame frizz. The coconut will dilute the smell and you’ll get the best properties of both oils.
Take Those Nuts Out of the Jar!
Is macadamia nut oil good for hair? Absolutely!
Using nut oils on your hair is a great way to boost shine and provide strength and protection to the hair follicle. And macadamia nut oil for hair brings you the most bang for your buck because it’s packed with hair-healthy ingredients.
