Almond Oil
Almond oil is derived from the seeds of the almond tree. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, it is employed to treat scalp-related concerns such as psoriasis, dandruff, and dryness. This is why it is a common ingredient in many hair care products.
There are two almond varieties, one sweet and the other wild. The sweet almond is the one primarily used, and it is the variety you’ll find in most products.
Is it effective against hair loss?
As of now, we have limited information regarding the potential effects of almond oil on hair loss.
In general, vegetable oils have quite similar compositions, and almond oil is no exception. Given that we have extensive knowledge about each of its components, we can speculate on the potential benefits almond oil may offer for our hair.
Here is the fatty acid composition of almond oil:
- Oleic acid: 65%
- Linoleic acid: 25%
- Palmitic acid: 4%
- Other elements: Vitamin E, phenolic acid, flavonoids, and various minerals
According to my research, almond oil may influence hair loss in the following way:
A study conducted on rats
In a study conducted in 2009 by R. Suraj and his colleagues, almond extract proved effective in stimulating hair growth in rats.
Moreover, the study revealed that various almond extracts, along with minoxidil, increased the percentage of hairs in the anagen phase and decreased those in the telogen phase.
To recap, the hair growth cycle can be divided into three phases:
- Anagen Phase: The growth and active phase, lasting 2 to 7 years.
- Catagen Phase: A transition phase, lasting approximately 3 months.
- Telogen Phase: The end-of-life phase, lasting 1 to 3 weeks before falling out.
Here are the study’s findings:
Below, you can see that extracts from Prunus dulcis (almond), especially the one in petroleum ether, extended the anagen phase and reduced the telogen phase.
(source)
It is conceivable that almond oil may function in a similar manner to the extracts, potentially extending the anagen phase and, in turn, reducing hair loss.
Anti-DHT properties
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a natural androgen hormone that our bodies produce by converting testosterone in various tissues through the enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase (5aR).
DHT is a key factor in androgenetic alopecia, as it contributes to the inflammatory processes occurring in the scalps of individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss. This process leads to the gradual thinning of hair, a condition often referred to as miniaturization. As a result, reducing DHT formation is seen as a potential way to combat hair loss.
Almond oil, when examined, is found to be primarily composed of oleic acid (65%) and linoleic acid (25%). Both of these fatty acids possess the ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, thereby reducing DHT production (source).
In a 1992 study conducted by T. Liang and S. Liao, it was observed that oleic, linoleic, elaidic, linolelaidic, and gamma-linolenic acids exhibited anti-DHT properties by inhibiting 5aR.
(source)
Based on this study, it can be inferred that the topical application of almond oil may also help reduce DHT formation.
Antioxidant properties
One of the contributing factors to hair loss is oxidative stress. This occurs when there’s an excessive presence of free radicals in the body compared to the available antioxidants. Excessive free radical production can be triggered by various factors such as stress, poor diet, or exposure to pollution.
Oxidative stress can lead to significant health issues, including hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart diseases, and certain cancers (source).
According to some studies, the consumption of antioxidants like vitamin E has been shown to reduce the risk of specific diseases (source).
Almond oil boasts powerful antioxidant properties due to its rich composition of vitamin E, oleic acid, flavonoids, and phenolic acid (source) (source).
In a 2010 study conducted by Lim Ai Beoy and colleagues, it was discovered that vitamin E intake could effectively reduce hair loss.
In fact, a daily intake of 100 mg of vitamin E in the form of tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherols significantly increased hair density. In this study, the group receiving vitamin E increased their hair density from 284.8 to 383.1 over 8 months, marking a remarkable 34.5% increase.
Conversely, the placebo group showed no changes.
Researchers concluded that this hair growth stimulation was attributed to the antioxidant properties of vitamin E.
Numerous other studies and articles also affirm these antioxidant properties (source) (source) (source).
Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a defense mechanism of the immune system that is triggered when the body faces any form of attack, such as infection, irritation, muscle tension, or injury.
Interestingly, nearly all forms of alopecia are characterized by the presence of chronic inflammation on the scalp, and reducing this inflammation has been shown to effectively decrease hair loss (source).
According to some studies, oleic acid, which constitutes a significant portion of almond oil, may possess anti-inflammatory properties (source) (source) (source).
Although these studies may not directly address alopecia, it is reasonable to assume that topical application of almond oil could potentially help alleviate the chronic inflammation associated with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.
Linoleic acid could stimulate hair growth
Almond oil consists of 25% linoleic acid.
According to a study conducted in 2021 by Hwa Sun Ryu and colleagues, linoleic acid activates the expression of the Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway.
The Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway is directly related to the hair growth cycle, and its activation increases the anagen phase and stimulates hair growth. It also enhances the proliferation and survival of follicular cells.
Based on this study, it can be assumed that oils containing linoleic acid may be potentially effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia.
Closing thoughts and verdict
While no studies have been conducted on human alopecia, I believe that the application of almond oil could be beneficial for addressing hair loss. This belief is primarily rooted in its anti-androgenic and antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties may also assist in reducing chronic inflammation. Additionally, it contains a moderate amount of linoleic acid, which could potentially promote hair growth.
If you are interested in trying almond oil, I can suggest using it as a carrier oil to maximize its effectiveness when combined with certain essential oils.
Precautions & side effects
- Possible allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those allergic to tree nuts.
- Avoid heating sweet almond oil.
- Pregnant women should avoid prolonged use.