Have you ever social media-stalked someone and admired how healthy their hair looks?Whether it’s long, shiny, ~lustrous~, or swaying in the wind like a scene from a shampoo commercial, one thing is certain: They’re taking care of their hair. This could involve limiting heat damage, indulging in scalp massages, or applying various oils, such as almond oil. 

According to beauty chemists and trichologists, almond oil is the real deal when it comes to shiny, healthy, and even (potentially) longer hair. Keep reading for everything you need to know—like who should use almond oil, how it works, and how to use it for hair health.

Is almond oil good for the hair?

Yes, almond oil is good for your hair, specifically for moisturizing and smoothing. As the name suggests, almond oil is derived from the fruits of almonds (Prunus amygdalus), which are native to the Middle East and South America. While there are limited studies on the benefits, almond oil consists of fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, and palmitic, and is a rich source of vitamin E, says dermatology nurse practitioner Jodi LoGerfo, DNP. Certified trichologist Kerry E. Yates also attests that almond oil is excellent for both the hair and scalp, as it is a “natural antioxidant that protects, while the added vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids condition your hair and skin.”

Benefits of almond oil:

There are hella benefits of almond oil . According to beauty chemist Benjamin Knight Fuchs, almond oil has emollient properties that can soften hair texture and provide a protective smoothing effect during styling. “The linoleic acid contained in fresh almond oil may improve hair resilience,” he says, which can keep water and moisture in your hair.

For those who love to style their hair, almond oil is the GOAT, as it's quite lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for even fine hair types. It can help coat your hair with lots of shine, as well as smooth it out to reduce flyaways and frizz without making it too heavy or greasy, per Yates. Lemme just break down all the potential benefits though:

Enhances shine

Moisturizes and locks in hydration

Softens hair texture

Alleviates scalp dryness

Lightweight and absorbs quickly

Smoothes frizz and flyaways

Who should use almond oil for hair?

The best thing about almond oil is that anyone can (and should) use it, especially if you’re in the market to improve your hair’s shine, texture, and strength. “Men and women with drier hair or scalps will enjoy the benefits of almond oil more than those with an oilier profile," says Fuchs. It is an oil, after all, so those with fine hair might prefer a short-contact therapy approach by massaging it into their scalp, leaving on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinsing.

How to use almond oil for hair:

There are many ways to apply almond oil (we love a versatile queen!). But it will depend on your hair goals and hair type. Lemme break it down:

As a moisturizing leave-in:

Fuchs suggests diluting almond oil with water for easier application, then just dispensing it into a spray bottle. Shake well, and mist it onto your hair while it's damp or dry (it'll absorb more easily on damp hair, but can help smooth flyaways on dry hair). FYI: It’s essential to shake well before spraying, as the almond oil may separate from the water.

For fine hair or oily scalps:

One approach is to apply a small amount onto the hair and scalp, allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse out. Consider it like short-contact therapy—it'll help soften and smooth your hair, but you can still easily wash it out with shampoo to avoid any greasy feeling on your scalp or hair.

As a conditioning treatment:

Another option is to warm the oil up in the microwave, gently massage it into your scalp with your fingers or a silicone scalp massager, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it out. You can also mix it into your deep conditioner, then let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing.

To smooth and add shine:

Alternatively, you can use it as the final step in your hair care routine as a finisher. “I wouldn’t place it directly on the scalp—instead, I would recommend applying it to your hair," LoGerfo says. "If you have dry or split ends, concentrate the application there,” she adds.

How long do I leave almond oil in my hair?

How long you leave almond oil in your hair entirely depends on the method you applied it (see above for a guide). But in general, if you’re using almond oil as a leave-in conditioner, you can simply let it stay on your hair until your next wash day. However, if you are using it as a mask, you can leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and then shampoo it out.

Do you wash off almond oil?

It’s not necessary to wash almond oil off your hair, so if you apply it to your ends and forget about it, you’re in the clear. However, some people will want to wash it out, as it has a density that can weigh down hair and make it appear oily. It just comes down to your hair type and preferences.

Final thoughts:

Almond oil is a great lightweight option for anyone looking to add a bit of sheen and resilience into your hair. As with all beauty treatments, you need to be consistent with use and limit the amount of stress you put your hair through, though, so don't expect miracles like really long hair out of nowhere. While there aren't a ton of studies showing that almond oil is beneficial for the hair, it has been utilized in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to make your hair soft as all hell, so there's no harm in trying it.