We’re always on the lookout for great natural skincare options, so our excitement was palpable when we discovered the benefits of almond oil. Almond products like milk and flour were already staples in our pantry, so uncovering the skincare potential of almond oil was an intriguing addition. This oil isn’t a novel discovery; it has a long history in ancient remedies for conditions like hypertrophic scars, dry skin, and overall skin rejuvenation.
“Almond oil is packed with vitamins D and E, along with several essential minerals that calm skin irritation, shield the skin from UV damage, and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier,” says Kevin Munn, a chemist and the chief scientific officer at skincare brand Venn.
The reason almond oil is highly regarded in skincare circles is its multifaceted ability to tackle a variety of skin issues while enhancing skin health overall. To delve deeper into the virtues of almond oil and its role in skincare, we consulted Munn and three other specialists. They provided comprehensive insights into this soothing, natural ingredient. If you’re as curious as we are, here’s a detailed guide from four experts on everything from the primary benefits of almond oil to its application methods.
Stop Over-Washing
Over-washing your hair means different intervals for different people, but no matter what it means to you, it can lead to a significant lack of moisture resulting in dull and lifeless hair. In order to restore the natural oils that are vital to hair health and shine, it’s important to wait enough time between washes. Basically, that just means not washing your hair every single day, but for all our thin-haired friends out there, we know that’s easier said than done. To help stretch the time between washes, try adding some dry shampoo, embracing a fun baseball cap, or even taking advantage of the oily look with a slicked-back bun.
Use a Heat Protectant
One of the main causes of dull hair is the excessive use of heat tools, but we understand wanting to keep your trusty blow-dry routine, especially in the unruly months of summer frizz. This is especially important for people with fine hair, as Haliti says it “can be more prone to damage from heat styling or chemical treatments, which can further contribute to dullness.” A middle-ground solution we endorse is to apply a heat protectant each time you style with heat tools, keeping your hair smooth and protected. In the long run, this supports overall hair health, which means your shine will return and your blowouts will last that much longer.
Refresh with Clarifying Shampoo
Using a clarifying shampoo once or twice per month can help cleanse your scalp and hair shaft of dirt, oil, product buildup, and anything else that’s detracting from shiny hair. “Using excessive amounts of styling products or not properly rinsing them out can lead to product buildup on the hair, which can make it look dull and lifeless,” Haliti explains. If you work a clarifying shampoo into your hair-washing routine to combat this, your scalp will surely thank you.
Take Your Vitamins
Taking any necessary vitamins (and/or ensuring you get them in your diet) is important for helping your body get all the nutrients it needs and laying a strong foundation for radiant, shiny hair. “Taking a multivitamin can also help ensure adequate supplementation,” Garshick explains. Your multivitamin can prove vital to promoting hair growth, skin health, and nail strength.
Reduce Chemical Treatments
“Frequent use of hair dyes, relaxers, or perms can damage the hair cuticle and cause it to lose its natural shine,” Haliti tells us. It’s important to keep in mind how often you may be putting your hair through these treatments to ensure you’re not overdoing it. “Stretching out the time between treatments, when possible, can help limit any damage to the hair which can result in dryness,” Garshick adds. An easy way to care for your hair between chemical treatments is using a moisturizing hair mask to replenish any nutrients that may have been stripped.
