Apricot kernel oil promotes soft and shiny hair in addition to nourishing the scalp. Incorporate these amazing apricot kernel oil recipes into your hair care regimen for the best results.
Apricot kernel oil plays well with other oils and closely resembles the natural sebum produced in human skin. Jojoba oil shares the same property with this oil.
What is Apricot Kernel Oil?
Apricot kernel oil (Prunus armeniaca) is pressed from the kernels of apricot fruits. Apricot kernels have a 40 – 50% oil content.
Apricot kernel oil is obtained by removing the pits from the apricots. The pits are then cracked to access the kernels within.
Afterward, the kernels are cold-pressed for the oil so it retains all its nutritious properties. Apricot kernel oil is light yellow with a mild scent.
Is Apricot Kernel Oil Good for Hair?
Apricot kernel oil is very good for hair and regular use ensures lush, shiny, bouncy, and strong hair.
Additionally, it nourishes the scalp and provides an environment for healthy hair growth.
You can use it pre-treatment, for treatment, or post-treatment and I share 3 awesome apricot kernel oil recipes for hair below.
Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil for Hair
1. Softens Hair and Promotes Shine
Apricot kernel oil is constituted of beneficial vitamins A, C, and E in addition to oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid. These properties promote soft and shiny hair.
2. Nourishes Scalp and Prevents Hair Loss
Apricot kernel oil contains vitamin K, which can nourish the scalp and prevent hair loss by strengthening hair follicles. The high vitamin E content also plays a role here.
3. Emollient Oil
Apricot kernel oil contains a high amount of oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, and linoleic acid making it a good source of unsaturated fats and a wonderful emollient oil for dry hair and scalp.
4. Moisturizes Hair and Scalp
Apricot kernel oil also contains vitamin C and E, great properties that moisturize dry hair and scalp.
5. Lightweight & Non-greasy
Apricot kernel oil is lightweight and non-greasy making it an excellent sealing oil. It is absorbed easily into the hair shaft and won’t weigh down finer hair types.
6. Suitable Replacement for Sweet Almond Oil
Apricot kernel oil is similar to sweet almond oil and peach oil and can be used interchangeably in treatments so if you’re not crazy about those oils, apricot kernel oil works just as well.
Apricot kernel oil also blends quite well with almost all known essential oils. It makes an excellent ingredient in DIY body massage oil.
How To Use Apricot Kernel Oil Oil for Hair
Manuka Honey and Apricot Kernel Oil Shampoo
You can also use raw honey instead of manuka honey. In a large applicator bottle, add:-
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
- 1/4 cup castile soap
- 1 tablespoon manuka honey
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil
- 7 drops lavender essential oil
- 7 drops rosemary or peppermint essential oil
Close the bottle and shake well. To use, apply to hair as a shampoo and wash hair and scalp thoroughly. Rinse and deep condition.
This mix is enough for shoulder length to APL hair. It’s best to mix it fresh every time.
Apricot Kernel Oil Hot Oil Treatment
Use apricot kernel oil as part of a hot oil treatment.
Mix equal parts of apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, and calendula oil and apply to hair and scalp. Massage into scalp thoroughly.
Pin your hair up and cover it with a disposable cap then wrap a hot towel around your head.
Leave in for 30 minutes then shampoo and deep condition your hair. Your hair will be so soft and silky!
For more on hot oil treatments, read Hot Oil Treatments for Natural Oil.
Apricot Kernel Oil Hair Styling Mix
Add 5 – 7 drops of apricot kernel oil to your hair styling moisturizer or cream to give an extra boost of moisture and shine to your hair.
If the hairstyling product already contains a lot of oils, don’t add more than 3 drops to it as that would make it too greasy.
Related Hair Care Resources
Apricot Kernel Oil vs Jojoba Oil
Apricot kernel oil and jojoba oil have similar benefits for the hair and scalp. They are both similar to the natural sebum produced on the hair and scalp.
Additionally, they both help eliminate dry hair and scalp. They also moisturize the scalp and both can be used as facial oil.
Whichever one you choose depends on your preference though both can be mixed into hair treatments without any issues.
Which Apricot Kernel Oil Brand is the Best?
If you’re wondering which apricot kernel oil is best for you, I’ve recommended the top 5 brands below to choose from:-
Aura Cacia Apricot Kernel Oil
Life Flo Pure Apricot Oil
Bella Terra Oils Apricot Kernel Oil
Maple Holistics Apricot Kernel Seed Oil
Sweet Essentials Apricot Kernel Oil
Where To Buy Apricot Kernel Oil?
You can find apricot kernel oil at the following online retailers:-
Apricot Kernel Oil Side Effects
Apricot kernel oil is well tolerated and is a great replacement for sweet almond oil if you have a nut allergy.
If you’re not sure how your hair will react to this, you can try a patch test first.
Beauty Products With Apricot Kernel Oil
- Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion
- L’Occitane LOccitane Shea Nail And Cuticle Oil
- Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
Made up your mind or want to try all three? Get them all with free shipping when you sign up, risk-free, for Amazon Prime HERE.
Interesting Fact About Apricot Kernel Oil
In Hunza, a state in Northern Pakistan, the number of apricot trees a man owns is the measure of his wealth.
Many Hunzakuts live well into their nineties on a staple diet of apricot nuts and cooking with apricot kernel oil.
Perhaps there’s a little something extra in apricots and apricot kernel oil!
References
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil of Apricot Seed
- Apricot Tree & Fruit
Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
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