The most visible part of a person’s facial features is the hair. Long, thick and shining hair obviously enhances the beauty of the face. A healthy hair implies to a good immune system of the body. So, it becomes very important that the hair has to be healthy and maintained well.
Constantly increasing pollution has its bad effects not only on the human body but also on the hair, leading to problems like hair loss, hair thinning, baldness, itchy scalp and other hair related issues. An easy to lay hand remedy is apricot oil. Using apricot oil for hair has proven to be very effective against hair issues.
Types of Hair Problems
- Greying of hair
- Development of Bald Spots
- Greasy hair
- Split ends
Causes of Hair Problems
- Lack of nutrition
- Medical reasons
- Use of chemical products
Symptoms of Hair Problems
- Excessive hair fall
- Constant itchiness on the scalp
- Dandruff
- Receding Hairline
Apricot oil for hair
Apricot oil(1) is derived from the kernels or the seeds of the apricot fruit. This amazing fruit is filled with beta-carotene and fiber. The cold pressing extraction process is used wherein the seeds, or the kernel of the apricot fruit is crushed, and the potent oil is extracted. The apricot oil is light in color and possesses a very nutty aroma and is widely used mainly in skincare and hair care products.
[ Read also: Castor Oil for Hair Growth ]
Why use apricot oil for hair
This oil contains a component called the oleic acid which is a form of an omega-9 fatty acid which helps make the hair and the scalp softer. It helps moisturize the hair and the scalp preventing from dryness and increasing the hydration level in them. This oil fiber which stimulated hair growth. The pleasant aroma of this oil makes it easier for regular usage.
Apricot oil acts as a fantastic lubricant for the hair and the scalp and doesn’t weigh down the hair since this oil is very light. This is perfect especially for those having sensitive skin and scalp type. This oil locks in the moisture within the hair strands but also absorbs a small amount of fiber from the external environment and maintains a barrier of hydration inside the strand and the scalp. There are types of apricot oil depending on the process of extraction used to derive the oil;
Organic apricot kernel oil: The organic apricot kernel oil is the purest form of apricot oil. The core as in the kernel of the apricot fruit is used to derive this exquisite oil. It is best suited for people with sensitive skin and scalp issues, owing to it being very mild and highly moisturizing. It helps with conditions like dry hair, dry scalp and also hair growth. The organic apricot kernel oil does not contain any synthetic or artificial preservatives.
Cold-pressed apricot kernel oil: This oil is derived from the kernels or seeds of the apricot fruit through the process of cold pressing. The cold pressed form of oil does not contain any chemical substances. It has unusual properties that help from dry scalp and stimulates hair growth.
How to use apricot oil for hair?
Following are a few ways to use apricot oil for hair;
- Adding a few drops of the apricot kernel oil to the shampoo or conditioner which will help make the hair soft, will impart moisture into the hair(2)and the scalp, and stimulate and promote healthy hair.
- Applying slight warm oil onto the scalp and hair strands before the shower will prevent from dry scalp and hair strands and will also help remove those stubborn tangles.
- Can also be used a serum after a wash onto damp hair.
[Also Read: Emu Oil for Hair]
Dos and don’ts
Storage of oil in a dry and cold place will help with a longer shelf-life of the apricot oil. Keeping essential oils away from the reach of children is very important. In case of any irritation cause on skin or scalp, consultation with a health expert is a must.
Precautions
There are a few pointers that have to be kept in mind before using essential oils. Before using the oil, a patch test on the hand is advised. In case of any irritation or inflammation usage of oil should be avoided. Always know what works for you, consult a health expert and get to know if the oil will suit your physical conditions. Ingestion of the apricot oil has to done strictly under the supervision and consultation of a health expert.
Side effects
The apricot oil is pretty safe to be used topically, however when taken through ingestion one has been cautious. The kernels of apricot fruit contain a component called the amygdalin. When consumed, this component is converted into cyanide by the human body which can turn out to be highly dangerous.
This can lead to conditions like a respiratory failure and can be fatal. However, amygdalin is usually removed from the oils, to ensure that the oil contains very less content of amygdalin. Therefore, it is essential to buy good quality oil from certified brands.
Other Home Remedies
- A mixture of olive oil and lemon juice will help in cleaning the scalp and helps provide moisture into the hair and scalp, which helps from unusually dry scalp and hair.
- A hair mask containing honey(3) and banana will make the hair soft like a newborns hair.
- Onion juice for hair growth, peeling the onions and blending them to get their juice. Apply the juice onto the scalp with a cotton ball for 15 minutes and rinse it is off with a mild shampoo. Onion juice is said to be productive with sulfur which boosts and stimulates collagen production which ultimately leads to hair growth.
Using apricot oil for hair has immense benefits. If you have any conditions mentioned above, do consider this oil and give it a try. In addition to using the apricot oil for hair problems, you also need to incorporate specific changes in your lifestyle and try to eat healthy food, have a proper sleep, practice meditation to enhance the beauty of your hair and enjoy it for a long time.
