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Macadamia oil is cold pressed from the nuts of the macadamia nut tree, which is predominately found in Hawaii where the nut is actually allowed to fall from the tree and then husked. The oil is a pale yellow, almost colorless, refined vegetable oil that is light, non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin and hair shaft. It has a slight nutty flavor and is one of the highest sources of essential fatty acids.
According to the USDA nutrient database, macadamia nut oil has calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, and even copper. As for fatty acids, it contains high concentrations of palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linoleic with palmitoleic and oleic acids. What does this laundry list of components add up to? It totals a favorite oil for skin and hair because of its high fatty acid and nutrient composition.
Read more: You Need These Good Fats for Healthy Hair
How does macadamia oil help your hair and scalp?
Macadamia oil is used in cosmetics and skin care because it is nutritive, reconstructive, and hydrating. Squalene is a naturally occurring antioxidant in Macadamia oil that helps to reduce the oxidative stress on our skin and scalp by preventing loss of moisture. The fatty acid content is the real winner for skin and hair. Those fatty acids help to add shine, strengthen, and nourish the hair follicles, which in turn fight off hair loss and brittle strands.
Read more: 4 Acids That are Great for Your Hair
Macadamia oil is great for calming the hair of frizz, tangles, and dullness. This lightweight, non-greasy nutty oil adds shine and vitality to your strands while coating your ends and keeping your scalp moisturized. An overall beauty oil for scalp, skin and hair, macadamia oil has been a staple for years because it can produce positive results. From hot oil treatments to scalp massages, this oil is here to stay as a favorite with its potent composition and lightweight nature.
Beauty and hair brands have been loving and utilizing the powers of this natural oil for years. Several curly, coily, and wavy girl friendly products have macadamia oil in their ingredient list to help moisturize, add shine, and healthier strands. There are a lot of products with macadamia emblazoned on the front of their packaging, but I’ve specifically chosen the products that contain macadamia oil in its top six ingredients on the label. Read here to see why the top six are so important.
Products with macadamia nut oil
- Macadamia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture Oil Treatment
- Kinky-Curly Stellar Strands
- HASK Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Shampoo
- Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Masque
- Mixed Chicks Replenishing Oil
DIY your own macadamia mix
Here are a couple of hair recipes using macadamia nut oil for our DIY curlies.
Macadamia Oil + Tea Tree Oil + Aloe Deep Repair Hair Mask
- ¼ cup of macadamia oil
- Drop (or two”> of tea tree oil
- Drop (or two”> of aloe vera gel
Mix ingredients in a ramekin and apply to cleansed and towel dried hair. Pour in the palm of your hand and rub to hands together to warm slightly. Apply to hair making sure to coat all strands and either use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to fully distribute throughout hair. Leave on (under a plastic cap is optional”> for 15 min. and then rinse with warm water before styling as usual.
Macadamia + Avocado conditioner for dry hair
- 1 tbsp. macadamia oil
- 2 peeled avocados
- ½ tsp. favorite oil (fragrance”>
- Blender
Place avocados, macadamia oil, and your favorite oil into blender and blend until mixture is uniform. Apply to wet but not cleansed hair and rub mixture into scalp and strands. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to ensure mixture is evenly distributed. Leave in for 15-30 min. before washing with shampoo and styling as usual.
Have you tried macadamia nut oil?
