Oh, the mighty avocado. It’s not only the star ingredient in some of our favorite recipes (Guac! Avo toast! Smoothies!) but also an impressive haircare hero. Yep, stay with me here. The oil, which is compressed from the pulp of the fruit, is supercharged with nutrients that can literally transform the look and feel of your locks. It might not be as popular as scalp-stimulating rosemary or shine-inducing argan, but trust me, I wouldn’t sleep on avocado—it’s a universal crowd pleaser brimming with hair benefits.
To learn more about these perks, I consulted a certified trichologist and a professional hairstylist on all things avocado oil, including their expert recommendations for the best avocado-spiked products. Keep scrolling—your strands will thank you!
The Benefits of Avocado Oil for Hair
Nutrient-rich: “Avocado oil contains monounsaturated fats, which help to nourish and improve the elasticity of the hair strand when applied topically,” says celebrity hairstylist and trichologist Jay Small, co-founder of Arey.
Moisturizes hair: Given avocado oil’s rich antioxidant and fatty acid content, it’s “ideal for moisturizing and smoothing the hair,” notes pro hairstylist Rogério Cavalcante, owner of The Second Floor Salon.
Soothes the scalp: It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce scalp stress and irritation, explains Cavalcante.
Smooths frizz: “This oil will help seal the cuticle, leaving hair looking smooth and healthy,” says Small. (Rough, dry cuticles are open to humidity, which then leads to frizz.)
Mends split ends: Because avocado oil can smooth down the cuticles, it can also disguise the look of split ends. If you’re in a pinch, just massage some avocado oil on your dry ends and watch those frays magically disappear.
How to Use It
The easiest way to use avocado oil, according to Cavalcante, is to find haircare products you love that feature it as the main ingredient. (Don’t worry; we’ll list some below!) However, straight-up avocado oil makes a standout haircare treatment all on its own. Ahead, find some expert-approved ideas to consider.
As a pre-shampoo treatment: “In the short term, if your hair is feeling dry, brittle, or overprocessed, using topical avocado oil can be helpful as a pre-shampoo treatment,” says Small. Simply coat your lengths in the liquid gold and leave on for at least 20 minutes before hopping in the shower.
As an overnight mask: You could also leave it on overnight for a deeper treatment, notes Cavalcante. “Apply on dry hair, wrap in a towel to create some body heat, and leave on [for] a minimum of 15 minutes and as long as overnight,” he suggests. “Wash and shampoo to remove any oily residue and style as usual.”
Cocktailed with other oils: “I am a fan of mixing avocado oil with fractionated coconut oil, rosemary, and lavender,” Small says. (Specifically, he suggests blending two tablespoons avocado oil, two tablespoons coconut oil, plus a few drops of rosemary and lavender oils to enhance the scent.) “I like to run the mixture throughout the hair and scalp and massage with either my fingertips or the Wildling Gua Sha scalp tool,” he adds. “I would recommend putting this mixture on dry hair. Once you are done massaging I would clip your hair up and let it sit for up to 60 minutes. I then recommend using Arey Scalp Scrub to get all the excess oil off the scalp and follow with Arey Wash and Smooth.”
To rehydrate dry ends: Dry, split ends are no match for avocado oil. Simply rub a bit of oil in between your palms before smoothing it over your lengths. You’ll wind up with instantly smooth tresses for the day, not a frayed end in sight.
Who Should Use It?
Generally, anyone with dehydrated, brittle, or damaged hair can benefit from avocado oil. That said, it is a bit denser in consistency (at least compared to lightweight jojoba oil), which might make it better suited for coarser hair types.
“In terms of hair density and texture, I would suggest that those with fine hair avoid these treatments,” Small adds. “These types of oils are better received by medium, coarse, wavy, curly, or extra curly hair.”
FAQ
Does avocado help with hair growth?
It sure can! “Avocado oil can help create a healthy environment for hair to grow by improving conditions on the scalp,” says Small. After all, a parched scalp means unhappy hair follicles, which is literally the source of hair growth. By keeping the hair you already have healthy and thriving, you can spur faster growth as a result.
Avocado does naturally contain some biotin, which can strengthen strands. “Avocados also contain folate (vitamin B), which is essential for hair growth,” Cavalcante adds.
What are the side effects of avocado oil for hair?
There aren’t many, unless you have an avocado allergy (then, of course, you should avoid it at all costs). The only warning to note is that avocado oil can be a bit heavy for finer-haired folks. “This can lead to lead pores being clogged on the scalp, breakouts, and disrupt the natural environment of the scalp,” says Small. “When using any oil, portion and absorption are key.” So you might want to use it sparingly on your mid-lengths to ends in that case.
Which is better for hair: coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil?
The thing is, all three oils have their own advantages to consider. “Olive oil is great for deeply moisturizing and adding shine to dry, thick hair,” notes Cavalcante. Coconut oil is also super moisturizing, but it’s best for thicker hair types as it’s quite dense. (It’s also best for those with high-porosity hair.) “Avocado oil penetrates deeply to nourish and repair dry, damaged hair,” Cavalcante adds.
Essentially, choose your own adventure here based on what your scalp and hair specifically need. Also, don’t forget: “When using any oil, portion and absorption are key,” Small reminds us.
The Best Avocado Oil Hair Products
Briogeo
Superfoods Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Hair Mask
Avocado is the hero ingredient in this buttery hair mask, along with antioxidant-rich extracts like kiwi and spinach to keep strands vibrant and healthy. “[It] has a pleasant fruity smell, not too strong, and it leaves hair super soft from the first application,” adds Cavalcante. “It also has a good texture that makes it easy to brush the hair.”
Seaweed Bath Co.
Smooth Conditioner
Another favorite of Cavalcante’s, this creamy conditioner contains avocado oil, borage seed oil, and broccoli seed oil to hydrate and smooth dry hair. “It leaves hair very manageable,” he notes. “I also like that the formula is clean, consciously made, and safe for color-treated hair as well.”
Mielle Organics
Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk
This hair milk—formulated with avocado oil, coconut oil, and shea butter—will keep your lengths soft and healthy.
California Naturals
Moisture Conditioner
Dry, damaged hair? Meet California Naturals. The brand’s deep conditioner treatment is the antidote to rough strands, and the sweetgrass and fig scent is heaven.
Rossano Ferretti Parma
Vita Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Hair Mask
If you have fragile, fine hair, this rejuvenating mask will serve you well. Just a small dollop will add so much shine and help bring your tresses to life.
Now Solutions
Avocado Oil
You can totally use straight avocado oil on your strands, but you shouldn’t slather on the first bottle you see at the grocery store. You’ll want to find a premium-grade, 100% pure option, like this multiuse beauty oil from Now Solutions. It’s a great size (16 ounces!), and you can use it head to toe.
Herbal Essences
Avocado Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo
Herbal Essences is such a nostalgic brand for me. I have core memories of marveling at how soft my hair felt every time I used its shampoos and conditioners, and this nourishing, avocado-infused formula definitely ups the ante.
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