Macadamia Nut Oil for Hair

Overview

Some people claim that applying macadamia oil to hair can soothe, smooth, and impart shine.

Macadamia oil is extracted from the nuts of macadamia trees and has a clear, pale yellow hue. Unlike coconut oil, it remains liquid at room temperature.

The oil is high in fatty acids and potassium. Its notable level of palmitoleic acid makes it a favored component in beauty formulations designed to soften skin and hair.

Macadamia oil is commonly used in its pure, cold-pressed form both as a culinary oil and as a hair-styling aid. You’ll also find it in hair masks, body lotions, and facial creams.

What are the benefits?

Macadamia oil can strengthen hair

Macadamia oil penetrates hair more readily than some alternatives, such as mineral oil. Mineral oil can accumulate on the scalp and, over time, can weigh hair down and make it appear lackluster.

By contrast, vegetable and fruit oils have been shown to absorb into hair follicles more effectively. Macadamia oil exhibits this same trait.

When macadamia oil bonds with the hair shaft and supplies fatty acids, hair strands may become stronger and healthier. Macadamia oil also contains antioxidants, which can help hair recover from environmental exposures like airborne pollutants.

Macadamia oil can smooth hair

The emollient properties of macadamia oil help smooth the hair, enhancing its shine. Anecdotally, hair treated regularly with macadamia oil may maintain its luster and develop a glossier look over time.

Macadamia oil can make curly hair more manageable

Macadamia oil is particularly well-liked for curly hair. Curly hair is often more susceptible to environmental damage. When curly strands are dry and harmed, styling becomes difficult and breakage is more likely.

Macadamia oil helps replenish moisture in the hair shaft, seals it in, and contributes natural protein. Properly hydrated curly hair is easier to detangle and style.

Are there any risks?

For the vast majority of people, macadamia oil is a safe choice for hair care.

If you have a tree nut allergy, you might react to macadamia oil. However, the oil contains lower amounts of the nut proteins that typically trigger allergies, so it’s possible you may not experience a reaction.

Otherwise, long-term use of macadamia oil on hair is unlikely to cause issues for your hair or scalp.

If you’re concerned about allergies, perform a patch test before applying broadly. Place a small dab on a dime-sized area on the inside of your arm. If no reaction occurs within 24 hours, it should be safe to proceed.

If you notice allergic symptoms, stop using it immediately.

Using macadamia oil as a treatment

There are several ways to apply macadamia oil to your hair. A common approach is using pure macadamia oil to add shine after blow-drying or straightening.

Avoid applying macadamia oil prior to heat styling, as the oil can potentially damage hair if heated beyond certain temperatures.

Use a dime-sized amount of virgin, cold-pressed macadamia oil. Warm it between your palms and smooth it through your hair, focusing on the ends to help mend split ends and other damage.

Pure macadamia oil is available in small quantities specifically for hair use. Shop for these products here.

You can also buy or DIY a deep-conditioning mask featuring macadamia oil.

Combine macadamia oil with a ripe avocado and leave it on your hair for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This can deeply moisturize hair while replenishing essential proteins.

If you prefer ready-made options, shop online for hair masks now. Shampoos and conditioners containing macadamia oil are also easy to find online.

Does it work?

Macadamia nut oil can make hair appear shinier and feel stronger after a single use. With continued application, hair texture may improve, becoming healthier and easier to manage.

For curly and natural hair types, macadamia oil may be especially helpful in reducing frizz and flyaways. However, definitive clinical evidence explaining how macadamia oil produces these effects is limited.

Macadamia oil vs. other oils

Macadamia oil is notable for its high palmitoleic acid content, distinguishing it from many other nut and plant oils that tend to be richer in linoleic acid.

It is considerably more costly than alternatives like coconut oil, avocado oil, and argan (Moroccan) oil. While it promises comparable benefits, fewer studies have examined how macadamia oil affects hair strength and health.

Among frequently used hair oils, macadamia oil is less researched. Still, it appears to be an effective option for curly or natural hair types.

The takeaway

Macadamia oil is full of fatty acids that adhere to hair, strengthening strands and improving manageability. For certain hair textures, it may act as a standout ingredient that hydrates without weighing hair down.

Most of the support for macadamia oil’s benefits is anecdotal, so more research is needed to determine exactly how and for whom it works best.

If you want to try topical macadamia oil, the likelihood of an allergic reaction is low, even in those with tree nut allergies.

Stop using any product if you develop hives, fever, raised bumps, or clogged pores after application.