Avocado oil contains high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (also known as omega-3 and omega-6 acids), suggesting it would be a good candidate for combating hair loss and increasing hair density. (Dreher & Davenport)
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to reduce hair loss and increase hair diameter and density (Floc’h et al., 2015). These polyunsaturated fatty acids are theorized to aid in hair growth by reducing blood pressure as well as promoting hair growth through their anti-inflammatory properties (Goodnight, Harris, Connor, & Illingworth, 1982).
In addition, fatty acid deficiency has been linked to dry skin (including dandruff), poor circulation, and hair loss, meaning that the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in avocado oil can help prevent these symptoms (Ehrlich, 2011).
Avocados also contain large amounts of phytosterols (Dreher & Davenport), which have been used to combat alopecia. (Upadhyay, Gupta, & Dixit, 2011) Phytosterols are steroids synthesized only in plants and thus all phytosterols found in the body come directly from food (Higdon, 2005). Studies have shown that the human digestive system however, does not process phytosterols very efficiently and scientists are searching for a way to increase the body’s absorption of these chemicals. (Upadhyay, Gupta, & Dixit, 2011)
These studies suggest that avocado oil could aid in hair growth as well as hair loss prevention. However, there is little to no research directly linking avocado oil to hair growth. Further scientific research will need to be done in order to conclusively determine whether avocado oil can assist with hair-growth.
References
- Dreher, M. L., & Davenport, A. J. (n.d.). Hass Avocado Composition and Potential Health Effects. Retrieved June 05, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664913/
- Ehrlich, S. (2011, May 10). Omega-3 fatty acids. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids
- Floc’h, C. L., Cheniti, A., Connétable, S., Piccardi, N., Vincenzi, C., & Tosti, A. (2015). Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women. J Cosmet Dermatol Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. doi:10.1111/jocd.12127
- Goodnight, S. H., Harris, W. S., Connor, W. E., & Illingworth, D. R. (1982). Polyunsaturated fatty acids, hyperlipidemia, and thrombosis. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2(2), 87-113. doi:10.1161/01.atv.2.2.87
- Higdong, J. (2005). Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved June 5, 2015, from http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/phytosterols
- Upadhyay, K., Gupta, N. K., & Dixit, V. K. (2011). Development and characterization of phyto-vesicles of β-sitosterol for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Arch Dermatol Res Archives of Dermatological Research, 304(7), 511-519. doi:10.1007/s00403-011-1199-8
