Almonds have held rich historical value throughout many ancient civilizations spanning over the last 4,000 years. Thus, proving they are more than a food source, but rather a staple part of spiritual and religious beliefs, social customs, and traditional medicines. With that being said, let’s explore how sweet almond oil plays a significant role in nourishing your scalp, strands, and soul- making it a sacred part of your conscious hair wellness journey here in Hairadise.
What is Sweet Almond Oil?
Native to central Asia, sweet almond oil or Prunus amygdalus dulcis comes from the kernel of the sweet almond tree. It has since become cultivated for commercial use in places with Mediterranean-like climate (Spain and California, for example).
Almond trees have often been referred to as “the wakeful tree”. This is because it blossoms in January, bearing fruit in March. It is the first to awaken from winter hibernation and the first of all trees to bear fruit. They also signify rebirth, fertility, and good beginnings.
Sweet Almond Oil vs Almond Oil: Is There Really A Big Difference?
Honestly, the thought never really crossed my mind until the other day when I was making a batch of scalp & body bars. I had ordered some and noticed the label said Almond Oil. I was sure I had purchased sweet almond oil and was concerned whether or not they were interchangeable.
My anxiety got the best of me, leading me to quite an important discovery. Almond oil and Sweet Almond Oil are NOT the same. This is something you ought to know if you plan to DIY any cosmetics of your own. And here’s the difference:
Almond oil comes from bitter almonds, and contains amygdalin which can convert into toxic cyanide if not processed properly. It really should only be used as a fragrance as it’s not safe for skin or topical use.
On the other hand, sweet almond oil is cold pressed and light in texture. It is safe for skin and scalp use, even in sensitive formulas.
Thankfully this was just a labeling error, and the product itself is sweet almond oil produced in Spain. The difference is big, and will make or break your end product.
Benefits You’ll Love
Now that we’ve covered there is a huge difference. I want to share with you what makes this specific oil so special.
Deep Moisturization, without the greasy feel. Thanks to its lightweight texture, the oil is able to absorb into the hair and skin quickly.
A Dry Scalp Soother. It is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and fatty acids which help to soothe, calm irritation and reduce any flaking on the skin or scalp.
Nutrients Galore. Shout out to vitamins E, A, and zinc for promoting cell regeneration and revitalizing your skin’s natural glow and shinier strands.
Protects From Outside Stressors. Thanks to sweet almond oil’s antioxidants, free radicals- which contribute to premature aging of the hair and skin, don’t stand a chance. Reduce any UV damage, soften the appearance of fine lines… Oh and environmental stress? Yeah, we don’t know her.
Hypoallergenic & Non-comedogenic. Won’t clog pores. Safe for all skin and hair types. Yep, that includes babies and those with sensitive skin.
An Energy Cleanser. It removes impurities, cleans up dead skin cells, and dissolves excess sebum, creating a nice clean canvas.
Using Sweet Almond Oil In Hair Rituals and DIYs
Here’s just a couple of ways The Hair Huna recommends using sweet almond oil to enhance your Hairadise ritual experience.
Handcrafted soap and scalp bars. Use between 5-15% of your total oils for soft and conditioned skin and strands. It blends nicely with shea butter, coconut oil or castor oil. Plus it offers a luxurious lather that leaves a smooth, silky feel.
Use in body butters and lotions. Not only is it a great carrier oil for your essential oils, but when mixed with cocoa, shea or mango butter, it helps to lock in moisture and positive energy while shielding the negativity out, especially right after a ritual shower cleanse.
Scalp & Hair Serum. Make a pre-shampoo treatment. Eliminate product buildup to ensure an invigorating clean and promote healthy hair growth (try mixing with jojoba and an essential oil of your choice for added benefits).
Beard Care. Yes, facial hair needs love too. It tends to be more coarse than the hair that grows from the scalp but lacks the true care it deserves. Sweet almond oil is a great conditioning agent to soften the wiry strands while bringing ample moisture to the skin beneath.
Choosing the Right One For You
If you’re looking for a sweet almond oil to add as a part of your hair rituals or other crafty DIYs, make sure it states ‘cold pressed, unrefined, organic and hexane-free’. Even though it’s labeled as safe for all skin types, please check with your medical professional before use if you have a tree nut allergy.
It’s clear to see that sweet almond oil holds a unique power when added into your hair rituals or DIYs, especially as a clean beauty enthusiast. It’s been a staple over the span of 4,000 years, representing cultural, spiritual and medicinal significance along with physical benefits for both men and women.
Let me know if you plan on using sweet almond oil in your next self care ritual in the comments below. What benefit are you most looking forward to?