Like a song that plays over and over again, you’ve most likely heard that oils are a can dramatically change a person’s hair. You’re certainly immune to the repetitive words, but the question remains: have you ever stopped to wonder why? It is marketing after all, but underneath the tonalities and punctuations, is there real science behind this claim?
More importantly, with a trove of options available on the market, how can you determine which fruit oil actually delivers results? Is this universal against all hair types?
If we didn’t depend on science, our sense of rationale would most likely be at a minimum. Science tells us that the right oil does more than coat the hair—it penetrates, nourishes, and protects at a molecular level. While selecting effective hair care products is crucial, it’s also important to consider lifestyle factors that impact hair health. For instance, does smoking cause hair loss? Smoking has been shown to restrict blood flow to the scalp and damage hair follicles, potentially leading to hair thinning and loss.
But there’s another side to the conversation worth having and that is the subject of sustainability. With beauty brands racing to source trendy natural ingredients in fancy and eye-popping bottles, only a small handful of fruit oils (like hair oil superfruit star) are created with the mindset of environmental impact.
This guide explores the best fruit oils for hair, backed by scientific research, while keeping an eye on eco-conscious choices. Because great hair care shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet.
How Do Fruit Oils Work for Hair?
Similar to its natural element, fruit-derived oils contain a unique blend of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that can potentially improve hair structure and hydration. Their key benefits are said to include:
● Deep Penetration: Unlike synthetic silicones, certain plant oils can seep through the hair shaft and reinforce its internal structure. Coconut oil contains lauric acid which is known to be particularly effective in this regard.
● Scalp Health & Anti-Inflammation: Many fruit oils possess anti-inflammatory properties who help to balance scalp microbiota and soothe irritation. For example, research suggests that sea buckthorn oil can promote scalp health due to its high omega-7 content.
● Moisture Retention & Frizz Control: Oils like argan and avocado create a protective layer around the hair, preventing moisture loss and reducing frizz.
● UV & Heat Protection: Certain oils, such as grapeseed oil, have a high smoke point, meaning they can help protect hair from heat styling damage.
The Top 6 Fruit Oils for Hair: Benefits and Science
1. Sea Buckthorn Oil: Omega-Rich
Sea buckthorn is often referred to as a super-fruit for hair, and for good reason—it’s one of the few plant sources containing all four omega fatty acids (3, 6, 7, and 9).
Key Benefits:
● Strengthens hair and reduces breakage thanks to its high vitamin A and E content.
● Omega-7 helps nourish the scalp and support collagen production to improve hair’s bounciness.
● Contains superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme known for its powerful antioxidant effects.
Sustainability Considerations:
● Sea buckthorn thrives in harsh climates with minimal water needs, making it an eco-friendly ingredient.
● Amika’s Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil features cold-pressed sea buckthorn oil which is a revelatory process to ensure nutrient retention and support sustainable harvesting practices.
2. Coconut Oil: Deep Nourishment and Protein Protection
Coconut oil remains one of the most researched hair oils, primarily due to its high lauric acid content.
Key Benefits:
● Reduces protein loss when used as a pre-wash treatment (as supported by studies in the Journal of Cosmetic Science).
● Deeply penetrates the hair shaft, preventing moisture loss and breakage.
● Acts as a natural antimicrobial, benefiting scalp health.
Sustainability Considerations:
● Best sourced from organic and fair-trade farms to avoid unethical labor practices.
● Choose brands that support circular farming methods to reduce deforestation.
3. Argan Oil: The Liquid Gold of Hair Care
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree. Rich in tocopherols (Vitamin E), oleic acid, and polyphenols, it is a relatively top choice for handling frizz and restoring shine.
Key Benefits:
● Protects against UV damage. It helps to prevent hair color(s) from fading.
● Reduces frizz and improves softness due to its emollient properties.
● Improves elasticity of hair strands.
Sustainability Considerations:
● Over-harvesting is a concern, so look for fair-trade certified sources.
● Many women-led cooperatives in Morocco help sustain argan oil production ethically.
4. Avocado Oil: Intense Hydration and Scalp Health
Unlike lighter oils, avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, allowing for deeper hydration and nutrient delivery.
Key Benefits:
● High in biotin, promoting stronger, thicker hair growth.
● Easily absorbed into the scalp, it can potentially help to treat dryness and flaking.
● Contains chlorophyll, which has antimicrobial properties that help prevent scalp infections.
Sustainability Considerations:
● Avocado farming is water-intensive, so seek out brands using sustainable sourcing methods.
● Some brands upcycle avocado oil from the food industry to reduce waste.
5. Grapeseed Oil: Lightweight Moisturisation
A byproduct of winemaking, grapeseed oil is an eco-friendly alternative that’s excellent and adaptable for fine hair types.
Key Benefits:
● High in linoleic acid, which is ideal for hydration without heaviness.
● Helps reduce dandruff by regulating sebum production.
● Acts as a natural heat protectant, withstanding temperatures up to 420°F (215°C).
Sustainability Considerations:
● One of the most sustainable hair oils.
6. Papaya Oil
Papaya oil is extracted from the seeds of the papaya fruit, and it contains vitamins A and C, along with omega-6 and 9 fatty acids. When it comes to hair care, it’s popular because it has moisturizing and nourishing properties that help you maintain healthy-looking skin.
In fact, it’s a great carrier oil to blend with other essential oils for unique combinations that suit your specific needs.
Key Benefits:
- It will leave a sweet fragrance in your hair.
- Contains vitamins A which helps your scalp produce natural sebum that keeps hair strong, and vitamin C which offers protective antioxidants.
- Contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that offer nourishment for your hair and scalp.
Sustainability Considerations
- Responsibly-sourced retailers and wholesalers that use cruelty-free ingredients are the best for this oil.
- Consider wholesalers who leverage locally-sourced, 100% vegan ingredients.
What Conscientious Consumers Should Know About Hair Oils
The growing demand for plant-based beauty products raises important sustainability questions including:
● Ethical Sourcing: Choose oils that are certified organic and fair-trade. This is a likely indicator that they respect labor and harvesting practices.
● Eco-Friendly Production: Support brands using cold-pressed extraction, which preserves nutrients while using less energy, thus making it a planet-friendly production.
● Upcycled Ingredients: Oils like grapeseed and avocado can be sourced from waste streams to emphasise a reduction in environmental impact.
Your Choice of Hair Oil, Your Choice for the Future of the Planet
We’d like to think that our choice boils down to only our needs, but this simply isn’t the case. If you’re toying with the decision of which fruit oil to choose that goes hand-in-hand with your sustainable values, you should consider the following:
● Stronger, shinier hair, you should consider sea buckthorn oil.
● Deep nourishment, you should opt for coconut oil.
● Frizz control & shine, you should select argan oil.
● Scalp hydration & biotin boost, you should incorporate avocado oil into your routine.
● Lightweight hydration, you should go the routine route with grapeseed oil.
Just like our priorities change over time to take into account the sudden downward spiral in our world environment, the beauty industry is moving at the same pace, making significant strides towards sustainable and science-backed formulations to improve not only our hair, but to benefit the future of our planet.
Stewart Thurlow
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