I ignored this oil for ages, and it still outperformed every serum I own

If there’s one beauty ritual I’ve truly fallen in love with lately, it’s adding cold-pressed almond oil to the care of my fine hair. In a sea of oils that promise miraculous transformations – from rosemary, argan and coconut oil to the ever-popular macadamia – I stumbled upon one almost forgotten, yet incredibly powerful ally: almond oil. It doesn’t just nourish and strengthen the hair, it turns your routine into a small at-home spa moment.

On my own hair, the effect of cold-pressed almond oil was almost instant. Now I’ll share everything you need to know about this precious oil and how to use it for stronger, shinier and unbelievably soft hair.

The benefits of almond oil for strengthening fine hair

The effect of almond oil, listed in ingredient lists as Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, doesn’t take long to show on fine hair. After the very first application, the hair feels softer, smoother and noticeably stronger. Its power lies in its emollient properties – the oil penetrates the hair shaft with ease, delivering several key benefits:

• Softer, smoother hair: Almond oil fills in the tiny gaps and breaks in the hair structure, making the strands more supple to the touch.
• Stronger, more elastic hair: Once those gaps are filled, the hair becomes more resilient and elastic
• Repair and nourishment: It’s rich in antioxidants and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that nourish and repair the hair from within.

To truly experience these beauty benefits, it’s essential to use cold-pressed almond oil.

Photo: Getty Images

Why does it matter that the oil is cold-pressed?

Cold-pressed oil preserves the full chemical and nutritional profile of the almond. Heat-sensitive compounds, like vitamins and fatty acids, remain intact, which means your hair receives maximum repair, shine and softness. In short, the purer and more cold-pressed the oil is, the better and more visible the results.

How to use almond oil for fine hair

Cold-pressed almond oil can be used in several ways:

• Overnight oil treatment: Apply a generous amount along the lengths of your hair, avoiding the scalp, then braid it loosely into two plaits. Wash it out in the morning with your usual shampoo and follow with conditioner if desired.
• Pre-wash oil treatment: Apply the oil to the lengths of your hair, leave it on for 30–60 minutes, then wash with shampoo and conditioner.
• Protection: Warm 1–2 drops between your palms until they form a thin layer, then massage into the ends for added shine and protection.

My experience with almond oil

After the first overnight treatment, I noticed that even while rinsing out the shampoo my hair felt smooth and manageable, almost as if I had already applied conditioner. You don’t need to shampoo the entire length, only the scalp. Add conditioner if you feel like you need it; the emulsifiers in it will remove any excess oil and leave the hair even sleeker. I repeat this routine twice a week and the results surpass most classic hair masks. After using almond oil, my fine hair is visibly stronger, softer and shinier.

Photo: Versace Spring 2025., Gorunway.com

Where to buy cold-pressed almond oil

Organic, cold-pressed almond oil without any added ingredients is best purchased at pharmacies or health-food stores. The brand itself doesn’t matter as much as the purity of the oil. Only then can it truly penetrate the hair shaft and deliver visible restorative results.