Hazelnut Oil for Hair: Benefits and How to Use It

Whether you're a seasoned hair veteran or on a hair journey, you've likely heard how beneficial oils are for the hair. Suitable for all hair types, they help deeply rejuvenate and restore hair after constant pulling, coloring, brushing, and styling. A soothing treat for the scalp and strands, the right oil for your needs can be euphoric. 

One of the more popular oils for hair is hazelnut oil. Extracted from hazelnuts, the oil combines a potent blend of fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, making it a superior moisturizing ingredient for all hair types. With the presence of linoleic acid, which reduces water loss due to its fatty acid properties, hazelnut oil, when applied topically, can alleviate dry scalps, restore dry and brittle ends, control frizz, and leave hair feeling soft and lightweight.

We spoke to a trichologist, dermatologist, and cosmetic chemist to unveil the magic that hazelnut oil has for hair. Keep scrolling to discover how this ingredient works and how it will restore your hair to its glory.

Benefits of Hazelnut Oil for Hair

If your hair requires deep-conditioning, moisture, or more nourishment for dry and frizzy strands, then hazelnut oil may be just what you need in your arsenal. "It is from the Corylus tree, which is a tree nut. It is a source of vitamin E, vitamin B, fiber, protein, sugar, thiamine, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, selenium, flavonoids, fatty acids—especially oleic acid—and folate, among others," shares Dr. Ahmed. "Hazelnut oil is a penetrating oil; therefore, it can be used as a hair and scalp conditioner. You can expect smoother, shinier hair and improved texture by restoring moisture to the hair and scalp. Dry, brittle, or frizzy hair would benefit from the use of hazelnut oil."

Hydrates color-treated hair: Whether you over-color your hair at home or in the salon, have left chemicals on too long in the dyeing process, or your hair dye is formulated with powerful lightening agents, you may find when you color your hair, it looks dry and brittle. As a savior, hazelnut oil counteracts the dryness. "It contains fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, so its main benefits are to offer hydration for the hair and scalp," Gillespie explains. "It’s one of the oils that penetrate the hair shaft, so it is super nourishing, and the hair will be softer and stronger.  It’s excellent on color-treated hair to counter the drying effects of coloring."

Promotes a healthy scalp: Thanks to its ability to retain moisture, hazelnut oil helps to create the perfect environment for your hair and scalp to thrive. As a great source of vitamin E, found in hazelnuts, it's one of the best for the health of your scalp. It nourishes hair follicles to promote healthier and stronger hair growth, and it also helps produce collagen and healthier skin cells.

Provides UV protection: Due to its rich saturation of tannins, Reslan notes that hazelnut oil provides UV protection for the scalp and hair, as the ingredient is high in antioxidants that protect the skin and scalp from free radical damage, allowing the oil to act as a barrier.

Hair Type Considerations

One of the more accessible oils in its category, hazelnut oil is hailed for its various properties, treating all hair types. We’re talking everything from super-fine strands to coily 4C hair texture. "This is because it is rich in oleic and linoleic acid, essential fatty acids that may help to moisturize, nourish, and condition the scalp," Robinson says. "It also contains high levels of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can work to protect the skin from free radical damage." Yet, with the particular benefits of moisturizing the hair and scalp, it works wonders on dry, damaged, or color-treated hair and can help tame the frizz due to its smoothing and conditioning properties. However, Robinson does warn, “though it’s lightweight and sheer in texture, those with oily hair may want to avoid overusing it.”

How to Use Hazelnut Oil for Hair

The beauty of introducing hazelnut oil into your hair routine is that it's versatile as a conditioning product and a nourishing product. So, you may find that you can add it as a pre-shampoo treatment or a hydrating treatment between washes. 

As a pre-shampoo treatment: According to Dr. Ahmed, you may want to coat your hair strands with the oil at least one hour before washing. That way, you reduce the amount of water absorbed by the hair, reducing the risk of damage.

As a scalp treatment: If you find that your scalp is dry and itchy, you can use pure hazelnut oil. Massage it into the scalp and leave it in overnight to absorb and condition.

As a hydrating treatment: For those that find their hair becoming dry and brittle, you can decant the oil into a spray/misting bottle and spray the hair and roots as and when you feel it is needed.

The Best Hair Products with Hazelnut Oil

Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse $42.00

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This multi-purpose product is made with seven botanical oils, including hazelnut oil. It helps to nourish, repair, and hydrate the hair (as well as body and skin for a bonus).

Typology Organic Hazelnut Botanical Oil $18.00

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Not just for use on hair, hazelnut oil is a great way to balance excess oil as well as keep skin soft and smooth.

Prose Custom Hair Oil $48.00

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Truly working with your hair’s unique needs, Prose's custom approach to haircare is one of pure genius. With a unique blend made for you, a formula containing hazelnut oil is just one option to repair and condition your hair.

Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel Regenerating Hair Care Mask with Botanical Oils $100.00

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Maximize moisture and minimize damage by strengthening your strands with this nourishing blend of botanical oils like hazelnut oil, shea butter, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Smooth the product from root to tip for softer and conditioned hair over time.