Spoiler alert: your hair and your scalp will thank you.
The chase for healthy, luscious hair seems to never end, and thank goodness we have access to so many wonderful products to get us there. But sometimes, the most beneficial ingredients for our strands are usually the simplest, including the all-powerful Abyssinian oil.
An extract of the Brassica Abyssinica flower native to Ethiopia, Abyssinian oil has been on a meteoric rise in hair care for some time now, and with good reason. Unlike the damaging synthetic oils that dominate today’s hair care market — silicone, for example — it builds up a suffocating, almost plastic-like film around strands, preventing them from absorbing essential moisture and nutrients — Abyssinian oil is completely derived from nature. It closely resembles the oils produced by our skin, which means it has the uncanny ability to deliver a level of hydration no other oil on the market can ever come close to matching.
The best hair oils for melanated people are plant-based.
— Djehuty Ma'at-Ra (@DjehutySpeaks) May 30, 2023
Amla oil
Bhringraj oil
Black Castor oil
Sesame oil
Brahmi oil
Abyssinian oil
Marula oil
Shea Nut oil
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Kukui Nut oil
Chebe oil
Jojoba oil
Ahead, the scoop on Abyssinian oil and why many pros believe it may actually work better than anything else you’ve tried.
What are the benefits of Abyssinian oil for the hair?
- Softens and strengthens: Abyssinian oil is naturally formulated with a rich lineup of nutrients (vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E). They add strength and elasticity, allowing them to serve as a protective shield against brittle, breaking, splitting strands. It also serves as a barrier from heat damage, everyday pollution and irritants. It locks in high levels of moisture and shine, making it a fantastic pre-styling treatment
- Lightweight: Although rich in feel, Abyssinian oil is a non-greasy element that absorbs quickly. It doesn’t make strands sticky or weighed down, so it’s great for everyday use.
- Consistently delivers: Abyssinian oil has a unique molecular structure that isn’t found in any other naturally occurring substance. Its high percentage of unsaturated C22 fatty acids makes it exceptionally resistant to oxidation, which means its compounds won’t easily change after you open the bottle and expose it to air.
- Promotes length retention: jammed-packed with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, Abyssinian oil is an excellent finishing and defrizzing product. It softens hair and coats split ends, protecting them from friction and future breakage.
- May act as a natural antifungal agent for the scalp: since Abyssinian oil also contains linoleic acid, research suggests it may have antifungal properties that stop itchiness and dandruff, those unpleasant side effects that can lead to hair thinning and loss. It fosters an ideal scalp environment that assists in healthy hair growth.
What hair types work best for Abyssinian oil?
While Abyssinian oil is suitable for all hair types, it is most effective for curly and coily textures and damaged or chemically-treated hair because it adds loads of hydration. It is also great for smoothing low-porosity hair, as this hair type typically doesn’t allow easy absorption of moisture.
Are there any negative effects of using Abyssinian oil?
Doctors say there aren’t any downsides to using Abyssinian oil, but if you believe you may be allergic or sensitive to the ingredient, then they recommend performing a patch test on your forearm or the area behind your ear. Doing so ensures you don’t experience a negative reaction before fully incorporating it into your hair routine.
