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The struggle of dry, frizzy hair can feel never-ending. At Verb, we’re passionate about creating products that are not only good for you, but work well for you too. We source only the highest-quality ingredients to give you the best results possible. That's why we're excited to introduce a super hydrating ingredient to our Hydrate collection: Babassu oil!
What is babassu oil?
Babassu oil is extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm tree through a process called cold-pressing. Both the tree and its seeds look a lot like coconut, but when it comes to comparing babassu oil vs. coconut oil, the two are quite different. Though both contain a similar fatty acid composition, babassu oil is much lighter than coconut oil (which is far too heavy for many hair types). Packed full of antioxidants such as vitamin E and phytosterols, babassu oil can be a powerful ingredient to add to your haircare routine.
Where does babassu oil come from?
Babassu oil is sourced from a specific type of palm tree that is most often found in tropical regions throughout South America. Historically, babassu oil has been used by indigenous communities in Brazil as an important ingredient in traditional medicine, cooking and beauty rituals. The women in these communities have long used babassu oil for its hydrating and healing properties to nourish their skin and hair.
4 babassu oil benefits for hair
This versatile ingredient has been a bit of a well-kept secret for centuries, but its unique characteristics are finally bringing it the recognition it deserves. When it comes to the benefits of babassu oil for hair, here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Lightweight, but deeply hydrating
- Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids
- Antimicrobial properties for a healthier scalp
- Provides heat protection
1. Lightweight, but deeply hydrating
Due to a unique composition (more on that in a second!) that allows it to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively, babassu oil is best known for its ability to deeply hydrate. Unlike heavier oils, such as coconut, it's also lightweight and fast absorbing. This means it won’t leave behind a greasy residue, making it ideal for fine hair or those prone to oiliness. Additionally, babassu oil can also smooth the hair cuticle which can help combat frizz and add a healthy boost of shine to dull hair.
2. Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids
As mentioned earlier, babassu oil is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E and phytosterols that can protect your hair from damage and environmental stress. Antioxidants are powerful and can neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage to hair cells.
Along with antioxidants, babassu oil is also rich in fatty acids such as:
- Lauric acid: Known for its antimicrobial properties.
- Myristic acid: Promotes absorption to help the oil penetrate the shaft.
- Oleic acid: Antimicrobial properties for a healthier scalp
3. Antimicrobial properties for a healthier scalp
Babassu oil has incredible antimicrobial properties thanks to containing high levels of lauric acid (a healthy fatty acid). Lauric acid is specifically known for its ability to combat bacteria, fungi and other microbes which is why it can be especially effective in addressing scalp issues like dandruff.
As a reminder, healthy hair starts at the scalp. And some studies have found that incorporating babassu oil into your haircare routine can help keep your scalp extra clean and less irritated. With redness and itching kept at bay, your hair now has an environment where it can thrive!
4. Provides heat protection
Not only can babassu oil protect your hair from environmental stressors, but it can also protect your hair from the damaging effects of styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons.
That’s because the oil forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft, which can help prevent moisture loss and reduce the risk of heat-induced damage such as breakage and split ends. Plus, it can even help smooth the hair cuticle resulting in a sleeker, shinier finish, while its hydrating properties keep your hair feeling healthy.
How to use babassu oil for hair
- Deep-conditioning treatments: For starters, babassu oil makes a great addition to deep-conditioning treatments. Featured in our Hydrate Mask, babassu helps soften and detangle hair by 87%*!
*proven results in a third-party testing lab
- Heat protectant: Thanks to its antioxidant properties, babassu oil can help provide heat protection and save your hair from the damaging effects of curling irons, blow dryers, flat irons and similar heat styling tools.
- Styling creams: When used in hydrating styling creams, babassu oil can help to reduce frizz for a variety of hair types. In fact, our Hydrate Styling Cream is powered by babassu oil and is clinically proven to reduce frizz by 75%*.
*proven results in a third-party testing lab
- Scalp massages: Since babassu oil is lightweight and doesn’t create build-up, it can be used on its own as an oil for exfoliating scalp massages.
- Hair oil: Babassu oil can provide incredible hydration and boost shine. Our Hydrate Oil, powered by argan oil and babassu oil, delivers 10x more hydration* and increases shine by 101%*
*proven results from a third-party testing lab in a third-party testing lab!
Babassu oil products to give your hair the hydration it needs
As you can see, babassu oil for hair offers a unique combination of benefits and can be used at every step of your hair routine. This lightweight oil can deeply hydrate all hair types without leaving greasy strands. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants and fatty acids to moisturize, nourish and protect– from your ends to your scalp.
Ready to transform your hair routine? Shop our newly reformulated Hydrate line infused with babassu oil and experience the benefits yourself!
