While many are familiar with hair oils like jojoba, argan, and coconut, Abyssinian oil is a lesser-known but highly effective option for hair care. Derived from the Crambe abyssinica plant native to Ethiopia, this pale yellow, lightweight oil offers unique benefits for hair health.
What Makes Abyssinian Oil Special?
Unique Composition: Abyssinian oil is rich in long-chain fatty acids, particularly omega-9, which create a protective layer around hair strands without penetrating the shaft. Abyssinian Oil is exceptionally rich in long-chain fatty acids with high omega content. Its main components are approximately 60% erucic acid, 18% oleic acid, and 11% linoleic acid. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin cells and strengthening the skin's protective barrier. They help retain moisture within the skin while defending against harmful free radicals and bacteria.
Lightweight texture: Unlike heavier oils that can leave hair greasy, Abyssinian oil provides moisture without weighing hair down.
Natural Alternative: A great substitute for synthetic mineral oils commonly used in hair products.
What is another name for Abyssinian Oil?
Abyssinian Oil is also known as Crambe oil. This unique seed oil is derived from Crambe abyssinica, a plant indigenous to the Ethiopian Highlands, historically called Abyssinia. It is a multibranched annually-growing oilseed plant in the Brassicaceae family. The seed is coveted for its high levels of cuticle-smoothing erucic acid and is used mainly for cosmetic purposes.
Where does it grow?
The Crambe abyssinica plant originated in eastern Africa in the Ethiopian Highlands known as Abyssinia, which is where it derived its name. However, in more recent years it is also cultivated in the Meditteranean region in southern Europe as a spring crop and is a large crop for South Africa too. It has a short growing cycle of 90 to 100 days and doesn't require as much water to grow as other plants, making it an environmentally-friendly crop to produce.
Is Abyssinian oil better than Argan oil for hair?
Key Benefits of Abyssinian Oil for Hair:
1. Ultimate Frizz Control and Heat Protection
Abyssinian oil's unique fatty acids create a protective barrier on hair cuticles, combating frizz and sealing in moisture. Its heat-resistant properties make it an excellent heat protectant for styling, preventing damage from flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers.
2. Natural Hair Health and Hair Growth Booster
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential omega fatty acids, Abyssinian oil acts as a hair growth booster. It nourishes follicles, promoting healthier, stronger hair growth from root to tip.
3. Scalp Care and Dandruff Solution
High in erucic acid, this natural hair oil fights scalp fungus, effectively treating dandruff and dry, itchy scalp. It's a gentle alternative to harsh anti-dandruff shampoos for long-term scalp health.
4. Hair Repair and Environmental Protection
Abyssinian oil is a powerful hair repair treatment, improving hair texture, shine, and overall hair health. It forms a protective layer against environmental stressors, preventing hair damage and breakage.
5. Lightweight Hair Moisturizer
Unlike heavy hair oils, Abyssinian oil provides deep hair moisture without weighing hair down. It's perfect for all hair types, especially fine or oily hair, offering hydration without greasiness.
6. Natural Deep Conditioning Treatment
With its optimal fatty acid composition, Abyssinian oil serves as an effective deep conditioner. It hydrates dry hair, repairs split ends, and enhances hair shine. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment for maximum hair and scalp benefits.
7. Less Hair Breakage
Based on an independent study from Tri Princeton, the application of Abyssinian oil increases the manageability of the hair, strengthens it and makes it more resistant against external stress like grooming with an anti-breakage effect. Furthermore it is a very effective shine enhancer although being non-greasy.
How you can use Abyssinian Oil on your Hair
Abyssian features all-natural, cruelty-free formulas, free from harmful chemicals, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and dyes. We've harnessed the incredible benefits of Abyssinian oil in every product, offering you this "liquid gold" for your hair.
As an added bonus, we plant a tree for each purchase, allowing you to improve your hair while supporting the environment.
Explore our range, including the Superfood Recovery Shampoo, Deep Hydration Conditioner, and Supergloss Hair Serum. For intensive care, try our Protein Shake Hair Mask. Don't miss out on the multiple advantages of Abyssinian oil - grab your favorite product today!