Macadamia oil is not as widely used as coconut oil, as widely loved as sweet almond oil, or even as widely revered as argan oil. However, it has the potential to be the next big thing purely because it is suitable for more hair types than most of those other oils.
You see, this is an oil that can be as effective on super-curly, coarse, and thick hair as it can be useful for incredibly straight, fine, and thinning hair. Further, like most trending oils today, macadamia oil is also incredibly versatile in that it can be ingested or used topically.
While not as popular in the hair care circles as the other oils we’ve mentioned above, macadamia oil is popular enough to be easily available. It doesn’t even matter whether you’re looking for it in the brick-and-mortar store near your home or on an online website like Amazon.
| Oil |
|---|
 |
| Sweet Essentials Virgin Macadamia Nut Oil |
| 4.75/5.0 |
| Product Type: Pure oil |
| Volume: 4 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $2.50 |
| An amazingly pure and organic macadamia oil with the most genuine macadamia nut scent imported directly from Italy, can be used topically or for cooking, it has a strong taste and smell of macadamia nuts, cold-pressed and unrefined. |
| Check Amazon |
| Treatment |
|---|
 |
| Hask Vials Macadamia Oil Shine Treatment |
| 4.75/5.0 |
| Product Type: Oil treatment |
| Volume: 12 x 0.62 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $3.76 |
| A superb oil treatment that features macadamia oil in large concentrations along with other great ingredients but with a mild and likable vanilla scent, contains many healthy ingredients, fairly effective at moisturizing hair. |
| Check Amazon |
| Shampoo |
|---|
 |
| HASK MACADAMIA OIL Shampoo + Conditioner Set |
| 4.75/5.0 |
| Product Type: Shampoo & Conditioner Set |
| Volume: 2 x 12 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $0.62 |
| A macadamia oil-based shampoo and conditioner set that is particularly great for people with extremely damaged hair since it is loaded with proteins from six different sources. |
| Check Amazon |
However, even though it shares many qualities and attributes with other popular oils used in hair care, it is different enough that you need to be careful with how you use it to get the most out of it.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about using macadamia oil for hair as well as buying macadamia oil products. Here’s everything you’ll learn on this page, laid out neatly in a clickable navigation panel.
- What Is Macadamia Oil?
- What Are the Benefits of Macadamia Oil?
- Are There Any Risks Associated with Macadamia Oil?
- How Can You Use Macadamia Oil?
- Top 6 Macadamia Oil Products for Hair Comparison Table
- Top 2 Macadamia Oils for Hair: Detailed Reviews
- Top 2 Macadamia Oil Treatments for Hair: Detailed Reviews
- Top 2 Macadamia Oil Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
What Is Macadamia Oil?
Macadamia oil is derived from the nuts of the macadamia tree. Macadamia trees are native to Australia, which is why the country is their biggest producer in the world. Australia accounts for more than 30 percent of the global macadamia nut production.
Closer to home, Hawaii is known for its macadamia nut production. In fact, the island of Hawaii happens to be the first place in the world where macadamia trees were planted commercially. They were brought to Hawaii by sugar barons because of their inherently sugary flavor.
Typically, macadamia oil is extracted from macadamia nuts through cold-pressing. However, because this extraction method has lower yields, a lot of manufacturers use other refining methods too. For instance, after macadamia nuts are cold-pressed, a considerable amount of solid byproduct called defatted meal is created. Further processing this “defatted meal” can yield even more macadamia oil.
Even so, in its cold-pressed form, macadamia oil can be quite versatile. It is light yellow to clear in color and has a distinctly nutty flavor. Even though it is rich in multiple healthy fats like coconut oil, unlike coconut oil, it doesn’t solidify at room temperature.
One curious aspect of the nuts from which macadamia oil is extracted is that they’re never plucked from the tree. When macadamia nuts ripen, they drop from the tree after which they’re harvested from the ground. Their dropping is seen as a sign that they’ve become ripe enough for harvesting.
What Are the Benefits of Macadamia Oil?
As we mentioned earlier, macadamia oil is different from most other oils because it is suitable for virtually everyone under the sun. Its composition is such that it is lightweight enough for fine hair and moisturizing enough for curly hair.
This oil happens to be one of the richest natural sources of palmitoleic acid which is an omega-7 fatty acid. It is a rare type of healthy fatty acid that only a few naturally occurring foods contain. Palmitoleic acid is naturally present in the skin and scalp and is responsible for keeping them hydrated.
While macadamia oil may be primarily valued for its palmitoleic acid, it is generally a nutrient-dense food. Other than this particular omega-7 fatty acid as well as others like it, macadamia oil contains vitamin E and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, and sodium.
The unique nutritional composition of macadamia oil is the main reason why it is suitable for so many different hair types. It allows it to offer a wide range of hair-related benefits. Let’s explore what those benefits are.
It Can Reduce Oiliness
The unique composition of macadamia oil i.e., the types of essential fatty acids it contains, makes it very similar to sebum.
Sebum is the waxlike substance that your skin and scalp produce naturally for the sake of moisture. This sebum is primarily responsible for hydrating your hair. When the scalp starts overproducing sebum, the hair becomes matted and greasy.
Typically, this happens because of sulfate-laden shampoos. Sulfates strip your hair of sebum causing it to become excessively dry. As a result, the sebaceous glands in the scalp try to compensate for the stripping by producing even more sebum.
When this cycle is repeated multiple times, the sebaceous glands get locked into a position of overproduction. Breaking this habit can take a long time even if you’ve stopped using sulfate-based shampoos.
Introducing macadamia oil into the mix changes things, however. Because it is so similar to sebum, its presence affects the way the sebaceous glands behave. Having macadamia oil in your hair will directly encourage your sebaceous glands to reduce the production of sebum.
Therefore, if you’re someone who is constantly dealing with overly oily or excessively greasy hair, using macadamia oil will help you greatly.
It Can Moisturize Dry Hair
Moisture is one of the most important aspects of healthy hair. Without moisture, hair can become very dry and even start losing its structural coherence. On the other hand, properly moisturized hair is considered to be healthy and results in numerous other benefits.
The fact that macadamia oil is so similar to sebum also makes it an excellent moisturizer. The healthy fats it contains penetrate deep into the hair shaft and ensure that the internal structure doesn’t get too dry. In effect, by preventing dryness in the hair shaft, macadamia oil provides prevents many associated problems and ensures multiple extended benefits.
For example, when it moisturizes the hair strands, it stops them from seeking moisture from their surroundings. When hair is dry, the outermost cuticle layer opens up to allow the internal structure of the hair to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment.
This can not only make the hair very coarse but also make it very frizzy. Further, the coarseness and frizz can result in the hair getting tangled too. By using macadamia oil to moisturize the hair on the inside, you’re ensuring that your hair is well moisturized and de-frizzed.
People with dry hair swear by macadamia oil because it not only makes their curly, coarse hair healthier but also because it makes it easier to manage. In fact, all these qualities of macadamia oil are the reason why it is such a darling of people with curly hair.
It Can Smooth and Shine Hair
How the cuticle layer of your hair behaves also determines how it looks.
The cuticle layer consists of individual scale-like cuticles. Like scales, these cuticles overlap when they’re closed. This protects the internal structure of the hair but it also affects how the hair strand interacts with light.
When the cuticles are all closed, the outermost layer becomes smooth. This allows it to reflect light which makes the hair shiny. When the cuticles are open, however, the surface of the hair doesn’t reflect light as it should. This makes it look dull, lifeless, and lackluster.
As we mentioned above, by hydrating the internal structure of the hair, macadamia oil encourages the cuticles to close. This makes the cuticle layer smoother and better able to reflect light.
Further, macadamia oil, itself, coats the cuticle layer. This makes even the areas where the cuticles are overlapping smooth. As a result, the hair becomes even better at reflecting light.
This is how macadamia oil can affect the appearance of your hair too. If you want hair that is smooth, shiny, and vibrant instead of dreary, matted, and unattractive, you need to use macadamia oil.
It Can Strengthen Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is naturally resilient. If it is in its natural state, it is capable of handling a lot of things. Further, in its natural state, hair is well moisturized. Your hair becomes weak, brittle, and damaged when you take away all that moisture.
While some people’s hair gets dry because of genetic reasons or disease, the majority of people’s hair is dry because of their styling preferences.
For instance, if you use a lot of hot tools such as blow dryers, curling rods, or flat irons, then your hair will be considerably drier than someone who has naturally dry hair. Similarly, if you bleach or color your hair often, then your hair will be excessively dry.
In both these scenarios, heat in one and chemicals in another, the dryness in hair is a result of unnatural interventions. As the heat and chemicals pull out the moisture from the hair, they also end up damaging the inherent structure of the hair along the way.
Since the majority of hair is made of a protein called keratin, this means damage to proteins in the hair. In some circles, this is also called protein loss. Replacing moisture and this lost protein, therefore, becomes the only way to repair or strengthen hair.
Macadamia oil not only hydrates the hair but also provides it with the protein it needs to become stronger. Further, it contains minerals and vitamins that help the hair follicles become stronger. Minerals and vitamins are crucial to many cellular processes of the body. As the hair follicles get stronger, they’re able to grow stronger, more resilient hair.
As a result, macadamia oil not only makes existing hair strands stronger but also ensures that any future hair your hair follicles grow will become stronger.
While these qualities don’t mean that macadamia oil can slow down or reverse hair loss, it does mean that it can help in that regard. This is particularly true if you use macadamia oil in formulations designed to counter hair loss and encourage new hair growth.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Macadamia Oil?
Using macadamia oil doesn’t have any side effects. In fact, the oil isn’t even heavy enough to make your hair greasy. It is lightweight and is absorbed quickly by the scalp, leaving the hair strengthened.
The only risk associated with macadamia oil is that of an allergic reaction. After all, it is extracted from nuts. If you’re slightly allergic to macadamia oil and use it in your hair, you can expect minor irritation or inflammation. However, serious allergic reactions can result in major rashes and even hair loss.
If you’re allergic to other types of nuts then the chances will be high that you’re allergic to macadamia nuts too. If you don’t have allergies, though, you should be able to use macadamia oil safely. Even so, it is always a good idea to do a patch test before putting macadamia oil in your hair especially if you’re a first-time user.
A patch test is usually done on a sensitive part of the body such as the inside of the wrist, elbow, or thigh. You put a couple of drops of the substance you’re testing on the chosen spot and wait for some time for reactions. If you’re allergic to the substance in question, you can see redness, rash, or swelling on the spot.
How Can You Use Macadamia Oil?
Like most nutrient-dense carrier oils, macadamia oil can be used in three different ways. You can eat it, apply it topically to finish off your hairstyles, or use it in deep conditioning masks and treatments.
However, even though it is similar to other great carrier oils, it is different enough that you can’t use it in the same way. This is why you still need to learn the best way to use it if you want to get the most out of it.
In this section, we’ll explain the three ways of using macadamia oil.
In Foods
You can substitute many oils in your pantry with macadamia oil. It is a particularly good replacement for oils like olive and coconut. This makes it great for salad dressings and as a flavoring for desserts or even baked foods.
The reason why macadamia oil is good when used like this is that it isn’t exposed to a lot of heat. Heat can denature the oil and destroy the nutrients it contains. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t expose it to any heat. You can use it to roast, sauté, or grill at low temperatures.
Leave-In Conditioner
Macadamia oil is especially effective as a leave-in conditioner because of its ability to smooth and shine hair. In fact, if you’re going to use it as a leave-in, you can employ two different techniques. The first is straight out of the shower while the second is after you’ve styled your hair.
The first one is best if you don’t plan on using hot tools or at least not using them at high temperatures. The reason for this is that macadamia oil can’t handle high temperatures. At higher temperatures, it can end up frying your hair strands instead of helping them.
If you’re not going to be using hot tools or have planned to stick to lower temperatures, then you can apply macadamia oil straight out of the shower. The way to do this is to towel dry your hair to remove excess water, rub the oil between your palms, and then apply it to your hair.
If you’re looking to repair split ends or counter frizz, paying attention to the tips of your hair will help. However, if you want to nullify oiliness, you can apply some to the roots too.
You should use the second method of applying macadamia oil as a leave-in conditioner if you’re going to be using hot tools to their full capacity. Essentially, in this method, you only apply the oil after you’ve styled your hair the way you want.
The technique is the same i.e., you take a bit of the oil between your palms and smooth it on your hair strands. However, in this scenario, it might be better to stick to the hair tips.
Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Like all nutrient-rich carrier oils, the true value of macadamia oil only comes through when you use it as a deep conditioner. The reason for this is that when you use it like this, it gets the maximum amount of time in your hair to work the changes and deliver the benefits in the most conducive environment.
Simply applying macadamia oil to your hair, massaging it into your scalp deeply, and letting it rest for as long as possible is the easiest way of using it as a deep conditioner. However, it would be far more beneficial if you were to mix it with other ingredients with their unique qualities and properties.
In fact, since macadamia oil is a carrier oil, you’ll be maximizing its potential by using it to create DIY deep conditioning hair masks intended specifically for your hair type. To do this, you need to figure out what kind of intervention your hair needs and then choose an ingredient that can provide that intervention before mixing it in macadamia oil.
While the ingredients you choose will vary on what the specific needs of your hair are, here are some of the more common combinations that macadamia oil is used in.
Repairing Hair Mask with Macadamia Oil
Mixed with the right ingredients in a DIY hair mask, macadamia oil can be used for repairing damaged hair. It already has moisturizing and sealing qualities but these qualities can be augmented further with other ingredients. More importantly, other ingredients can bring different qualities to the hair mask.
Here is a commonly used recipe for making a repairing hair mask with macadamia oil.
- Take about a tablespoon of macadamia oil and mix it with a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, adding approximately a couple of drops of tea tree oil.
- Stir the ingredients together to create a homogenous mixture. Don’t stir too vigorously. You don’t want to lose the viscosity of aloe vera gel.
- Take the hair mask in your hand and rub your palms together to warm the mixture.
- Apply the moisture to washed and towel-dried but damp hair, making sure that all hair strands are covered properly.
- Split your hair into smaller sections, if you have particularly long or thick hair. You can also use a wide-toothed comb to spread the mask.
- Let the mask stay in your hair for a minimum of 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. If you have more time, try to leave the mask in for 30 to 45 minutes.
Conditioning Hair Mask with Macadamia Oil
Due to its inherent ability to moisturize dry hair, macadamia oil is particularly effective in a conditioning hair mask. However, its effectiveness can be increased by other ingredients that offer nourishment in addition to hydration. Here’s a classic DIY conditioning hair mask recipe featuring macadamia oil.
- Take the pulp of two peeled avocados and mix it with approximately one tablespoon of macadamia oil.
- Stir thoroughly or blend these ingredients till the mixture is uniform. You can add an essential oil of your choice too if you like a specific fragrance.
- You can also vary the consistency of the mixture by increasing or decreasing the ratio of macadamia oil to avocados. For instance, you can make it more liquid by using more macadamia oil or pastier by using more avocados.
- Apply the hair mask to your hair, massaging it into the scalp and making sure that you cover all hair strands.
- Let the mask rest for a minimum of 15 minutes before washing it off with your favorite sulfate-free shampoo.
- If 15 minutes doesn’t give you sufficient moisture, let the mask rest in your hair as long as it takes to dry up completely. If you’re still not satisfied with the hydration, try the next DIY hair mask.
Deep and Intense Conditioning Hair Mask with Macadamia Oil
This DIY hair mask is intended for extreme cases of hair damage and dryness. This could be a result of constant exposure to heat and chemicals or could be because of disease and genetics.
If your hair needs some serious attention, love, and care, then try this intensely hydrating hair mask. Be aware that on normal hair types, this hair mask will end up being too heavy.
- Take about two tablespoons of coconut oil and argan oil each in a single container and add around one and a half tablespoons of macadamia oil to it.
- Further, add one tablespoon of olive oil and sweet almond oil each to the mixture.
- Boil some water and take it out into a shallow container.
- Put your oil blend in a glass or ceramic container and submerge it in the hot water.
- Stir the oil blend until it is uniform.
- Wait for the mixture to reach the right temperature before applying it generously to your scalp and hair.
- Let the oil blend stay in your hair for as long as possible. We recommend at least three hours but you can let it rest overnight too.
- You can also cover your hair with a warm towel to boost nutrient and moisture absorption.
Top 6 Macadamia Oil Products for Hair Comparison Table
| Product Name | Product Type | Volume | Cost per ounce (*Approx.) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Organic Moisturizing & Repairing Macadamia Nut Oil | Pure oil | 128 ounces | $1.48 per ounce | Check Price |
| Sweet Essentials Virgin Macadamia Nut Oil | Pure oil | 4 ounces | $2.50 per ounce | Check Price |
| Hask Vials Macadamia Oil Shine Treatment | Oil treatment | 12 x 0.62 ounces | $3.76 per ounce | Check Price |
| Luseta Macadamia Oil Hair Moisture Serum | Oil treatment | 3.38 ounces | $4.43 per ounce | Check Price |
| Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo & Conditioner Set | Shampoo & Conditioner Set | 2 x 13 ounces | $0.53 per ounce | Check Price |
| HASK MACADAMIA OIL Moisturizing Shampoo + Conditioner Set | Shampoo & Conditioner Set | 2 x 12 ounces | $0.62 per ounce | Check Price |
Top 2 Macadamia Oils for Hair: Detailed Reviews
1. US Organic Moisturizing & Repairing Macadamia Nut Oil
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
There aren’t many USDA organic certified macadamia oil products in the market but the Moisturizing & Repairing Macadamia Nut Oil from US Organic happens to be one. The fact this product has that seal ensures that it offers maximum purity and quality.
The reason why this product doesn’t have much competition is that attaining the USDA organic seal is an expensive proposition. A company needs to pay a considerable amount of money and ensure that its manufacturing process meets the benchmarked industry standards. For example, to attain this certification, the product needs to be manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practices or GMP-rated facility.
This macadamia oil is extracted from organically grown macadamia nuts through the cold-pressing extraction process. It doesn’t go through any further processing which means that it is free of all types of synthetic ingredients including additives, fillers, and preservatives.
In addition to the US organic certification, this macadamia oil product is also Leaping Bunny Program Certified. This means that it is rated to be vegan and cruelty-free both.
Even though it is US organic certified, this oil isn’t as concentrated as some others in the market. This is evident by the fact that it only has a mild, nutty flavor and scent. In comparison, other oils boast much stronger scents and flavors.
In terms of appearance, you’ll find this oil to be slightly yellowish or golden in color. Depending on your choices, you can find it in glass bottles or a plastic can. After all, it is available in three bottle sizes. The plastic canister is the most pocket-friendly option. It contains 128 ounces of macadamia oil. Economies of scale mean that you’ll be paying less than $1.50 per ounce if you choose this canister.
There are two size options when it comes to glass bottles – two and four ounces. Both turn out to be incredibly expensive. You’ll be paying about $6.50 and $5.00 per ounce for the two-ounce and four-ounce bottles respectively. The bottles will come with droppers, though.
Who’s it for: If you want the purest, most concentrated macadamia oil, get this certified product from US Organic.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product Type: Pure oil |
| Product weight: 128 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Virgin macadamia oil |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Pure virgin macadamia oil |
| Cold-pressed and unrefined |
| Can be used topically or for cooking |
| USDA organic certified |
| Tastes and smells mildly of macadamia nuts |
| Rated to be vegan and cruelty-free |
| Available in three bottle sizes |
| Manufactured in the US |
| Affordably priced |
| The Cons |
|---|
| The biggest bottle is plastic |
2. Sweet Essentials Virgin Macadamia Nut Oil (Best Oil)
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
The Virgin Macadamia Nut Oil is one of the purest options in the industry right now. This is especially true when it comes to organic macadamia oil products. According to Sweet Essentials, this is an organic oil which means that the macadamia nuts it is extracted from are grown organically.
While we’re inclined to believe the company, you will have to make up your mind independently because this product doesn’t carry the USDA organic seal like the oil we reviewed earlier. The reason why it doesn’t have a seal is that it is imported from Italy, a European hub for such oils along with France.
We’re inclined to believe the company’s claim of this product being organic because of how it smells. It has a very strong nutty scent that is typical of this oil and the oil itself comes across as very pure and concentrated when you taste it. While the strength of its scent shows us that it is organic, some people might not like it for that same reason.
This product is without all artificial preservatives, fillers, and additives. Further, it is also extracted through the most natural process i.e., cold-pressing. This also means that this oil is vegan and suitable for ingestion. The company even categorically says that this macadamia oil is unrefined and extra virgin.
Owing to its exotic origins, this product is far more expensive than all other macadamia oils available in the market right now. However, it is purer and more authentic than most of them so the pricing does make sense.
If you decide to spend on this product, though, you can expect the bottle to last you a while. After all, the fact that this oil is so concentrated means that you won’t have to use a lot of it in every application.
Even so, we recommend that you transfer this oil to a glass bottle after receiving it. The reason for this is that it comes in a plastic bottle which isn’t the best for preserving pure oils. If you’re going to buy the glass bottle, by the way, we suggest getting one with a dropper. This bottle doesn’t come with one.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking for the best macadamia oil in the market that is internationally acclaimed, get this one from Sweet Essentials.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product Type: Pure oil |
| Product weight: 4 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Virgin macadamia oil |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Pure virgin macadamia oil |
| Cold-pressed and unrefined |
| Organic oil |
| Can be used topically or for cooking |
| Has a strong taste and smell of macadamia nuts |
| Imported from Italy |
| Rated to be vegan |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Expensively priced |
| Comes in plastic bottles |
| Doesn’t come with a dropper or pump |
Top 2 Macadamia Oil Treatments for Hair: Detailed Reviews
3. Hask Vials Macadamia Oil Shine Treatment (Best Oil-Based Treatment)
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
While you can make your own DIY concoction with pure macadamia oil, commercially formulated oil blends or treatments are also options worth considering.
Although the downside of buying such products is that you’ll be spending more money, making such a choice has upsides too. For instance, these products won’t demand a lot of effort from you since you’ll get them ready to use.
More importantly, though, these products are formulated by experts who know much more about using different cosmetic ingredients together than a layman would. The best example of these benefits is the Macadamia Oil Shine Treatment from Hask. This treatment is incredibly effective and super-easy to use too.
It excels equally at moisturizing the hair as it does at finishing off the look by making hair smoother and shinier mainly because of the type of ingredients it contains. In addition to containing macadamia oil in large quantities, this oil treatment also contains other highly beneficial ingredients such as keratin amino acids, jojoba seed oil, soybean oil, and vitamin E.
Unfortunately, this product’s formula is based on silicones, which do buildup over time in the scalp. It is free of other artificial chemicals and compounds like parabens and phthalates, though.
This oil treatment is an excellent choice for all types of people including those who have a very sensitive nose and those who are suffering from celiac disease because it has a very mild scent and is gluten-free respectively. This product is also a good choice for people who don’t like nutty scents since it has a sweet vanilla scent.
The biggest flaw of this macadamia oil-based treatment is its cost. It is super expensive even if you buy it in bulk. You’ll have a choice between a double-pack and a 12-pack. However, the packs don’t contain conventional bottles. Instead, they contain vials of the treatment.
Even though the 12-vial pack is considerably more affordable than the two-vial pack, on a per-ounce basis it is still very expensive when compared to pure macadamia oil. However, that is the price you pay for expert formulations.
You might think that vial-based packaging is problematic when it comes to ease of use but that isn’t true. In fact, it is very convenient to use.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a moisturizing treatment based on macadamia oil, then the best you can get is this one from Hask.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product Type: Oil treatment |
| Product weight: 12 x 0.62 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Silicones, macadamia seed oil, keratin amino acids, jojoba seed oil, soybean oil, and vitamin E |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Oil treatment based on macadamia oil |
| Fairly effective at moisturizing hair |
| Contains many healthy ingredients |
| Has a warm vanilla scent |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Free of parabens |
| Suitable for people with celiac disease |
| Comes in small vials |
| Vials are available in two pack sizes |
| The Cons |
|---|
| A super expensive product |
| Contains silicones |
4. Luseta Macadamia Oil Hair Moisture Serum
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
While the previously reviewed product from Hask was an oil treatment, this one from Luseta is a hair serum. The Macadamia Oil Hair Moisture Serum, as its name suggests, is designed specifically for people with excessively dry hair because it excels at hydrating it.
In fact, this hair serum is so good at moisturizing dry hair that it is effectively unsuitable for all other types of hair. Such is its hydration capabilities that if you don’t have super-dry hair, then it will leave your hair greasy and matted.
Its effectiveness is a result of the kind of ingredients it contains. It particularly contains a lot of macadamia seed oil and only one other ingredient is present in a larger concentration. This ingredient is paraffinum liquidum or mineral oil. Mineral oil combines very well with macadamia oil and augments its moisturizing qualities. However, this enhancement comes at a cost.
You see, paraffinum liquidum is considered to be a carcinogenic substance in general. The only saving grace here is that the mineral oil used in this product is cosmetic grade and cosmetic grade mineral oil doesn’t contain carcinogenic elements.
Other than these two ingredients, this product contains several other ingredients known specifically for their moisturizing abilities. These include soybean oil, vitamin E, argan kernel oil, olive fruit oil, sweet almond oil, lavender oil, and sunflower seed oil.
The formula of this product is otherwise pretty clean. It doesn’t contain any silicones, parabens, or sulfates. It is even free of gluten which makes it a good choice for people suffering from celiac disease.
The scent of this product is fairly likable too. Most people who try it end up appreciating the subtlety of its smell. Using it is easy too because the bottle comes with a dispensing pump.
Other than the presence of mineral oil in its formula, this product’s price is its biggest flaw. This macadamia oil-based hair serum is one of the most expensive oil blends in the market.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a hair serum based on macadamia oil, try this one from Luseta.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product Type: Oil treatment |
| Product weight: 3.38 ounces |
| Active ingredients: Mineral oil, macadamia seed oil, soybean oil, vitamin E, argan kernel oil, olive fruit oil, sweet almond oil, lavender oil, and sunflower seed oil |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Oil treatment based on macadamia oil |
| Fairly effective at moisturizing hair |
| Contains many healthy ingredients |
| Has a fairly likable scent |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Free of parabens |
| Suitable for people with celiac disease |
| Comes with a dispensing pump |
| The Cons |
|---|
| A super expensive product |
| Contains mineral oil |
| Can end up making hair greasy and weighed down |
Top 2 Macadamia Oil Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
5. Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
Macadamia oil is incredibly versatile. In fact, it is versatile enough to be used in other hair products such as shampoos and conditioners. One of the better examples of how macadamia oil should be used in such products is this one from Maui Moisture Hair Care.
Called the Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo & Conditioner Set, this combo would be a great option for people who are trying to induct macadamia oil into every step of their hair care regime.
The shampoo and conditioner contain large concentrations of macadamia oil even though the base of both these products is aloe vera. This is followed by coconut-based cleansers in the shampoo and shea butter in the conditioner.
The third item in the ingredient lists of both these products is macadamia oil and it is followed by other coconut-based products. The shampoo contains coconut water while the conditioner contains coconut water and coconut oil along with provitamin B5.
This shampoo and conditioner pair specifically excels at defining curls which is why it is a favorite in the curly-haired community. However, curls don’t get defined with a lot of moisture. The definition, instead, comes by balancing hydration with volume.
As a result, this pair may not be suitable for people who are exclusively looking for moisture for their extensively dry hair. On a standalone basis, this shampoo can be a bit too drying and the conditioner not moisturizing enough.
The formula of both these products is completely natural. The shampoo doesn’t contain any sulfates and the conditioner is completely free of silicones. Their formulae also don’t contain parabens.
Despite the absence of sulfates, the shampoo can produce a considerable amount of lather. The scent of both these products is decisively feminine. They smell tropical and have a very sweet and fruity scent, making them a poor choice for boys and men.
The biggest flaw of this pair is that they’re based on aloe vera. Some people can react strongly to aloe vera in large quantities, resulting in irritation, inflammation, or even rashes. To make sure that you’re not one of these people, we suggest patch testing the product on the inside of your elbow.
This pair is very competitively priced which means that it is very pocket-friendly. It could be a little easier to use, however. The bottles don’t come with any dispensing mechanism. Instead, they have a screw cap on top.
Who’s it for: If you’re not looking for heavy-duty hydration but still want the benefits of macadamia oil, get this set from Maui Moisture.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product Type: Shampoo |
| Product weight: 13 ounces |
| Active ingredients (Shampoo): Aloe vera leaf juice, coconut-based cleansers, shea butter, macadamia seed oil, and coconut water |
| Active ingredients (Conditioner): Aloe vera leaf juice, shea butter, macadamia seed oil, coconut water, coconut oil, and provitamin B5 |
| The Pros |
|---|
| A natural shampoo and conditioner set featuring macadamia oil |
| Useful for defining curls |
| Contains many healthy ingredients |
| Has a sweet tropical fruity scent |
| The shampoo produces plenty of lather |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Free of parabens |
| Without silicones |
| Very pocket-friendly |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Aloe vera base can cause allergies |
| Set could be more moisturizing |
| Neither bottle comes with a dispensing pump |
6. HASK MACADAMIA OIL Moisturizing Shampoo + Conditioner Set (Best Shampoo Set)
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
Of all the shampoos and conditioners that contain macadamia oil, this pair from Hask is the best. Since Hask has the best oil treatment in the market too, you can combine that product with this shampoo and conditioner set to get the complete hair care regime from a single company.
We find the Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Shampoo + Conditioner Set to be the best in the market purely based on how effective it is. The fact that both these products are based on macadamia oil is something else that played a role in our assessment.
In the conditioner, macadamia oil is the primary ingredient. In the shampoo, it is second only to coconut-based cleansers which is unavoidable if the shampoo is to cleanse your hair properly.
Both the shampoo and conditioner are loaded with proteins of various types. This makes them particularly suitable for extremely damaged or heavily processed hair. They contain hydrolyzed versions of keratin, collagen, corn protein, and even soy protein.
Other than these ingredients, the two products contain ingredients like jojoba seed oil, provitamin B5, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Further, the conditioner contains shea butter, olive fruit oil, and coconut oil.
Both the products also contain silicones but this isn’t something that should worry you because of two reasons. The first is that the silicones present are water-soluble and tend to wash away easily. The second is that they’re present in very small quantities.
Other than these water-soluble silicones, these products don’t contain any other synthetic ingredients including parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. They don’t even contain gluten which makes them a good choice for people with celiac disease.
The fact that their formulae contain macadamia oil in such large concentrations affects their scent too. This shampoo and conditioner both smell very strongly of macadamia nuts. This can be seen as a positive or a negative depending on whether you like nutty smells.
All these qualities are surprising in this pair because the set is priced very competitively. In fact, it is cheap enough for us to overlook the fact that the bottles don’t come with any dispensing pump.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking for the best shampoo and conditioner set with macadamia oil in it, Hask’s pair is what you should get.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product Type: Shampoo |
| Product weight: 2 x 12 ounces |
| Active ingredients (Shampoo): Coconut-based cleansers, macadamia seed oil, jojoba seed oil, hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed corn protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, provitamin B5, water-soluble silicones, vitamin E, and vitamin C |
| Active ingredients (Conditioner): Macadamia seed oil, shea butter, olive fruit oil, coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed collagen, provitamin B5, silicones, vitamin E, and vitamin C |
| The Pros |
|---|
| A natural shampoo and conditioner set featuring macadamia oil |
| Contains many healthy ingredients |
| Loaded with lots of proteins for repairing damaged hair |
| Smells of macadamia nuts |
| The shampoo produces plenty of lather |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Free of parabens |
| Suitable for people with celiac disease |
| Very pocket-friendly |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Its scent can be a bit too strong |
| Conditioner contains silicones |
| Neither bottle comes with a dispensing pump |
Contents
- What Is Macadamia Oil?
- What Are the Benefits of Macadamia Oil?
- Are There Any Risks Associated with Macadamia Oil?
- How Can You Use Macadamia Oil?
- Top 6 Macadamia Oil Products for Hair Comparison Table
- Top 2 Macadamia Oils for Hair: Detailed Reviews
- Top 2 Macadamia Oil Treatments for Hair: Detailed Reviews
- Top 2 Macadamia Oil Shampoos: Detailed Reviews
