Pracaxi Oil For Hair: Benefits And How To Use

Include this nutrient-rich oil in your haircare routine for nourished, healthy tresses.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shruti Chavan, MBBS Dr. Shruti Chavan Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS linkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Swathi E MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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You may have come across people using natural oils for healthy and dense locks. So, how about using pracaxi oil for the hair? This “gift from the Amazon” helps nourish your hair and has amazing moisturizing properties. It is no wonder why it has become one of the go-to hair care products.

Pracaxi oil is rich in medicinal values and has traditionally been used to remedy snake and scorpion bites. Another interesting fact is that this oil is also referred to as liquid gold, thanks to its rich nutrient content. In this article, we will understand how pracaxi oil benefits your hair, how to use it, and why you should include it in your hair care routine. Let us get started.

What Is Pracaxi Oil?

Pracaxi oil is derived from the seeds of the Pentaclethra macroloba, a canopy tree native to South America. It is commonly referred to as a “miracle conditioner” and is ideal for thick and coarse hair. It contains 53% oleic acid, 26% linoleic acid, and 5% behenic acid and is an excellent emollient.

Pracaxi oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and moisturizing properties and can prevent environmental damage (1). It is beneficial for the skin, hair, and scalp. This oil can repair damaged and dry hair, improve manageability, and stimulate hair growth by keeping the follicles healthy. Those who have used pracaxi oil for hair prefer this oil for several reasons. Find out in the next section.

What Are The Benefits Of Pracaxi Oil For Hair?

  • Moisturizes The Scalp: Pracaxi oil is an excellent emollient and moisturizer that promotes a healthy scalp and is considered a savior for dry and damaged hair. The fatty acids in the oil, such as lignoceric acid, can hydrate all hair types, especially curly, dry, coarse, and low porosity hair. It may also keep the scalp healthy and prevent common issues like flakiness and itchy scalp.
  • May Stimulate Hair Growth: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the fatty acids in pracaxi oil may stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. You can go for a hot oil massage to prevent hair loss. Scalp massages with this hair oil can enhance blood circulation and nourish the hair follicles, ensuring reduction in hairfall.
  • Repairs Damaged Hair: Pracaxi oil is an emollient, meaning it can moisturize and soften the hair strands. Damaged hair lacks nourishment and moisture. The fatty acids in pracaxi oil can penetrate the hair and lock in moisture to repair, rejuvenate, and strengthen it.
  • Smoothens The Hair: Pracaxi oil can smoothen the hair strands and add shine to them. It makes detangling and combing easier, minimizing knots and hair breakage. Applying a few drops of this hair oil regularly can improve hair elasticity.
  • Protects Your Hair: The fatty acids in pracaxi oil protect the hair fibers from environmental stress and damage. This helps improve your overall hair health.
  • Treats Dandruff: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of pracaxi oil may help combat the fungus Malassezia, a common cause of dandruff. It soothes the scalp, reduces irritation, and helps regulate sebum production.

Pracaxi oil has a slew of benefits and is easy to use. Let’s find out how you can incorporate it into your hair care routine.

How To Use Pracaxi Oil

You can use pure pracaxi oil in the following ways:

  • As An Overnight Treatment: Apply it to your scalp and hair before going to bed and rinse it out the following morning.
  • Post-Shower Treatment: You can apply a few drops of pracaxi hair oil to your damp hair after a shower. This can keep your locks shiny.
  • Pre-Blowout Protectant: Massage a few drops of this oil to your hair before blow drying and heat styling to prevent hair damage.
  • Conditioning Treatment: Mix a few drops of this oil with your conditioner to amp up its moisturization properties. You can also mix a small amount of pracaxi oil with your conditioner and spray it along the hair’s length for added hydration. You can also add this hair oil to your favorite hair masks.
protip_icon Quick tip
Mix a few drops of Pracaxi oil with aloe vera gel, apply it all over your hair, and run your fingers through them to detangle your strands.

If you are wondering how often you can use pracaxi oil, here is the answer.

How Often Can You Use It?

Use pure pracaxi oil sparingly. A little goes a long way. However, if you want to combine it with other hair care products (like conditioners or hair masks), you can use it whenever required.

Excessive use of pracaxi oil may cause some side effects. Scroll down to know more.

Side Effects Of Pracaxi Oil

When using pracaxi oil, moderation is the key. Applying it in excess to your hair will clog the hair follicles and may trigger scalp acne.

Pracaxi oil does not interact with any other hair care ingredient and is safe to use. However, if you are sensitive to it, pracaxi oil may cause allergic reactions. Perform a patch test before using it.

protip_icon Quick tip
If you are allergic to Pracaxi oil, try other natural alternatives like argan, jojoba, marula, and avocado oils.

Pracaxi oil has been used for centuries to treat snake and scorpion bites. Research suggests that using pracaxi oil for your hair may stimulate hair growth, smoothen your hair, prevent dryness, and protect your hair from further damage. You can incorporate pracaxi oil into your hair care routine as an overnight, pre-shower, post-shower, or conditioning treatment. Using pracaxi oil in moderation is safe. However, excess use of it may result in an allergic reaction. Ensure that you conduct a patch test before applying it to your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pracaxi oil an essential oil?

Yes, Pracaxi oil is an essential oil.

Is Pracaxi oil comedogenic?

No. Pracaxi oil is non-comedogenic.

Is Pracaxi a nut?

Yes, Pracaxi is a nut.

Key Takeaways

  • Pracaxi oil is termed as ‘liquid gold’ because of its high nutrient content that is said to treat dry and damaged hair and stimulate hair growth.
  • It can be massaged on the scalp, used as a post-shower treatment, or mixed with other hair care products.
  • Excess use of this oil can clog your pores, which may trigger scalp acne. Hence, use it sparingly.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Case Series: The Effectiveness of Fatty Acids from Pracaxi Oil in a Topical Silicone Base for Scar and Wound Therapy
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257951/
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Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.

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Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Swathi E
Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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