Macadamia oil is rich in fatty acids and potassium. Its concentration of palmitoleic acid, in particular, makes it a popular ingredient in cosmetic products that are meant to smooth skin and hair. Macadamia oil penetrates hair more efficiently than some other oils, like mineral oil. Mineral oil can build up on your scalp. Over time, it can make your hair feel heavier and look duller. When macadamia oil binds to the hair shaft and infuses it with fatty acids, your hair follicles may be left stronger and healthier.
Macadamia oil also contains antioxidants, which help hair to recover from environmental exposure to things like pollutants in the air. In a small study, the nightly topical application of Argan oil resulted in a moisturizing effect, and in statistically significant decreases in transepidermal water loss and increases in the water content of the epidermis.
