Smearing Avocados On Your Face Is Good For You!
© Courtesy of California Avocado Commission
Avocados seem to be a staple in California (my fiancé must eat at least one a day), in other states and parts of the world they seem to be a little more rare. But whether they are easy to find or elusive, these fruits have been around since about 291 B.C. when a Mayan princess ate the first one, as legend has it. They were nicknamed “alligator pears” because of their bumpy exteriors. But this bumpy fruit isn’t just fun to eat; it actually has several benefits for not only your health, but also your hair and skin!
(Read more about the history of the avocado)
© Courtesy of California Avocado Commission
Using Avocados As A Hair Masque
In earlier times, avocado pulp was used as a hair pomade to stimulate hair growth. Its oil is still used today in several hair and cosmetic products. It does sound strange to smear avocado on your hair, but hear us out! Leonardo Rocco, is a celebrity-stylist and creator of the “Leonardo Rocco Avocado Hair Masque” which is made of Hass avocados, eggs and olive oil. The treatment can be made as home by combining: 1 avocado, 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Directions:
- Wet hair with warm water then use the fingertips to massage the scalp.
- Mix (a) one mashed California avocado, (b) the yolk of an egg and (c) a tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Be sure to use force when mixing to ensure the ingredients are completely mixed.
- Apply the mixture to the scalp first and then down towards the ends of the hair. Separate hair into sections and then massage sections in an up-and-down manner for ease of penetration into the scalp.
- Place a plastic cap over the head. Add heat with a dryer for 20 minutes.
- Rinse the treatment from the hair completely, followed by shampooing and conditioning hair.
NOTE: The treatment should be applied from root to end for normal hair and half-way through hair for oily hair. For normal hair, once the treatment is applied, it should be separated into sections and massaged into the scalp. The treatment should stay on the hair for 15-20 minutes under hot heat.
The mask offers a hydrating effect that is perfect for warding off the effects of summer heat. In addition, the treatment is rich with proteins and vitamins which help hair regain its nutrition, elasticity, shine and body. Avocados contain more than 25 essential nutrients and vitamins, such as Vitamin E and B-vitamins – along with benefits from the other ingredients (egg yolk and olive oil) – the treatment is perfect for conditioning the hair. You can also visit Leonardo Rocco’s salon in Miami Beach, Florida and he will apply the masque for you. Visit Leonardo’s website at www.roccodonna.com for more information.
© Courtesy of California Avocado Commission
Try Avocados As A Facial!
If you think an avocado hair masque is strange, how about an avocado skin facial! The vitamins in avocados will also help to moisturize your skin. It’s simple to use at home to treat dry skin: Just remove your makeup and wash your face with face wash or soap and warm water. Next, mash some avocado and mix it with a little milk or oatmeal. Apply the mixture to your face and let sit for 10 minutes, then remove with warm water. Beautifully hydrated skin in only 10 minutes, and at the expense of only one avocado! (Find avocado skin facials, lotions, and creams)
Don’t forget about the health benefits of eating avocados!
© Courtesy of California Avocado Commission
- When used instead of other fats, avocados contain over 25 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and can be part of a calorie-reduced diet.
- One-fifth of a medium avocado or about one ounce is 55 calories, but contributes beneficial nutrients such as fiber, potassium, Vitamin E and lutein to the diet.
- Loaded with monounsaturated fat, potassium, fiber and antioxidants, the avocado fights high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
- Avocados also help prevent diabetes and cancer!
Read more Avocado health benefits
© Courtesy of California Avocado Commission
Now that you’re an avocado pro, put on your avocado skin mask and hair mask, and lie back and relax with an avocado to eat! Avocados may be a little easier to attain if you’re living in California (even the annual Orange County Fair features deep-fried avocados every year!), but I promise you that even if you aren't a native Californian, avocados are out there if you look hard enough - you can even buy them online!
AVOCADO GUIDES:
AVOCADO COOKING OILS / OLIVE OILS
Buy avocados now!
For more on avocados, including facts, recipes, and nutrition information, visit http://www.avocado.org/.
Article Written By: Amy Jarvis; Amy is a graduate of FIDM in Los Angeles, CA and has recently crossed over from designing into the online world, writing and designing pages for Divavillage.com.
