Pracaxi oil: benefits for hair?

Whether used as an oil bath, alone or mixed with other oils, pracaxi oil is believed to have the ability to hydrate and protect hair fibres. Indeed, it has a high concentration of essential fatty acids. Its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, a natural component of sebum, allows it to coat the hair fibre with a protective film. Thus, pracaxi oil could help to protect hair fibres from external aggressions they may undergo, such as the use of heat for styling (hairdryers, straighteners, etc), frequent brushing or even bleaching.

Thepracaxi oil also contains saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid. It plays a significant role in maintaining the hydration of the hair fibre by inserting itself at the level of the hair scales, thus forming a protective barrier. This insertion is made possible thanks to its molecular structure, which is similar to that of the lipids in the cuticle. This fatty acid ensures the cohesion of the cuticle cells and limits water loss, thereby guaranteeing the preservation of the hair fibres' impermeability. Moreover, the behenic acid found in pracaxi oil also helps to retain moisture by remaining on the surface of the fibres. Therefore, pracaxi oil would have beneficial moisturising properties for dry or damaged hair.

The fatty acid composition of pracaxi oil allows us to make assumptions about potential hydrating benefits. However, it is important to note that there are currently no scientific studies demonstrating the hydrating effects of pracaxi oil when applied to hair.

In addition to its composition rich in fatty acids, pracaxi oil contains antioxidants. Indeed, the oil is composed of vitamin E (tocopherol), as well as carotenoids, such as β-carotene. These compounds help to protect the hair by combating oxidative stress generated by free radicals. Indeed, these unstable reactive species are produced in excess by the body following external aggression or a situation creating oxidative stress in the cells, such as repeated exposure to the sun's UV rays, pollution or even tobacco. Free radicals then induce numerous harmful effects.

At the level of the scalp, oxidative stress can contribute to hair loss by weakening the hair follicles or even cause the premature appearance of white hair by disrupting the melanogenesis process. The application of pracaxi oil could therefore be interesting in order to protect the scalp against the harmful effects of free radicals. Furthermore, pracaxi oil has a non-greasy texture that could be perfectly suitable for use on the scalp.

Despite the antioxidant content of pracaxi oil, there is currently no scientific evidence to confirm that it has a significant antioxidant activity beneficial for protecting the scalp.