Okay, we’re just going to say it—as far as trendy health foods go, açaí berries (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) are basically the Kardashians of the group. They’re crazy popular, seemingly everywhere, and somehow the subject of their very own hashtag (look it up, people). But while you’re most likely familiar with them as the tiny berries you add into your post-workout smoothie or the main ingredient behind those pretty purple fruit bowls you see all over Instagram, açaí berries actually have a ton of other amazing beauty benefits too; particularly when it comes to your hair. It’s no wonder then that superfruit is among one of our chemists’ favorite ingredients to use in their custom hair care formulas.
Curious to learn more about açaí’s hair-healthy superpowers, we checked in with our lab to get the low-down on the superfruit, how it benefits our hair, and why it may be the secret to achieving all of your biggest hair goals.
What is açaí, anyway?
Found on the açaí palm trees in the South American rain forests, açaí berries are round reddish-purple fruits that have been heralded for centuries for their powerful healing, immune-stimulating, and antioxidant-rich properties. (Fun fact: açaí berries actually contain 500% more antioxidants than blueberries, which is universally considered one of the most powerful superfoods around, so yeah, they’re pretty cool.)
A powerhouse of essential nutrients and minerals, açaí berries have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the increased interest in health and wellness trends. Today, you can find açaí berries in everything from cold-pressed juices to supplements to skin care products, as they’re thought to help reduce inflammation, fight damage caused by free radicals, and prevent signs of premature aging (bye-bye wrinkles!).
What can açaí do for my hair?
Literally so many things! Among one of its biggest claims to fame is its ability to effectively moisturize the hair, which comes from its potent mix of proteins, healthy fats (omega 3, 6, and 9), and a wide range of vitamins, such as A, B complex, C, and E. These essential nutrients work together to help heal, hydrate, balance, and restore dull hair so that it appears softer and shinier. Açaí’s superior antioxidant content and high levels of amino acids also make it exceptional at protecting against environmental aggressors and inflammation, while also strengthening the hair’s structure so that it can grow long and strong.
How can I use açaí to achieve my hair goals?
Easy—just check out our customizable shampoos and conditioners! Açaí oil is one of the main ingredients in our “shine” hair goal, which smoothes down the hair follicles and coats them in a gentle, lightweight gloss to help keep them soft, shiny, and healthy. Though a fantastic option for all hair types, açaí is highly recommended for those with dry, damaged, or curly hair as it can help provide an extra dose of hydration and shine, while also preventing future damage from occurring.
For an extra boost of açaí magic, you can also try making your own hair mask at home by blending together a bit of fresh açaí, avocado, coconut oil, and agave and letting it sit on your hair for approximately 15 minutes (exact instructions in the video above!). The nutrient-packed blend will give your hair an instant pick-me-up (with no staining) and leave it looking smooth, soft, and super shiny!
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