So far, we’ve mostly discussed the lived experiences and needs of people with curly and coily hair, and how – in our eyes – the only logical response to a misleading, confusing, socially biassed textured hair care world is simple, quality nourishment – aka, Crolles. Now, we’ll turn to look at one of the key components that makes Crolles Crolles – almond oil.
- From the earth
Almond trees are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves annually. And so, the pink blossoming branches are a symbol for the natural cycle of things. From California to the warmer regions of Europe like Spain and Italy, the kernel is harvested between early August and late September. The nut is then removed from its husk, and spread out in the sun – this reduces the excess water content, ensuring a highly concentrated, quality oil. Various methods can be used to extract the essential oil, such as mechanical cold pressing.
- To the lab
Compared to other nuts, almonds are proven to have a particularly high oil content. But it’s not just about the volume of oil yielded, so let’s get a little more scientific about exactly what makes almonds so ripe for hair care. Almonds are rich in vitamins, (vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin), minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, selenium, copper), macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fibres) and fatty acids (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated). That’s a lot of goodness packed into a single nut, packed into even further concentration in its essential oil form.
- To your curls
But what does all of this mean for your curls and coils? Well, let’s take vitamin E for example. Curls and coils are particularly susceptible to breakage, through the naturally occurring process of oxidation. Vitamin E has antioxidant effects, reducing the amount of damage to individual hairs, and ensuring strong, defined curls & coils. The same quality locks in moisture to ensure protection against the sun.
Coily hair in particular (4B & 4C) is more dense, so it requires more hydration to avoid damage, shrinkage and fall-outs – almond oil compounds saturate the head with hydration and nourishment from the scalp down. Meanwhile, minerals like magnesium boost scalp health and protein levels, protecting and preserving the natural process of cell regeneration. Whilst vitamins add extra nourishment, minerals make this nourishing process possible.
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From kernels growing on trees, to the careful extraction process from nut to essential oil, the almond is a symbol of nature’s restorative power. Nourishment and care both as a concept and a lab-proven science – it’s all in a Crolles bar.