Hazelnuts vs Almonds: Which Is Better for Skin & Hair?

By Aparna Bangar

Nuts have always been recognized for their health benefits, with both hazelnuts and almonds being popular choices among those looking to boost their beauty routine. Packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats, both nuts offer exceptional benefits for skin and hair health. But when it comes down to it, which one stands out as the better choice? Let's take a deep dive into the nutritional profiles and specific benefits of hazelnuts and almonds for your skin and hair.

Nutritional Comparison of Hazelnuts vs Almonds

Understanding the nutritional differences between hazelnuts and almonds is essential when determining which is best for your skin and hair. Both are nutrient-dense, but their unique combinations of vitamins and minerals make them suitable for different health needs.

Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional values per 100 grams:

Key Takeaways:

Almonds are higher in protein, which can support hair growth and contribute to skin elasticity.
Hazelnuts have more fats, particularly heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help nourish the skin.
Both are rich in vitamin E, essential for protecting skin from oxidative damage and promoting healthy, glowing skin.
Almonds provide more magnesium and calcium, which contribute to better skin hydration and stronger hair.

Health Benefits of Hazelnuts vs Almonds for Skin and Hair

Hazelnuts for Skin and Hair

Hazelnuts are loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential vitamins that promote healthy skin and hair. Here are some specific benefits:

Rich in Vitamin E: Hazelnuts are an excellent source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leading to youthful, glowing skin.
Promotes Skin Hydration: The monounsaturated fats in hazelnuts support the skin’s natural barrier, helping to retain moisture and maintain soft, supple skin.
Supports Hair Growth: The copper content in hazelnuts plays a vital role in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. Copper also helps strengthen the hair follicles, reducing hair thinning and promoting growth.
Anti-Inflammatory: Hazelnuts contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce redness and puffiness in the skin, making them beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Almonds for Skin and Hair

Almonds are equally beneficial for skin and hair due to their high nutrient content. Here's how almonds help:

High in Vitamin E: Like hazelnuts, almonds are packed with vitamin E, which protects skin cells from oxidative damage caused by environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Almonds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for promoting scalp health and preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
Strengthens Hair: Almonds are rich in magnesium, which improves blood circulation to the scalp, helping to deliver essential nutrients that strengthen hair and encourage growth. They also contain biotin, a vitamin that supports strong, healthy hair.
Promotes Even Skin Tone: Almonds are known for their ability to improve skin tone by reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, thanks to their high vitamin E content and antioxidants.

Hazelnuts vs Almonds for Skin Health

When it comes to skin health, both nuts provide valuable nutrients, but they shine in different areas:

Hazelnuts are more effective for retaining moisture and preventing dryness due to their higher fat content. Their high vitamin E content also makes them excellent for preventing premature aging, keeping skin plump and youthful.
Almonds help with skin tone and texture, thanks to their vitamin E and antioxidant properties. They may be better suited for those looking to address hyperpigmentation or improve overall skin appearance.

Hazelnuts vs Almonds for Hair Health

Both hazelnuts and almonds offer benefits for hair, but they differ slightly in their impact:

Hazelnuts are a better option for preventing hair loss and stimulating growth, thanks to their copper content, which is essential for healthy melanin production and follicle strength.
Almonds support hair growth by improving scalp circulation and providing magnesium, which strengthens hair and prevents breakage. Their omega-3 fatty acids also nourish the scalp, keeping it healthy and flake-free.

Which Nut Is Better for Your Skin and Hair?

For Skin Hydration and Protection:

Hazelnuts are your go-to choice. Their high fat content helps lock in moisture, while their antioxidants protect the skin from environmental damage, keeping it soft and glowing.

For Skin Tone and Texture:

Almonds take the lead with their ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and promote an even skin tone. The vitamin E in almonds works wonders for skin regeneration and healing.

For Hair Growth:

Hazelnuts are better for stimulating growth and preventing thinning hair. Their copper content strengthens hair follicles, making them ideal for those looking to grow stronger, healthier hair.

For Hair Nourishment:

Almonds are more beneficial for nourishing the scalp and improving hair texture. Their omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium contribute to a healthy scalp environment, encouraging shiny, thick hair.

Potential Downsides of Hazelnuts vs Almonds

While both hazelnuts and almonds offer a range of health benefits, there are a few downsides to consider:

Hazelnuts are higher in fats and calories, so consuming them in excess may lead to weight gain. Additionally, their high-fat content could cause digestive issues if not eaten in moderation.
Almonds contain more fibre, which is beneficial for digestion, but excessive consumption could lead to bloating or gas, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.

How to Incorporate Hazelnuts and Almonds Into Your Diet

Both hazelnuts and almonds can be easily added to your diet to boost your skin and hair health:

Snacks: Enjoy them raw or roasted as a snack, or blend them into a smoothie for a creamy texture.
Oatmeal and Yogurt: Add crushed hazelnuts or almonds to your oatmeal or yoghurt for added crunch and nutrients.
Baking: Incorporate them into healthy baking recipes like muffins, granola, or energy bars for an extra boost of nutrients.
Nut Butter: Opt for almond butter or hazelnut butter as a spread on toast, or blend into smoothies for a delicious, nutritious base.

Hazelnuts vs Almonds: Homemade vs Store-Bought

While store-bought nut butters are convenient, making your own at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that no added sugars or preservatives are included. Homemade nut butters are fresh, free of unhealthy oils, and can be customized to suit your taste. However, if you opt for store-bought options, always look for those with minimal ingredients – ideally just nuts and a pinch of salt.

Comparison Chart: Hazelnuts vs Almonds

Conclusion

Both hazelnuts and almonds offer exceptional benefits for skin and hair health. If you’re looking for a nut that deeply nourishes the skin and promotes hair growth, hazelnuts are the better option due to their high healthy fat content and copper. On the other hand, if your goal is to improve skin tone and texture or nourish your hair with essential vitamins and minerals, almonds take the lead with their impressive protein, magnesium, and omega-3 content.

Ultimately, incorporating both nuts into your diet can provide a wide array of benefits, so feel free to enjoy them in moderation. Whether you choose hazelnuts or almonds, their nutrients will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin and strong, luscious hair.

FAQs

q1. Which is better for dry skin: hazelnuts or almonds? Hazelnuts are better for dry skin due to their higher fat content, which helps retain moisture and prevent dehydration.

Can almonds help with hair growth? Yes, almonds support hair growth by improving scalp circulation and providing magnesium, which strengthens hair follicles.
Are hazelnuts good for acne-prone skin? Yes, the anti-inflammatory properties of hazelnuts can help reduce redness and irritation associated with acne.
Which nut is better for anti-aging benefits? Hazelnuts are better for anti-aging, as their high vitamin E content helps protect skin cells from oxidative damage.
Can I eat both hazelnuts and almonds for skin and hair health? Yes, incorporating both nuts into your diet can provide a variety of essential nutrients that benefit both skin and hair.
How many almonds should I eat for healthy hair? Eating a handful of almonds (about 10–15) per day can help provide the nutrients needed for healthy hair.
Do hazelnuts contain biotin? While hazelnuts don't contain a significant amount of biotin, they are rich in copper, which supports healthy hair production.
Can almonds help with scalp dryness? Yes, the omega-3 fatty acids in almonds help nourish the scalp and prevent dryness or flakiness.
Are roasted almonds or raw almonds better for skin and hair? Raw almonds are generally better as they retain more of their natural nutrients, especially vitamin E, which is beneficial for skin and hair.
Can I use hazelnut oil for hair care? Yes, hazelnut oil can be used as a natural hair serum to improve hair texture, add shine, and reduce frizz.