Argan Oil: A Hair Care Buzzword or Miracle Ingredient?

Argan oil is a naturally hydrating and nourishing plant oil that is often used on hair and skin. The presence of Argan oil in hair care products over the last decade has grown exponentially, which leaves many questioning whether Argan oil is just another phase in the beauty industry, or if there's evidence that shows it is a true miracle for hair health? First, let's start with its origin.

 

Argan trees (Argania spinosa) are native to Southwestern Morocco, in North Africa, and Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of fruit that grow on them. Perhaps the most appreciated benefit of Argan oil is the ability to deeply moisturize. Moroccan natives have been touting the healing properties of Argan oil for the skin for centuries. Over time, it has been discovered that Argan oil has a wealth of different uses. Now, it is mass produced for its ability to treat hair loss, calm skin conditions, and even to use in cooking. 

Believe it or not, Argan oil is even referred to as "liquid gold" because of its proven and valuable uses. 

Argan oil has become increasingly popular in the Western world and is used as an ingredient in many natural hair and skin care products because of its nourishing and protective properties. 

The reason that Argan oil is so effective is because it is rich in fatty acids, Vitamin E, and antioxidants, all of which deliver nourishing benefits to your scalp and hair. While it may not actually prevent Male Pattern Baldness and other types of hair loss, it can prevent hair loss due to breakage, and can make your hair look fuller and healthier. Hair with dry split ends can age you, so using Argan oil for your hair health can help you achieve a younger and healthier look.

The fatty acids in Argan oil that are particularly beneficial include Oleic acid and Linoleic acid, both of which add moisture to your hair as well as your scalp. These acids, in addition to the vitamin E in Argan oil, can prevent your hair from becoming excessively dry and frizzy. Damaged hair is rough on the surface and that is why it doesn’t shine the way undamaged hair does. Using a smoothing agent like Argan oil will restore a healthy shine to your hair.

When your hair is protected and nourished with Argan oil, washing, styling, coloring, and the damaging effects of the sun and other environmental causes can be greatly minimized. Hair care products that contain argan oil are available in mousses, oils, and in shampoos and conditioners, and you can buy pure argan oil as well, to use straight out of the bottle or to add to your products.

An Argan oil hair mask is one effective way to deliver a high concentration of the oil to your hair in order to reap the most benefits. An Argan oil mask can be applied before bedtime by simply using your fingertips to gently comb about eight to ten drops of pure Argan oil into your hair. Be sure not to neglect your scalp as you do this, because argan oil is also good for your scalp, and a healthy scalp is important for a healthy head of hair. Because of its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, Argan oil can also reduce or eliminate dandruff and itchiness on your scalp. Once your hair is completely covered, you can wrap your head with a microfiber towel overnight, and wash and style as usual in the morning. Your hair will absorb the oil, and you will wake up with softer, healthier hair. Over time, you will be able to gauge how often to use an Argan oil mask on your hair for the best results which definitely depends on your hair type and styling habits.

Many brands of shampoo and conditioner are available with Argan oil as an ingredient, but you don’t need to give up your favorite shampoo to enjoy the benefits of an Argan oil infused shampoo, you can easily add it to the shampoo brand that you already use and like. Although it may be tempting to mix Argan oil directly into your shampoo bottle to create your Argan oil infused product, it is more effective to add just a couple drops each time that you dispense it into your hand before washing your hair. This allows you to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed within the shampoo, and you will have more control over each wash. You may want to use the Argan oil in your shampoo just a few times per week, or daily - depending upon the results that you see. 

For conditioning your hair, Argan oil can be used as a leave-in conditioner to naturally moisturize and condition your hair. Leave-in oils are normally most effective on dark colored hair, because if you are blonde, a leave-in oil can make your hair look greasy. Blondes can still benefit from using Argan oil as a leave-in conditioner, but should try it out on a day at home to see how it looks before incorporating it into a routine. To use as a leave-in conditioner, apply just a couple of drops onto your fingertips and run it through your towel-dried hair, then style your hair as you normally do. A leave in conditioner can be used weekly, or more often if needed.

Argan oil can also be applied to dry hair as a light coating for a smooth style. Best results are achieved on clean and dry hair, and dark hair colors normally look the best with leave-in oil treatments. Argan Oil infused mousse is a popular product that can be used to style and condition your hair at the same time. 

When looking for an effective product, you should look for pure Argan oil that is of a good quality. It should come in a dark or opaque bottle, be labeled for cosmetic use, and it should be free from impurities. Prices can vary, and in this case, it is usually best to look at the higher priced products for higher quality oil free from impurities. As only a few drops are needed at a time, investing in even a small bottle will deliver healthy hair benefits for an extended period of time.

With so many revered products available on the market today and countless personal reviews expressing positive transformations, it is safe to say that Argan Oil is not just a buzzword, or buzz ingredient - but essentially a hair miracle. Giving this "liquid gold" a try might just be one of the best things you'll ever do for your hair and skin.