Maintaining healthy hair is a lot of work. You have to understand your hair type, find the best stylists (and styles), and even choose the best products for your hair.
Speaking of products, argan oil-infused products are making waves right now, but is it really good for your hair?
Origin of Argan Oil
Argan oil is produced from the seeds of the argan tree. The oil is extracted traditionally by Berber women. They manually crack the nuts and cold-press them to obtain the oil. Cold-pressing is especially necessary to retain the oil's good properties and quality.
There are two types of argan oil. We have the cosmetic and culinary argan oil. The culinary one, used for cooking—is made by roasting the argan kernels. On the other hand, cosmetic argan oil is made from unroasted kernels. The roasting gives the cooking argan oil a nutty flavor, while the cosmetic has a neutral flavor.
Argan oil consists of unsaturated fatty acids. Oleic and linoleic acids are the major types of fatty acids. Argan oil also has trace amounts of vitamin E, polyphenols, and sterols. These ingredients contribute in a big way to promoting hair well-being. Argan oil is thus frequently added to shampoos and other hair care items.
Is Argan Oil Good for Hair?
Many wonder, “Does argan oil benefit my hair in any way”? Well, argan oil offers multiple hair benefits. Some of the key benefits include:
Hydration
Hair is hydrated from the inside out by argan oil. A 2022 study found that argan oil can deeply hydrate hair because it easily penetrates the shaft. As a result, it softens hair strands and makes them manageable.
Frizz Control
Since it already hydrates the hair, argan oil reduces the need for the hair to absorb moisture from the air, which is the primary cause of frizz. We recommend using GK Hair's Serum Argan Oil for Hair. The serum also helps with effortless styling and boosts the air shine without making it look oily.
Hair Protection
Research indicates that oleic and linoleic acid-rich oils (such as argan oil) minimize hair's split ends when hair is subjected to heat. This is because they leave a protective layer on hair fibers. Argan oil can thus protect hair from heat caused by blow-drying and flat-ironing. Argan oil application after coloring also works well in minimizing damage from hair dyes.
Scalp Health Promotion
Argan oil could be your new best friend if you have an itchy scalp! Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, it can actually calm that redness quite nicely. With a beneficial dose of Vitamin E, as we have in argan oil, you can halt oxidative stress on your hair follicles in their tracks. Not to mention, it is excellent in curing dryness or dandruff by moisturizing your scalp.
However, if oiling fails, you may look up 7 Ways to Get Rid of Dandruff Effectively for additional tips.
Increased Elasticity
Argan oil makes it easier for hair not to break when stretched. It also improves hair elasticity and smoothness. Argan oil applied over time can prevent your hair from breaking and splitting. Your hair will then grow longer and thicker.
Can Argan Oil Repair Damaged Hair?
Argan hair will not fix all your hair issues. But it certainly will repair some forms of damage.
Argan oil smooths the hair cuticle, temporarily sealing split ends. This leaves the damaged hair looking healthier and more elastic. You can use this alongside gentle hair care products to speed up the repair.
How to Use Argan Oil to Treat Your Hair
This is how to use argan oil for your hair care:
Direct Application
Argan oil can be used directly on dry or wet hair. Massage a few drops of 100% pure argan oil between your fingers. Work the oil into the mid-lengths and ends of the hair slowly. This can be done during styling to set in moisture, give shine, and smooth out frizz.
Pro tip: Do not apply argan oil directly to your scalp if your roots are oily. Instead, use the oil toward the ends of your hair.
Hair Mask
You can use argan oil as a hair mask for a wholesome deep conditioning treatment. Use 8 to 10 drops and apply it to your scalp and hair. Then wear a warm towel or shower cap and sleep. Wash with shampoo and condition your hair in the morning like usual. The long leave-in time and heat of your scalp will help the oil penetrate deep.
Shampoo or Conditioner Additive
You can easily boost your regular hair products with argan oil. Pour a small amount of shampoo into your hand and add an argan oil drop or two. Mix and use as regular shampoo. Do the same for the conditioner. You can use GK Hair’s Gold Shampoo and Conditioner. It comes with argan oil already, so you will get its benefits every time you wash without extra effort.
Maximizing Argan Oil Treatment
- Ensure the color of the oil you are getting is golden yellow with a mild, nutty aroma (not odorless or strong/perfumed).
- Start with a tiny amount and add more as you progress.
- Focus on your hair ends as they are often the oldest, driest part of your hair.
- Combine argan treatments with regular trims for the healthiest hair.
- For best effect, use argan oil treatments once or twice a week, or even daily if your hair is extremely dry.
Who Should Use Argan Oil?
Argan oil is generally safe and beneficial for most people. But here are some guidelines on who may benefit most and who should be cautious:
Best Hair Types for Argan Oil
If your hair is dry, frizzy, or coarse, argan oil can benefit your hair. Those with fine hair can use argan oil too. But you should apply only a drop or two to avoid weighing down your hair. Stylists recommend that people with fine hair use minimal argan oil once or twice weekly.
When to Avoid or Use Cautiously
If you have a tree-nut allergy, it's best to skip argan oil. Also, if your scalp is very oily, apply argan oil only to your hair ends to prevent further greasiness. Finally, you should always do a patch test before your first application to avoid any unexpected sensitivity.
Unlock Your Best Hair with Argan Oil
So, is argan oil really good for your hair? Yes. You just have to use it regularly and properly. Choose how you want to use it, either as a mask or mixed with shampoo. Whichever one you choose, ensure it’s pure argan oil.
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