Is Argan Oil Good For Your Hair? 10 Benefits + How To Use?

Argan oil is a brilliant hair moisturizer since it flows deep into the shaft of your hair and gives it much-needed moisture. Critical fatty acids found within this natural oil, especially oleic and linoleic acid, help to retain moisture and make it a blazing option for dry or brittle hair. 

With its regular application, this tropical oil will transform strands into smooth, lustrous, and manageable locks. It moisturizes without weighing the hair down and, because of its non-greasy properties, suits all hair types.

It can reduce frizz and flyaways which makes your hair smooth and controllable. This oil will coat all strands of your hair to lock in moisture and avoid frizzing.

Argan oil will make your hair smooth, glossy, and shining by taming the cuticle. Because of this, you can style your hair easily and keep it under control. Argan oil controls unmanageable hair and keeps it at its optimum appearance if used as a leave-in conditioner or as a styling product.

This oil works well against split ends because it contains a large amount of vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It is this mix of vitamins and nutrients that strengthens the shaft of hair. They both promote elasticity and strength to hair and reduce breakage or split ends.

 If you use argan oil regularly, you will have healthier locks with much less breakage and fewer split ends.

Regular use of argan oil shall thicken your hair and give it an impression and beautiful look. It is a great choice if you desire to optimize the natural hair growth. Argan oil is overwhelmingly rich in terms of vitamins and antioxidants, which help to grow healthy hair.

It not only provides nutrition but also necessary elements that nourish and strengthen follicles of hair, improving blood circulation in the scalp. This provides an excellent environment on the scalp to moisturize the growth of hair. 

Specifically, regarding heat protection from appliances, curling wands, blow dryers, and flat irons, argan oil works as a barrier for protection. The oil saves from extreme heat and avoids moisture loss that results in breakage or dryness. Argan oil can help preserve the health and integrity of your hair if you applied before styling.

It protects the hair from damages brought by frequent use of heat styling tools. Therefore, this is an essential product for everybody who likes using heat to style their hair.

Another instant benefit of argan oil is adding extra shine to your hair. The natural hydration and smoothening of the hair cuticle results in shiny hair after using this oil. Unlike most commercial shine serums that only end up making your hair greasy, argan oil provides natural shine which enhances your hair's overall outlook.

That makes argan oil ideal to use for people wanting to add some healthy sheen to their locks as part of a regular regime of hair care.

It is very effective against inflammation because the oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids which soothe inflamed skin and can reduce swellings. Argan oil reduces the inflammation that usually provokes dandruff and skin diseases. This is one of the most important argan oil hair benefits.

Regular use can reduce inflammation to a great extent and provide much healthier skin for a more comfortable environment on the scalp.

The antioxidants and vitamin E found in argan oil act against the environmental factors that make the color fade and dim. For instance, it protects against UV radiation and air pollution. Argan oil protects the shaft of the hair with an external protective layer, mollifying external stressors and helping maintain the brilliance of dyed hair.

This argan oil is perfect for enriching color, enhancing natural hair shine, and promoting healthier and stronger-colored hair that will last longer.

It's nutritionally formulated, lightweight, and nongreasy making the oil applicable to all hair types. Argan oil is one of the most versatile oils because it has a very high essential fatty acid which deeply nourishes the hair and moisturizes it without leaving any heavy residues on the hair.

It will assist your straight, wavy, or curly hair by protecting and nourishing it in just the right amount.

The fatty acids and the vitamin E in argan oil moisturize and nourish the hair. This strengthens weakened hair and facilitates its recovery. Argan oil is great for strengthening damaged hair and promotes its recovery. This oil can be used for various hair problems because it deeply conditions the hair.

Massage argan oil into your hair regularly to repair the chemical damages from treatments, heat styling, and the environment which will leave your hair far healthier in looks and feel.

Argan oil can keep your hair manageable, shiny, and healthy. Here are some creative ways to implement argan oil into your hair care routine.

• Leave-In Conditioner

After washing your hair, gently pat it to drain excess water. Massage a small amount of warm argan oil between the palms. Use this warmed oil by starting at the ends of the hair to the mid-lengths. This will naturally smooth and shine your hair, giving it that healthy and shiny look.

• Overnight Hair Mask

Massage the oil gently so that every strand of your hair is generously covered with argan oil. Let this stay overnight so the oil goes deep into your hair and scalp. The next morning, wash your hair gently with some light shampoo. This is an overnight treatment refining dry and damaged hair into a much smoother, shinier, and stronger texture.

• Scalp Treatment

This oil will help for the treatment of dry, flaky, and sore skin. Argan oil works magic for those having dandruff or any itchy scalp since the nourishing qualities of the oil smoothen and moisturize your skin. Hence, it improves an ideal environment for hair development.

• Finishing Product

If you want a sleek and smooth look for the general health of the hair, use argan oil as a finishing product. A light oiling to the surface of your hair will do the magic to attain this sleek and glossy finish without weighing it down.

• Heat Protection

Massage a few drops of this oil into your locks before using heat-styling products like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners to prevent damage. Argan oil forms a protective layer on the shaft of the hair that reduces moisture loss and the probable risks of damage from heat.

• Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Apply some oil to your dry hair to use argan oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Leave it there for 30 minutes for deep condition in your hair and shampoo your hair as usual. This process helps safeguard the hair from drying out and leaving it to feel softer, smoother, and more manageable.

• Hair Serum

Argan oil makes for the ultimate hair serum in enhancing shine and manageability that offers improvement to your hair. It hydrates your hair for a shining, charming, and natural look.

• Air for Styling

This oil serves as a styling product to help beautify the hair's appearance and manageability giving an individual a groomed and healthy look. The lightweight structure of the oil makes it easily absorbable into the hair strands which is suitable for all types of hair.

• Beard Oil

The high content of essential fatty acids and vitamin E is the reason why argan oil makes for an efficient beard oil. The rich hair and skin treatment efficiently moisturizes the skin under the beard, reducing flakiness, dryness, and beard itching problems.  Argan oil encourages healthy development by feeding the skin and resulting in a fuller and thicker beard.

Understanding the details of different types of argan oil is necessary for choosing the correct one for you. As each type has unique advantages, learning their difference can help you to choose the suitable one that meets your requirements.

• Cosmetic Argan Oil

Cosmetic argan oil is prepared from the cold-pressing of unroasted argan nuts and helps in maintaining high levels of antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. There could be no better argan oil for nails, hair, and skin. It also has a golden color and nutty fragrance which is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not leave any greas. 

Due to its nourishing ability, it is good for skincare and haircare products.

• Culinary Argan Oil

The nuts need to be roasted first to make culinary argan oil. Indeed, its flavor is rather unique, rich, and slightly nutty from roasting. Because of its pungent flavor and smell, this culinary argan oil shouldn't be applied to skin and hair. It has antioxidants and omega fatty acids which are beneficial for skin and hair.

This oil is much in demand in Moroccan cuisine, where the diversity of argan oil is cherished and used in many recipes for enhancing flavor and giving rich texture.

• Deodorized Argan Oil

Deodorized argan oil is a purified version of the standard argan oil, which undergoes refinement to attract many users who want less scent. Through the deodorization process, the nutty characteristic fragrance is stripped of the argan oil which makes it versatile in different applications.

This is performed under high temperature and vacuum conditions that help to get rid of the strong smell while retaining the healing properties of the oil.

But Hey, the Choice is Yours!

It's just about knowing what is specifically needed to make the right call. If you are in love with the strong and nutty smell, then culinary argan oil will probably become your number-one go-to. Otherwise, you can also consider deodorized oil for a less nutty smell. So, think about what works for you!

There have been a lot of changes in extracting argan oil over time. The process varies according to your needs and demands for the oil. Here's the detailed overview:

• Traditional Hand Pressing

This process included the collection and drying of argan fruit. After that, the pulp is peeled which reveals the hard nuts. The nuts are then cracked one by one using stones and the oil-rich kernels are extracted. 

The kernels are then ground into a paste using a stone mill. Oil extraction is done manually and then the collecting and filtering process is performed. The process gives out high-quality oil but consumes time and labor.

• Mechanical Cold Pressing

Argan oil is either mechanically extracted or cold-pressed and does not involve any heating. It is processed similarly to the traditional method by separating the nuts kernels. After that, the difference is that the kernels are mechanically crushed and the oil is extracted in contrast which is great for consumption and cosmetic purposes.

Since this process is faster and more effective than manual pressing it will allow the production on a large scale.

•  Solvent Extraction

This method of extraction is commonly used in most industrial productions and cosmetics. This process involves solubilization of argan oil in the kernels using hexane as a solvent which is evaporated at elevated temperatures and left behind the extracted oil. This process may reduce the purity of the oil due to the chemicals involved in it.

It is generally not recommended for premium argan oil that is meant for direct consumption.

•  Roasting and Pressing

This process is mostly used for producing culinary argan oil. Roasting the kernels before pressing makes the oil flavorful. Pressing is still done on the kernels with the help of mechanical or manual presses to produce the oil. Roasting the oil for more time can decrease its nutritional value.

So, it is more useful for the kitchen rather than cosmetic use.

Yes, argan oil can be processed at home but it is a laborious process that demands specific equipment or techniques. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to make argan oil at home:

Collecting and Drying the Argan Fruit

This process starts with the collection of argan fruits which include nuts from where the oil is extracted. The fruit has to be dried out to remove the outer pulp. This may be simply done by storing the fruits in a warm and dry place for a couple of weeks. The pulp would later get dried out and could easily be removed by hand to reveal the hard argan nuts.

Cracking the Argan Nuts

The argan nuts need to be cracked open for the kernels inside. This is one of the most difficult steps as the nuts will be hard. This step requires lots of attention because you may end up damaging the kernel. You may take the help of a stone or any hard object to crack it.

Grinding the Kernels

The extracted kernels have to be crushed into a paste. You could do that easily with a mortar and pestle at your home. Grind it until the thick oil paste is formed.

Extracting and filtering the Oil

Extract the oil from the solid parts of the mixture by pressing and squeezing it. The oil needs to be collected in a bowl as it begins to ooze out.

The oil must be filtered from the remaining solid particles by using a piece of cheesecloth. Filtering must be repeated a couple of times to make the oil crystal clear and pure.

Storing the Argan Oil

The fresh oil should be stored in a cool and dry place. You can use an airtight container or dark glass to store it for a long period of time.

Store in a Cool and Dark Place

Always keep homemade argan oil in a dark and cool place protecting it from direct sunlight or heat. This will ensure the oil stays fresh and retains its useful properties and flavor for the longest time possible because light and warmth will cause it to spoil.

Use Dark Glass Bottles

Direct light is a possible cause of the loss of flavor and nutritional content in argan oil. Use dark glass bottles or containers that filter the light from UV rays and allow very little light to pass through.

Use Smaller Containers

Since argan oil can oxidize itself and turn rancid from being exposed to air, storing it in smaller containers will expose less air to the oil each time you open it. This really helps for those who make huge quantities of argan oil at home. It will let you keep the rest of them closed and fresh while you use them one at a time by refilling smaller bottles with the oil.

Label and Date Your Containers

Remember to date every bottle when filled. This allows you to use the oldest oil first and the newest bottle last. It should be monitored properly because oil has a shelf life of only 12 to 18 months.