Argan oil is a versatile and highly effective hair care ingredient that can help nourish your strands while restoring their hydration. From smoothing frizz to repairing damage, this oil can do it all. But with so many ways to use it, it can be tricky to figure out where to start. Here’s your guide to using argan oil for the best results.
Why Argan Oil Is Good for Hair
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco, which is one of the reasons it’s also referred to as Moroccan oil. The golden-hued oil is rich in several vitamins and fatty acids, making it a powerful ingredient for hair care.
Argan oil is also a concentrated source of antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. These protective compounds help reduce damage from UV light, styling, chemical treatments and all manner of other stressors for hair that maintains its smooth texture and strength.
Another key benefit of the oil, besides its smoothing, strengthening, and protective qualities is its ability to add instant manageability and shine to your hair. It helps your hair look and feel its best without weighing it down or making it feel greasy.
Choosing the Right Argan Oil
Choosing pure, high-quality oil is crucial. Look for cold-pressed and certified organic argan oils, as these are generally the best options for your hair. You should also ensure that the oil is free of any synthetic fragrances or additives that can damage your hair.
Styling products — particularly hair serums — commonly combine the oil with silicones and other moisturizing ingredients. Like sulfates, silicones are often considered evil, but these ingredients can actually be a godsend for styling, depending on your hair type.
Use hair serums with argan oil and silicones freely to help manage rough or dry hair, but be cautious with these products if you have oily hair. Silicones tend to become too heavy if your hair already has excess oil and moisture. Excessive use may lead to buildup, which can be removed easily with a clarifying shampoo.
Using Argan Oil for Hair
There are many ways to use argan oil for hair, but here are a few of the most popular methods:
Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Before shampooing, apply a small amount of the oil to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for 20–30 minutes, then shampoo your hair as usual. This pre-treatment will help nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it feeling much softer and silkier. It works best for dry or damaged hair.
Daily Moisturizer
Apply a small amount of the oil to the ends of your hair to help protect them from damage. You can also use it as a daily moisturizer for your scalp to help moisturize your skin and soothe any dryness or irritation.
Styling Aid
Apply argan oil to damp hair before blowdrying it to help reduce frizz and tangles. Apply to dry hair before styling by hand or with heated tools such as a straightener or curling rod to get shiny hair and a smoother finish to your styled look.
Overnight Treatment
For a deep-conditioning treatment, apply a generous amount of the oil to your hair and scalp before bed. Leave it on overnight, then shampoo and style your hair in the morning.
Leaving the oil on your hair for several hours helps repair and strengthen your strands. To reduce hair breakage even further, pair argan oil products with protein treatments.
Incorporating Argan Oil into Your Hair Care Routine
Products with argan oil can replace many of the products in your haircare routine. You can even use the pure oil by itself in small amounts as an intensive moisturizer for very dry or brittle hair. You could also try it as a carrier for rosemary oil and other potent essential oils.
Argan oil treatments, serums, leave-in conditioners, and masks can all help nourish your strands and improve the way they look and feel, giving you the silky hair of your dreams. So, why wait? Start using this natural, soothing moisturizer yourself.