he fact remains that it’s impossible to displace the significance of oils for healthy hair. Whether the intention is to revive your tresses, eliminate split ends, or correct chemical damages, natural oils have remained an effective blanket solution. So, if you’ve been told to try out a natural oil, the advice is from a place of certainty. Of all the natural oils available, argan oil for hair is a force reckoned with regarding hair care.
Argan oil is your best option for full, bouncy, healthy, and shiny hair. However, if you want to know its benefits to hair, this is the right place to find out. Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of using argan oil for the hair. Similarly, we’ll show you how to use it for scalp treatment. But before we go into it, let’s discuss why the hair needs oil.
Benefits of using Argan oil for hair
The following are the benefits you’ll derive from using argan oil for hair:
1. Hair nourishment
Argan oil offers a two-in-one benefit for hair nourishment. When you apply it to your hair, it penetrates through the shaft to internally soothe and moisturize the hair follicles. This penetration is possible because the oil’s molecular size is small, so it sinks into the hair instead of staying on the surface.
Externally, argan oil gives nutrients that act as antioxidants. They remove the oxidation that produces free radicals that alter the functions of hair cells. When you adequately use argan oil, you create an environment where the hair cells perform at the highest level.
2. Protection from damage
It’s one thing for hair to be beautiful; it’s another for it to be strong enough to withstand the harsh effects of heat, whether self-induced or external. Hair oil acts as a hair shield from heat from the sun or heat tools. It does this better than other hair oils that might make the tool cook your hair.
That’s why it’s reputed as the ideal styling ingredient: It fortifies the hair against heat. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t regulate the heat applied to the hair or protect it from the sun. There’s so much the oil can do to withstand these overwhelming factors.
3. Frizz control
Argan oil is an exceptional solution for individuals with hair that is prone to entanglement, frizz, and dryness. When applied to the hair, the oil deeply penetrates and effectively softens the strands, significantly reducing tangles and knots and making it much easier to manage and style. As a result, brushing or combing the hair becomes a smoother and more pleasant experience, leaving the hair feeling silky and looking effortlessly beautiful.
Furthermore, argan oil’s unique properties enable it to be readily absorbed by the hair. It effectively seals split ends and combats dryness by depositing essential moisture into the hair strands. This not only helps to improve the overall health and appearance of the hair but also contributes to a smoother, more manageable texture.
4. Removes dandruff
Dandruff is quite an annoying condition you don’t want around your hair. It’s predominantly caused by itchiness, which shows flakes at first but later degenerates into damage at the spot. Before all this happens, you can apply argan oil to the scalp.
As we’ve said, it has abundant antioxidants that prevent inflammation around the scalp. When this is avoided, there’s no reason for itchiness, let alone dandruff. You can also treat it using the same oil for those who already have it. This oil reduces oxidative stress and free radicals around the scalp area.
Why does hair need Argan oil?
The primary reason for hair to appear shiny is often attributed to the presence of natural oils produced by the scalp. While this is true, the role of oil in hair care goes beyond just adding shine. Oil, specifically sebum, is essential for maintaining the overall health of the hair as it facilitates the transition between different growth phases.
Sebum moisturizes and protects the hair and scalp, preventing dryness and brittleness. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in distributing natural nutrients along the hair shaft, contributing to the hair’s strength and vitality. Without adequate oil, the hair may struggle to progress through its growth cycle, resulting in dull, dry, and lackluster hair due to insufficient moisture and nourishment.
Furthermore, oil deposits essential nutrients into the hair, and without proper oiling, the hair may be deprived of these nutrients and potential benefits. That leads to various issues such as breakage, split ends, and overall unhealthy hair. Therefore, maintaining a healthy balance of natural oils is crucial for promoting the overall health and appearance of the hair.
Should I choose Argan oil for hair?
Yes! You should choose argan oil because it offers a slight but significant difference from other natural oils. This difference lies in its ability to retain and revive your natural hair color. Unfortunately, the hair slowly loses color due to several factors affecting it, like the heat from the sun and other environmental stressors.
While people say the loss of the first color results from constant shedding, you can naturally shed your hair without losing its pristine color. The secret to this is using argan oil adequately and giving it enough time to settle in the hair to work optimally.
Argan oil’s unique properties make it a great option for maintaining the vibrancy and health of your hair. It provides nourishment and protection against environmental damage. Its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and restore moisture and shine makes it a valuable addition to your hair care routine.
How do you use Argan oil for scalp treatment?
Gather 1 tbsp of pure argan oil and 5-10 drops of rosemary or peppermint essential oil (optional for added benefits), and follow the next steps:
- Warm the argan oil slightly by rubbing between your fingers. For the application, part your hair into sections for easy access to the scalp. Starting at the top of the head, apply 5-6 drops of warm oil directly onto the scalp.
- Next, gently massage it using your fingertips in small circular motions. Spend 1-2 minutes massaging each section thoroughly to coat the scalp fully. Focus extra attention on any dry or flaky areas that need deeper conditioning.
- Cover the oiled sections with a shower cap or warm towel to keep heat in. Leave it on for 30-60 minutes, allowing the nutrients to penetrate and nourish the follicles. The longer it absorbs, the better the results.
- When time is up, shampoo as usual to remove any excess oil. It works to lather thoroughly into the scalp and rinse until the water runs clear. If desired, condition as usual.
Tip: For extra stimulation, add 5 drops of rosemary or peppermint oil to the warmed argan oil. Rosemary promotes circulation while peppermint soothes irritation – both support healthy hair growth.
The 5 best ways to use argan oil
There are several ways to use argan oil, depending on the method you use. Let’s take a look at the most convenient ways to use this potent hair nutrient.
- After shower: On freshly washed, towel-dried hair, apply 2-3 drops of argan oil and work it through the mid-lengths and ends with your fingers. Avoid the roots to prevent greasiness. Massage it in for 2-3 minutes so it’s fully absorbed.
- Pre-styling: For those who blow dry or use hot tools, apply a pea-sized amount to damp hair before styling. This protects strands from heat damage up to 400°F. Concentrate on the ends.
- Overnight treatment: Apply a generous amount to dry hair, focusing on the ends. Braid or tie it back to prevent it from rubbing off onto pillowcases. Rinse out in the morning for super-soft, shiny hair.
- Scalp massage: Warm a dime-sized amount in your hands, then gently rub into the scalp in a circular motion for 5 minutes. This stimulates circulation for potentially fuller hair.
- Hair mask: Mix 1 tbsp of oil with your regular conditioner and smooth it onto your hair. Cover with a plastic cap and leave it on for 30 minutes for an intense moisture boost, especially for dry or damaged hair. Rinse as usual.
Be sure only to use a small amount at a time since a little goes a long way.
Faq’s
Is argan oil safe for all hair types?
Yes. Argan oil is a versatile and beneficial option for all hair types, whether your hair is color-treated, curly, or fine. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula absorbs rapidly without adding extra weight to your hair.
Are there any precautions to take when using argan oil?
Argan oil is generally considered safe for use, but it’s crucial to conduct a patch test before applying it to your hair to check for any potential adverse reactions. Additionally, it’s vital to use only a tiny amount of the oil to prevent the hair from looking greasy.
How often should argan oil be used?
To achieve optimal results, you can incorporate argan oil into your haircare routine as an intensive treatment 1-2 times per week. Alternatively, you can use it on a daily basis to maintain the health of your hair. It’s essential to experiment and determine the frequency that best suits your unique hair needs.