Argan oil, often referred to as "liquid gold", is a natural ingredient extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree native to Morocco. Its unique composition of antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids has made it a popular choice for those looking to improve their hair health and promote hair growth. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to use Argan oil for hair growth and reveal its numerous benefits for your hair and scalp.
The Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair
Before diving into how to use Argan oil, it is essential to understand its numerous benefits for hair health. Here are some of the most significant advantages of using Argan oil for your hair:
1. Moisturizes and Conditions
Argan oil is full of fatty acids, mainly oleic acid and linoleic acid, which help lubricate the hair shaft and maintain moisture. Additionally, Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which provides a fatty layer to your hair and scalp, preventing dryness and reducing frizziness while boosting shine.
2. Improves Scalp Health
Argan oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are good for the skin. These properties can help prevent or improve skin conditions, including those that can affect the scalp and cause hair loss, such as dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
3. Prevents Styling and Coloring Damage
The medium-chain fatty acids in Argan oil have a protective effect that can help prevent damage from washing and styling. Research shows that other oils rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid add a protective layer to the hair, improving combing force and protecting the hair from breakage during heat styling. Oil treatment also reduces the formation of split ends, resulting in thicker, healthier-looking hair.
4. Sun Protection
Argan oil has been used by Moroccan women for centuries to protect skin from sun damage. A 2013 study found that the antioxidant activity in Argan oil protected skin against free radical damage from the sun. This benefit may also extend to the hair, helping to prevent drying and other damage from ultraviolet rays.
5. Hair Loss Prevention
Though there is no specific research on Argan oil for hair loss, its proven benefits for hair and scalp health may prevent hair breakage and hair loss. Vitamin E, which is abundant in Argan oil, has been shown to improve hair growth in a small 2010 research study. The powerful antioxidants and nourishing fatty acids in Argan oil help keep your hair moisturized and protect against styling damage and free radical damage, resulting in less breakage and shedding.
How To Use Argan Oil For Hair Growth
Now that we know the benefits of Argan oil, let's explore the various ways you can incorporate it into your hair care routine for optimal hair growth and health.
1. Argan Oil Shampoo
Argan oil shampoo is great for revitalizing hair, promoting hair growth, and increasing hair thickness. It can make your hair shiny, soft, and reduce brittleness. The best part about an Argan oil shampoo is that you can use it like any other shampoo.
Squeeze a coin-sized amount of the shampoo on your palms and rub it into your scalp and along the length of your hair. Work up a lather and then rinse the shampoo with cool water. Use the shampoo once every two days to nourish and improve the appearance of your hair.
Quick Tip: You can add a few drops of Argan oil to your regular shampoo or use a store-bought shampoo with Argan oil as a listed ingredient.
2. Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner
Argan oil can be used as a leave-in conditioner for hair growth and rejuvenation. It is effective and chemical-free.
Take a few drops of Argan oil in your palm and rub your palms together. Finger-comb it through your washed hair gently and massage the scalp thoroughly.
3. Argan Oil Hair Mask
You can use pure Argan oil as a hair growth mask by leaving it overnight on your hair.
Take a liberal amount of oil in a bowl and warm it. Massage the oil into your scalp, hair, and tips. Start from the hairline and work your way backward, covering the sides. Continue the massage for 15 minutes.
Wrap your hair with a towel and leave it on overnight, allowing the oil to soak into your hair and scalp thoroughly. Wash your hair in the morning with a regular shampoo.
Leaving the hair mask overnight helps your hair absorb all the nutrients in Argan oil, making it incredibly smooth, soft, and shiny.
4. Argan Oil and Castor Oil Hair Mask
Castor oil works well with Argan oil, and both have similar benefits. Castor oil helps condition the hair and repairs hair damage. It prevents split ends and hair loss, and it also helps prevent dandruff. Since both oils are conditioners, this is an excellent hydrating mask.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 2 tablespoons of Argan oil
- 50-100 ml of coconut milk (depending on the length and thickness of your hair)
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients well in a container and apply the mask thoroughly to your hair and scalp.
- Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning with shampoo.
5. Argan Oil and Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Coconut oil and Argan oil are an ideal combination for hair growth. Both oils can penetrate the hair shaft and nourish from within, repairing damage and protecting it from UV radiation.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 10 drops of Argan oil
- Plastic comb
- Hair band
Method:
- Mix the Argan and coconut oil and keep it aside.
- Comb your hair.
- Apply the oil mixture to your hair and scalp, concentrating more on the lower half of the hair.
- After applying the oil throughout your hair, comb your hair again to distribute the oil mixture evenly.
- Tie your hair up in a knot and wear a hair cap.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off. You can even leave it overnight.
- Shampoo your hair the next morning.
Quick Tip: You can use Argan oil on both dry and wet hair. When applying it to wet hair, treat it as a leave-in conditioner and apply only a few drops to your hair, preferably from mid-length to the tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I use Argan oil?
Use Argan oil regularly for hair fortification. Use it 2-3 times a week to repair and condition your hair.
Do I have to dilute Argan oil before using it?
No, you need not dilute Argan oil before usage.
Is Argan oil better on wet or dry hair?
Either is fine. Argan oil works wonders at taming frizz when applied to dry hair, while it works as a heat protectant when applied to damp hair.
Can too much Argan oil damage hair?
Yes. Excess Argan oil may weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. The excess oil may clog the follicles, trapping dirt and sebum, leading to hair fall.
Which is better for hair growth, Argan oil or castor oil?
While neither oil has a clear advantage over the other, both may help keep your scalp healthy and boost healthy hair growth.
Is coconut oil better than Argan oil?
While both oils are nourishing and equally beneficial to your hair, coconut oil has a deeper penetrating effect and may prevent hair breakage and boost scalp health.
Key Takeaways
- Argan oil contains vitamin E and antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress-related hair fall.
- It imparts shine and smoothness to hair and reduces dandruff.
- Argan oil can be massaged directly on the scalp or used in the form of shampoos, conditioners, or hair masks.