Argan oil has become a go-to solution for healthy and nourished hair. This oil is packed with essential nutrients and is a natural remedy for dryness, frizz, and damage. If you want to add shine to your hair or boost the moisture level, argan oil is one of the products you should try. This guide breaks down exactly how to use argan oil for different purposes so you can make the most of it.
What is Argan Oil?
As the name suggests, argan oil is a natural oil extracted from argan tree kernels, native to Morocco and some parts of Algeria. This oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E and has been known for its ability to nourish and protect hair from damage. People struggling with dry and brittle locks can consider hair care with argan oil if they want to see noticeable differences within a short period.
Compared to other popular products, such as coconut oil, around 80% of argan oil is made of unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains tocopherols, which is a fat-soluble alcohol with high antioxidant properties.
Argan Oil Benefits for Hair
Argan oil offers lots of benefits to human hair. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect while using this product:
- Its rich nutrients strengthen hair and reduce frizz.
- It protects your hair against heat damage.
- It nourishes dry or chemically-treated hair.
- It locks in moisture and prevents split ends.
- It makes brushing your hair easy and manageable.
How to Use Argan Oil
When incorporating argan oil into your hair care routine, you should start by using a small amount. First, warm the oil in your hands, then apply it to dry or damp hair, focusing on the ends and lengths. Repeat this a few times a week for visible results. Hair care with argan oil is about consistency, so make sure you stick to a routine.
Use Argan Oil as a Hair Mask
Hair masks, unlike everyday hair conditioners, are left on the hair for a longer duration. This allows ingredients, like essential oils, to soak into the hair shaft for deeper hydration. Most people use hair masks to repair hair heat damage or as part of a regular hair care routine.
A hair mask with argan oil deeply nourishes hair, leaving it soft and healthy. The treatment coats hair strands, strengthening them from within. When you use the right ingredients and apply the treatment, a hair mask can make hair softer and more manageable. Here’s how to create a mask using argan oil.
Step 1: Mix Argan Oil with Other Essential Oils (Optional)
To get the most out of this treatment, mix argan oil with oils like Jojoba or coconut. After choosing your preferred products, mix them in a bowl to get one solution. While this step is optional, it is important if you have heavily damaged hair. Another thing to pay attention to is the labelling of each product you use. This is necessary to avoid the risk of introducing harmful chemicals.
Step 2: Apply Argan Oil Evenly to Your Hair
Before you apply the oil to your hair, section your strands, and then massage the oil into each section from roots to ends. Use your fingertips to ensure even distribution. Make sure that the treatment covers every strand.
Step 3: Wrap Your Hair to Lock in Moisture with a Towel
Once you are done applying the oil, wrap your hair in a warm towel or a shower cap. This traps heat, which helps the oil penetrate deeply into the hair shaft.
Step 4: Let the Hair Mask Absorb Nutrients
When using any product as a hair mask, it is advisable to always leave the treatment for some minutes. You can also let it sit overnight. During this time, the oil repairs damage and restores moisture.
Step 5: Shampoo and Condition to Complete the Treatment
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow up with a gentle shampoo. For added softness, finish off with a conditioner of choice. For the best results, choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
If you have oily hair, look for shampoos labelled as volumising or clarifying, as they help remove excess oil. You should also go for lightweight products such as tea tree oil and aloe vera shampoos.
Those with dry and weak hair should choose conditioners with keratin, as they can help strengthen damaged strands. Shampoos with shea butter or coconut oil are ideal for coily or curly hair since they add moisture to the strands. Thin and fine hair, however, works well with shampoos and conditioners that add thickness and body without weighing the hair down.
Use Argan Oil as a Scalp Treatment
Scalp problems like dandruff and dryness are often caused by buildup from products or underlying issues like fungal infections. Some routine care mistakes, such as over-washing or using harsh chemicals, can worsen the condition. One way to address scalp issues is to use natural products such as argan oil. Here’s how:
Step 1: Warm & Massage Argan Oil into Your Scalp
Warm a few drops of argan oil in your palms and gently massage it into your scalp. This will help improve blood circulation and ensure the oil reaches the hair follicles.
Step 2: Leave the Treatment to Work
Let the oil sit for 30 minutes or more. If your scalp feels particularly dry, leave it overnight with a shower cap on. The fatty acids and vitamin E in the oil will moisturise the scalp and help restore balance.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly with a Gentle Shampoo
Rinse the oil with lukewarm water and use a mild shampoo to clean your scalp without stripping natural oils. Any clarifying shampoo that is sulphate-free is ideal for washing out the argan oil since it cleans more deeply than regular shampoo; plus, it does a good job at removing any grease from the hair strands.
Use Argan Oil as a Leave-In Conditioner
If your hair is prone to detangling or you want to reduce frizz, leave-in conditioners can help repair the existing damage and make the hair easier to comb and brush. While leave-in conditioners are often available in many forms, they generally include oil sprays and creams.
Due to its lightweight nature and ability to repair damaged hair, argan oil is commonly used in most leave-in formulations. If you want to add moisture to your strands, argan oil will do so while boosting the hair’s strength. This is also a perfect solution for dealing with flyaways and adding softness to your hair.
Step 1: Wet Your Hair
Start with clean, damp hair. This helps the oil absorb better without weighing down your strands.
Step 2: Apply Argan Oil to the Hair
Take a small amount of oil and focus on the ends and lengths of your hair. Use a comb to distribute the oil evenly.
Use Argan Oil as a Hair Oil
Using argan oil as a daily hair growth product provides light hydration and reduces frizz. It is an easy and practical way to keep your hair manageable and shiny. All the tips we have shared above are customisable, so you can modify them as you see fit. However, you should be selective when choosing a hair care product to use with argan oil. A rule of thumb is to avoid combing it with hair products containing harmful ingredients such as parabens and formaldehyde.
If you want to restore your hair’s strength and shine but are unsure of the proper treatment solution, book a consultation session with us today. At Ladyandthehair, we take your hair health seriously, and we’ll conduct a thorough assessment to see if argan oil is the ideal product for your hair type and goals.
