Background of Argan Oil: Where It Comes From and How It Is Extracted
As mentioned previously, Argan oil is a rare and valuable oil due to its source. The Argan tree, which is mainly found in Morocco and only grows in a specific area, produces Argan oil.
It is difficult to obtain Argan oil as one Argan tree is not sufficient to produce enough oil. In fact, 8 Argan trees are needed to produce 1 liter of Argan oil.
Native Moroccans extract Argan oil from the nuts that grow on the Argan tree. To extract Argan oil, the seeds are dry-pressed using a machine. This process allows the oil to last longer in storage, typically between 12 to 18 months.
Argan oil is also rich in various nutrients, including vitamin E, carotenoids, ferulic acid, phytosterols, polyphenols, and 80% unsaturated fatty acids comprising oleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearidonic acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid.
For more information about the background of this oil, check out this YouTube video documentary by Business Insider.
Is Argan Oil Good for Type 4 Natural Hair?
Yes! Due to its composition of small molecules, Argan oil can provide deep moisture for natural hair.
After applying moisturizing cream to your hair, use Argan oil to lock in the moisture. The oil will create a protective layer around your hair, keeping it hydrated for a longer period of time.
One notable feature of this oil is that it easily absorbs into your hair, instead of just sitting on top of it.
6 Benefits of Argan Oil for Natural Hair
1. It promotes hair growth
Argan oil contains vitamin E and natural phenols, which can thicken and strengthen your hair follicles to promote growth.
You can massage Argan oil into your scalp once a week or apply it to your hair strands, either on damp hair or hair you have applied moisturizing cream on.
2. It soothes irritated or damaged scalp
Argan oil's anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants can protect your scalp from irritation and damage. It can also help reduce scalp irritation and damage.
To treat an irritated or damaged scalp, massage Argan oil into your scalp and leave it overnight. Repeat three times a week while monitoring results.
Argan oil can also fight dandruff and soothe itching. Massage a few drops of oil into your scalp three times weekly..
3. It repairs damaged hair
Dyes, chemical ingredients, and heat applications can damage hair over time, resulting in hair thinning, hair breakage, hair loss, or dullness.
The small molecules in Argan oil can deeply penetrate your hair follicles and shafts to help reverse the damage. To reverse hair damage, massage a few drops of Argan oil into your hair three times weekly, preferably at night..
4. It prevents hair breakage and hair loss
Argan oil's antioxidants and vitamin E can help strengthen hair to prevent breakage and loss.
Massage a few drops of oil into your hair three times weekly to prevent hair breakage and loss.
5. It moisturizes natural hair
Pure Argan oil is an excellent moisturizer. If you have dry, frizzy, or dull hair, Argan oil can help moisturize and restore shine.
Argan oil contains oleic acid, which locks moisture into hair for a long time until you wash it out.
6. It protects natural hair from heat damage
As a natural, you may use heat-styling tools such as curling irons, blow dryers, and hair straighteners. To avoid hair damage, apply Argan oil to your hair before using heat-styling tools. It forms a protective layer against heat damage.
How to Use Argan Oil for Natural Hair
Now that you know the benefits of Argan oil for your natural hair, how can you use it?
1. As a moisturizer or sealant
You can use Argan oil either as a moisturizer or a sealant. As a moisturizer, it helps keep your hair hydrated for a long time until you wash it off.
As a sealant, it locks in the moisturizer in your hair, keeping your hair hydrated until you wash it off.
2. To condition your natural hair
Argan oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E, which are properties every good hair conditioner should have.
Using Argan oil on your hair helps it penetrate your strands, making it easy to detangle, more manageable, and well-moisturized.
3. As a hair mask
If you have damaged hair due to dyes, chemicals, or heat styling tools, using Argan oil can help restore it to a healthy state.
To use as a hair mask, generously coat your hair with Argan oil and cover it with a shower cap for 30 minutes. You can do this once a week and monitor the progress for results.
4. To protect against the sun
For naturals who live in hot areas, you may notice that your hair gets dry quickly and can also get damaged by the sun.
When massaged into the hair, the antioxidants in Argan oil help to protect your hair from the sun's damage..
How to Spot Fake Argan Oil From Real One
As emphasized in this article, Argan oil is rare because its trees are not available everywhere. Manufacturers of Argan oil have to extract and package the oil from its trees, which are found only in Morocco, at great expense. Therefore, the oil is expensive.
Scamming companies take advantage of this and package fake or diluted oil as Argan oil, selling it at ridiculous prices. So, how can you tell if Argan oil is fake or real? Here are some helpful tips:
1. Check the label
Argan oil should have only Argania Spinosa or Argan oil listed on its label. If it contains fragrances, water, or paraffin, it has been diluted and will not be effective on your hair.
2. Avoid those in large bottles
Because Argan oil comes from rare trees, it should only come in small bottles. Argan oil in large bottles has been diluted with other oils or fillers.
3. Smell and feel
Because it is extracted from nuts, original Argan oil has a natural, nutty scent. If it has a pleasant fragrance, it has been diluted with chemicals.
After smelling, test the oil's consistency by feeling it. Genuine Argan oil should not be too watery or too sticky, it should have the right consistency.