What Argan Oil Is Used For and How to Apply It to Hair

Argan oil, often referred to as "liquid gold," is a natural elixir with an ancient and fascinating history. Extracted from the seeds of the Argan tree, native to Morocco, this precious oil is renowned for its multiple beneficial properties.

In this article, we will explore in detail what it is, what it is used for, and how to best use it to take advantage of all its qualities, focusing in particular on its benefits to the hair.

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the Argania Spinosa plant (also known under the name of Sideroxylon spinosum), which grows predominantly in the semi-arid regions of Morocco. The production of this oil is a laborious process, which involves the manual harvesting of the fruits, their drying in the sun and the subsequent cold pressing of the seeds. The result is an oil rich in nutrients and active ingredients that make it a true treasure for health and beauty.

The composition of Argan oil, in fact, is truly significant: fatty acids including polyphenols, flavonoids but also vitamins of groups A and E, phytosterols, xanthophylls, triterpene alcohols and carotenes, all natural substances that have broad beneficial effects.

But what are the main uses of Argan Oil?

The Various Uses of Argan Oil

Due to the richness of its nutrients and active ingredients, the uses of Argan oil are manifold:

• Skin care: Argan oil is highly effective in skincare due to its hydrating and regenerating properties. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, it helps keep the skin soft and elastic, combating dryness and flakiness. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for treating conditions like eczema and psoriasis, alleviating itching and irritation. Argan oil is also known to improve skin elasticity, making it ideal for preventing and reducing stretch marks.

• Anti-aging treatment: With its high concentration of vitamin E and antioxidants, Argan oil is a powerful ally in the fight against signs of aging. Its reparative and nourishing properties help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, smoothing out age-related skin creases. The antioxidants present in the oil protect the skin from the damaging action of free radicals, preventing the formation of new wrinkles and keeping the face young and radiant.

• Nail care: Argan oil is an excellent natural nail care treatment. Its nourishing properties help strengthen brittle nails and prevent them from breaking and flaking. Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, the oil easily penetrates the skin and nails, providing hydration and nourishment. Massaged regularly into nails and cuticles, it helps keep them soft and well cared for, promoting healthy, strong growth.

• Culinary use: Argan oil is not only a cosmetic product, but also has culinary applications. In some cultures, it is used purely as an edible oil because of its distinctive flavor and health benefits. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, Argan oil helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), promoting cardiovascular health.

The beneficial properties on hair

Having explored the many uses of Argan oil, it is time to focus more specifically on the specific benefits that this “liquid gold” offers to hair in particular.

Argan oil has become an indispensable product in many people's beauty routines due to its powerful properties and multiple functions; let's delve below into its main benefits:

• Deep hydration: firstly, Argan oil is a powerful moisturizer. Its light molecular structure and its main components, vitamin E and antioxidants, make Argan oil a widely used product for moisturizing particularly dry scalp, allowing rapid penetration into the hair shaft and providing deep hydration without weighing it down.

• Repairing and protective action: Argan oil, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, repairs damaged hair and strengthens it from root to tip. At the same time, it forms a protective barrier against the heat of the blow dryer and other styling tools, preventing further damage and breakage. It also protects the scalp from chemical and environmental aggressions, making it ideal for fragile and delicate hair that needs additional strengthening and protection.

• Frizz Control: Argan oil is known for its ability to control frizz and improve hair manageability. The essential fatty acids in the oil help smooth hair cuticles, reducing frizz and leaving hair silky and easy to comb. Its disciplining action also makes it especially useful for curly or wavy hair, which easily tends to become frizzy and unruly.

• Protection from external agents: Argan oil is also effective against the chemical action of products used in swimming pools and against the action of salt water mixed with sand, which can damage hair, making it dry and dull. In this sense, it creates a protective layer that prevents moisture from penetrating the scalp and the sun's rays from damaging the hair, effectively shielding UV radiation, just as sunscreens do.

The ESTĒREL’S ARGAN ELIXIR + Argan Oil for Hair and Skin is an excellent choice for taking full advantage of all the benefits of this precious oil. Its exclusive formula is enriched with natural ingredients such as pomegranate extracts, green tea and vitamin E, which offer nourishing, repairing and anti-aging action. This product brings shine and structure to all types of hair, including dry, damaged, colored and dull hair.

To achieve the best results and take full advantage of all its properties, it is important to know how to apply it correctly. In the next section, we will explore how to best use Argan oil on hair to maximize the benefits of this powerful product and enjoy optimal results.

How to best use it on hair

• Pre-shampoo treatment: before washing your hair, apply a generous amount of ARGAN ELIXIR + to dry hair, focusing on the ends and most damaged areas. Gently massage the scalp in circular motions to promote blood circulation. Leave on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for an intensive treatment. Proceed with shampoo and conditioner as usual.

• Conditioner or mask: add ARGAN ELIXIR + to your usual conditioner or mask. Two ml is enough, equivalent to 10 pumps. Apply it to your hair after shampooing, leaving it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. This will help boost the moisturizing and nourishing effect of the treatment.

• Styling oil: After washing and towel-drying your hair, apply ARGAN ELIXIR + to damp hair. Distribute evenly from lengths to ends and proceed with drying and styling as usual. This will help protect hair from the heat of styling tools and reduce frizz.

• Anti-frizz serum: to tame frizz and add shine, apply a small amount of ARGAN ELIXIR + to dry hair, focusing on the ends and most unruly areas. This will help keep hair disciplined and shiny throughout the day.

• Sun protection: apply the oil to your hair before sun exposure to create a protective layer that helps shield UV radiation, reducing the risk of dryness and damage. During exposure, reapply periodically to maintain protection and preserve your hair's shine.

An extra tip

Did you know that ARGAN ELIXIR + can also be used on the skin?

For an intense hydrating and silky action, apply after a shower or bath on dry skin and massage. Ideal for dry and dehydrated skin.

Excellent during exposure to the sun or UV rays (sun lamps) on already tanned skin to intensify the color and brightness of the tan.

In conclusion, Argan oil confirms itself as an indispensable ally in hair care, thanks to its extraordinary properties and incredible versatility of use.

By using this precious oil in the right ways, you can achieve visible and lasting results, improving not only the appearance but also the health of your hair. Including Argan oil into your beauty routine means investing in a natural and effective treatment that can elevate the beauty of hair and skin, keeping them in their best condition.