You may have come across several skincare products that include argan oil as an ingredient. But it turns out, the benefits of argan oil aren't just for the skin. There are a number of argan oil benefits for hair.
Argan oil is an oil derived from the seed extract of the Argan tree in Morocco. For centuries, argan oil has been used for a wide variety of purposes such as cooking, as well as home remedies for skin problems.
In addition, argan oil can also be found in hair care products. Argan oil was chosen because it contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, which is beneficial for the scalp and hair. So, what are the benefits of argan oil for hair?
Argan oil benefits for hair
The benefits of argan oil for hair cannot be separated from the vitamin E content in it. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has various benefits, especially in maintaining healthy skin and hair.
A number of argan oil benefits for hair that you can get, including:
1. Keep hair moisturized
The content of oleic and linoleic fatty acids in argan oil has a function to smoothen the hair shaft. When the hair shaft is properly lubricated, the moisture is also preserved.
Meanwhile, the vitamin E contained in argan oil can help prevent dry scalp and make hair look shinier.
2. Improve scalp health
Argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent and repair damage to the scalp. Some of the problems on the scalp that can be overcome by using argan oil are psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
In addition, research says that argan oil has antifungal properties that can help treat infections that cause dandruff. Sometimes, dandruff is caused by a fungal infection of your scalp.
3. Prevent damage due to styling and coloring
The oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids in argan oil have a protective effect to help prevent damage from styling using a comb or straightener. In addition, the use of argan oil can reduce the formation of hair ends, so that your hair will look thicker and healthier.
Not only does it protect your hair from styling damage, but argan oil also prevents the damage that can arise when you do hair coloring. According to studies released in 2013, the use of argan oil for hair is said to reduce the impact of dye damage.
4. Protects from exposure to ultraviolet rays
In Morocco, argan oil has been used for centuries to protect the skin from sun damage. A study released in 2013 said this ability could not be separated from the antioxidant content in argan oil.
Not only the skin, but these protective benefits are also received by the hair. Argan oil is known to help prevent dry hair and other damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
5. Prevent hair loss
The vitamin E content in argan oil can help prevent hair breakage and loss. In addition, a study in 2010 said that the application of argan oil can increase hair growth.
The antioxidants present in argan oil can also protect against free radical damage to hair. One of the potential damages caused by free radicals is hair loss.
How to use argan oil on hair?
The use of argan oil on your hair depends on the type of product you are using. Argan oil can be found in the form of hair masks, shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.
Here's how to use argan oil for the right hair:
1. Pure argan oil
You can use pure argan oil by applying it directly to your hair. If this is the first time you are using argan oil, apply it in small amounts to first know the effects it has.
Before applying argan oil, dry your hair first with a towel. If you have no problem using this oil, apply 2 to 3 drops of argan oil to your hair.
Once evenly distributed, dry, and style your hair as usual. To get maximum benefits, you can repeat the use of argan oil for hair 1 or 2 times a week.
2. Hair mask
When worn in shape hair mask, You can start by applying 8 to 10 drops of argan oil to your hair and scalp. The amount can be adjusted based on the length of your hair.
Massage the hair and scalp for 10 minutes and make sure all parts are lubricated with a hair mask. After that, wrap your hair in a towel, then let it sit overnight. In the morning, after waking up, rinse your hair using clean water.
3. Shampoo
Before applying it to your hair, mix the same amount of shampoo as you shampooed with a drop or two of argan oil. After that, rub your hands together so that the shampoo and argan oil are evenly mixed.
When it is evenly mixed, use the shampoo with the argan oil mixture to wash it, then rinse with clean water when finished. Repeat this method every two or three days.
4. Hairdresser
Argan oil can be used as a hair styling product. Unlike other styling products that can cause damage, using argan oil can make hair feel smoother and protect it from damage.
If you are going to use it as a hairdresser, apply 1 or 2 drops of argan oil to the palms of your hands. After that, massage the scalp using the palms that have been smeared with argan oil, then style your hair as desired. Before using it, make sure your hair is dry and clean.
Can argan oil grow hair?
The abundant vitamin E content in argan oil has been shown to promote hair growth. Apart from that, argan oil can also help maintain scalp health. If the scalp is healthy, the chances of hair loss are reduced.
