Know the Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair

For most people, especially women, hair is a crown that perfects appearance. Various kinds of treatments were carried out in order to beautify the "crown", including applying natural ingredients, such as argan oil. Is it true that argan oil has benefits for hair? Come on, see the discussion about argan oil below! Argan oil is derived from the seeds of the argan tree (Argania spinosa) which is commonly found in Morocco. This oil contains various types of vegetable fats (sterols) and fatty acids, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. In addition, argan oil also contains vitamin E, omega-3, and antioxidants polyphenols, beta-carotene, and xanthophyll. Thanks to its properties, this oil has long been used as food, traditional medicine, as well as skin and hair care ingredients.

Benefits of Argan Oil on Hair

Argan oil has many health benefits, one of which is for hair health. Following is the role of argan oil in maintaining healthy hair:

1. Provide nutrition and keep hair moisturized

Argan oil is rich in nutrients that are beneficial for hair health. Oleic acid and linoleic acid contained in it will coat the scalp and the outer portion of the hair shaft (cuticle), and maintain hair moisture.

2. Maintain healthy scalp

In addition to moisturizing, argan oil is also able to overcome inflammation and accelerate wound healing on the scalp. Vitamin E, polyphenols, carotenoids, fatty acids, and xanthophils in argan oil act as antioxidants that function to protect the skin, suppress the inflammatory process, and accelerate healing of scalp wounds.

3. Makes hair smooth, shiny, and easy to manage

Argan oil can function as a conditioner to make hair shiny, smoother, and easier to comb and manage. Argan oil is also good for helping to deal with frizz.

4. Repair damaged hair

Argan oil is useful for repairing hair damage due to the styling process that uses heat (heat styling) or chemicals, such as hair dye. The chemicals in hair dye can destroy hair protein so that the hair becomes easily damaged. Linoleic acid and oleic acid in argan oil can reduce the amount of protein that is destroyed, as well as protecting hair from the heat styling process, because both fatty acids will coat the hair shaft. In addition, treatment with argan oil can prevent split ends and deal with brittle hair, so the hair will become thicker and healthier.

5. Prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth

Vitamin E in argan oil is said to increase hair growth and strengthen its structure. There is research that also states that argan oil can prevent hair loss. However, there are not many studies that discuss this so the benefits have not been ascertained.

How to use Argan Oil on Hair

There are 2 types of argan oil that are commonly applied to the hair, namely pure argan oil and argan oil that has been processed and added to hair care products. The following is how to apply argan oil to the hair according to the type used.

Pure argan oil

There are various ways to use pure argan oil on hair, including:

• Apply a few drops of argan oil to the tip of the wet hair before the hair is dried.
• Warm one or two teaspoons of argan oil, then rub it on the hair and give a little massage to the scalp. Let stand half an hour, then rinse hair with cold water.
• Mix 1-2 drops of argan oil in the shampoo or conditioner to be used. This method can be done 3x per week.
• Use it as a hair mask by applying 8-10 drops of pure argan oil to the hair and massaging the scalp for 10 minutes. After that, wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap, and leave it overnight. Rinse the hair the next morning.

Refined argan oil

If you use a hair care product (shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, or hair mask) that has argan oil in it, use the product according to the method and usage rules stated on the product packaging. So many, right, the benefits of argan oil for hair? Even products containing argan oil are very easy to find. Its use is also not too complicated, so it can be done alone at home. Although so far the use of argan oil for hair health is considered safe, but if you experience itching and irritation on the scalp or appear dandruff after using argan oil, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.