You must try argan oil for hair growth if you have not already! This miracle oil is extracted from the argan trees native to the Moroccan region. Its extraction is a tedious and expensive process, so no wonder it is dubbed as “Liquid Gold”. The hair care market is flooded with products with argan oil due to its nutrient-rich profile. Anecdotal evidence claims that it can improve scalp health and boost hair growth. But, is there any truth to it? Or is it just another marketing trend? We suggest you learn more about the benefits of using argan oil for your hair right here. Scroll down.

What Makes Argan Oil Good For Hair?

Argan oil consists of vitamin E, sterols, polyphenols, ferulic acid, carotenoids, squalene, and essential fatty acids (1). They are all excellent emollients that help to condition and moisturize hair.

• Vitamin E contains tocopherols that have good antioxidant properties.
• The essential fatty acids – oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, and stearidonic acid – have antioxidant properties. These antioxidant properties help reduce free radicals and eliminate oxidative stress that causes hair fall. They also fight against cell damage and premature aging.
• It also contains beta-carotene and carotenoids that protect the hair from UV radiation and free radical damage (2).
• It contains polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to improve scalp and hair health (1).
• Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that protects the hair from UV damage and photoaging (3).
• Squalene, also naturally found in sebum, helps cell growth. It also has antioxidant, detoxifying, and emollient properties (4). Thus, it can keep your hair moisturized and protected from free radical damage.
• Sterols are moisture retainers, which may help keep hair nourished and hydrated.

Discussed below are the benefits of using argan oil for the hair.

Benefits of Argan Oil For Hair

1. Argan oil improves skin hydration and maintains its water-holding capacity (5). It moisturizes the hair and scalp and forms a protective layer around the hair.
2. Argan oil imparts shine and smoothness to hair and tames frizz.
3. Argan oil prevents hair from becoming brittle. It promotes elasticity, thereby strengthening hair shafts (1).
4. Argan oil can protect hair from hair coloring damage. A study showed that argan oil helped rejuvenate colored hair (6).
5. Argan oil’s protective seal also rescues hair from damage by styling tools and chemicals (7).
6. Argan oil contains the needed nutrients to help rejuvenate damaged hair.
7. Argan oil protects hair porosity. Hair often absorbs water easily, which leaves the shafts open to hair damage. Argan oil increases the hair’s hydrophobicity (7).
8. Argan oil penetrates the hair’s cortex and nourishes the hair shaft. It also repairs any hair damage from within.
9. Argan oil contains vitamin E, which helps reduce lipid peroxidation (8). Lipid peroxidation is the process of deterioration of lipids due to the oxidative free radicals. Vitamin E helps reduce oxidative stress, which is one of the main causes of hair fall and hair damage.
10. Argan oil has antioxidant properties that help protect the hair from heat and sun damage.
11. Argan oil, on consistent usage, reduces and prevents hair loss.
12. Argan oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties (9). These properties suggest that it can improve scalp health and prevent fungal infections like dandruff.
13. Argan oil helps increase the production of keratin, stimulating hair growth. It also helps extend the life of hair follicles.

Now that we are aware of how argan oil benefits hair health, let us take a look at a few ways to incorporate argan oil into your hair care routine.

How To Use Argan Oil For Hair

1. Argan Oil Shampoo

Argan oil shampoo is great for revitalizing hair and promoting hair growth. It can make the hair shiny and soft and reduce brittleness. The best part about an argan oil shampoo is that you can use it like any other shampoo.

Squeeze a coin-sized amount of the shampoo on your palms and rub it into your scalp and along the length of your hair. Work up a lather and then rinse the shampoo with cool water. Use the shampoo once in two days to nourish and improve the appearance of your hair.

2. Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner

An argan oil conditioner is ideal for hair growth. You can use pure argan oil as a leave-in conditioner. It is effective and chemical-free.

Take in a few drops of argan oil in your palm and rub your palms together. Finger it through your washed hair gently and massage the scalp thoroughly.

3. Argan Oil Mask

You can also use pure argan oil as a mask for hair growth by leaving it overnight on your hair.

Take a liberal amount of oil in a bowl and warm it. Massage the oil into your scalp, hair, and tips. Begin from the hairline and work your way backward, covering the sides. Continue the massage for 15 minutes.

Wrap your hair with a towel and leave it on overnight, allowing the oil to soak into your hair and scalp thoroughly. Wash your hair in the morning with a regular shampoo.

Leaving the hair mask overnight helps your hair absorb all the nutrients in argan oil. It becomes incredibly smooth, soft, and shiny.

4. Argan Oil And Castor Oil Mask

Castor oil works well with argan oil, and both have similar benefits. Castor oil helps condition the hair and repairs hair damage (10). It prevents split ends and hair loss. It also helps prevent dandruff. Since both oils are conditioners, this is an excellent hydrating mask.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of castor oil
• 2 tablespoons of argan oil
• 50-100 ml of coconut milk (depending on the length and thickness of your hair)

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients well in a container and apply the mask thoroughly to your hair and scalp.
2. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning with shampoo.

5. Argan Oil And Coconut Oil Mask

Coconut oil and argan oil is another ideal combination for hair growth. Both oils can penetrate the hair shaft and nourish from within (11). They can repair damage and protect it from UV radiation.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 10 drops of argan oil
• Plastic comb
• Hair band

Method

1. Mix the argan and coconut oil and keep it aside.
2. Comb your hair.
3. Apply the oil mixture to your hair and scalp. Concentrate more on the lower half of the hair.
4. After applying the oil throughout your hair, comb your hair again to distribute the oil mixture evenly.
5. Tie your hair up in a knot and wear a hair cap.
6. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off. You can even leave it overnight.
7. Shampoo your hair the next morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I use argan oil?

Use argan oil regularly for hair growth. Use it 2-3 times a week to repair and condition your hair.

Do I have to dilute argan oil before using it?

No, you need not dilute argan oil before usage.