How To Use Argan Oil For Hair Growth

You must try argan oil, an essential 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, overall it’s a scalp therapy. 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.

Know Your Ingredient: Argan Oil

What Is It?
Oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree.

What Are Its Benefits?
Argan oil moisturizes the scalp, forms a protective layer and makes hair smooth and shiny, tames frizz, strengthens hair shafts, protects from color damage, and rejuvenates colored hair.

Who Can Use It?
Suitable for all hair types.

How Often?
2 to 3 times a week is enough for strong and conditioned hair.

Caution
Individuals who are allergic to tree nuts should avoid using argan oil.

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 stressⁱ  XAn imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can increase the risk of gray hair and hair loss. 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).
  
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• Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that protects the hair from UV damage and photoagingⁱ  XAn aging process characterized by loss of color and brittle and dull hair due to prolonged exposure to solar radiation. (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 colored hair rejuvenation (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, making it a rejuvenating oil that helps 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 hydrophobicityⁱ  XThe physical property of a molecule that repels water, reducing surface friction of your hair and preventing it from further damage. (7).
8. Argan oil penetrates the hair’s cortex and nourishes the hair shaft. It also repairs any hair damage from within.
   
   Related: How To Repair Damaged Hair | Types, Causes, And Remedies
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.
    
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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.

Doro Cubillo, a YouTuber, shared her experience of using argan oil on hair, “I am not kidding when I said that I’m so impressed with these results because in only eight hours argan oil made my hair a little bit more fuller than before. Hair looks super silky as you can see, and the most impressive thing is that my hair feels extremely soft (i).”

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

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.

Quick Tip

You can add a few drops of argan oil to your regular shampoo or use a store-bought shampoo with argan oil as a listed ingredient.

2. Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner

This conditioning oil is ideal for hair growth and hair rejuvenation. 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 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.

Quick Tip

You can use argan oil on both dry and wet hair. When applying it to wet hair, treat it as a leave-in conditioner and apply only a few drops to your hair, preferably from mid-length to the tips.

While argan oil is widely acclaimed for its beneficial properties, it’s essential to be aware of its potential disadvantages too. Learn more in the next section.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Argan Oil?

1. Overuse: Excessive application can lead to greasy, weighed-down hair and diminish hair volume and manageability.
2. Cost: Pure, high-quality argan oil can be pricey and may not be affordable to all.
3. Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or irritation following the use of the oil.
4. Silicone Additives: Some argan oil products may contain added silicones that may offer temporary shine but may cause product buildup over time.
5. Styling Challenges: Heavy argan oil might not be suitable for fine or thin hair as it can make it appear limp.

Infographic: 5 Ways To Use Argan Oil For Your Hair

Argan oil moisturizes the hair and scalp, forms a protective layer around the hair, imparts shine and smoothness, and tames frizz. It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can improve scalp health and prevent fungal infections like dandruff. Check out the below infographic to understand how you can use argan oil to rejuvenate your damaged hair.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I use argan oil?

Use argan oil regularly for hair fortification. 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.

Is argan oil better on wet or dry hair?

Either is fine. Argan oil works wonders at taming frizz when applied to dry hair, while it works as a heat protectant when applied to damp hair.

Can too much argan oil damage hair?

Yes. Excess argan oil may weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. The excess oil may clog the follicles, trapping dirt and sebum, leading to hair fall.

Which is better for hair growth, argan oil or castor oil?

While neither oil has a clear advantage over the other, both may help keep your scalp healthy and boost healthy hair growth.

Is coconut oil better than argan oil?

While both oils are nourishing and equally beneficial to your hair, coconut oil has a deeper penetrating effects and may prevent hair breakage and boost scalp health.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Sravya TipirneniMBBS, MD DVL, AMPH (ISB)

     

Dr. Sravya Chowdary Tipirneni is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist with 7 years of experience and practices at Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, India. She is a life member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists and Leprologists and the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India (ASCI). Dr. Sravya completed her MBBS from Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences &...more

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Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

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