How To Use Argan Oil for Thick Hair Growth?

Are you looking for that one single product to sort out most of your styling and hair care needs? Well, the nutrient-rich argan oil can help you bid adieu to split ends and frizz, and give you healthy hair.

Its heat-resistant properties also allow you to step out during the day without the worry of sun damage. Read on to know the various benefits of argan oil for your hair and how to best use it for your hair type.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Argan oil is a sealing type of oil. This makes it a great moisturizer as it seals in the moisture and prevents water loss.”

Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor Of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• What Is Argan Oil?
• Is Argan Oil Good For Hair Growth?
• What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil For Your Hair?
• How To Use Argan Oil For Hair?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Argan Oil For Hair

What Is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is a popular seed oil extracted from the kernels of Argania Spinosa or argan fruit. Initially, the extraction process was manual and labor-intensive, as the pits had to be cracked to reach the kernel and then the kernel pressed to extract the oil. This made the oil expensive and limited its availability.

However, now with modern extraction methods, this vitamin E-rich oil of Moroccan origin is easier to extract. Considered a super-ingredient, it is now added to various hair care products.

Is Argan Oil Good For Hair Growth?

Argan oil holds the ability to rejuvenate damaged tresses and form a protective layer that prevents dryness and makes the hair shaft resistant to split ends and breakage. Such healthy hair has good density, structural strength and smooth texture.

In recent years, a study was conducted to measure the antioxidant properties of argan oil on human hair. While the hair shafts were directly exposed to oxidative damage in one group, hair tresses of the other groups were pre-treated with argan oil. The results showed significantly reduced free radical hair damage in tresses that had received argan oil treatment, thus proving its powerful antioxidant properties.

As per Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, “Argan oil is a sealing type of oil. This makes it a great moisturizer as it seals in the moisture and prevents water loss. As it sits on the hair shaft after application, it exerts a protective effect against heat and sun damage.”

Argan oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce scalp inflammation, treat dandruff conditions and create a favorable environment for healthy hair growth.

What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil For Your Hair?

1. Repairs Dry, Damaged Hair

Constant interactions with bleaches, chemicals, straighteners and harmful UV rays of the sun can damage the cuticle layer of your hair. This causes loss of essential moisture from the hair fiber, leading to dull, damaged tresses. Argan oil has a high content of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids.

While palmitic and stearic are often added to hair care products for their softening properties, oleic and linoleic acids help moisturize and nourish dry strands. Argan oil easily penetrates the hair strands and keeps them hydrophobic, [2] thus preventing unwanted swelling and breakage of the hair fiber and split ends.

2. Protects From Sun And Heat Damage

Argan oil is one of those few seed oils that can withstand high temperatures and remain stable even after twenty-four hours of heating [3]. This makes it a perfect heat protectant that can be applied to your hair strands during the use of heat styling tools. It can also protect your tresses from direct sunlight-induced hair damage.

3. Prevents Free Radical Damage And Hair Loss

Your hair immunity can be impaired with increased oxidative stress. This can cause various hair issues that lead to hair loss. As you age, your immune cells begin to produce more free radicals that disrupt the oxidant/antioxidant balance in your body. Antioxidants like tocopherol or Vitamin E along with carotenoids, xanthophylls [4] and polyphenols present in argan oil help to reduce age-related oxidative stress on your hair.

Further, according to recent research, the presence of two compounds namely melatonin and coenzyme Q10 is responsible for argan oil’s high antioxidant potential. Thus, topical application of virgin argan oil helps improve scalp health, and prevents premature hair greying and hair loss.

4. May Prevent Alopecia

Studies have found a direct link between alopecia areata (AA) and increased oxidative stress in the body. AA is an inflammatory condition triggered by immune dysfunction, causing diffuse or complete hair loss. Vitamin E supplementation [5] is often prescribed to alopecia patients to restore the antioxidant/oxidant balance and reduce the effects of the conditions.

Being rich in natural plant antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, argan oil can be used as a combination treatment with other medications to prevent hair loss and stimulate new hair growth in people diagnosed with alopecia.

5. Treats Dandruff And Scalp Inflammation

Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis occurs due to an inflammatory immune response to the over-proliferation of the naturally residing Malassezia yeast on your scalp. Argan oil contains various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds such as CoQ(10) [6], melatonin [7], catechins [8] and other polyphenols that help treat scalp inflammation.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is often used to inhibit inflammatory cytokines [9] and treat chronic inflammatory diseases [10]. Melatonin protects your tissues and prevents their damage during an inflammatory condition. Thus, frequent application of argan oil can reduce scalp diseases and ensure enhanced scalp health.

6. May Stimulate New Hair Growth

Frequent scalp massages with argan oil not only protects your hair from external damages but may also promote the growth of new hair. Apart from tocopherols (vitamin E), argan oil also contains other plant phenols such as oleuropein, [11] that are known to prolong the anagen or growth phase of the hair cycle.

How To Use Argan Oil For Hair?

A. Hot Oil Treatment

Take a generous amount of cold-pressed virgin argan oil in a bowl and heat it slightly. Now gently massage it onto your scalp and through the length of your hair starting from the root to the tips. Now secure your hair into a bun and wrap a warm, moist towel over it. Let your hair absorb the goodness of the oil for an hour and wash off.

B. Argan Oil Hair Mask

To treat dry, frizzy hair, add 2 tablespoons of argan oil to 2 tablespoons of ripe avocado paste and 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Mix well and apply on your hair and scalp and wash off after 30 minutes.

For dandruff-prone scalp, add 2-3 tablespoons of argan oil to 1 tablespoon each of hibiscus, methi and neem powders. Mix and apply on your scalp. Leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes and gently wash off with lukewarm water.

To promote thick hair growth, mix 1 tablespoon each of argan and bhringraj oils. Add this to 1 tablespoon each of amla and jatamansi powders. Massage this lepa on your scalp and hair and leave it on for an hour before washing off.

C. Shampoo

A few drops of argan oil can be added to your regular shampoo to prevent dryness and frizz that usually follows a hair wash.

To prepare a detoxing argan oil shampoo, pre-soak 2 tablespoons of reetha and shikakai powders. Boil the mixture on medium flame till it turns frothy. Cool the mixture, strain and add a few drops of argan oil to it. Use it to wash your hair 2-3 times a week for clean, healthy scalp and shiny hair.

D. Conditioner

Argan oil can be added to your existing conditioner to repair damaged tresses. Alternatively, you can add ½ tablespoon of argan oil to 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and use it as a leave-in conditioner or serum after washing your hair.

For smooth, shiny tresses, add ½ tablespoon of argan oil to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and apply through the length of your hair. Leave it on for a couple of minutes and wash off with cold water.

To tame dry, frizzy hair, melt ½ tablespoon of shea butter and add ½ tablespoon of argan oil and 1 tablespoon of ripe banana paste to it. Apply this on your hair and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off.

Vedix Tip:

Slightly heat a bowl of organic argan oil and add your favorite ‘keshya’ herbs (hair benefiting herbs) to it such as methi, curry leaves, hibiscus, amla etc. Transfer the contents to a jar and let the herbs soak for a few days. Strain the oil and use it to promote healthy hair growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Argan Oil For Hair

1. How Often Do You Use Argan Oil On Hair?

Argan oil being non-comedogenic in nature can be used frequently about 2-3 times a week. When applied, this nutrient-rich oil enriches the hair shaft and keeps your hair smooth and silky. Since its effect easily lasts a few days, regular application of argan oil on your hair is not required.

2. When To Use Argan Oil On Hair?

Argan oil can be used anytime your hair feels coarse and dry. Applying argan oil helps to improve your hair texture, boost shine and prevent split ends and frizz.

3. Should You Use Argan Oil On Wet Or Dry Hair?

This completely depends on the purpose of usage. To detangle your hair after a wash or use argan oil as a pre-treatment before heat styling, apply it on wet/damp hair. As wet hair absorbs the oil better, a couple of drops is enough. If using argan oil as a leave-in conditioner to avoid frizz, apply it on dry hair.

The Last Word

Argan oil is a nutrient-rich oil that is especially beneficial if your hair is prone to dryness, breakage and dandruff. Those with curly hair can also benefit from including argan oil into their hair care regimen. It gently detangles and softens your hair allowing it to fall into its natural curly pattern. Since a little amount goes a long way with this oil, use it mindfully to avoid greasiness and watch your tresses grow thick, long and strong.