Let's talk about Argan oil for natural hair.
It's a natural remedy that's been used for centuries and has major benefits for Type 4 curls. Argan oil is packed with fatty acids and antioxidants that make your hair more manageable and promote growth. It's especially helpful for reducing frizz and preventing breakage—two common issues for natural hair, which is delicate and susceptible to damage.
But what exactly is Argan oil and why does it work so well for natural hair? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about using Argan oil for natural hair, including benefits, usage tips, natural product pairings, how to spot fake Argan oil, and possible side effects. Get ready for softer, healthier curls!
What Is Natural Hair?
Before we talk about Argan oil, let’s talk a bit about natural hair. When we talk about natural hair, we’re referring to hair that hasn’t been chemically processed to alter its texture, characterized by its coil, curl or wave patterns. These can range from loose waves (Type 2-3) to tightly coiled curls (Type 4). It can also have varying textures, from fine and thin to coarse and wiry.
👉 Get longer, fuller curls instantly with HeyCurls curly hair extensions!
One of the biggest challenges in managing natural hair is its tendency to be dry and brittle. Natural oils from the scalp have a difficult time traveling down the hair shaft due to the curl pattern, which can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Another challenge is that natural hair is often more prone to tangling and matting, which can make detangling and styling more difficult.
Because natural hair is delicate, it's important to use gentle and natural hair care products that won't strip the hair of its oils or cause further damage. Regular deep conditioning and moisturizing treatments are also essential to maintaining healthy, strong hair.
Enter Argan oil…otherwise known as “liquid gold”.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a natural oil that comes from the kernels of the Argan tree, native to Morocco. If you’ve ever heard Argan oil being referred to as Moroccan oil, this is why! The oil has been used for centuries by Moroccan women as a natural remedy for a variety of skin and hair issues. Argan oil is high in fatty acids and antioxidants, which help to moisturize and nourish the hair, leaving it softer, more manageable, and less prone to breakage.
In recent years, Argan oil has become increasingly popular in the beauty industry as a natural hair care product. It's commonly used as a leave-in treatment or as an ingredient in hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. Argan oil can also be used as a styling product to add shine and reduce frizz.
Due to its popularity, there are many different brands and types of argan oil available on the market. It's important to choose high-quality, pure Argan oil to ensure that you're getting the full benefits. When used properly, Argan oil can be a game-changer for natural hair, helping to nourish, protect, and enhance your curls.
Benefits of Argan Oil for Natural Hair
Moisturizing properties
One of the biggest benefits of Argan oil is that it has excellent moisturizing properties, which is much needed for those with natural or curly hair. It can help to hydrate dry hair and scalp, which can lead to less breakage and more overall hair health.
Anti-frizz properties
If you struggle with frizzy hair, Argan oil may be a game-changer for you. It can help to smooth and tame unruly curls, leaving you with a sleek and polished look.
Nourishing properties
Argan oil is packed with vitamins and nutrients that can help to nourish and strengthen your hair. It contains antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, all of which can promote healthy hair growth.
Protection against heat damage
If you frequently use hot styling tools like flat irons or curling wands (although we don’t recommend it!), you may be causing damage to your hair. However, Argan oil can help to protect your hair from heat damage by forming a protective barrier around each strand. This can help to prevent split ends and breakage.
How Argan Oil Helps With Hair Growth
Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which work together to nourish the hair follicles and scalp. By applying Argan oil to your scalp and massaging it in, you can improve blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth. Argan oil’s moisturizing properties can also help to prevent hair breakage, which can inhibit hair growth, as well as reduce inflammation on the scalp, which leads to healthier hair. Overall, incorporating Argan oil into your hair care routine can be a great way to support longer, stronger hair.
How to Use Argan Oil on Natural Hair
Pre-shampoo treatment
Apply a few drops of the oil to your hair and scalp, massaging it in gently. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for a more intensive treatment) before shampooing as normal. This will help deeply moisturize your hair and prepare it for washing.
Hot oil treatment
If you have low porosity hair, this is a good way to help hair strands better absorb the oil. Warm up a small amount of Argan oil in a bowl of hot water or in the microwave. Apply the warm oil to your hair and scalp, working it in from the roots to the tips. Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing.
👉 Not sure what porosity your hair is? Check out our ultimate guide to hair porosity.
Leave-in conditioner
After shampooing and conditioning your hair, apply a small amount of argan oil to the ends of your hair, working it in gently. You can also use a spray bottle to mist your hair with a diluted mixture of argan oil and water for a lighter application. This will help to keep your hair moisturized throughout the day.
Hint: you can also use rose water for the same effect!
Styling product
To use argan oil as a styling product, apply a small amount of the oil to your palms and rub them together. Then, work the oil through your hair, focusing on the ends. This will help to smooth and tame frizz, leaving your hair looking shiny and healthy. Just use a tiny amount though, to avoid your hair looking greasy.
How to Buy High-Quality Argan Oil
Not all Argan oils are the same. When looking to buy high-quality argan oil, there are a few key factors to consider.
Pure and organic: Look for Argan oil that’s 100% pure and organic, with no added ingredients or fillers.
Cold-pressed: This means the oil has been extracted from the nuts using a mechanical process that preserves the oil's natural nutrients and antioxidants.
Look, smell, and feel: High-quality argan oil should have a golden or yellowish color, a mild nutty aroma, and a non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly into your hair and skin. Try rubbing it between your fingers first, and if it feels super greasy and doesn’t absorb quickly, chances are it’s of low quality and will sit on top of your hair strands weighing them down, rather than absorbing into them.
Here are some recommendations for our favourite brands that offer high-quality argan oil for natural hair:
- Mielle Organics
- Camille Rose
- Creme of Nature
- SheaMoisture
When purchasing Argan oil, it is important to read the product labels and do your research to ensure that you are getting a high-quality, authentic product. Look for brands that are transparent about their sourcing and production methods and have positive customer reviews.
How to Spot Fake Argan Oil
If you’re unsure, here are a few ways to check if the Argan oil you’ve purchased is indeed the real deal.
Ingredients: Argan oil should be the primary ingredient in any product labeled as "Argan oil." If there are other oils listed before argan oil or if argan oil is listed as a low concentration ingredient, it may not be authentic.
Labeling: Authentic Argan oil should have a label that indicates where the oil was produced and by whom. If the label is missing or incomplete, it could be a sign that the oil is not genuine.
Scent: Argan oil has a light, nutty aroma. If the oil you have smells rancid, it could be an indication that it is old or not authentic.
Texture: Pure Argan oil is lightweight and non-greasy. If the oil feels heavy or greasy, it could be a sign that it has been mixed with other oils or ingredients.
Packaging: Authentic Argan oil is typically sold in dark glass bottles to protect it from light and air. If the oil is packaged in a clear plastic bottle, it could be a sign that it’s not authentic.
Is Argan Oil Too Heavy for Type 4 Hair?
It really depends on your individual hair type and how much Argan oil you use. Argan oil is actually considered to be a relatively lightweight oil compared to others, which means it could work well for type 4 hair. It's important to start with a small amount of and see how your hair reacts before adding more. If it feels too heavy, you can always try using less or switching to a lighter oil like jojoba or grapeseed.
Can Argan Oil Help With Dandruff and Itchy Scalp?
Yes, Argan oil can be helpful in treating dandruff and an itchy scalp! The moisturizing and nourishing properties of argan oil can help soothe and hydrate a dry and itchy scalp, which is a common cause of dandruff. Additionally, Argan oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation and inflammation on the scalp. To use, simply massage a small amount of argan oil into your scalp and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing it out. You can also mix a few drops of argan oil into your shampoo or conditioner to get the benefits of the oil with every wash.
Can Argan Oil Be Used on Chemically Treated Hair?
Absolutely! Argan oil is a great natural ingredient that can benefit chemically treated hair. It helps to restore moisture and nourish hair, which is especially important after chemical treatments such as coloring, bleaching, or perming. Argan oil also contains vitamin E and fatty acids that can strengthen and protect hair from damage. To use, simply apply a small amount of argan oil to the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Don't go overboard, though—a little goes a long way!
Possible Side Effects of Argan Oil
Argan oil is generally considered safe and has very few reported side effects. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction to argan oil, which can cause symptoms like itching, redness, or swelling. It's always a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using any new product, including Argan oil.
Can You Use Argan Oil on Hair Extensions?
Yes! In fact, it can be especially beneficial for extensions made from human hair, as they can become dry and damaged over time just like natural hair. Applying Argan oil to hair extensions can help to restore moisture and shine, prevent tangles and frizz, and extend the life of your extensions. When using Argan oil on hair extensions, be sure to apply it sparingly and focus on the ends.
A Natural Oil For Natural Hair
Argan oil is a versatile and natural ingredient that can benefit natural hair in many ways. From promoting hair growth to providing nourishment and shine, Argan oil is a must-have in any natural hair care routine. Whether you have type 3 or type 4 hair, incorporating Argan oil into your routine can help you achieve healthy, beautiful curls.
Do you use Argan oil in your curly hair routine? Let us know what you like (or don’t like) about it in the comments below!
