8 ways to use Argan Oil for your hair

It’s been all the buzz for years, but Argan Oil is more than just another beauty and hair repair trend.

Consider Argan Oil your do-it-all, one-stop-shop for almost all your hair and skin needs. It is like the Target of all oils and has an array of benefits for everyone.

What is Argan Oil?

What is Argan Oil, exactly? The naturally derived plant oil is found in the kernels of the Argan tree, native to Morocco, Africa. Its geographical origin is why it is also described as Moroccan Oil and the Argan forest was declared by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in the late 80s—yes, these trees and the fruit they bear are super precious. Argan Oil has also been dubbed “liquid gold”, not just for its gold/amber color but also for its health-packed components that can do everything from clear your skin, soften your hair, and even improve heart health. Argan is so good, even goats native to the area, are often seen climbing Argan trees to eat its leaves and fruit.

While its many benefits for skin and hair have become ever popular over the past few years, Argan Oil is also widely used in cooking and consumed as a supplement for its natural fatty acids – the good kind filled with nutrients. No wonder even goats are after its fruit!

Argan Oil has inside-out powers, when used accordingly, studies have shown that Argan Oil provides all kinds of boosts to your health. There’s a reason why Argan Oil has had a lasting impression on the health and beauty industry and has proven to be more than just another hair oil. If you’ve wondered how Argan Oil can help you and how to use Argain Oil for hair or skin benefits, we’ve got you covered.

What is Argan Oil used for?

Here are 10 benefits of Argan Oil and how to use Argan Oil in your daily routines.

1. ARGAN OIL IS RICH IN VITAMIN E

Vitamin E, also another popular product in many skin and hair products, is known to help prevent inflammation, prevent coronary heart disease and even supports the body’s immune function. Argan Oil is rich in Vitamin E and combined with the healthy fatty acids, it makes it a superpower for healthy skin and hair. Along with Vitamin E, Argan Oil is packed with polyphenols, and CoQ10 which are all anti-inflammatory compounds. These combined components help to smooth skin, giving it a plumper look and can help irritated, inflamed skin.

2. ARGAN OIL MOISTURIZES SKIN

All that Vitamin E and natural fatty acids are also what make Argan Oil so good for your skin. Argan Oil has hydrating effects for the kind of dry skin you may be experiencing now with winter weather. With the high contents of oleic acid, Argan Oil improves skin permeability, which is why you find it as a top ingredient in many skin products, because it helps the skin to absorb more. Skin experts recommend using 1-2 drops of Argan oil and massaging it onto your face after applying moisturizer, not only for an extra hydration boost, but to lock in your product too.

3. HOW TO USE ARGAN OIL FOR HAIR HEALTH

All the goodness packed into Argan Oil makes it the ultimate hair product. Not only does it moisturize hair, but it also helps prevent heat and UV damage. Just like its impact on skin, Argan Oil helps prevent dry hair, and nourishes hair so that moisture stays locked in. Frizzy hair is often caused by lack of moisture and overall hair damage (heat styling, coloring – you name it), but Argan Oil can help keep the frizz at bay. Argan Oil can be used on its own or added to your routine hair mask. By moisturizing hair, it nourishes and replenishes the damaged hair and in turn, helps prevents frizz from coming back.

4. ARGAN OIL FOR A HEALTHY SCALP

Hair health starts at the scalp, and if you have a dry, itchy and flaky scalp not only does it make wearing black and dark colors challenging, it is simply uncomfortable. Dry scalp occurs when there is lack of natural oils which can occur with over-washing the hair or using too much product. Dandruff is caused by the opposite – too much oil build-up. A dry, flaky scalp is also common during winter months when the cold temperatures dehydrate your hair and skin.

Whether you already have long, shiny, and healthy hair or use hair extensions for a bit of a length and volume boost, taking care of your scalp and providing the right balance of oils is essential for the longevity and growth of your hair. Argan Oil combats excess oil with its anti-oxidant properties while not drying out the scalp, as it helps to moisturize the skin. Your scalp is where cells are generated to create new hair growth, therefore, maintaining scalp health means healthy, longer, and stronger hair.

5. ARGAN OIL REDUCES BREAKAGE AND SPLIT ENDS

If you’re looking for a remedy for brittle hair and split ends, use products that have a high concentration of Argan Oil—meaning it should be the at the top of the ingredients list. If using pure Argan Oil, place a few drops in your hands (reminder: a little goes a long way) and massage the oil into your scalp and all the way down to your ends. Whether you apply Argan Oil through a shampoo and conditioner, or use pure Argan Oil, you should see a difference in the strength and texture of your hair in a short time. By reducing breakage and frizz, your hair will be much softer and touchable. Winter weather has all sorts of negative impacts on your hair, including dandruff, dry scalp, frizz, and more, but a little more Argan Oil in the winter months can counteract these nuisances. Test out how much oil your hair needs, start with 1-2 times a week and adjust as per your results.

6. ARGAN OIL CAN HELP LOCK COLOR IN

Hair color, highlights, balayage, and ombre do wonders for our looks. While using hair extensions to add color to your daily look can help prevent chemical damage from coloring, using the right type of conditioners and products can also help. For those of us who can’t help but color, Argan Oil is proven to help maintain pigments. As coloring can also create dryness, Argan Oil will also help provide moisture that the color chemicals usually strip away. Hair experts recommend 1-2 drops of pure Argan Oil into your hands and running your fingers through your hair after styling to not only moisturize, but keep color in longer.

7. ARGAN OIL HELPS FIGHT WRINKLES

There are a ton of products that promise to fight off wrinkles, but sometimes they are packed with ingredients we can’t even pronounce. With its ability to restore and strengthen skin tissues, Argan Oil can naturally help prevent wrinkles. Whether consumed as supplement or applied directly on the skin, Argan Oil helps the skin retain water which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. As Argan Oil is also fast absorbing, the fatty acids help to restore the skin’s moisture much more easily.

Add Argan Oil to your skincare routine by adding a drop or two into your hands and massaging onto your face after moisturizing. Some studies have shown that Argan Oil can also be impactful in preventing the appearance of stretch marks. Using pure Argan Oil, apply a few drops into your hands and warm the oil by rubbing your hand together before applying to your stomach, hips, thighs or other stretchmark-prone areas. If you have visible stretchmarks you’d like to get rid of, mix pure Argan Oil with brown sugar and massage it onto effected areas before you shower. Reapply just the Argan Oil afterward to moisturize. The Vitamin E and Vitamin A will help rejuvenate the skin and smooth out stretch marks.

8. USE ARGAN OIL ON ACNE-PRONE SKIN

With all the benefits it provides to the skin, it’s no wonder that Argan Oil can also be used to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Both skin conditions are usually caused by skin that is red, irritated, and inflamed. Argan Oil’s linoleic acid fights inflammation and can help smooth rashes or bumps, while also providing moisture and strength to the skin barrier, making it a natural treatment option. Argan Oil can also help reduce the visibility of acne scarring. The Vitamin E helps to rejuvenate and soothe scars and acne marks. Argan Oil can also be used to soothe and treat razor bumps and razor burn. Applying one or two drops of pure Argan Oil and lightly rubbing it onto effected areas will do the trick. The men in your life may want to try it after shaving for a natural, chemical-free way to soothe and moisturize after their shave.

What to look for in Argan Oil products

While many products are said to have Argan Oil, it’s always best to read the ingredient list properly. If you’re looking for Argan Oil to treat any skin irritations, avoid any product that mixes Argan Oil with fragrances or cites Argan at the very bottom of the ingredient list.

While Argan Oil can be used to treat skin, hair, and even heart health do not use one bottle or product for all three. There are specific Argan Oil products for cooking and even supplements for consumption. Pure Argan Oil for skin and hair can sometimes be interchangeable but be sure to double-check the ingredients and purpose as some will specify its use for best effects. Pure or 100% Argan Oil can be used on skin and hair, but always be sure to test a small are on your skin first before going full-out with Argan, or any new product.

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“luse this oil on my hair consistently and it has done great things for my hair!! It’s cold-pressed, unrefined, lightweight, only one ingredient: Argan oil from Morocco, dark colored bottle to keep oil at its purest state, and it is in glass dropper dispenser for easy application! It is a really high-quality oil for a very budget friendly price point!”

Top 10 essential oils to help boost immunity

There are plenty of oils that are immunity boosting so I thought we’d begin with a run-down of my Top 10 to have in your ‘immunity kit’ so that you can then begin to create blends that can both help soothe any symptoms of coughs and colds, as well as pre-empting by supporting your immune system.

Here are my Top 10 immunity boosting essential oils:

1-Clove – this warming woody, slightly fruity oil has a restorative and stimulating effect on the immune system to help prevent coughs and colds. It is another antiseptic oil and a popular choice for festive blends. It blends well with Ginger, Orange and many other citrus oils.

2-Eucalyptus – this vibrant, fresh, woody oil is one of the most popular choices for immunity-strengthening, and again has a deep affinity with the respiratory system. With anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, it is the epitome of a winter essential oil – for fighting coughs, colds and flu – and also building immunity to avoid them. It blends really well with Lemon (and you can also get Lemon Eucalyptus) – as well as Lavender and Rosemary, which are also stimulating for the immune system.

3-Lemon – one of my favourite oils, Lemon’s sweet, fresh aroma is one of deep cleaning – and always makes me think of the immune system. It’s a great oil for supporting the immune system and fighting infection – it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that help protect the body against bugs, and infection. It blends really well with Tea Tree (also a popular oil for immunity), Peppermint, and other citrus oils.

4-Grapefruit – this tangy, citrus oil has a beautiful aroma, that helps to rid the body of toxins – which means it is a wonderful immunity-booster. It blends really well with Black Pepper, Juniperberry (another great cleanser) and floral oils.

5-Peppermint – a fresh, minty aroma, this is a great oil for stimulating and invigorating the immune system. It has a particular affinity for the digestive system, and also respiratory immunity, and is also cleansing. It blends well with Eucalyptus, Lemon and Benzoin (which is also great for chesty bugs).

6-Sandalwood – our final favourite in this round up is Sandalwood, which has a woody, but sweet aroma often used in perfumes. It has an affinity with the respiratory system, and it is an anti-septic, so is healing for immunity. It blends well with Black Pepper, Lemon, and most citrus oils.

7-Lavender oil is an essential oil extracted from the lavender plant. While it doesn’t directly boost immunity, its anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing properties may support overall immune function indirectly.

8-Black Pepper – this woody, but spicy oil is really strengthening for the immune system. It is anti-catarrhal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic and a great expectorant, too – having a deep affinity with the respiratory system. So, it’s one of those oils that is simply a must-have for immunity building. It blends well with Cinnamon, Rosemary and Sandalwood.

9-Cinnamon – this exotic, spicy oil has a warming effect and has powerful anti-microbial and anti-septic properties. It’s perfect for warding off colds, flu and other infections – and it’s also a smell very much associated with Christmas, so it’s perfect in those festive blends, too. It blends really well with Sweet Orange and Lemon, which are also great immune-boosters (and also popular for Christmassy blends).

10-Ginger – with a strong, spicy, woody aroma, this warming oil (perfect for winter) has a stimulating effect and a particular resonance with the digestive system, but also the lungs. It blends well with Orange, Cinnamon and Clove, so is another good choice for your festive blends.

It is also worth noting that many of the citrus oils have immunity-boosting properties, and also go well with most of the oils listed here, so these are worth considering for too – especially Sweet Orange – but also Lemongrass, Lime and Yuzu, etc.

TOP 10 ESSENTIAL OIL SET WITH BONUS

Diffusion

Diffusion is the blending tip I’m offering up first, because this feels one of the most potent – and often the easiest – way to work with essential oils for immunity. All that’s required is either an Electrical Diffuser (which I’d recommend) or a candle-burner – so that you can pop your oils in and then let them diffuse into the air.

Blend guide: add water to your electrical Diffuser or candle burner and pop in 2-3 drops (of each) of up to 3 of your favourite immune-boosting oils, and let them fill the air with healing aromas with the very properties required to boost your immune system. Do this daily, for long-term effects.

Example blend: add 3 drops of each of Cinnamon, Clove and Sweet Orange mixed in water in your diffuser, and allow that to filter into your cells, via your sense of smell. This one is a lovely Christmassy blend, too, if you want to get into the festive mood.

Aromatherapy Massage

One of my other favourite ways that is really powerful for embodying essential oils is to either have an aromatherapy massage with a healer, or to provide one for yourself. This requires you to make a blend of the oils that you are drawn to, and to rub it in, daily – you could even use it as a moisturiser. This is an effective way of really allowing the oils to seep into your skin so that they can create deep change.

Blend guide: add 2 drops of each (6 drops total) of your favourite 3 oils into 15ml of Grapeseed Oil (or another carrier oil), and mix well. Apply to your body, massaging gently into your skin, in the direction towards your heart – you don’t need to apply firm pressure; the oils do all the work (even a traditional Aromatherapist wouldn’t apply pressure in a massage, for this reason – you don’t want to be over-stimulated!)

Example blend: add 2 drops Black Pepper, 2 drops Grapefruit and 2 drops Sandalwood into 15ml Grapeseed carrier oil and mix well, before applying to your body, daily and allowing it to work its magic.

Nicole Barton
Consultant Aromatherapist