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The benefits of applying argan oil on your hair and scalp
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Free of parabens and full of growth-promoting polyphenols, what’s not to love about argan oil? This nourishing oil comes from Morocco and is often known as “liquid gold” in the hair community. Adding argan oil to your hair regimen has been proven to promote hair growth, minimize frizz, hydrate, and protect and repair damaged hair follicles. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source So, how can you use this miraculous natural ingredient? Read on to learn how to apply argan oil to your hair as a leave-in conditioner, styling product, and hair mask to get shiny, silky, and healthy hair.
Steps
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Apply 6 to 8 drops of oil to saturate your hair from roots to ends. Using argan oil as a deep-conditioning treatment helps hydrate and protect your hair from heat and styling damage. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Place the oil in your hands and run it through your hair from roots to ends until it’s fully saturated. Depending on your hair type, you may need less or more oil to fully saturate your hair. Start with 6 to 8 drops, then add more if needed. [3] X Research source- For instance, if you have a short, pixie style, you may only need 2 to 4 drops of oil.
- If you have long, thick hair, you may need 10 or more drops.
- If your ends are split or dull, apply more oil to the tips of your hair.
- Try combing through your hair with a wide-tooth comb to distribute the oil evenly.
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Cover your head with a shower cap to trap in heat. Once your hair is completely covered in oil, stretch a shower cap over your hair to keep it covered. The shower cap retains heat, which helps activate the oil’s moisturizing and healing properties so it seeps into your hair more easily. [4] X Research source
- As a bonus, using a shower cap prevents oil from getting on your clothing or furniture as your hair sets.
- Don’t have a shower cap? No worries! Use a hair bonnet , paper bag, t-shirt, or hair scarf instead.
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Let the mask sit for 30 minutes to 8 hours. The longer you leave the oil on, the better the results. For a thorough, deep condition, sleep with the shower cap, and rinse out the oil in the morning. At a minimum, leave the hair mask on for 30 minutes.
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Wash your hair with shampoo and apply conditioner . When you’re ready to rinse out the oil, hop in the shower and scrub your hair with shampoo thoroughly from your roots to your ends to remove excess oil. Rinse out the shampoo, and apply conditioner as normal. Then, rinse all the product from your hair until no suds or oil are left.
- To moisturize your hair even more, leave the conditioner on for 3 to 5 minutes while in the shower.
- For fine hair, you may want to skip conditioning after shampooing out the mask, as too much moisture could weigh your hair down.
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Repeat this process once a week or as needed. Do an argan oil hair mask to replenish and revitalize your hair. Apply the mask 2 to 4 times a month for the best results to keep your hair happy and healthy.
- Over time, argan oil can strengthen and soften your hair while promoting hair growth and hair elasticity. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Argan oil can help heal styling or coloring damage, so add an argan oil mask to your monthly routine if you have colored or dyed hair. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Consider investing in an argan oil mask specifically formulated to coat, moisturize, and repair your hair with other active ingredients, like keratin and almond oil.
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Rub 2 to 5 drops of oil in your hands to warm it up. When working with argan oil , always remember that a little goes a long way. Start with 2 drops, and then work your way up. Rub the oil between your palms to warm it, as warm oil is easier to distribute through your hair.
- Argan oil smooths your hair and fights frizz, all while adding a natural layer of heat protection. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Using too much argan oil can weigh down your hair, making it look greasy and wet.
- Have colored hair? No worries! Argan oil won’t fade your color, but it can help repair any damage and protect it from the sun.
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Run your hands through damp, freshly-washed hair to add shine. Applying argan oil to clean, damp hair replaces natural oils to help your hair look shiny and smooth. [8] X Expert Source Courtney Foster
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 9 December 2019. Comb your fingers through your hair to distribute the product. Start at the ends and work up towards the roots.- Styling your hair with argan oil right after a shower is an excellent way to tame frizz and flyaways. [9]
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Expert Source
Courtney Foster
Professional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 9 December 2019. - Argan oil can also be applied to dry hair to smooth flyaways and hydrate split ends, but it may make your hair look greasier (especially if you have an oily hair type).
- Believe it or not, argan oil is a natural detangler, so you may notice your hair is easier to work with as you comb in the product.
- Styling your hair with argan oil right after a shower is an excellent way to tame frizz and flyaways. [9]
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Expert Source
Courtney Foster
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Apply argan oil 2 to 3 times a week for silky and smooth hair. Argan oil can keep your hair shiny for at least 2 to 3 days. For the best results, comb the oil through the length of your hair 2 to 3 times a week after you wash it. This will keep your hair soft and frizz-free. [10] X Research source
- If your hair is brittle or damaged, your hair may need more oil. In this case, it’s okay to apply the argan oil every day—use your best discretion and do what’s best for your hair.
- For instance, if you have split ends, use more oil on your ends. If you have naturally oily hair, focus more of the oil on the length of your hair rather than the roots to prevent greasy hair .
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Massage the oil into your scalp every other week to eliminate dry skin. If you deal with dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, or an itchy scalp, argan oil may help. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Place the oil in your palms or squeeze it from its dropper directly onto your scalp. Rub your fingers in circular motions across your scalp after you apply the argan oil. [12] X Research source
- It may take several weeks or months to notice results, so keep at it!
- Avoid applying argan oil to your scalp daily, as overusing it could promote dandruff. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan argan oil be applied to the scalp?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Yes, argan oil can be applied to the scalp and used for scalp massage. It should be washed off after about 15-30 minutes.
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QuestionDoes argan oil cause hair loss?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Argan oil will not cause hair loss. In fact, it's nourishing properties can help prevent shedding. You can massage it into your scalp for maximum benefits.
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QuestionHow does argan oil help hair growth?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Argan oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that nourish the scalp and can soothe conditions that impact hair growth. It will not actually boost the rate of growth if your hair and scalp are healthy.
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Tips
- Add 3 to 5 drops of argan oil to your current conditioner to rehydrate your hair as you wash it.Thanks
- Argan oil is a common ingredient in many personal care products, from shampoo to mousse to facial moisturizers.Thanks
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Warnings
- If you apply too much argan oil, your hair may feel greasy or sticky. Start with a few drops and add more gradually.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/argan-oil-benefits/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/argan-oil-benefits/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/9KVcGJPx6xQ?t=2m55s
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kGwrf56nakU?t=2m16s
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/argan-oil-benefits/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/argan-oil-benefits/
- ↑ Courtney Foster. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
- ↑ Courtney Foster. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
About This Article
Article Summary
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To use argan oil as a deep-conditioning treatment, start by saturating your head with 6 to 8 drops of oil. If you have very long, thick, or damaged hair, you might need to use 10 or more drops. To distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair, run a comb through it to make sure every part of your hair gets covered. Once your hair is saturated with the oil, cover your head in a shower cap or hair bonnet to keep in the heat, which will activate the oil and make it easier for it to absorb into the follicle. Let the mask sit for at least 30 minutes, but keep it on overnight for a thorough conditioning. When you’re ready to remove the oil, simply rinse it out with shampoo and conditioner. For more tips from our Cosmetology co-author, like how to style your hair with argan oil. Read on!
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