Split ends are a common hair problem that can be frustrating to deal with. They can make your hair look dull, frizzy, and unhealthy.
While there are many products on the market that claim to repair split ends, not all of them are effective. One product that has gained popularity in recent years for its hair benefits is Moroccan argan oil.
But does it really work to repair split ends? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind argan oil and its potential to repair split ends, as well as other benefits it offers for your hair.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Moroccan argan oil!
Does Moroccan Argan Oil Repair Split Ends?
Moroccan argan oil is a popular hair care ingredient that is known for its nourishing and moisturizing properties. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which are essential for healthy hair growth.
When it comes to split ends, argan oil can help to reduce their appearance and prevent them from occurring in the first place. Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of the hair shaft becomes damaged, causing the hair to split into two or more strands.
Argan oil can help to repair split ends by penetrating deep into the hair shaft and providing it with essential nutrients. The fatty acids in argan oil help to strengthen the hair shaft, while the vitamin E helps to moisturize and protect it from further damage.
To use argan oil for split ends, simply apply a small amount of oil to the ends of your hair after washing and conditioning. You can also use it as a leave-in treatment by applying a few drops of oil to your hair before styling.
What Causes Split Ends?
Split ends are a common hair problem that can affect anyone, regardless of their hair type, gender, or race. They occur when the protective outer layer of the hair shaft, known as the cuticle, becomes damaged. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including years of improper hair care, harsh chemical treatments, and improper way of brushing. Split ends can also occur if you are malnourished and are not getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals from food or supplements. Additionally, using permanent hair dyes on chemically treated hair can also cause extensive damage and breakage.
Mechanical stress is the most common cause of split ends. This includes hard-to-avoid habits such as brushing your hair or using a hairband. Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, and pollution can also contribute to the problem. Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can cause damage to the hair shaft by stripping off the natural oils that keep it moisturized.
What Is Moroccan Argan Oil?
Moroccan argan oil is a plant oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco and southwestern Algeria. It has been used for centuries by Berber women in Morocco for its cosmetic and medicinal properties. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acid, which are essential for healthy hair growth. It also contains high levels of vitamin E, which has powerful antioxidant properties and helps to protect the hair from environmental damage.
It is important to note that Moroccan oil and argan oil are not the same products. While argan oil is pure oil extracted from the argan tree, Moroccan oil is a mixture of argan oil and other ingredients. Argan oil is a better option for repairing damaged hair, while Moroccan oil can help to tame frizz and reduce static electricity.
Argan oil is also used in culinary applications due to its sweet, nutty flavor. The fruit of the argan tree is peeled away, and the seeds are dried, roasted, and pressed to extract the oil. The resulting oil is a rare culinary oil that has become popular around the world for its flavor and health benefits.
The Science Behind Moroccan Argan Oil And Split Ends
The science behind how Moroccan argan oil repairs split ends lies in its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and provide it with essential nutrients. The oil’s combination of fatty acids and vitamin E work together to strengthen and moisturize the hair, preventing further damage and reducing the appearance of split ends.
Research has shown that oils rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid can add a protective layer to the hair, improving combing force and protecting it from breakage during heat styling. Argan oil is rich in these fatty acids, making it an effective ingredient for preventing split ends.
Additionally, a 2013 study found that argan oil reduced damage caused by hair dye when applied to Caucasian hair after color processing. This suggests that argan oil’s protective properties extend beyond just heat styling and can also help to prevent damage from chemical treatments.
To use argan oil for split ends, it is important to apply it regularly to the ends of your hair. This will help to keep them moisturized and protected from further damage. It is also important to use high-quality argan oil that has been blended to create a perfect combination, as some oils can be too heavy for certain hair types.
How To Use Moroccan Argan Oil For Split Ends
If you’re looking to use Moroccan argan oil to repair split ends, there are a few different methods you can try. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair. After washing and conditioning your hair as normal, gently pat it dry with a towel until it’s only slightly damp.
2. Dispense a small amount of argan oil into the palm of your hand. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, you may only need a few drops.
3. Rub your hands together to warm up the oil, then apply it to the ends of your hair. Be sure to focus on the areas where you have the most split ends.
4. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair. Avoid applying too much oil to your roots, as this can make your hair look greasy.
5. Style your hair as usual. You can either let it air dry or use a blow dryer and other styling tools as desired.
6. Repeat this process once or twice a week for best results. Over time, you should notice that your split ends become less noticeable and your hair looks healthier overall.
In addition to using argan oil as a leave-in treatment for split ends, you can also incorporate it into other parts of your hair care routine. For example, you can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment by applying it to your hair and leaving it on for 15-30 minutes before washing it out. Or, you can mix it with other natural oils like coconut or castor oil to create a DIY hair mask that deeply nourishes and moisturizes your strands.
Other Benefits Of Moroccan Argan Oil For Hair
Apart from repairing split ends, Moroccan argan oil offers many other benefits for hair. For instance, it can help to moisturize and protect the hair from everyday damage. Argan oil is rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, linoleic acid, and omega-6 fatty acids. These ingredients work together to condition the hair strands, leaving them softer, shinier, more manageable, and frizz-free.
Argan oil can also be used as a protective spray when using hot tools like curlers and flat irons. It provides excellent slip that makes styling easier while nourishing and conditioning the hair. Additionally, argan oil can be used as a hydrating hair mask for damaged hair. The vitamin E in the oil helps smooth frayed hair shafts and seal split ends while the omega fatty acids work to strengthen the hair.
For those with textured hair, argan oil can be used to define curls while providing excellent shine and anti-frizz benefits. It can also be used as a relieving scalp treatment due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Argan oil can help reduce scalp inflammation that leads to dandruff, itchiness, and other scalp issues.
