If you’re someone with oily hair, you might be hesitant to try out argan oil. After all, adding oil to already oily hair doesn’t sound like a good idea.
But before you dismiss argan oil altogether, it’s important to understand what it is and how it can benefit your hair.
Argan oil has been used for centuries by women in Morocco for its beautifying properties. It’s rich in nutrients like omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it a great choice for nourishing and hydrating hair.
But does that mean it’s bad for oily hair?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of argan oil and whether or not it’s suitable for those with oily hair.
Is Argan Oil Bad For Oily Hair?
Contrary to popular belief, argan oil is not bad for oily hair. In fact, it can be quite beneficial.
Argan oil shampoo and conditioner can help hydrate dry, brittle hair without making oily hair any greasier or heavier. This is because argan oil moisturizes the hair without being greasy, making it suitable for both dry and oily hair types.
Additionally, argan oil has been studied to protect the hair from UV ray damages, which can cause brittle, frizzy hair. This protective property leaves your hair stronger and smoother.
Argan oil can also help encourage hair growth by gently cleansing the scalp and leaving the hair follicles cleansed and ready for optimal growth. The oil itself is known to help strengthen the hair strands to avoid breakage when growing out your hair.
However, it’s important to note that everyone has different hair needs. If you have naturally oily hair, you should avoid using argan oil on your scalp. Instead, focus on using it as a wash-out treatment or as a leave-in conditioner on the ends of your hair.
If you have fine hair or hair that tends to get oily, full strength argan oil can weigh your hair down if you don’t apply it sparingly. In this case, look for products with argan oil instead of the pure oil or use a blended or lightweight version.
For curly-haired individuals, argan oil can help manage the competing demands of under-moisturized strands and an oily scalp. Apply a few drops to your scalp with your fingers and focus on the layers and ends for defined curls and waves.
Understanding Argan Oil And Its Benefits For Hair
Argan oil is an organic oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco. The extraction process is labor-intensive, contributing to the higher price of this oil. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and is a natural source of vitamin E, making it particularly helpful for skin, hair, and nails. It is a lightweight oil that doesn’t leave a heavy feel on the hair.
Argan oil is known to have several benefits for hair. It can be used as a leave-in conditioner that makes your hair easier to style while repairing split ends. Argan oil helps to tame frizz and flyaways, protect against heat damage from hair dryers, curlers, and flat irons, all the while promoting body and a healthy shine.
Additionally, there is some research indicating that oils rich in essential fatty acids, like those found in argan oil, can help to thicken hair and prevent breakage or damage. Argan oil can also help encourage hair growth by gently cleansing the scalp and leaving the hair follicles cleansed and ready for optimal growth. The oil itself is known to help strengthen the hair strands and avoid breakage when growing out your hair.
Argan oil can generally be used on most hair types. However, you may need to apply it differently or use a different type of argan oil depending on your needs. Full-strength argan oil is ideal for thick, curly, or heavily colored hair. If you have fine hair or hair that tends to get oily, full-strength argan oil can weigh your hair down if you don’t apply it sparingly. In this case, look for products with argan oil instead of the pure oil or use a blended or lightweight version.
It’s important to note that everyone has different hair needs. If you have naturally oily hair, you should avoid using argan oil on your scalp. However, if you are looking for more moisture and you have a dry scalp, argan oil can be a great wash-out treatment. For curly-haired individuals, argan oil can help manage the competing demands of under-moisturized strands and an oily scalp.
What Causes Oily Hair?
Oily hair can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and even the products you use. People with straight, thin hair are more prone to oily hair, as the natural oils from the scalp easily travel down the length of the hair strands.
Over-washing your hair can also contribute to oily hair. When you wash your hair too often, you strip away the natural oils on your scalp. In response, your skin may overproduce oil to compensate for the loss, causing your hair to look greasy.
Using the wrong hair products can also contribute to oily hair. Products that are too heavy or contain silicone can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Additionally, touching your hair throughout the day can transfer oils from your hands to your hair, making it appear oily.
Finally, diet and lifestyle factors can also play a role in oily hair. Eating a diet high in fatty or greasy foods can contribute to oily skin and hair. Stress and hormonal changes can also affect oil production on the scalp.
How To Use Argan Oil For Oily Hair
Argan oil is a versatile and effective treatment for oily hair. Here are some ways to use it:
1. Hair Mask: Apply a small amount of argan oil to your scalp and the rest of your hair while massaging it in. Then, to keep the oil on your hair, wrap it in a shower cap or towel. Leave this on while you sleep and then wash it out in the morning.
2. Styling Aid: Argan oil can help smooth frizzy flyaways by providing moisture to your strands. Apply a small amount to clean, dry hair, focusing on the ends of your hair and away from your scalp.
3. Leave-In Conditioner: Use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner to amp up your hair’s moisture. After washing your hair, dry it with a towel and then apply the oil. You can use this method up to two or three times a week.
4. Scalp Massage: A gentle scalp massage with argan oil can help regulate sebum production and stimulate blood circulation to the scalp. Apply pure argan oil directly to your scalp and massage it in using a circular motion. Leave it on for about half an hour before shampooing and rinsing with warm water.
5. Cool Water Rinse: After shampooing, switch from warm to cool water when rinsing your hair. The cold water helps close scalp pores faster, slowing down oil production.
Remember, everyone’s hair is different, so experiment with different methods and amounts of argan oil to find what works best for you. Focus on applying the oil to the ends of your hair instead of your scalp if you have naturally oily hair.
Other Hair Oils To Consider For Oily Hair
While argan oil is a great option for oily hair, there are other hair oils that can also benefit your hair. Here are a few to consider:
1. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is an excellent option for oily hair as it has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can help remove excess buildup and improve the scalp. To use, mix one drop of tea tree oil with four ounces of carrier oil such as olive, castor or coconut oil. Warm up the carrier oil over a double boiler before adding in the tea tree oil. Massage the oils onto your scalp and cover your head with a shower cap. Leave it in for 30 minutes then shampoo as usual.
2. Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can soothe an itchy scalp and help absorb excess oils on the scalp. Add one to two drops of peppermint oil in any carrier oil and mix it with your natural, fragrance-free shampoo.
3. Rosemary oil: Rosemary offers stimulation of the scalp which may help with better distribution of oil production while also helping to remove fungus from your skin.
4. Lavender oil: Lavender offers the same antibacterial properties while also naturally balancing natural oils and soothing irritations.
5. Lemon oil: Lemon oil is a great treatment for dry scalp, flakes, and overbalance of oil production since it is also antibacterial.
When adding any new hair oils to your routine, it’s best to take it slow and experiment to find the best combination for your hair.
