Are you struggling with dry, low porosity hair? Have you tried countless products without seeing any improvement?
Look no further than argan oil.
This rare and precious oil, also known as Moroccan oil, has intense moisturizing properties that make it a perfect match for low porosity hair. Not only does it deeply hydrate your locks, but it also contains essential nutrients like vitamins A and E, carotenoids, and unsaturated fatty acids that strengthen and protect your hair from damage.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of argan oil for low porosity hair and why it should be a staple in your hair care routine.
Is Argan Oil Good For Low Porosity Hair?
Yes, argan oil is excellent for low porosity hair. Low porosity hair is a common hair type where the hair shafts do not easily absorb moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness. Argan oil’s intense moisturizing properties make it an ideal solution for this problem.
Argan oil forms a protective layer around the hair, locking in moisture until it is washed out. This barrier helps to keep the hair hydrated and prevent breakage. Additionally, argan oil contains essential nutrients like vitamins A and E, carotenoids, and unsaturated fatty acids that nourish and strengthen the hair.
Argan oil is also lightweight, making it perfect for low porosity hair that can easily become weighed down by heavy products. It can be used as a deep conditioner, hair mask, styling product, and heat protectant. It’s also great for preventing frizz and protecting your hair from sun damage.
Understanding Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair is a hair type that doesn’t easily absorb moisture and treatments. This can make it difficult to manage and style. The reason for this is the structure of the hair, specifically the cuticle layer which is made up of scale-like structures. In low porosity hair, these structures are tightly packed, making it difficult for moisture to enter the hair shaft. This makes it harder for water to saturate the hair during washing and can also make it challenging to process and style.
Low porosity hair is generally associated with straight hair types, but it can affect the full range of straight to curly hair types. Genetics play a role in your hair’s porosity, but styling habits can also affect it. Styling treatments like permanent hair color, relaxers, and hot tools can increase the pH of hair, causing the cuticle to open to an extreme degree, increasing hair’s porosity. On the other hand, low-porosity curls or straight hair that’s porous can also occur.
To determine if you have low porosity hair, you can do a simple sink or float test by taking a few strands of hair that have naturally shed from the scalp and filling a cup with room temperature water. If the strands remain floating towards the surface even after a few minutes, then you have low porosity hair.
Managing low porosity hair comes with unique challenges, but using products like argan oil can help. Argan oil’s intense moisturizing properties make it an ideal solution for low porosity hair as it forms a protective layer around the hair, locking in moisture until it is washed out. The lightweight nature of argan oil also makes it perfect for low porosity hair that can easily become weighed down by heavy products. Overall, understanding low porosity hair and using products like argan oil can help keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil, also known as Moroccan oil, is a rare and precious oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It has been used for centuries by Moroccan women for its cosmetic and medicinal properties.
Argan oil is rich in essential nutrients that are beneficial for both hair and skin. It contains high levels of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin and hair from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains unsaturated fatty acids, which help to moisturize and nourish the hair, making it stronger and more resilient.
Argan oil has a unique molecular structure that allows it to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, providing intense hydration and nourishment. This makes it an ideal choice for low porosity hair, which can be difficult to moisturize.
In addition to its moisturizing properties, argan oil also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it an effective treatment for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
How Argan Oil Benefits Low Porosity Hair
Argan oil has several benefits for low porosity hair. Firstly, it deeply moisturizes the hair shaft, which is crucial for low porosity hair that struggles to absorb moisture. The oil’s intense moisturizing properties form a non-evaporating layer around the hair, locking in moisture until it is washed out. This barrier helps to keep the hair hydrated and prevent breakage.
Argan oil is also packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A and E, carotenoids, and 80% unsaturated fatty acids that nourish and strengthen the hair. These ingredients moisturize the skin and hair and improve its resiliency to combat a receding hairline. The vitamins penetrate the hair’s surface, soothing frizzy, delicate hair from the roots to the ends, giving you healthy hair inside and out.
Another benefit of argan oil is its lightweight nature, which makes it perfect for low porosity hair that can easily become weighed down by heavy products. It can be used as a leave-in conditioner or a light sealant on hair without adding weight or build-up.
Argan oil is also an excellent heat protectant because of its high smoking point. It can withstand heat-intensive activities like flat ironing, blow-drying, or hair curling, reducing the chances of suffering heat damage. It’s also great for preventing your hair from sun damage.
How To Use Argan Oil For Low Porosity Hair
Using argan oil for low porosity hair is easy and can be done in a few simple steps:
1. Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup.
2. Heat up the argan oil by placing it in a bowl and warming it in the microwave or using a bain-marie method to heat it over boiling water. You can also use the oil at room temperature if you prefer.
3. Apply the warm argan oil to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Use your hands to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and let the oil sit for 15-30 minutes. For best results, sit under a hair dryer or wrap your head with a warm towel to help the oil penetrate your hair.
5. Rinse off the excess oil with warm water. You can shampoo your hair if it feels too oily for your liking.
6. Style your hair as desired. You can use a small amount of argan oil as a styling product to add shine and control frizz.
Remember, everyone’s hair is different, so you may need to experiment with the amount of argan oil you use and how often you apply it to find what works best for you. With regular use, argan oil can help improve the health and appearance of low porosity hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and hydrated.
Other Benefits Of Argan Oil For Hair Health
In addition to its moisturizing and nourishing properties, argan oil has several other benefits for hair health. One of the main benefits is that it can help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which have been shown to improve hair growth and prevent breakage. The fatty acids in argan oil also help to strengthen hair follicles and promote cell production on the scalp, which can lead to thicker, healthier hair strands.
Argan oil can also help to protect hair from heat damage caused by styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Applying a few drops of argan oil to wet or dry hair before and after styling can help to prevent damage and keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
Another benefit of argan oil is that it can help to combat dandruff and other scalp issues. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe an itchy or sensitive scalp, while its moisturizing properties can help to prevent dryness and flakiness.
Finally, argan oil can help to improve the overall appearance of your hair. It promotes shine, softness, and manageability, making it easier to style and maintain your locks. Whether you have curly, straight, or wavy hair, argan oil can be a great addition to your hair care routine.
Potential Drawbacks Of Using Argan Oil For Low Porosity Hair
While argan oil is an excellent choice for low porosity hair, there are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind. One of the main concerns is that argan oil can be quite expensive compared to other oils. This may make it difficult for some people to incorporate into their hair care routine regularly.
Another potential drawback is that argan oil may not be as effective for those with high porosity hair. High porosity hair is more porous and can absorb moisture quickly, so a heavier oil like castor oil may be more suitable.
It’s also important to note that while argan oil is a great heat protectant, it may not provide enough protection for those with extremely heat-damaged hair. In these cases, a heavier oil like coconut oil may be more effective.
Lastly, it’s important to use argan oil in moderation. Using too much can lead to greasy and weighed down hair, which can be especially problematic for low porosity hair. It’s best to start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
