Curly hair can be a blessing and a curse. It’s beautiful, unique, and full of personality, but it can also be difficult to manage.
That’s why many women with curly hair turn to the Curly Girl Method, a hair-care regimen that encourages the use of certain techniques and products to enhance and control curls.
One popular product in the curly hair community is argan oil, specifically the cold-pressed Moroccan variety. But is argan oil Curly Girl approved?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of argan oil for curly hair and whether or not it meets the guidelines of the Curly Girl Method.
So, let’s dive in and find out if argan oil of Morocco is truly Curly Girl approved!
Is Argan Oil Of Morocco Curly Girl Approved?
The answer is yes, argan oil of Morocco is Curly Girl approved. This oil is a great carrier oil that can help tame frizz, infuse and seal in moisture, and improve the overall manageability of your hair.
The Curly Girl Method encourages women with curly hair to use certain techniques and avoid certain products. Argan oil meets the guidelines of this method because it is a natural oil that does not contain sulfates or silicones, which can be damaging to curly hair.
Argan oil is also rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids, which can help nourish and protect your hair from damage. It’s a lightweight oil that won’t weigh down your curls or leave them feeling greasy.
Before using argan oil for the first time, it’s important to perform a patch test on your skin to ensure that you’re not allergic to this oil. Reactions are rare, but they can occur and may result in scalp irritation, inflammation, and potentially hair loss.
It’s also important to note that not all argan oil products are Curly Girl approved. Some shampoos and conditioners that contain argan oil may also contain sulfates or silicones, which can be damaging to curly hair. So, it’s important to read the labels carefully and choose products that meet the guidelines of the Curly Girl Method.
What Is The Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method is a hair care approach designed specifically for natural hair with coils, waves, and curls that have not been chemically relaxed. The method was introduced by author Lorraine Massey, who wrote “Curly Girl: The Handbook.” The aim of the Curly Girl Method is to minimize damage to the hair cuticle, keep it moisturized, and accentuate its natural curl pattern.
The Curly Girl Method involves cutting out things that hurt your curls, such as harsh shampoos and heat styling, and adding in things that heal, hydrate, and enhance, such as moisturizers, proteins, and gentle cleansers. It discourages the daily use of sulfate shampoo, which is considered too harsh for curly hair. Instead, it calls for the use of a cleansing conditioner in place of shampoo (also called “conditioner washing” or “co-washing”), no silicones (used in many commercial conditioners and styling products), the use of a diffuser when blowdrying, and no combs, brushes, or terrycloth towels.
The Curly Girl Method also includes tips for using hair gel and other styling products to enhance your curls. The method groups curly types from 2 to 4 and A to C (representing increasing tightness of the curl) with type 1 representing the complete absence of curl (or straight hair). Type 2 typically encompasses varying degrees of wavy hair, Type 3 contains loose spiraled curls, and Type 4 includes tighter curls, kinks, and coils. Type A tends to be less defined than B and C, and when going from A to C the hair is more likely to be well-defined.
Benefits Of Argan Oil For Curly Hair
Argan oil is a fantastic ingredient to include in curly hair products because of its numerous benefits. First and foremost, it’s an incredible moisturizer for dry, damaged hair. It also acts as a protective barrier to help prevent heat damage and protection against the damage caused by UV rays. Argan oil helps prevent dry, brittle hair, and nourishes curls by providing that water-oil barrier to lock in moisture. This means that any water-based moisture cannot pass through an oil barrier, and argan oil can act as that barrier for your curls.
Argan oil is also rich in Vitamin E, which is known to help prevent inflammation, prevent coronary heart disease, and even support the body’s immune function. Combined with the healthy fatty acids present in argan oil, it makes it a superpower for healthy skin and hair. In addition to Vitamin E, argan oil is packed with polyphenols and CoQ10 which are all anti-inflammatory compounds. These combined components can help irritated, inflamed skin especially angry, itchy, flaky skin on your scalp. These skin benefits are critical when caring for the skin on your scalp as your hair is only as healthy as your scalp!
Argan oil also provides deep moisture for curly hair. Just by using a few drops of this ingredient, it’s possible to significantly improve hair wellness in terms of moisture, which also translates into less frizz and split ends. This ingredient’s powerful moisturizing features are caused by its high content in oleic and linoleic acids, providing an extra water retention that makes curly hair look and be healthier than ever.
In addition to all these benefits, argan oil has been credited with strengthening curls, preventing breakage, and contributing to thicker, fuller hair and enhanced hair growth. It helps protect hair from mechanical stress (hair styling) and coloring while promoting shine, smoothness, and definition. Argan oil is truly a one-stop solution for all of your curly hair needs.
What Makes Argan Oil Of Morocco Different?
Argan oil of Morocco is different from other oils because it is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa) that is endemic to southwest Morocco. This oil is considered a non-refined vegetable oil and is known for its “virgin oil” type. It is produced using a semi-industrial mechanical extraction process that allows for the production of high-quality argan oil.
Unlike Moroccan oil, which is a blend of multiple ingredients, argan oil of Morocco is pure oil without any additives. This makes it an ideal choice for repairing damaged hair as it contains specialized elastomers that can help nourish and protect your hair from damage.
Argan oil of Morocco is also rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids, which can help nourish and protect your hair from damage. It’s a lightweight oil that won’t weigh down your curls or leave them feeling greasy.
In addition, argan oil of Morocco is Curly Girl approved because it meets the guidelines of the Curly Girl Method. It is a natural oil that does not contain sulfates or silicones, which can be damaging to curly hair.
Curly Girl Guidelines For Product Approval
The Curly Girl Method has specific guidelines for product approval. To be considered Curly Girl approved, a hair care product must not contain sulfates, silicones, drying alcohol, parabens, and certain waxes and mineral oils. Instead of using harsh shampoos with sulfates, Curly Girl-friendly hair care products include mild and gentle options like low-poo and co-wash, as well as styling products to activate and hold curls.
When choosing hair care products, it’s important to know your hair type and the characteristics of your hair. Not all curly hair products work on all curly hair types. It’s also important to note that just because a product contains argan oil does not automatically make it Curly Girl approved. Always check the ingredients list to ensure that the product meets the guidelines of the Curly Girl Method.
How To Incorporate Argan Oil Into Your Curly Girl Routine
Incorporating argan oil into your Curly Girl routine is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. Here are a few methods to try:
1. As a leave-in conditioner: After washing and conditioning your hair, apply a few drops of argan oil to your damp curls. This will help detangle and moisturize your hair, while also providing a protective layer against heat and environmental damage.
2. As a pre-shampoo treatment: Apply argan oil to dry hair before shampooing to help protect your curls from moisture loss and damage. Simply divide your hair into sections, apply the oil from mid-lengths to ends, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing.
3. As a styling product: Use argan oil to help define and smooth your curls. Apply a small amount to your palms, rub them together, and scrunch the oil into your hair. This will help reduce frizz and add shine to your curls.
4. As a scalp treatment: Massage argan oil into your scalp to help nourish and soothe itchy or dry skin. This can also help promote healthy hair growth over time.
Remember, when using argan oil in your Curly Girl routine, it’s important to use a small amount and focus on the ends of your hair. Too much oil can weigh down your curls and make them look greasy. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the many benefits of argan oil for curly hair!
