Are you tired of dealing with dry, frizzy, and unmanageable African hair? Have you tried countless hair products but still haven’t found the perfect solution?
Look no further than Moroccan argan oil. This “liquid gold” miracle oil is quickly becoming a go-to serum for hair protection and treatment, especially for those with natural curly hair.
Extracted from the kernels of Argan fruit, argan oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that easily penetrate deep into the cortex of the hair, effectively moisturizing from the inside out.
But is it really good for African hair?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Moroccan argan oil and how it can help transform your hair.
Is Moroccan Argan Oil Good For African Hair?
The answer is a resounding yes! Moroccan argan oil is excellent for African hair, especially for those with natural curly hair. It is a powerful moisturizer that forms a non-evaporating layer around the hair, sealing in moisture and protecting it from damage.
Argan oil is rich in natural phenols and vitamin E, which improve the health of hair follicles and promote hair growth. It also contains fatty acids that help to nourish the scalp and prevent breakage, making it essential for black hair.
One of the best things about argan oil is that it doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down like other oils can. It absorbs quickly into the hair shaft, leaving your hair feeling soft, smooth, and silky.
Argan oil is also great for eliminating brittleness in dyed hair and increasing the life of color-treated hair. It surpasses other oils like jojoba in effectiveness because of its ability to restore the natural hair and repair damage caused by heat, chemicals, or other destructive agents.
The Science Behind Moroccan Argan Oil
Moroccan argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, which are known for their hydrating properties. These fatty acids are crucial for black hair, which tends to be dry and brittle due to its unique structure.
In addition to its fatty acid content, argan oil is also rich in vitamin E and natural phenols. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the hair from damage caused by free radicals, while phenols have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an irritated scalp.
Argan oil also contains squalene, a natural compound that helps to regulate sebum production in the scalp. This can be especially beneficial for those with oily hair, as it can help to balance the scalp’s natural oils and prevent excess oil buildup.
Studies have shown that argan oil can help to improve the overall health of the hair by strengthening the hair follicles and promoting hair growth. It can also help to prevent breakage and split ends, making it an essential ingredient for those with natural curly hair.
How Moroccan Argan Oil Benefits African Hair
Moroccan argan oil is the perfect complement for African hair due to its many benefits. Here are some of the ways in which it can benefit African hair:
1. Deals with the kinks: African American hair may feel rough due to the presence of natural kinks. However, with the regular application of argan oil, individual hair strands are nourished right from the roots. This enhances the hair’s elasticity and relaxes the kinks to give the hair a sleeker appearance.
2. Provides a moisturizing effect: African American hair is prone to dryness, so it is essential to use hair products that can provide necessary hydration and lock in moisture. Argan oil does an excellent job in this department by forming a non-evaporating layer around the hair, sealing in moisture and protecting it from damage.
3. Reduces styling damage: African American women tend to use heat and chemical treatments to tame their unruly hair. Unfortunately, these treatments can damage the hair shaft, leave hair looking dry, dull and lifeless, and increase the risk of breakage. Thankfully, argan oil provides an effective way to avoid and reverse these negative side effects by nourishing the hair from within with its high levels of antioxidants.
4. Increases shine: Argan oil promotes shine, smoothness and definition, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthy-looking sheen on their hair.
5. Prevents breakage: The vitamin E in argan oil is crucial to the health of our hair, as it has rich antioxidant properties that help neutralize hair damage from free radicals and other elements. It helps keep your follicles free from damage all while helping to prevent splitting and breakage.
Using Moroccan Argan Oil In Your Hair Care Routine
There are many ways to incorporate Moroccan argan oil into your hair care routine. One of the simplest methods is to use it as a leave-in conditioner. After washing your hair, apply a few drops of pure argan oil to your damp hair and comb it through to distribute evenly. This will help to detangle your hair, reduce frizz, and add shine.
If you have dry or damaged hair, using argan oil as a pre-shampoo treatment can work wonders. Apply a generous amount of pure argan oil to your hair and scalp, massaging it in gently to ensure that it is evenly distributed. Leave it on for at least 15-20 minutes before washing your hair with shampoo.
Argan oil can also be used as a styling product. Apply a small amount of oil to your hands and run them through your hair, focusing on the ends of your hair to prevent split ends. This will help to tame frizz and flyaways while adding shine and definition to your curls.
For an intensive treatment, consider using argan oil as a hair mask. Mix a few drops of argan oil with coconut oil or castor oil and apply the mixture to your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and leave the mask on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it out with shampoo.
Tips For Choosing The Right Moroccan Argan Oil Product
When shopping for Moroccan argan oil, it is essential to keep in mind that not all products are created equal. Here are some tips to help you choose the right Moroccan argan oil product for your hair:
1. Read the Label: Always read the label before purchasing any argan oil product. Make sure that the ingredients list only contains 100% pure Argania spinosa (Argan) kernels. Avoid products that contain synthetic ingredients or additives.
2. Look for Organic Certifications: Look for USDA, Ecocert, and Agriculture Biologique certifications on the label. These certifications ensure that the argan oil has been grown and produced without the use of synthetic ingredients or pesticides.
3. Check the Country of Origin: Morocco is the only country in the world that can produce authentic Moroccan argan oil. If your argan oil is made in any other country, it is likely fake.
4. Choose Dark Glass Bottles: Always choose argan oil products that come in dark glass bottles to protect them from light exposure. Exposure to light can break down the natural properties of argan oil, so it is best kept in dark glass bottles.
5. Cold Pressed & Not Handmade: Look for argan oil that has been cold-pressed in a controlled environment. Avoid argan oil pressed by hand, as this technique is not considered hygienic and doesn’t conform to international quality control standards.
6. Opt for Small, Fresh Batches: Pure argan oil is rare and can only be produced in limited quantities each year. If a vendor has a large stock, it may mean that they are using pits from a previous year’s harvest.
7. Be Wary of Cheap Prices: Authentic Moroccan argan oil is one of the most expensive oils in the world due to its manual manufacturing process, packaging, and shipping costs. Be cautious of products that are too cheap as they may not be authentic.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are getting a high-quality Moroccan argan oil product that will nourish and protect your hair, leaving it healthy and beautiful.
Real-Life Success Stories: African Women And Moroccan Argan Oil
The production of argan oil has been a game-changer for many African women, particularly those in Morocco. Traditionally, argan oil was extracted by hand by the women of the Al Amal Co-operative in Morocco. This process was time-consuming and required strenuous manual work, but it provided a source of income for these women. As the demand for argan oil increased, more and more cooperatives were formed, providing women with an opportunity to become financially independent and improve their social status.
These cooperatives have not only helped women financially but also provided them with a sense of community and support. They have allowed women to manage their income, help their families, and send their children to school. In addition to this, the production of argan oil has helped to stabilize the economy in the area.
The success stories of these African women are a testament to the power of natural products like argan oil. By using this product, they have been able to improve their lives and the lives of their families. The benefits of argan oil are not limited to African women alone; anyone can benefit from its nourishing and moisturizing properties.
