Are you tired of dealing with dry, brittle hair extensions that are prone to breakage and split ends? Look no further than Moroccan argan oil, a natural wonder oil that has been used for centuries by women in Morocco for its nourishing and moisturizing properties.
In recent years, argan oil has become a popular ingredient in haircare products, particularly those designed for textured hair and extensions. But is Moroccan argan oil really good for hair extensions?
In this article, we’ll explore the history and benefits of this miracle oil and how it can help keep your extensions looking healthy and full of life. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Moroccan argan oil and hair extensions.
Is Moroccan Argan Oil Good For Hair Extensions?
Moroccan argan oil is an excellent choice for hair extensions, thanks to its unique properties that can help keep your extensions looking healthy and vibrant. This oil is sourced from the kernel of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco and other parts of Northern Africa. Women in Morocco have been using this oil for centuries for both cooking and cosmetic purposes.
One of the reasons why Moroccan argan oil is so good for hair extensions is because it has a lighter viscosity than other oils, which means it can penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. This provides strands with an indelible shine and true softness, making it an excellent choice for all hair textures, including those with textured hair that is prone to dryness.
Using Moroccan argan oil on your extensions each night before bed can help prevent dryness and split ends. Simply apply a small amount of oil through the mids and ends of your hair each night (wet or dry hair) and brush through for an even application. By morning, your extensions will have soaked up any residue and will be perfectly soft and have retained full volume, ready to style.
Another benefit of Moroccan argan oil is that it can help minimize shedding of your extensions during the styling process. This is particularly important if you’re wearing protective styles like wigs, clip-ins, u-parts or full closure weaves. Leading haircare brand Design Essentials has recently launched a Wig & Extensions Collection with Moroccan Argan Oil that is specifically designed to care for hair extensions. The collection consists of four standout products that are formulated with highly moisturizing Moroccan argan oil to gently cleanse, easily detangle and minimize shedding of your extensions.
What Is Moroccan Argan Oil?
Moroccan argan oil is a natural oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco and other parts of Northern Africa. The oil has been used for centuries by Moroccan women for both culinary and cosmetic purposes. It is also known as “liquid gold” due to its rich nutrients and benefits for hair and skin.
Argan oil is primarily composed of fatty acids and phenolic compounds, which are essential for healthy hair and skin. The oil contains high levels of oleic and linoleic acid, which are two fats known to support good health. Argan oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, which is required for healthy skin, hair, and eyes. This vitamin also has powerful antioxidant properties that protect against environmental damage and premature aging.
Moroccan argan oil has a lighter viscosity than other oils, which allows it to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. This provides strands with an indelible shine and true softness, making it an excellent choice for all hair textures, including those with textured hair that is prone to dryness. The oil can help prevent dryness and split ends of hair extensions, making them look healthy and vibrant.
The History Of Argan Oil In Morocco
Moroccan argan oil has been used for centuries by the Berber tribes in Morocco. Before modern times, the Berbers would collect undigested argan pits from the waste of goats which climb the trees to eat their fruit. The pits were then ground and pressed to make the nutty oil used in cooking and cosmetics.
The amber-hued oil originated on Morocco’s Haha Coast and is derived from the fruit of the native argan tree. Since at least 600 BCE, the Phoenicians relied on the oil for healing and beauty. And for centuries since, life in that corner of the world, most notably for the North African Berber people, has been deeply connected to the tree’s deep roots.
Over time, argan oil has become a valuable resource for local communities in Morocco. It’s an important source of income and food, as the oil is delicious and rich with health benefits. Additionally, it’s a major source of empowerment for women in an otherwise male-dominant culture. For centuries, Berber women in Morocco produced Argan oil and used it in food and traditional Moroccan medicine.
Argan oil’s rise from local resource to worldwide sensation didn’t happen overnight. It took centuries for the “liquid gold” to become the “new olive oil” for gourmands and the cosmetic industry’s latest it-girl, thanks in part to women who perfected their techniques over centuries and a female scientist turned industry-builder determined to protect the environment.
Today, organizations have implemented a series of conservation measures to ensure that argan trees are preserved and that their numbers don’t dwindle. The Argan forest is more than 800,000 hectares in size, and every year, more and more trees are being planted. The government is planning on planting 200,000 hectares of trees by 2025.
How Argan Oil Benefits Hair Extensions
Argan oil is a natural product that is rich in vitamin E, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These properties make it an excellent choice for nourishing and strengthening hair extensions. Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t receive natural oils and nutrients from the scalp, which can leave them dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
One of the main benefits of using argan oil on hair extensions is that it can help prevent dryness and split ends. This is because argan oil is able to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft, providing strands with a protective layer of moisture. It also helps to restore the natural shine and bounce of the hair, making it look healthy and vibrant.
Argan oil is also great for protecting hair extensions from environmental damage. The antioxidants in argan oil can help to protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can damage hair cells and lead to breakage. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking to keep their extensions looking healthy and vibrant for longer.
Another benefit of argan oil is that it can help to minimize shedding during the styling process. This is particularly important for those who are wearing protective styles like wigs or weaves, as shedding can cause damage to both the extensions and the natural hair underneath. By using products that are formulated with argan oil, like Design Essentials’ Wig & Extensions Collection, you can minimize shedding and keep your extensions looking great for longer.
Argan Oil Vs Other Hair Oils For Extensions
When it comes to choosing the best oil for your hair extensions, there are many options available. However, Moroccan argan oil stands out from the rest due to its unique properties. Compared to other oils, such as castor oil or coconut oil, Moroccan argan oil has a lighter viscosity, making it easier to apply and allowing it to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.
While some oils may be too heavy and greasy for daily use, Moroccan argan oil is ideal for regular use. It nourishes the strands and reduces brittleness, making it an excellent choice for maintaining healthy-looking extensions. In contrast, other oils like castor oil may need to be diluted with other oils to achieve a more flexible texture.
Plant-based oils and butters like almond, avocado, cocoa, coconut, jojoba, olive, rosehip, and shea are also great options for keeping your extensions healthy-looking. However, it’s important to note that different oils have different textures – some are fluid-like (lightweight), creamy, or solid. While fluid-like oils like castor oil and coconut oil are great for daily use, creams and solid oils are better reserved for deep conditioning treatments.
How To Incorporate Argan Oil Into Your Haircare Routine
Incorporating Moroccan argan oil into your haircare routine is easy and can provide numerous benefits for your hair extensions. Here are some simple ways to use argan oil in your haircare routine:
1. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment: Apply a few drops of argan oil to your hair and scalp 15-20 minutes before taking a shower. Gently massage it into your hair and comb it through to the tips. Rinse your hair with cold water to moisturize and protect it from harsh chemicals in your shampoo.
2. Use it as a nourishing conditioner: Argan oil is rich in vitamins and nutrients that can leave your hair strands softer, shinier, more manageable, and frizz-free. After shampooing, apply a small amount of argan oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Use it as a leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum: Apply 1-2 drops of argan oil through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair as a leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum. This will provide your hair with nourishing moisture, leaving it silky smooth and shiny.
4. Use it as a protective spray: Argan oil can be used as an ingredient in heat protection products because it’s very nourishing and conditioning for the hair, and it provides great slip that makes styling easier. Spray some argan oil onto your hair before using hot tools to protect it from heat damage.
5. Use it as a hydrating hair mask: An argan oil hair mask is amazing particularly if you have 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 your hair. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes to reap the oil’s full benefits.
By incorporating Moroccan argan oil into your haircare routine, you can help keep your extensions looking healthy, vibrant, and protected from damage.
Common Misconceptions About Argan Oil And Extensions
Despite the numerous benefits of Moroccan argan oil for hair extensions, there are still some common misconceptions surrounding its use. One of the most common myths is that using argan oil on hair extensions will make them greasy or oily. However, this is not true if the oil is used correctly. Argan oil should be applied sparingly to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, avoiding the roots, and only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired results.
Another misconception is that argan oil can cause skin irritation or exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. While it is true that undiluted argan oil can be too potent for some skin types, products that contain argan oil are formulated with the appropriate concentration to ensure that they do not cause any adverse reactions.
Some people also believe that using argan oil on hair extensions can cause them to become too heavy and weigh down the hair. However, this is not true if the oil is used in moderation and applied correctly. Argan oil is a lightweight oil that can actually help to add volume and body to hair extensions.
Finally, there is a misconception that using argan oil on hair extensions will cause them to become greasy and attract dirt and debris. However, this is not true if the oil is used sparingly and applied only to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. In fact, using argan oil can actually help to protect hair extensions from environmental damage and keep them looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
