Are you tired of damaging your hair with high heat styling tools?
Look no further than Argan oil, a natural solution that can protect your hair from heat damage while nourishing it with essential nutrients.
But what exactly is Argan oil smoke point, and why is it important when it comes to protecting your hair?
In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind smoke points and explore why Argan oil is the gold standard for heat protectants.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn how to keep your hair healthy and beautiful while still achieving your desired style.
What Is Argan Oil Smoke Point?
Argan oil smoke point refers to the temperature at which the oil starts producing a continuous blue smoke. This is an important factor to consider when using any oil as a heat protectant for your hair.
Most natural oils have a low smoke point, meaning they start to break down and produce harmful chemicals when heated past a certain temperature. This can lead to disastrous results when using hot styling tools on your hair.
However, Argan oil has a high smoke point of 420°F, making it a safe and effective option for protecting your hair from heat damage. This means that you can use it as a heat protectant without worrying about frying your hair or causing any damage.
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a plant oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco and southwestern Algeria. The oil is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated, omega-9 fat that is also found in avocado and olive oils. Oleic acid is often credited with heart-protective effects, making argan oil a potentially beneficial addition to the diet.
Argan oil is not only used for culinary purposes but also for cosmetic purposes due to its hydrating and nourishing properties. It contains vitamin E and antioxidants that can prevent breakage and damage from free radicals, making it a popular ingredient in skin and hair care products.
The production of argan oil is mainly done by women’s cooperatives in Morocco using a semi-industrial mechanical extraction process. Depending on the method used to prepare argan kernels, two types of argan oil can be obtained: food or cosmetic grade. Cosmetic argan oil is prepared from unroasted kernels, whereas food argan oil is achieved by cold pressing kernels roasted for a few minutes.
Understanding Smoke Points
To fully understand the importance of smoke points, it’s essential to know what they are and how they affect the quality of the oil. The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to smoke and break down, producing harmful chemicals and a burnt flavor. It’s important to note that the smoke point is not the same as the flashpoint, which is the temperature at which the oil vapors ignite.
Different oils have different smoke points, which can vary based on a variety of factors. One factor is the ratio of fatty acids in the oil. For example, oils with high levels of unsaturated fatty acids tend to have lower smoke points than those with high levels of saturated fatty acids. Another factor is the number of free fatty acids present in the oil, as oils with lower levels tend to have higher smoke points.
When cooking with oil, it’s important to choose one with a smoke point that is appropriate for your cooking method. For example, high-heat cooking methods like frying and sautéing require oils with high smoke points, while lower-heat methods like baking and roasting can use oils with lower smoke points.
Why Smoke Point Matters For Hair Protection
The smoke point of an oil is important for hair protection because oils with low smoke points can produce free radicals and other harmful chemicals when heated past their smoke points. These chemicals can damage your hair and scalp, leading to breakage, split ends, and other issues.
Using an oil with a high smoke point, like Argan oil, ensures that your hair is protected from heat damage while you style it. This is especially important if you use hot styling tools frequently or have naturally dry or damaged hair.
In addition to its high smoke point, Argan oil is also rich in nutrients like antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E. These nutrients work together to nourish your hair strands inside and out while protecting them from heat damage.
Argan Oil And Its High Smoke Point
Argan oil is a popular choice for hair care, and its high smoke point is one of the reasons why. With a smoke point of 420°F, Argan oil can withstand higher temperatures than most other natural oils. This makes it an ideal choice for use as a heat protectant when using hot styling tools such as straightening irons or curling wands.
In addition to its high smoke point, Argan oil is also a rich source of nutrients that work by nourishing your hair strands inside and out. It contains antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, which all contribute to making your hair healthier and more manageable.
Using Argan oil as a heat protectant has many benefits. It not only prevents split ends and hair breakage but also makes styling easier while adding moisture back into the hair strands. Your hair is left with a smoother and shinier finish.
While other natural oils may have a high smoke point, they may not have the same nourishing properties as Argan oil. It is important to choose an oil that not only protects your hair from heat damage but also provides it with the necessary nutrients to keep it healthy and strong.
How To Use Argan Oil As A Heat Protectant For Your Hair
Using Argan oil as a heat protectant for your hair is a simple and effective way to prevent damage from hot styling tools. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Start with clean hair. Use a smoothing or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to remove dirt and traces of old products while providing much-needed moisture to your hair.
Step 2: Dry your hair properly. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel to prevent frizz. Instead, squeeze excess moisture and pat hair dry gently using a microfiber towel and let it air dry (up to 80% dry) before blow drying.
Step 3: Apply Argan oil as a heat protectant. Take half a cup of Argan oil in an oil mister spray bottle. Don’t use a regular spray bottle since the oil could clog it up. Spray the oil on your damp hair, making sure to cover all sections evenly.
Step 4: Divide your hair into sections. Instead of grabbing random clumps of hair, iron your hair one section at a time. Sections should be one to two inches thick so you can easily straighten your hair with fewer passes. Hold the upper layer of hair using a clip and start working on the sections in the lower layer.
Step 5: Use a straightening iron. Using a fluid and steady motion, glide the straightening iron from the roots to the ends. Iron one section at a time and place the straightener as close to the roots as possible.
Step 6: Finish with a serum. Once you’re done, work a hair serum through your hair to add shine and tame any errant flyways.
Using Argan oil as a heat protectant for your hair is an excellent way to keep your locks healthy and shiny while preventing damage from hot styling tools. It’s easy to make at home, and you can also find it in store-bought heat protectants. So go ahead, give it a try!
Other Benefits Of Using Argan Oil For Hair Care
Apart from its high smoke point, Argan oil has several other benefits for hair care. Here are some of the benefits of using Argan oil on your hair:
1. Nourishes Hair: Argan oil is rich in nutrients such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E that work together to nourish your hair strands inside and out. This helps to improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
2. Prevents Heat Damage: When you use a straightening iron or curling wand on your hair, it can cause heat damage, leading to split ends and hair breakage. However, using Argan oil as a heat protectant can prevent this damage and keep your hair healthy.
3. Makes Styling Easier: Applying Argan oil to your hair before styling can make it easier to manage and style. It helps to detangle your hair and reduce frizz, making it more manageable.
4. Adds Moisture: Argan oil is an excellent moisturizer for your hair. It penetrates deep into the hair shaft to provide hydration and prevent dryness, leaving your hair soft and silky.
5. Increases Shine: Using Argan oil on your hair can add shine and luster to it, making it look healthy and vibrant.
