Argan Oil Hair Mask--The 'It' Treatment You Never Knew You Needed

What Can Argan Oil Do for My Hair?

Argan oil is the latest buzz word in health and cosmetics, but it's also causing some commotion in the field of trichology – the study of human hair. Despite the fact that Argan oil has been being used to improve the health of skin, hair, and nails for centuries, there were no major scientific studies until recently. But once word began to spread about the amazing properties of this natural oil, even major beauty supply retailers started putting it out on the shelves.
 
Advertised as a miracle beauty oil, Argan oil can supposedly cure all types of hair and skin ailments, taking years off of your appearance. It's being hailed as some sort of Philosopher's stone of health and beauty. But does it really help hair, or is it just the latest pseudo science fad?

Thanks to research, the information on this oil and its properties speak for themselves.
 
The Facts:
Argan oil contains massive amounts of Vitamin E, the vitamin responsible for healthy skin and hair growth. It also contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids, all of which contribute to strong, healthy hair. Clinical studies involving Vitamin E have shown that supplemental intake can improve hair strength and possibly even repair damaged hair.
 
So while Argan may be enjoying a burst of attention, the results are entirely real. Many people are becoming increasingly disillusioned with commercial health and beauty products that don't live up to their promises, and are filled with unnecessary (and sometimes irritating) inactive ingredients. The result is a strong leaning toward natural alternatives that actually deliver. And Argan oil is one of the best alternatives there available.
 
So we know that it's good for hair health, but what are the best ways to actually use Argan oil? You can consume it and reap many of the benefits, but when it comes to hair, the best way is to apply it directly. Below are some of the many ways to do so.
 
As Conditioner

Use Argan oil as a natural conditioner. 

Argan oil makes an excellent leave-in conditioner for a few reasons. The first is that it helps keep hair smooth, shiny, and manageable throughout the day. The second is that it can protect your hair from the elements and even repair previous damage. And finally, regular application can have very positive long-term effects on your hair's overall health.
 
The best part is that it only takes one or two drops to condition your hair. At that rate, it'll be a long time before you get to the end of another conditioner bottle. After shampooing and rinsing, just massage a drop or two of oil into your hair. That's it! You're ready to go.

As Styling Gel
If you choose not to use Argan oil as a leave-in conditioner, you should still consider adding a drop or two to your hair as an after-shower styling gel. Forget mousse (does anyone remember that anyway?) and hairspray; a dab of Argan will keep your hair in order all day. It prevents static, friz, and fly-away hair without leaving your hair feeling sticky, stiff, or greasy. What other product can do that?
 
Hair Repair (Hot Oil Treatment)
Argan oil can also repair damaged hair, restoring a the strength and natural shine. Vitamin E helps to repair hair from the inside out, and in the meantime, the lubricating properties help hide split ends and dry hair.

Repair your hair with Argan hot oil treatment. 

This method has been around for ages, but it's important to proceed with care. The most important thing to remember when you're preparing to do a hot oil treatment is that, despite the name, you won't actually be using hot oil. “Warm oil treatment” would be the more technically correct name, as genuinely hot oil can damage your hair and scalp. There are various methods for heating oil, but the safest way is to:

• Heat a pot of water until it simmers, then remove it from the heat.

• Place your oil in a heat-safe container and set it in the hot water. You'll be able to see the oil start to swirl as it warms.

• Always, always test the heat of the oil by touching a drop of it first to the back of your hand, and then to your face. If it doesn't hurt your skin, then proceed to your hair. 

• Application styles vary, but all you really want to do is make sure you cover your hair from the roots out with the warm oil.

• Once your hair is saturated, cover your head with a shower cap or a warm, damp towel and leave it on for roughly 20 minutes.

• Rinse your hair thoroughly. 

Most cosmetologists recommend repeating this process once per month to repair regularly occuring damage.
 
Treating Dry or Oily Hair
As unlikely as it sounds, Argan oil is an effective treatment for both dry and oily hair. That's because when your hair is excessively oil, it's actually the result of being over dry. Your scalp's hair follicles produce an abundance of oils to compensate, and the result is oily, greasy hair. By adding a few drops of Argan oil every time you wash your hair, you can keep your scalp's natural oils in balance, preventing dryness.
 
The Bottom Line
You don't need half a dozen different cremes, lotions, and conditioners cluttering up your bathroom to have beautiful, healthy hair. All of these benefits come from a single, 100% natural oil. And you can incorporate any of these hair care methods with very little change to your existing grooming routine.
 
Argan oil is rich in nutrients that help hair thrive. Beyond that, because it's also an effective styling tool and conditioner, you can eliminate another few bottles from your bathroom counter in favor of a single jar of oil. Improving your hair's health and simplifying your life? That's not some passing fad, that's a lifestyle change for the better.