Argan oil: Why this essential ingredient deserves a place in your grooming routine

Also known as liquid gold, Argan oil has become the beauty elixir du jour. Enriched with ingredients like vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it can help to promote healthier-looking locks, inside and out. But is it all too good to be true?

For centuries, Moroccan Argan oil has been used to not only repair tresses, but to restore shine and soften them. Plus, with so celebrities and beauty bloggers citing it is their go-to product, it’s no surprise this ingredient is trending in the hair care world.

So, if you’re considering jumping on the Argan oil bandwagon, we’ve got the 411 on how to make this nutrient-rich product can work wonders for your hair…

ATH’s ultimate guide to Argan oil

So, what exactly is Argan oil?

Extracted from the nuts of Argania spinosa (a tree native to the remote parts of Morocco), it’s a rare oil that’s full of wondrous properties. Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and E, it’s been said that topical application of this oil can help to improve the condition of damaged tresses.

Why does hair need these ingredients?

Hair that lacks an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E is usually dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Omega-3 helps keep your scalp and locks hydrated. Vitamin A is needed for sebum production (a natural oil in hair and skin that acts like a conditioner), while vitamin E helps protect against environmental damage.

It is thought that consuming foods that contain these essential ingredients, as well as consistently applying nutrient-rich oils can help improve hair texture. Argan oil, in particular, does this well because it has many benefits: from nourishing and moisturising the hair shaft and follicles, to smoothing damaged cuticles and restoring shine.

Uses of Argan oil

Because it’s so rare, buying Argan oil in its pure form can be expensive. But, don’t worry: choosing formulas that contain this essential ingredient can be equally effective. Look for either ‘Argan oil’ or ‘Argania spinosa kernel oil’, and you know you’ve picked the right product.

1. Styling

Working well on all hair types and textures, it’s a certified mane multi-tasker. And like other hair oils, using Argan oil on hair is an excellent styling method because of its smoothing and shine-boosting abilities. So, try applying a few drops of it before and after blow-drying or straightening.

2. Mask and pre-shampoo treatments

With a whole host of fortifying, nourishing and protective ingredients, an Argan oil hair treatment or Argan oil hair mask should also become your beauty BFF. If your locks are in dire need of a little TLC, using your favourite Argan oil can go a long way in making locks appear healthier.