For most people, especially women, hair is crown that completes the appearance. Various kinds of treatments were carried out to beautify the "crown", including applying natural ingredients, like argan oil. Is it true that argan oil has benefits for hair? Come on, see the discussion about argan oil below!
Argan oil comes from the seeds of the argan tree (Argania spinosa) which is found in Morocco. This oil contains various types of vegetable fats (sterols) and fatty acids, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid.
In addition, argan oil also contains vitamin E, omega-3, and polyphenol antioxidants, beta-carotene, and xanthophylls. Thanks to its properties, this oil has long been used as a food ingredient, traditional medicine, as well as skin and hair care ingredients.
Benefits of Argan Oil on Hair
Argan oil has many health benefits, one of which is hair health. The following is the role of argan oil in maintaining healthy hair:
1. Provides nutrition and maintains hair moisture
Argan oil is rich in nutrients that are beneficial for hair health. The oleic acid and linoleic acid contained in it will coat the scalp and the outer part of the hair shaft (cuticle), and keep the hair moist.
2. Maintain scalp health
In addition to moisturizing, argan oil is also able to overcome inflammation and accelerate wound healing on the scalp.
Vitamin E, polyphenols, carotene, fatty acids, and xanthophylls in argan oil act as antioxidants that protect the skin, suppress inflammation, and accelerate wound healing on the scalp.
3. Make rsmooth, shiny and easy to manage hair
Argan oil can function as a conditioner to make hair shiny, smooth, and easier to comb and manage. Argan oil is also good to use to help deal with frizzy hair.
4. Repair hair damage
Argan oil is useful for repairing hair damage due to the hair styling process that uses heat (heat styling) or chemicals, such as hair dye. Chemicals in hair dye can break down hair proteins, making hair more prone to damage.
The linoleic acid and oleic acid in argan oil can reduce the amount of protein that is broken down, while also protecting hair from drying. heat styling, because the two fatty acids will coat the hair shaft.
In addition, treatment with argan oil can prevent split ends and treat brittle hair, resulting in thicker and healthier hair.
5. Prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth
The vitamin E in argan oil is said to promote hair growth and strengthen its structure. There are studies that also state that argan oil can prevent hair loss.
However, there are not many studies that discuss this so the benefits cannot be ascertained.
How to Use Argan Oil on Hair
There are 2 types of argan oil that are commonly applied to hair, namely pure argan oil and argan oil that has been processed and added to hair care products. Here's how to apply argan oil to your hair according to the type used.
Pure argan oil
There are various ways to use pure argan oil on hair, including:
- Apply a few drops of argan oil to the wet ends of your hair before blow drying.
- Warm a teaspoon or two of argan oil, then apply it to your hair and give it a slight massage on the scalp. Leave it for half an hour, then rinse your hair with cold water.
- Mix 1-2 drops of argan oil in the shampoo or conditioner you are going to use. This method can be done 3 times per week.
- Use it as a hair mask by applying 8-10 drops of pure argan oil to the hair and massaging the scalp for 10 minutes. After that, wrap the hair with a towel or shower cap, and left overnight. Rinse hair the next morning.
Refined argan oil
If you use hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, or hair mask) that contain argan oil in them, use the product according to the method and instructions for use stated on the product packaging.
Many, right, the benefits of argan oil for hair? Products containing argan oil are now very easy to find. Its use is also not too complicated, so you can do it yourself at home.
Although so far the use of argan oil for hair health is considered safe, but if you experience itching and irritation on the scalp or dandruff appears after using argan oil, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.
Written by:
dr. Caroline Claudia