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If you have curly hair, you've probably had your fair share of struggles in trying to manage and maintain it. The constant battle against frizz, dryness, and tangles can often feel like a never-ending saga. But what if there was a magic potion that could tame your beautiful but rebellious curls? Enter argan oil.
Hailing from the argan tree, argan oil or Moroccan argan oil, often termed "liquid gold," is a natural powerhouse that brings a plethora of benefits to curly hair. Its rich composition of essential nutrients and antioxidants has made it a vital ingredient in the hair care industry, and it is especially revered by those with curly hair. In this blog post, we'll explore the various benefits of argan oil for curly hair and why it deserves a place in your hair care routine.
What Is Argan Oil?
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Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It's not just used for hair care, but also for skin and even cooking. The process of making it is labor-intensive. Workers hand-pick the fruits, dry them under the sun, and then crack open the hard shells to get to the kernels inside. These kernels are then cold-pressed to extract the oil.
This oil is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acid, which are key to moisturizing and protecting your hair. It’s also loaded with vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps repair damage and strengthen your hair. Unlike many other oils, argan oil is lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your curls or leave them feeling greasy.
What Does Argan Oil Do for Curly Hair?
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Argan hair oil addresses many common issues that come with curls. Here's what it can do for curly hair:
Deeply Moisturizes Curls: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the hair's natural oils from your scalp have a harder time traveling down the twists and turns of your curls. Argan oil helps to lock in this moisture.
Strengthens Hair and Encourages Healthy Hair Growth: The vitamin E and fatty acids in argan oil help repair damaged hair and prevent breakage. This is especially important for curly hair, which can be more prone to split ends and breakage due to its structure.
Natural UV Protection: Argan oil can shield your hair shaft from the sun’s damaging rays, which can cause your curls to dry out and become frizzy. Plus, if you’re someone who styles your hair with heat, this oil can act as a protective barrier.
Prevents Frizzy Hair: Argan oil smooths down the hair cuticle and hair follicles, which can help reduce frizz and make your curls look more defined.
Soothes Itchy Scalp: An itchy scalp can be uncomfortable and is sometimes a result of dryness or irritation. Argan oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help with this.
Argan Oil Benefits for Curly Hair
Argan oil offers numerous benefits for curly hair, including:
1) Deeply Moisturises Curly Hair
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Curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, making it more prone to damage. Argan oil is packed with essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, and vitamin E, which help deeply moisturize and nourish the hair. This oil penetrates the hair shaft, locking in moisture, which in turn makes your curls more manageable.
2) Enhances Shine and Softness
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The struggle for shine and softness is all too real for those with curly hair. Argan oil is known for its ability to restore the natural oils of your hair by sealing the cuticles and smoothing the hair shaft. The result is glossy, healthy-looking curls that feel soft to the touch. With regular use of argan oil, you'll notice a significant improvement in the overall texture and appearance of your curls.
3) Reduces Breakage and Split Ends
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The natural dryness of curly hair makes it susceptible to breakage and split ends. Argan oil's rich composition of nutrients works wonders in strengthening the hair and improving its elasticity. This not only reduces breakage but also helps prevent the formation of split ends.
4) Tames Frizz and Flyaways
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Curly hair is notorious for its frizziness and flyaways, which can make styling a challenge. Argan oil's smoothing properties help tame those unruly strands, resulting in more effortless styling. By coating the hair shaft, argan oil keeps frizzy hair in check, giving your curls a polished and well-defined look.
5) Protects Hair from Heat Damage
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Heat styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can wreak havoc on your curls, causing damage and dryness. Argan oil offers a natural layer of protection against heat damage. Applying a few drops of argan oil to your hair before heat styling can help minimize the potential damage, keeping your curls healthy and vibrant.
6) Enhances Curl Definition
A key challenge for curly-haired individuals is maintaining well-defined, bouncy curls. Argan oil can help enhance your curl pattern by providing essential nourishment. As a result, your curls will become more defined, and your hair will have a more structured and voluminous appearance.
7) Promotes Scalp Health
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A healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair growth. Argan oil possesses antioxidant properties, which can potentially alleviate scalp conditions such as dandruff, itchiness, and irritation. This, in turn, creates a healthier environment for hair growth, ultimately resulting in stronger curls.
8) Supports Hair Growth
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Argan oils are packed with nutrients that can boost hair growth. The antioxidants and vitamin E present in argan oil help improve blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can aid in minimizing scalp inflammation, which has the potential to impede hair growth.
How to Use Argan Oil for Curly Hair
Now that you're aware of the benefits of argan oil for curly hair, let's discuss some ways to incorporate it into your hair care routine:
1) Pre-Shampoo Treatment
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Coat your hair and scalp generously with argan oil before you begin the shampooing process. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before washing your hair. This will provide your hair with intense hydration, resulting in healthier and more tame curls. For added benefits, consider using an argan oil shampoo during your washing routine.
2) Leave-In Conditioner
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After washing your hair, apply a few drops of argan hair oil to your damp hair. This will lock in the moisture, reduce frizz, and add a healthy shine to your curls. Additionally, you can explore various leave-in argan oil hair products specifically formulated to be left in the hair, offering prolonged nourishment and protection.
3) Heat Protectant
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Before using any heat styling tools, apply argan oil to your hair. This preventive measure acts as a barrier, shielding your strands from potential heat damage caused by styling tools.
4) Scalp Treatment
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For a healthier scalp, incorporate a weekly routine of massaging argan oil into your scalp. By doing this, you can effectively alleviate any irritation and foster a more balanced and nourished scalp environment.
5) Hair Mask
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For a deeply nourishing hair mask, combine argan oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. This blend creates a potent deep conditioning treatment. Apply the mixture generously to your hair, ensuring even distribution from roots to ends. Leave the mask on for a minimum of one hour, or for optimal results, leave it on overnight. Afterward, rinse out the mask using a gentle shampoo. Alternatively, you can explore store-bought argan oil hair mask products that offer similar conditioning benefits and convenience.
How to Apply Argan Oil
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Here’s how to use argan oil:
- Wash your hair as you normally would. If you want to increase the benefits, you can use argan oil shampoo and conditioner.
- After rinsing out your conditioner, gently towel-dry your hair until it’s damp.
- Pour a small amount of argan oil into your palm—about a dime-sized amount for short to medium hair, or a quarter-sized amount for longer hair. Rub your hands together to warm the oil.
- Apply the oil to your hair. Focus on the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, where it tends to be driest. Use your fingers to comb the oil through your curls. Make sure each strand gets coated. Avoid applying the oil to your roots, as this can make your hair look greasy.
- After applying the oil, you can style your hair as you normally would.
- After styling, you can apply a tiny bit more argan oil to tame any frizz or flyaways.
Optional: For extra hydration, you can use argan oil as an overnight treatment. Apply a generous amount to your hair before bed. Focus on the ends. Put your hair in a loose braid or bun, and wash it out in the morning.
Argan Oil Recipes for Curly Hair
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If you want to mix things up and customize your hair care routine, here are a couple of easy argan oil recipes that you can try at home:
Argan Oil Deep Conditioning Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of pure argan oil
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the argan oil, coconut oil, and honey until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the ends and working your way up to the roots.
- Once your hair is fully coated, cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap to lock in the moisture.
- Let the mask sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can leave it on for an hour or even overnight for a deeper treatment.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water and follow up with your usual shampoo and conditioner.
Tip: Use this deep conditioning mask once a week to keep your curls hydrated and healthy.
Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of argan oil
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 1 cup of distilled water
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
Instructions:
- In a spray bottle, combine the argan oil, aloe vera gel, and distilled water.
- Add a few drops of essential oil if you want to give your leave-in conditioner a pleasant scent.
- Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients together.
- After washing your hair, spritz the leave-in conditioner onto your damp curls. Focus on the ends and any dry areas.
- Style your hair as usual. You can use this leave-in conditioner daily or as needed to keep your curls soft and frizz-free.
Tip: Store the spray bottle in the fridge for a refreshing boost on hot days.
Argan Oil and Avocado Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons of argan oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
- Mash the ripe avocado in a bowl until it’s smooth and lump-free.
- Add the argan oil and olive oil to the mashed avocado and mix well until you have a creamy consistency.
- Apply the mask to your damp hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Make sure to cover all of your hair.
- Once your hair is fully coated, wrap it in a warm towel or cover it with a shower cap.
- Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes to allow the nutrients to penetrate your hair.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then shampoo and condition as usual.
Tip: This mask is especially beneficial for dry or damaged curls, as the avocado provides deep moisture and nourishment.
Argan Oil and Shea Butter Curl Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of shea butter
- 1 tablespoon of argan oil
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, melt the shea butter until it’s soft and easy to mix.
- Add the argan oil and jojoba oil to the melted shea butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then whip it with a fork or whisk until it becomes light and creamy.
- Apply a small amount of the curl cream to your damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to the ends.
- Scrunch your curls to enhance their natural shape and let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser.
Tip: Store the remaining curl cream in an airtight container and use it as needed to keep your curls defined and moisturized.
Summary
Argan oil is a versatile, natural ingredient that provides unlimited benefits for curly hair. From deep hydration to curl definition, this "liquid gold" can truly transform your curls, making them healthier, shinier, and more manageable. However, as with any new product, it is advisable to conduct a patch test to rule out the possibility of allergic reactions. Also, remember that consistency is key; the benefits of argan oil won't show up overnight, but with regular use, you're sure to see a remarkable improvement in your curly hair.
But the key to perfectly managed curls doesn't end with argan oil. To truly elevate your curly hair game, you need reliable hair ties like Burlybands. These hair ties are specifically designed for curly and thick hair, offering a no-slip, no-damage solution to keep your curls in check. Pair them with the miraculous benefits of argan oil for a match made in curly hair heaven. Shop with us today.
