Argan oil or liquid gold, as it's often called, is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. This natural oil is derived from the kernels of the argan tree. It's known to be especially useful for curly hair since the nutrients help combat frizz, dryness and also helps bring back the bounce in the curls. Here's how to use it to transform your hair.

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.

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:

1. In a small bowl, mix the argan oil, coconut oil, and honey until well combined.
2. Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the ends and working your way up to the roots.
3. Once your hair is fully coated, cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap to lock in the moisture.
4. 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.
5. 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:

1. In a spray bottle, combine the argan oil, aloe vera gel, and distilled water.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil if you want to give your leave-in conditioner a pleasant scent.
3. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients together.
4. After washing your hair, spritz the leave-in conditioner onto your damp curls. Focus on the ends and any dry areas.
5. 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:

1. Mash the ripe avocado in a bowl until it’s smooth and lump-free.
2. Add the argan oil and olive oil to the mashed avocado and mix well until you have a creamy consistency.
3. 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.
4. Once your hair is fully coated, wrap it in a warm towel or cover it with a shower cap.
5. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes to allow the nutrients to penetrate your hair.
6. 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:

1. In a small bowl, melt the shea butter until it’s soft and easy to mix.
2. Add the argan oil and jojoba oil to the melted shea butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then whip it with a fork or whisk until it becomes light and creamy.
4. Apply a small amount of the curl cream to your damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to the ends.
5. 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

In a nutshell, argan oil is a powerful tool in your curly hair care routine. It moisturizes, strengthens, and protects your curls, leaving them soft, shiny, and full of life.

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