– Sarita Starks, Guest Contributor
If you’ve shopped for hair products lately, chances are you’ve noticed one ingredient popping up in several of the products lining grocery store aisles. Argan oil continues to grow in popularity, being available in everything from shampoo to flat iron plates. Its abundant use can leave one wondering if this golden oil is the “new black” of hair care ingredients or if it truly works wonders. Here we explore the unique benefits of this North African gem.
Made In Morocco
Photo: Bartosz Wac3awski
Originating from the fruit of Argan (Argania spinosa) trees in southwest Morocco, argan oil is created using an intricate process based on Berber tribal customs. Regional Berber women harvest and peel the dried fruits to remove the nuts. Stones are then used to crack open the shells and retrieve the seeds. These seeds are placed onto a stone slab and grounded into a light brown nutty paste. Finally, the paste is kneaded to squeeze out the argan oil. For additional extracting, the argan paste is shaped and transported to local factories. After the remaining argan oil is extracted, the oil is packaged for distribution.
The Benefits of Argan Oil
High levels of Vitamin E make argan oil an excellent part of your hair routine. Packed with lipids, omega-6 linoleic and omega-9 oleic acids, the oil’s nutrients aid in providing moisture to dry scalps and strength to hair. Additional benefits include managing split ends, reducing frizz and creating shine on the hair shaft. Argan oil can be used on every hair texture.
Choosing the Right Oil
Photo: Sarita Starks
Selecting the best argan oil for your hair can be difficult when everyone claims to have the finest argan oil available. Here are some tips to ensure you are purchasing quality argan oil:
- Authenticity – Look for argan oil labeled “100% Argan Oil or “100% Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil.” Avoid alternative oil blends called “Moroccan Oil” and argan oil blends with chemical ingredients. These products have a low percentage rate of argan oil.
- Consistency & Aroma – Argan oil should be a light golden color with only slight color variations. The oil should not be “heavy, gooey and / [or] yellow.” Argan oil is not odorless. Your argan oil should have a slight nutty smell. The oil should not smell overbearing.
- Storage – To prevent deterioration of your argan oil, make sure bottle is made with dark brown glass. Do not purchase argan oil inside transparent plastic containers.
- Cost – Ancient traditions of laborious tasks contribute to the expensive cost of argan oil. It can take anywhere between “forty-five minutes” to a few hours to create “one four-ounce bottle” of argan oil. Bargain advertisements for 100% Argan Oil are usually for bottles filled with inferior oils or blends.
Recommended Argan Oil Brands
Photo: Sarita Starks
If less frizz, more shine and strength is what your hair’s craving, take a look at some of these options to get you started:
- Pure Argan Oil for Hair and Skin by Poppy Austin 100ml.
- NOW Solutions Argan Oil Pure & Certified Organic 4 fl. oz. & 2 fl. oz. Available on Amazon.
- Mountain Rose Herb Certified Organic Argan Oil 4 fl. oz. – 1 gallon
- The Body Source 100% Pure and Organic Argan Oil 100ml. 100% Cold Press
- Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil 0.5 fl. oz., 1.7 fl. oz. and 4 fl. oz. Available on Amazon.
So there you have it: argan oil is a multi-purpose product with great benefits that’s ultimately, a trend worth trying!
