Argan oil comes from the nut of the argan tree aka as Argania spinosa, which grows in the Northern African countries of Morocco and Algeria.
The nut is encased in a thick shell that is surrounded by a pulpy mass. Each nut contains up to 60% oil.
The oil is produced by fair trade women co-operatives in Morocco.
This cooperation provides income for many women and their relatives as well as improved social standing.
The argan shell is cracked by hand or between two stones. The nuts are then extracted, roasted, and ground to a paste.
Once the paste is a sufficient consistency, it is squeezed thoroughly to extract the oil.
The discarded husk is used to feed the goats. It takes over 15 hours to extract one litre of oil per batch, which explains why the oil is so costly.
The extracted oil can last up to 6 months and is rich in essential fatty acids.
Local uses of argan oil include as a dipping for bread, on couscous, salad dressings and to make dipping pastes.
Argan oil is a common ingredient in anti-ageing cosmetic products but it’s available as a standalone oil as well.
Local woman in Morocco handcrafting argan oil
Why is Argan Oil Good for Hair Loss and Breakage?
Argan oil contains vitamin E, carotenes, squalene, and up to 80% unsaturated fatty acids; all intensely hydrating and moisturizing agents for hair.
Additionally, argan oil calms frizz and promotes sheen. It is also a natural replacement for silicon.
The nutrients in argan oil help to restore hair damage from the sun and atmospheric elements.
How to Use Argan Oil to Reverse Hair Loss
Leave-in Conditioner
Apply 5 – 10 drops to your hand, rub together, and work through your wet strands, and massage over your scalp before styling.
It doesn’t matter how long your hair is, 5 – 10 drops are more than enough. Overuse can irritate your scalp.
Hair Styling
While your style is in place, you can apply 5 drops of argan oil every morning before dressing up your hair.
Moisturising Mask
For an intensely moisturising hair mask, mix 5 tablespoons of argan oil mayonnaise, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of argan oil together thoroughly.
Apply to hair, cover with a shower cap and leave for an hour then wash out with a mild shampoo.
This mask will make your hair stronger and less susceptible to shedding. Repeat every two weeks.
Consistency with the above recommendations will help your hair to stop shedding over the long term and lead to stronger strands.
Be careful to purchase 100% pure argan oil that isn’t loaded with silicon, fragrance, and other synthetic fillers.
You can usually tell if argan oil is impure in the following ways:-
- Real argan oil has a rich, intensely nutty, and earthy smell. If it smells any other way, it’s not original.
- It has more than one ingredient listed.
- Authentic argan oil is sold in amber-colored containers to preserve shelf life and prevent deterioration.
- It is cheap. Pure argan oil is labor-intensive and this is reflected in the cost.
- The texture is anything but smooth and silky between your fingers.
Argan seeds in a stone mill ready for extraction
You can purchase 100% pure argan oil on Amazon. Below are some great recommendations:
