Argan oil is extracted from the Argan tree, a native to Morocco and Mauritania, known for its copious benefits for several purposes. It has been primarily used for gastronomical purposes as cooking oil, garnishing, etc. from a primordial time. With recent discoveries of its exceptional goodness in cosmetics and beauty therapies, Aragan oil has been remarked as the ‘liquid gold’ for a number of reasons. It is squeezed out from the kernels of argan fruit and is a source of fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vit-E that exceptionally help in nutrient haircare and restore the brimming luster while supplying core nutrients.  

A Quick Scout On Scientific History

Argan or Argania spinosa L. is a thorny arid tree, native to Morocco and its periphery. It is also referred to as ‘iron wood’ for not only its stone-hard wood but also for its survival competency in extreme desert conditions while producing fleshy and soft fruits. Aragon oil is extracted from the fruits of the argan tree and contains a significant percentage of fatty acids for which it is also called ‘polyunsaturated oil’. 98% of Argan oil is comprised of triglycerides and related compounds that are derived majorly from fatty acids. However, the main compounds in argan oil are fatty acids (oleic acid/ omega-9, linoleic acid/ omega 6, alpha-linolenic acid/ omega 3, palmitic acid, and stearic acid ), antioxidants, Vitamin E, phenols, and sterols. The percentage contribution of each fatty acid in argan oil is as follows.

• Oleic acid /Omega-9: 42.8%
• Linoleic acid/ Omega 6: 36.8%
• Palmitic acid: 12.0%
• Stearic acid:  6.0%
• Alpha-Linolenic acid/ Omega 3: <0.5%

Argan Oil In Hair Care: Historical Inquest

Argan oil has been used for centuries, primarily by the Berber communities of Morocco. Primarily it was used to serve culinary purposes such as drizzling on salad, couscous, grilled vegetables, or a typical Moroccan dish amlou, and still in use. However, for beauty and haircare too, it shares an age-old history. Argan oil in skincare and haircare was used for a variety of reasons and in multiple ways to combat the aridity of the climate. By 2000 through profound modern scientific research, argan oil had started to be used extensively and referred to as the most sought-after ingredient for modern beauty textbooks. Henceforth, today it is extolled as ‘liquid gold’.

List of Major Compounds in Agran Responsible for Haircare

Fatty Acids

Aragan oil contains a pool of fatty acids which makes it effective as the principal and most demanding component for hair care. Due to heavy concentrations of fatty acids, argan oil unlocks unique nutritional values that bring back malnourished hair into desired luster and volume. There are five types of fatty acids found in argan oil in descending percentages that unlock versatile benefits. For instance, Oleic acid or omega-9 enhances hair softness, increases moisture retention, and strengthens the hair shaft. Linoleic acid helps control dryness, protects the scalp, and supports hair elasticity. Palmitic acid provides a protective layer, reducing moisture loss and preventing split ends. Stearic acid enables deep scalp cleansing that enhances natural conditioning adding extra shine to hair. 

Vitamin E / Tocopherols

Vitamin E in argan oil works as a barrier against environmental stresses and direct exposure. It prevents oxidative stresses that help reduce brittle shafts and broken texture. Besides this, Vitamin E promotes better blood circulation in the scalp that seeds extra strength to hair locks while making the hair strands firm, flexible, and freely movable.

Antioxidants

Argan oil is powered with a significant proportion of antioxidants which makes it effective producing unparalleled benefits, required for healthy haircare and longevity. Each antioxidant is imperative to catapult unique benefits and long-term health. For instance, Polyphenols are embedded with anti-inflammatory properties that actively partake in soothing the scalp and preventing bacterial infections. Ferulic Acid is a natural UV-ray blocker that also helps hinder oxidative stress. Squalene offers moisture locks that penetrate deeper into hair roots resulting in soft and manageable hair shafts. Sterols (Phytosterols) promote collagen synthesis and support moisture retention. Carotenoids maintain the scalp health while mucilaging shine and glossiness to the texture. Lastly, Coenzyme Q10 helps in keratin production which makes the hair stronger and less susceptible to damage.

Benefits 

Deep Moisturization & Nourishment 

The first and primary role performed by argan oil is soiling hair roots and scalp with deep moisturization. The enriched concentration of fatty acids notably oleic acid, linoleic acid, and squalene is found responsible for this result. They not only penetrate deeper into the hair locks but at the same time pave out passages for other nutrients to infiltrate and gradually help healthy hair growth while diminishing frizz, and tangles. 

Strengthens Hair Strands

Argan oil has immense potential for strong hair strands. The conglomeration of Vitamin E, polyphenols, and sterols reinforces hair structures to get back to their original shape which additionally improves brittle texture and split ends. As a result, the hair shafts get rejuvenated with strong, flexible, and firmness.

Reinforce Shine & Luster

The prominent concentration of oleic acid and linoleic acid smoothens hair cuticles which helps reduce free radicals and hair knots, thus making the hair smooth and tangle-free. Besides, the natural conditioning properties of argan oil revive hair growth with a natural shine. 

Maintains Scalp Health

Argan oil is enriched with antimicrobial properties. The integration of stearic acid, palmitic acid, and carotenoids provides deep cleansing that helps remove dirt, impurities, and sebum and thus keeps the scalp clean and protected. Besides this, these also enable anti-bacterial protection. 

Promotes Healthy Hair Growth

Argan oil is empowered with natural UV-shield properties, sourced from ferulic acid, vitamin E, and carotenoids. These act as natural barriers against pollution and sunrays that prevent oxidative stresses and flakey scalp and eventually result in fluffy, voluminous, and shiny hair growth. 

Argan Oil in Haircare Products

Argan oil is used in multiple ways in haircare products in multiple proportions. From hair oil to hair conditioner, shampoo to hair masks, this unveils 2x faster and better results without side effects. 

Hair Oil

Pure argan oil or blends with other essential oils are often used as pre-wash scalp treatments to nourish hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. These treatments help combat dryness, dandruff, and scalp irritation while strengthening roots.

Shampoos

Argan oil is commonly infused in shampoos to provide hydration while gently cleansing the scalp. It helps restore moisture balance, making it ideal for people with dry or color-treated hair. The presence of fatty acids and vitamin E strengthens hair while reducing frizz and breakage. Try La Pink Olive & Argan Shampoo for the visible change. 

Conditioners & Hair Masks

Deep conditioning products enriched with argan oil work to repair and rejuvenate hair from root to tip. These conditioners and masks penetrate the hair shaft which gradually results in restoring elasticity, smoothing the cuticle, and preventing split ends. Regular use improves overall hair texture, and visible frizz control, and makes it more manageable. Our Olive & Argan Conditioner has all the benefits to provide desired results.

Leave-In Treatments

Argan oil-based serums and leave-in treatments act as a protective shield against heat styling, UV rays, and environmental pollutants. These products add shine, reduce frizz, and enhance hair’s smoothness without weighing it down. They are particularly beneficial for taming unruly or curly hair.

Heat Protectant Sprays

Since argan oil naturally withstands high temperatures, it is a key ingredient in many heat-protectant sprays. These products shield hair from damage caused by flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers, ensuring hair remains smooth and hydrated even after heat styling.