The Miraculous Content of Hair Care Argan Oil and Its Benefits

The benefits of argan oil are an ancient secret that has led us to call it "the liquid gold of Morocco" and made it an indispensable part of beauty rituals for thousands of years.

Extracted exclusively from the fruits of endemic argan trees in southwestern Morocco, this precious oil has revolutionized the world of hair care.

In today's modern hair care routines, this miraculous ingredient, which addresses countless needs from repairing damaged hair to adding shine to dry hair, is one of nature's most generous gifts.

At Polente Natural, we invite you on a journey to explore what this pure and powerful treasure of nature can do for your hair, why we call it a "miracle," and the rich heritage behind this oil.

What is argan oil?

Argan oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the kernels (or "nuts") of the argan tree, scientifically known as Argania spinosa , which grows only in Morocco's UNESCO-protected Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve.

This tree is extremely resistant to arid climates, and its roots play a key role in combating desertification.

What makes this oil so valuable is both the laborious process of obtaining it and its extraordinary richness in nutritional content. Argan oil is a true storehouse of nutrients:

• Fatty Acids: It is very rich in essential fatty acids, especially oleic acid (omega-9) and linoleic acid (omega-6). These oils have the capacity to deeply moisturize and nourish the hair and skin.

• Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Argan oil is even richer in tocopherols, a powerful antioxidant form of vitamin E, than olive oil. This makes it a strong protector against free radicals, UV rays, and environmental damage.

• Phenolic Compounds: Contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as ferulic acid. These compounds soothe the scalp and support cell regeneration.

• Squalene: A wonderful emollient and moisturizer also found in the skin's and scalp's natural sebum.

• Sterols: They help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

This rich chemical profile explains why argan oil is not only a moisturizer but also functions as a restorative, protective, and soothing treatment.

What are the uses of argan oil?

Argan oil is a versatile oil used for both cosmetic and culinary (obtained from roasted kernels) purposes. However, the cosmetic argan oil that is the focus of this article acts as a "joker" ingredient, especially in hair and skin care.

So, what exactly is it used for?

Its primary function is moisturizing and protecting . Fatty acids that penetrate the hair strands trap moisture in the hair's inner structure. On the outer surface of the hair strand (cuticle), it forms a smoothing and protective layer.

Thanks to this dual effect, Argan oil;

• It instantly adds softness and elasticity to dry and dehydrated hair.

• It makes hair that has undergone heat treatments (blow-drying, curling) or chemical treatments (dyeing, bleaching) easier to comb and reduces brittleness.

• It helps hair look more vibrant and healthy by enhancing its natural shine.

• It soothes dryness and itching of the scalp and can help balance sebum production.

• It controls frizz and flyaways, and helps keep hair smooth, especially in humid weather.

In short, argan oil offers holistic care that nourishes, protects, and repairs hair without weighing it down.

What are the benefits of argan oil?

The benefits of argan oil stem from its rich and complex nutritional profile, setting it apart from other vegetable oils. This oil offers the essential building blocks and protectors that hair needs, all in one bottle.

Here are the main benefits this "liquid gold" offers for your hair:

1. Intensive Hydration and Nourishment

Argan oil is particularly rich in linoleic and oleic acids. These fatty acids deeply nourish the hair strands and lock in moisture. This restores the elasticity and softness that dry, thick, or curly hair especially needs.

2. Repairing and Preventing Hair Split Ends

Hair breakage usually occurs when the hair cuticle is damaged and loses moisture. Argan oil smoothes these damaged cuticles by "gluing" them together, reducing the appearance of split ends. With regular use, it increases hair elasticity, making it more resistant to future breakage.

3. Calming Down Static Electricity (Fever)

One of the most beloved effects of argan oil is its ability to instantly control frizz. By adding a smoothing layer without weighing the hair down, it prevents static electricity, especially in humid weather. It makes hair look smoother and more manageable.

4. Benefits of Argan Oil: Protecting Hair from Heat and Environmental Damage

One of the most important benefits is its protective effect. Thanks to its high vitamin E (tocopherol) content, it is a powerful antioxidant. This protects hair from the damage caused by heat styling tools such as hair dryers and curling irons. It also acts as a shield against oxidative stress caused by free radicals such as UV rays and air pollution.

5. Giving Hair a Natural Shine

Healthy hair reflects light better. Argan oil smooths and aligns the hair cuticles, leveling the surface of the hair. This allows the hair to reflect light better, instantly giving it a brighter, more vibrant, and healthier look. It provides a natural shine without leaving a greasy appearance.

6. Nourishing and Soothing the Scalp

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Argan oil, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, helps soothe dry, itchy, or sensitive scalps. It relieves dryness in the scalp, can reduce dandruff, and encourages hair follicles to grow in a healthier environment.

How to Use Argan Oil?

The beauty of argan oil lies in its versatility. You can use it for different purposes depending on your hair's needs. At Polente Natural, we suggest some uses that will allow you to get the maximum benefit from the potential of this pure oil:

1. Leave-In Treatment Serum (For Dry or Damp Hair): This is the most common way to use it. It specifically targets dryness and split ends. It instantly tames frizz.

2. Intensive Repair Hair Mask (Before Shampooing): If your hair needs deep nourishment and repair, using argan oil as a mask is wonderful. This is ideal especially for colored, damaged, or very dry hair.

3. Scalp Treatment: If your scalp is dry, itchy, or flaky, argan oil can be used as a wonderful soothing and moisturizing treatment.

4. Styling and Heat Protection: When used in small amounts before heat styling, it helps protect hair strands from the direct effects of high temperatures and results in smoother styling.

5. Add to Shampoo or Conditioner: You can add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner to enhance the moisturizing power of your existing products.

How to Apply Argan Oil?

Once you've decided on your intended use, the correct application technique will directly affect the outcome.

• Application as a Serum:

  1. It can be applied to rinsed and towel-dried damp hair, or to dry hair.

  2. Take just 1-3 drops (adjust according to the length and thickness of your hair) of argan oil into your palm.

  3. Warm the oil by rubbing your palms together. This helps the oil molecules spread better.

  4. Apply the oil to your hair, starting from the mid-sections and working your way to the ends, focusing especially on the driest areas. Avoid getting it on your roots (as it can create a greasy look).

  5. Do not rinse. Comb or style your hair as desired.

• Application as a Hair Mask:

  1. Apply to dry hair before washing.

  2. Take a sufficient amount of argan oil (1-2 tablespoons) into your palm.

  3. Apply the oil evenly to all of your hair, starting from the roots and reaching the ends.

  4. Gently comb your hair to ensure the oil reaches every strand.

  5. Wrap your hair in a shower cap or a warm towel. (Heat helps the oil penetrate the cuticles better.)

  6. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more intensive care.

  7. After the waiting time, shampoo and rinse your hair as you normally would. (You can shampoo twice if necessary.)

• Application as a Scalp Treatment:

  1. Apply a few drops of argan oil to your fingertips.

  2. Apply directly to your scalp, parting your hair.

  3. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips in circular motions for 5-10 minutes. This will also help improve blood circulation.

  4. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo.

How is argan oil obtained?

The process of extracting argan oil is a laborious and demanding one, proving why it deserves the title of "liquid gold."

This process is carried out using knowledge traditionally passed down through generations by Berber women in Morocco.

1. Harvesting and Drying: The olive-like fruits of the argan tree are harvested when they ripen (usually in the summer months), or those that have fallen are collected from the ground. These fruits are dried in the sun for weeks to extract the nuts inside.

2. Separation of Fruit Flesh (Pulping): The fleshy, dry outer part (pulp) of the dried fruit is separated from the hard-shelled nut inside. This pulp is generally used as animal feed.

3. Cracking the Argan Nuts: This is the most difficult and labor-intensive part of the process. The shell of an argan nut is many times harder than that of a walnut. In the traditional method, women manually crack these nuts one by one between two stones to reach the small kernels inside. Since one person can only extract a few kilograms of kernels per day, this process is the main factor determining the cost of the oil.

4. Oil Extraction: After the kernels are harvested, the oil is extracted. At this point, the process is divided into two parts:

   • Culinary Oil: The kernels are lightly roasted to impart a nutty aroma to the oil, and then pressed.

   • Cosmetic Oil: The seeds are pressed raw, without roasting , to preserve their nutritional value and neutral aroma.

How is pure argan oil obtained?

Not all products labeled "Argan Oil" are of equal purity and quality. For us at Polente Natural, "pure" oil means oil that retains its nutritional value to the highest degree.

The gold standard for obtaining pure cosmetic argan oil is the "cold press" method.

After the kernels are manually cracked and collected, they are fed into modern, non-heat mechanical presses (cold-pressing machines). These machines extract the oil by pressing the kernels without heating them (usually below 40°C).

Why is cold pressing so important?

• Nutritional Preservation: Heat degrades valuable nutrients such as vitamin E, phenolic compounds, and delicate fatty acids. Cold pressing ensures that all of these components are transferred to the oil without being damaged.

• Purity: This method does not use chemical solvents such as hexane or refining processes to extract the oil. The resulting oil is 100% pure, unfiltered (or lightly filtered), and natural.

• Effectiveness: Because its nutritional value is preserved, cold-pressed argan oil has a much higher restorative and protective effect on hair and skin compared to refined oils.

When searching for "pure" argan oil, be sure to check the label for "Cold Pressed" and "100% Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil" .

Conclusion

The benefits of argan oil have made it a true beauty elixir, originating from the rugged lands of Morocco and spreading throughout the world.

This precious oil is not just a superficial ingredient that adds shine and softness to the hair; thanks to its rich content of vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, it offers holistic care that nourishes, repairs, protects, and soothes the hair from root to tip.

Whether your hair is dry and damaged, or simply needs a little shine and control, argan oil is one of nature's most effective solutions. At Polente Natural, we believe the power of this oil lies in its "purity," just as it does in the process of its extraction.

Adding 100% pure, cold-pressed argan oil to your hair care routine is one of the most natural and valuable gifts you can give your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions About Argan Oil

1. Does argan oil make hair oily?

Not when used correctly. Argan oil is considered a "dry oil," meaning it's quickly absorbed by the skin and hair and doesn't leave a heavy, greasy feeling. The trick is the amount. 1-2 drops are usually enough for the ends of the hair. If you have oily hair, be sure to apply it only to the ends and avoid the roots.

2. Can argan oil be used every day?

Yes, it can be used daily (on dry or damp hair) as a serum, especially on the ends of the hair. However, using it once or twice a week as a deep conditioning mask is sufficient.

3. Is argan oil good for hair loss?

While argan oil isn't a direct medical treatment for hair loss, it indirectly contributes to the process. By nourishing and moisturizing the scalp, it creates a healthier environment for the follicles. More importantly, it visibly reduces breakage-related hair loss by increasing hair elasticity.

4. How to tell if argan oil is pure?

Pure, cold-pressed cosmetic argan oil has a light, nutty (but not roasted) scent. Its color is light golden yellow. When applied to the skin or hair, it is quickly absorbed and does not leave a sticky residue. Very cheap oils are often diluted or refined. The label should simply state "%100 Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil" and include the phrase "Cold Pressed".

5. Is argan oil only used on hair?

No, argan oil is also great for skin and nails. It's an excellent moisturizer for the face, it doesn't clog pores (non-comedogenic). It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, softens cuticles, and strengthens nails.