Moroccan Oil Argan for Cosmetic and Health Properties

Moroccan oil or Pure Argan oil is produced from the kernel of the argan tree that grows in the semi desert soil that is predominant in huge areas in the North African country of Morocco.  Because this tree grows in very limited areas, the oil produced from it remains a very rare one.

Pure Argan oil is very rich in Vitamin E, phenols, carotenes, squalene and essential fatty acids. Traditionally it has been used by the Berber women who inhabit these areas in Morocco as a cosmetic agent to help them with their hair, skin and nails. Moroccan oil is not greasy and just a few drops are enough to moisturise the face and in particular the skin under the eyes that is very delicate. It protects the skin from being damaged by free radicals and can help to remove fine lines. Moroccan oil is also used to soothe muscles and has a pain reliving property that makes it ideal for use by those with rheumatic joints.

This oil has a rich and nutty flavour and is used in cooked food to add taste to it. In Morocco, Berber families use it as dip for breakfast with home-made bread and mixed with honey makes a spread that is very tasty. Because of its content of fatty acids, potassium and magnesium it can be very beneficial to the heart.

Argan trees yield fruit for more than 50 or 60 years and are able to withstand temperatures of over 50 degrees Centigrade and become completely dormant while waiting for the rains. The tree flowers in the spring and produces olive sized fruits that are yellow when ripe. They are gathered after they have dried in the later part of summer and have fallen to the ground. They cannot be gathered from the tree by hand because there are large spiny thorns that make such picking difficult. The trees generally grow on common land, though some families have been granted gathering rights that have come down to them from previous generations. For three months before the harvest animal grazing is not allowed in areas where argan trees are present.

It is only the seed that contains the Moroccan oil and these are within the fruit layer. The fruits have to be cracked open to extract the seed and this is essentially an activity carried out by hand. The fruit pulp is fed to goats, and the seeds are removed and roasted. This roasting is what imparts the nutty flavour to the pure argan oil. The seeds are then ground into a paste from which the oil is extracted. Once the oil is removed, even the paste has some use as it can be used as animal feed. Moroccan oil removed from the roasted seeds without the use of water is said to have a longer shelf life of almost a year. The extraction rate from the kernels is over 40 percent by weight, and these yields show an increase if the extraction is done using solvents. The quality of such solvent extracted oils is not as good as that obtained by conventional pressing methods.

Moroccan Oil Argan for a Healthy Hair

Argan oil is regarded as a natural miracle for restoring hair and keeping the cuticle moisturised. Unlike synthetic oils, Argan is extracted naturally from crushed Argan fruit kernels. Pure oils are the most effective in taming dry hair, and organic versions are the healthiest.
Before purchasing this product, you should learn how to identify quality Argan oil and have an action plan for its application once you get home.
Argan Oil Benefits

Argan oil is often referred to as a miracle product because of its extreme moisturising benefits for both hair and skin. Unlike other oils, argan extracts don’t just temporarily mask dryness. The kernels contain vitamin E to restore each strand of hair and keep it moisturized long after use. At the same time, argan oil helps to naturally restore the hair cuticle. This is made possible by the natural presence of antioxidants that directly reverse cellular damage.
Types of Products

Due to the increasing popularity of argan oil, many cosmetic companies are adding the kernel extracts into their products. Although such products might contain moisturising ingredients, many of them do not list the oil as the primary ingredient. This is disadvantageous to the users because they will not reap the full benefits of argan oil.

At the same time, many beauty products that contain argan oil also mix the extract with synthetic ingredients. Such features can actually strip the cuticle of its natural oils, leaving you with drier hair than when you started. Synthetic ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can also be harmful in the long-run because harmful chemicals like parabens, which have recently been linked to some types of cancer can seep into your pores and into the bloodstream. Plant-based hair cleansers and styling agents are better choices than synthetic versions, but they still use argan oil as a supplemental ingredient. However, you will still not gain the same effects as pure argan oil.

That’s why it’s best, if you are looking for the ultimate argan product, to moisturize your hair properly, look for pure extracts. These bottles are clearly labeled as containing 100% argan oil. For even better results, choose organic versions. The kernels are not harvested with any chemicals that can potentially harm your health or interfere with the extract’s natural moisturizing properties.
How to Use Argan Oil in Your Hair

Argan oil is applied either before or after washing the hair. Generally, if you want to keep moisture balance in your cuticle, then you can apply the oil one to two times per week before shampooing.

Applying argan oil before shampooing should follow this routine:

    Apply a generous amount of oil throughout hair from roots to tips, and massage it into the scalp.
    Put on a shower cap or cloth to allow the Argan oil to penetrate the cuticle. Set in place for at least five minutes.
    Remove cap and wash out with warm water.
    For the best results, follow up with an organic shampoo and conditioner.

The oil can also act as an extreme moisturizing agent for all-day use. This technique is especially useful for extremely damaged and dry strands. At the same time, it can help tame frizz and reduce the appearance of split ends.

Follow these steps for wearing argan oil throughout the day:

    Apply two to three drops of organic argan oil at your roots and massage the product into the scalp.
    Take a wide-tooth comb and spread the product evenly through hair.
    Add more product to the hair sparingly as needed.
    Do not add water or any other styling products on top of the argan oil.

If you have curly or wavy hair, you may also consider applying organic argan oil to the ends of your strands on a daily basis. This method helps to replenish the lack of moisture on the lower half of your hair that is often related to having natural curls and waves.
Bottom Line

Using argan oil as a part of your beauty regimen can help keep your hair moisturized on a consistent basis. There may also be times in which your hair becomes extra dry. Coloring sessions, a lack of humidity and too much sun can all zap the moisture out of your cuticle. Argan oil is an affordable solution to such problems.

It is also important to incorporate argan oil into other healthy hair techniques. Avoid excessive sun exposure, and limit the use of heated styling tools, such as blow dryers and flat irons. Use quality cleansers and conditioners in the shower to help keep your hair healthy. Although argan oil is truly a miracle product, it works best when you follow other healthy hair techniques, too.