Why Argan Oil is Called Liquid Gold?
History of argan oilAccording to Moroccan folklore, the argan tree is the “Tree of Life,” and the story behind it is rather remarkable. Long ago, in a Moroccan village, locals were experiencing severe poverty and starvation. Every night, the men of the village would congregate in prayer, seeking salvation from the difficult times upon them. One night, a woman with god-like perfection and virtue joined their prayers, after which the argan tree was born. This tree had a variety of uses for the locals. Its wood was used as fuel, its leaves were used to feed cattle, and oil from its fruit bore the gift of beauty.
How is argan oil extracted?
Argan oil is obtained from the Aragania spinosa tree in Morocco. Traditional methods of extracting this oil are quite impressive. Local women would collect the nuts of the argan fruit, roast them and grind them into a luscious, thick, brown paste. This paste would be mixed with warm water and then filtered. The thick liquid obtained is the color of pure gold. However, argan oil can also be obtained through the modern industrial method of cold-pressing. Whether you extract it using traditional or modern methods, argan oil is invaluable to the cosmetic industry. It is considered to be a precious ingredient in skincare and hair care products. Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, and has moisturizing, anti-aging and antioxidant properties. In cream, it is considered the best anti-aging product, because its high linoleic acid content increases the skin's elasticity and tightens the pores.
What are the benefits and uses of argan oil for hair?
Benefits
- Argan oil is a carrier oil that moisturizes the hair, cleanses the scalp, and promotes hair growth.
- It contains many fatty acids that are beneficial for healthy, shiny, and soft hair. It contains oleic acid, which promotes water retention in hair strands. This makes hair softer and more manageable.
- Linoleic acid is also a constituent of argan oil. This fatty acid has purifying properties and purges the scalp off impurities. A clean scalp promotes hair growth and also calms excess oiliness and greasiness on hair.
- Palmitic and stearic acids are also present in argan oil. These fatty acids boost the strength of the hair.
- These fatty acids hydrate the hair strands and leave them looking shinier.
Uses
- Conditioner
Due to its moisturizing properties, argan oil can be used as a natural conditioner for the hair. The oil lubricates split ends and frizzy baby hairs. Applying a few drops to the ends of the hair after a wash can give a shiny texture to the hair.
- Scalp massage
Argan oil can even be massaged into the scalp a few hours before washing. Not only will the massage leave you feeling much more relaxed, but your scalp will be purged off dirt and impurities.. Use your fingertips to massage 8-10 drops of argan oil into your scalp. Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes before washing.
- Hair styling
The use of argan oil as a styling product is becoming very popular. Its conditioning properties make it ideal for application on the hair after straightening, curling, or blow-drying. For hairstyling, rub 2-3 drops of argan oil in between your hands. Run your fingers through your hair strands. Focus on the ends of the hair rather than the roots to avoid a flat look. Not only does it calm the damaging effects of heat styling, but it also gives the hair a more polished look.
Botanic Hearth’s Argan Oil Shampoo Conditioner Set & Argan Oil Hair Mask
