Have you noticed more hairs than usual in your hairbrush or shower drain lately? Hair loss can happen for many reasons, like stress, medications, or health conditions. If you’re looking for natural ways to keep those precious locks on your head, you may have heard that argan oil can help prevent hair loss. But is there any truth to this claim? Let’s take a closer look at what argan oil is, how it may help hair, and whether it could be an effective treatment for hair loss.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It’s been used for centuries by Moroccan women as a moisturizer for skin, hair, and nails. The oil is pressed from the tree nuts to extract an oil that is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E.
Composition of Argan Oil
The specific nutrient composition of argan oil is what makes it so nourishing for hair. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Vitamin E – As an antioxidant, vitamin E can help protect hair follicles against damage from free radicals and oxidative stress. This helps reduce breakage.
- Essential fatty acids – Argan oil contains oleic and linoleic fatty acids, which help moisturize hair and reduce dryness. This lubricating effect may prevent brittle hair.
- Ferulic acid – This antioxidant compound neutralizes free radicals that can damage follicles. It complements vitamin E.
- Plant sterols – These compounds help smooth hair and impart shine by sealing the cuticle layer.
So in summary, the vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants in argan oil all contribute to its nourishing and smoothing effects on hair. This makes it a great natural conditioner.
Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair
Using argan oil can have several benefits for your tresses:
Moisturization
The fatty acids in argan oil help hydrate hair and may reduce drying and brittleness. If your hair is dry and prone to tangling, argan oil can bring back softness and manageability.
Smoothing and Shine
Vitamin E and the sterols in argan oil help seal the cuticle, or outer layer, of each hair strand. This lays the cuticle flat and promotes shine. It also helps detangle hair.
Protects Against Damage
The antioxidants in argan oil neutralize free radicals from sun exposure, chemicals, and other sources that can degrade hair follicles. Regular application may help protect your hair from damage over time.
Improves Scalp Health
The fatty acids and vitamin E in argan oil may help nourish and hydrate the scalp to maintain the health of hair follicles. This can reduce inflammation, dryness, and irritation for optimal growth environments.
So in a nutshell, argan oil is great for conditioning, softening, and smoothing hair. But does it also help prevent hair loss? Let’s analyze the evidence.
Argan Oil and Hair Loss
There are a few ways argan oil could help prevent excess hair shedding and thinning:
Possible Mechanisms
The fatty acids may promote a healthy scalp by reducing inflammation around follicles. The antioxidants protect hair strands from breakage that can worsen thinning. Argan oil may also increase blood circulation in the scalp.
Research Evidence
Unfortunately, there have been very few human studies on argan oil and hair loss specifically. However, one study did find that taking oral vitamin E supplements (common in argan oil) reduced hair shedding in people with telogen effluvium.
Anecdotal Evidence
There are numerous anecdotal reports online of people who say applying argan oil to their scalp and hair helped reduce hair loss. However, more controlled studies are needed.
So while the research is limited, the antioxidant and fatty acid content of argan oil make it theoretically possible that it could help reduce hair shedding. More studies are needed to know for sure.
How to Use Argan Oil for Hair Loss
If you want to give argan oil a try, here are some easy ways to use it:
As a Leave-In Treatment
One of the easiest ways to use argan oil for hair loss is as a leave-in treatment after washing.
After shampooing and conditioning your hair as normal, towel dry your hair so it is damp but not sopping wet. Apply several drops of pure argan oil into your palms, then rub your hands together to evenly distribute it.
Start applying the oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, smoothing over each section with your hands. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the oil evenly from roots to tips.
Once your entire head of hair is lightly coated in oil, massage a little more oil directly into your scalp, targeting the areas prone to thinning. This stimulates circulation to nourish follicles.
Style your hair as usual and let the argan oil absorb naturally. It will help smooth flyaways, condition the lengths, and provide shine.
Use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner anytime your hair needs an extra dose of moisture and protection from styling damage. The nutrients will sink in over the day.
For fine or oily hair types, only use 1-2 drops so the hair doesn’t get too greasy. Those with dry, damaged hair can use a few more drops as needed.
Apply this leave-in treatment 1-2 times per week after washing for the benefits of argan oil without overly weighing hair down.
As a Hair Mask
One of the most effective ways to use argan oil for hair loss is as a deep-conditioning hair mask. This allows the nutrients in the oil to fully penetrate and nourish your strands.
- Start by applying a generous amount of pure argan oil from roots to ends. Massage some oil directly into your scalp as well. Work section by section to coat every strand.
- Once your hair is saturated, put your hair in a shower cap or wrap it in a warm, damp towel. This helps the oil absorb into your hair for maximum conditioning.
- Let the argan oil sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight if you have very damaged hair. The longer you leave it on, the more intense the treatment will be.
- After the time is up, shampoo and condition your hair as normal to wash out the oil. Make sure to shampoo twice to fully remove excess oil so your hair doesn’t look greasy.
- Finish with a cold water rinse to seal the cuticle and lock in the argan oil’s nutrients. Towel dry gently.
Use an argan oil hair mask once or twice per week for ultra-hydration. Your hair will look shinier and feel softer after each treatment. Over time, regularly deep conditioning with argan oil can help reduce breakage and hair loss.
You can also add other hair-healthy ingredients to your argan oil mask like honey, avocado, egg, or banana for added moisture and protein. Customize your own nourishing argan hair mask recipe.
Argan Hair Mask Recipe
Hair Growth Boosting Mask
This mask aims to stimulate blood flow and growth factors.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons argan oil
- 1 teaspoon castor oil
- 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil
Mix together all the ingredients in a small bowl. Apply the oil blend to your scalp and massage it in gently using circular motions. Focus on massaging the oil into areas of the scalp prone to thinning hair.
Wrap your head in a warm towel and leave the oil on for 45 minutes to an hour before shampooing out.
The castor oil thickens the argan oil so it adheres to the scalp. The rosemary and cedarwood oils increase circulation, which provides nutrients to hair follicles and may encourage new growth.
Use this stimulating mask 2-3 times per week to maximize circulation and nourishing effects on hair follicles. Over time, you may see improved thickness and growth.
Strengthening Mask
This mask helps fortify weak, damaged hair.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons argan oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon honey
Mix the ingredients together well until creamy. Apply thoroughly to hair and scalp. Leave on for 30-45 minutes then shampoo out. The protein from the egg yolk and hydrating honey will help strengthen hair.
Moisture Boosting Mask
This intensely hydrates dry, brittle hair.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons argan oil
- 1 mashed avocado
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mash the avocado pulp with the oils until smooth. Apply generously to dry hair and massage into the scalp. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for 1 hour before washing out. The fatty avocado and olive oil will drench parched hair with moisture to reduce breakage.
Soothing Mask for Itchy Scalp
This calms irritation and inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons argan oil
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 3 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
Whisk together the argan oil, aloe vera, and essential oils. Apply directly to the scalp, massaging gently. Leave on for 20 minutes then shampoo thoroughly. The cooling aloe and antimicrobial oils will soothe an aggravated scalp.
Customize your own hair mask by choosing ingredients that target your specific hair needs!
With Other Oils and Ingredients
Using argan oil together with other natural oils and ingredients may boost its hair-healthy effects. Here are some options to try:
- Coconut oil – This moisturizing oil is lightweight and penetrates hair well. Combining it with argan oil provides fatty acids for strengthening hair. Massage a few drops of each oil into the scalp and lengths.
- Rosemary oil – This essential oil is said to improve circulation in the scalp, which may support healthier hair follicles. Add a few drops of rosemary oil to argan oil and massage into the scalp.
- Castor oil – Known for its thick texture and nourishing properties, castor oil can coat each strand to reduce splitting. Use a small amount of argan oil for a deep conditioning treatment.
- Biotin – This B vitamin supports keratin infrastructure and may promote faster hair growth. Take a biotin supplement daily and use argan oil topically.
- Tea tree oil – With its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil may help soothe a dry, itchy scalp when blended with argan oil. Use sparingly as it can irritate.
- Peppermint oil – Another essential oil that can increase circulation in the scalp when used with argan oil. This revitalizing effect may foster healthier hair.
Be creative and make your own signature hair oil blend using argan as the base. Add several drops of your chosen ingredients for an oil tailored to your hair’s needs. Experiment to see which combination works best for you.
Conclusion
While more research is needed, argan oil shows promise as a natural way to condition hair, boost shine, reduce breakage, and potentially help minimize hair loss. Its rich content of fatty acids and antioxidants may promote a healthy scalp and stronger hair follicles. While results vary by individual, using argan oil is generally worth a try, especially if you have dry, damaged hair. Just massage a few drops into your scalp and hair regularly to hydrate your locks with nourishing plant compounds.
FAQ
How often should I use argan oil?
Use argan oil 1-2 times per week as a hair mask or a few drops with daily conditioning to get the benefits without overloading your hair.
Does argan oil help with dandruff?
Some people find argan oil helps moisturize and soothe a dry, itchy scalp. But severe dandruff usually requires antifungal treatment.
Can I use argan oil on my skin too?
Yes! Its fatty acids and antioxidants make argan oil great for moisturizing the face, nails, and even stretch marks.
Is argan oil safe for color-treated hair?
Argan oil is typically color-safe. But do a patch test first, as some people report discoloration over time.
Are there any side effects of argan oil?
Some people report stinging if argan oil gets in their eyes. But topical use on hair and skin is generally considered safe, without common side effects. Only use food-grade oil internally.