I’m sure you’ve probably heard of Moroccan oil before, as it has become increasingly popular over the last few years. But do you really know what it is or why people love it? Or what type of hair it should be used on? Let me teach you all about this miracle product…
So, What is Moroccan Oil?
Moroccan oil is a more commonly used term for Argan oil. It is a plant oil derived from the kernels of the Argan fruit tree, which grows exclusively in Morocco. Because of this, it is actually pretty rare, which naturally makes it more expensive. Scientists have tried to mechanize it and grow it in other climates, with no success.
How is it harvested?
First, the small, round fruit is harvested from the Argan tree. The Argan oil-rich kernels are found deep inside a nut inside a thick peel and fleshy pulp. To extract these nuts, the fruit must be dried and the pulp must be removed (it is usually used as animal feed.) Next, the nut must be cracked open by hand, making it a long, labor-intensive process. The kernels are then ground and pressed. The oil is left to sit for 2 weeks so that the bigger chunks sink to the bottom, and can be filtered out. This process yields 30% – 50% of the oil from the kernel.
Why is Moroccan Oil good for your hair?
It is used in a wide array of cosmetic uses, from curing acne to nourishing hair. It has medicinal properties which can aid in the healing of burns or other skin ailments. Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E, carotenes and phenols, which are all linked with new hair growth. Additionally, it is packed with fatty acids that will moisturize hair and skin.
Some other benefits of using Moroccan oil are:
- It prevents split ends
- It drastically tames frizz
- It adds shine to the hair
- It helps repair damaged hair
Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Eva Mendez, Kelly Rowland and Nicole Richie have been overheard raving about their love for Argan oil.
What type of hair can it be used on?
It can actually be used on all hair types, but may be too heavy on finer hair. You can still use it if you have fine hair, but just use it sparingly. On the other hand, it works wonders for curly, frizzy and/or coarse hair.
How do you use it?
For optimal results, add a small amount of the oil to clean, towel-dried hair and work through to the ends. Take care to not apply too much to your scalp, as it will make hair appear greasy. Let your hair dry or style as desired. You can also apply a very small amount to dry hair to tame frizz and fly-aways.
What brand should I try?
Moroccanoil is the most-known brand on the market and I would probably go with them just because they seem like a reputable company. However, it has its fair share of competitors.
Since Moroccan oil is so rare and hard to harvest, the odds of you purchasing pure oil is very slim. This means that there will be a lot of fillers and other chemicals to make it appear better than it is. I’d recommend doing a little research and seeing what else is in your product before purchasing. Also, keep in mind that in this case, you get what you pay for.
Have you ever tried Moroccan oil? What did you think? I’d really love to hear what you have to say about it in the comments section below! 🙂