Does Argan Oil Protect Hair from Heat?
By now, most of us are pros at styling our hair. After all, we've had decades of trial and error with it! But identifying the right products to protect our hair from the high temperatures of curling irons, flat irons and other heat stylers might be less clear to us.
Argan oil has been generating buzz lately for its hydrating and heat-protecting properties. Those who swear by argan oil claim that it's an excellent heat and hairstyle protector. But does argan oil as a heat protectant live up to the hype?
Is argan oil a good choice for hair heat protection? And does it do anything else for our hair besides offering heat protection? Read on to learn more about what argan oil can do for your hair and why it's an effective, all-natural ingredient you want in your hair-care products!
First Things First: What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. According to Frontiers in Nutrition, these kernels are roasted and cold-pressed to make the argan oil used for cooking, while the argan oil used in cosmetics and personal care products comes from unroasted argan kernels. Argan oil is popular in cooking because it contains lots of healthy omega-3 fats. It is also used in skin and hair-care products because it has vitamin D and repairing vitamin E and is an excellent moisturizer.
Does Argan Oil Protect Hair from Heat?
Yes, but the level of protection is not as strong as some other oils, like avocado. But this doesn't mean that you should write off argan oil! In conjunction with other oils, argan oil is important in a heat protectant for hair because it penetrates the hair strands to moisturize, as well as help seal moisture, and prevent dryness and cuticle damage due to heat styling. It is also rich in natural fatty acids that can help support hair follicle health and prevent your scalp and hair from drying out. And we know that dry hair is more easily damaged when we apply heat to it.
Look for hairstyling heat protectants containing avocado oil and argan oil for hair heat protection. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point (520 degrees Fahrenheit) than argan oil (420 degrees Fahrenheit), so avocado oil does the heavy lifting for heat protection. Combining repairing and moisturizing argan oil with the hair heat protection of avocado oil results in a dual heat protectant that smooths and protects your locks from hot styling tools and environmental stressors.
Our No Remorse Heat Protection & Taming Spray is a non-toxic heat protectant spray with avocado and argan oils. It wraps around hair strands to prevent frizz and offer heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit! No Remorse also contains amodimethicone, which is a light silicone (or polymer) that serves as not only a carrier for heat-protecting avocado and argan oils but also adds a light protective coating to strands for further defense from heat while helping to smooth and soften hair without leaving a buildup or weighing hair down.
Note: You should never apply essential oils without carriers directly to your tresses for heat protection. Oils with low smoke points can scorch strands, lighter oils can create drag and hinder a smooth, even pass of styling tools like flat irons, and heavier oils can weigh your hair down, making it appear flat and greasy. This is why we recommend our No Remorse argan oil heat protectant spray as a safe alternative.
What Are Some Other Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair?
Argan Oil Can Help Combat Scalp Dryness
The natural vitamin E and hydrating properties of argan oil can help our scalps maintain balanced oil levels. Balanced scalp oils help prevent dryness, flaking and itchiness.
We formulated our New Dawn Activated Charcoal Scalp Cleanser and Second Chance Repairing Duo shampoo and conditioner with argan oil to combat dry scalp and hair symptoms. Combine the deep, invigorating scalp cleanse of New Dawn with the hydration and nourishment of our argan oil–infused repairing shampoo and conditioner to enjoy the many benefits this natural oil has to offer!
Argan Oil May Help Prevent Split Ends
Split ends occur when the ends of our hair split and fray like the end of a rope. We experience split ends when our hair is dry, damaged and brittle. Hair products containing argan oil can help amp up the hydration and prevent split ends.
To banish split ends with the help of argan oil, look for moisture-rich deep conditioning products. Our plant-based Hair Redemption Restorative Butter Masque and Silver Lining Purple Butter Masque contain mango, macadamia, cupuaçu, murumuru and avocado butters, along with argan oil to help seal moisture and nutrients into the hair shaft.
If you have curls, you're even more prone to dryness and breakage due to the corkscrew shape of your hair strands. Products specifically formulated for curly locks and that contain argan oil—like our Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Shampoo for Curly Hair—can help you achieve smooth, defined, lively curls! Bounce Back helps cleanse the scalp of excess dirt and oils, while argan oil hydrates the drier ends of your hair!
Argan Oil Helps Fight Frizz and Flyaways
Dryness and frizziness often go hand in hand, especially during the hot, humid days of summer! Hydrating your hair with lightweight argan oil–infused hair products is an effective, natural frizz-fighting and hairstyle protecting step that won’t weigh hair down!
To achieve silky, vibrant tresses while also boosting volume and lift, we love our Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo and Wake Up Call Volumizing Conditioner. Formulated with hydrating argan oil to nourish the scalp while adding smoothness to rough, aging, frizz-prone locks, our Wake Up Call duo is designed to add fullness without drying or disrupting your hair cuticles. Pair it with No Remorse heat protectant spray for the ultimate frizz-fighting protection!
Tell us: Have you tried using products with argan oil for heat protection on your hair? Share how you protect your hair from heat styling in the comments below!
Like what you read and want more hair-care content delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up to receive our weekly newsletters for the latest hair intel and exclusive promotions for your aging hair needs!
Better Not Younger knows how important it is to protect your hair from heat and sun, especially in the summertime! We also understand that you prioritize using natural, plant-based ingredients like avocado and argan oil for hair heat protection. That's why we developed everything from shampoos to butter masks to our No Remorse heat protectant spray with these hydrating, all-natural ingredients. Shop our entire product line of non-toxic heat protectants, shampoos, conditioners and more, and let us help you protect and style your aging tresses for your best hair yet!