How can argan oil help tame my frizz?

On the hunt for seriously smooth hair? No doubt you’ve heard of argan oil. But is it really your fast-track to frizz-free hair? We’ve got the lowdown on the Moroccan miracle oil…

Dreaming of soft, shiny locks? Wondering how to keep your curls, kinks or coils lusciously defined? Consider ‘frizz’ the ultimate ‘f-word’? Then no doubt you’ll be well versed in the world of hair oils, serums and shine enhancers. While some frizz fighters use silicones in a bid to smooth and soften (which temporarily mask the causes of frizz rather than truly nourishing hair), at Love Beauty and Planet, we believe in the power of Mother Nature. That’s why you’ll find naturally derived argan oil in a number of our products. Boasting smoothing, hydrating and nourishing properties, this straight-from-nature ingredient means you don’t need to pick between fighting frizz and protecting the planet. You really can do both.

What is argan oil?

The ingredient behind Morocco’s smooth, oh-so-shiny hair for centuries, age-old argan oil has long been seen as something of a beauty secret. Derived from the fruit kernels that grow on the argan tree (a plant indigenous to the Southwestern part of Morocco), the pits of the fruit are extracted before being cold-pressed. It’s most frequently found in pure oil form, which can be applied straight to hair or skin, or used to enrich hydrating hair care formulas such as Love Beauty and Planet’s Argan Oil & Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner.

What are the benefits of argan oil?

Rich in fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acid, which help to hydrate and moisturize hair, argan oil also counts other hair-loving vitamins and minerals that make it worthy of its ‘liquid gold’ nickname. It’s rich in vitamin E, which is crucial for hair health; is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect on skin and has been shown to help slow down the ageing process due to its antioxidant effects. 

Used in hair care, it helps to lubricate the hair shaft to lock-in moisture, nourishes the scalp (which is where happy, healthy hair starts), prevents dryness, reduces frizz, and boosts shine – and who doesn’t have all that on their list of hair goals? Studies have also shown that it can lay down a protective layer to shield our locks and prevent breakage during heat styling. In short, it’s the holy grail for your hair.

How does argan oil fight frizz? 

Frizz occurs when hair is dry, damaged, or dehydrated, and the cuticle becomes rough and raised. This, in turn, allows moisture to enter and swell the strands faster than you can say ‘smoothing cream.’ It’s more likely to affect curly or textured hair, which is naturally more prone to moisture loss due to its curl pattern and structure, but it can affect overprocessed straight hair, too. 

Argan oil helps to fight frizz by nourishing and hydrating the hair with fatty acids and vitamin E, smoothing the cuticle and allowing less moisture to enter the hair shaft. It also acts as sun protectant to stop UV rays drying out and damaging hair, which can also cause a less-than-smooth appearance.

What hair type is argan oil best for?

With its fatty acid and vitamin-rich make up, pure argan oil is a golden ticket for coarse and curly hair, helping to rehydrate and soften textured locks. Used in the right way – think in a nourishing daily shampoo or conditioner as opposed to its pure oil form – it can also help to keep fine hair looking tip-top, too. If you want to try argan oil, there’s almost certainly a formula for you.

How should you use argan oil?

With its countless benefits, argan oil can be used at every step of your hair care regime. Get styling off to a smooth start with Love Beauty and Planet’s Sulfate-Free Argan Oil & Lavender Shampoo, then follow up with Love Beauty and Planet’s Argan Oil & Lavender Conditioner, a 96% naturally derived formula, which is infused with the golden oil to tell frizz to take a time out. It also makes a great styling ingredient, which can be applied to damp or dry hair to help beat flyaways. Sound up your street? Try Love Beauty and Planet’s Argan Oil & Lavender Leave-In Smoothie Cream, an ethically sourced formulation, which leaves hair enviably soft and heavenly scented thanks to heirloom French lavender.