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11 Ways to Use Argan Oil for Shinier Hair and Healthier Skin, According to Experts

How to use argan oil for better skin

Add moisture

Argan oil provides a major boost of hydration to the skin, thanks to its high quantities of vitamin E. “Vitamin E also helps strengthen the skin’s barrier so it’s able retain more hydration,” says West Hollywood-based celebrity esthetician and founder of SkinLab, Joshua Ross. To help seal in hydration, he recommends applying a few drops of 100 percent pure argan oil to your daily moisturizer.

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Reduce wrinkles

Because it’s so nourishing, argan oil may also help your skin appear more youthful. “When we talk about thinning of the skin as we get older, we lose both collagen (the building blocks of skin) and the elasticity (the skin’s ability to snap back after being stretched), which leads to tissue paper-like wrinkling of the skin,” explains Dr. Ilyas. “When used topically, argan oil has been found to improve elasticity of the skin in postmenopausal women.”

Brighten skin and fade dark spots

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, or brown spots on the skin caused by hormones, aging, or years of sun exposure, argan oil may help improve and brighten your skin tone. “Argan oil contains tocopherols (vitamin E compounds) that can inhibit the production of excess pigment from melasma or scars,” says Dr. Ilyas. Animal studies also suggest that it may even help speed would healing from burn scars, she adds.

Cleanse skin

If you’re battling oily, acne-prone skin, adding even more oil is probably not your first plan of action. However, it may help more than you think. “A small study showed that topical application of argan oil twice daily for four weeks was associated with reduced sebum (aka oil) and a less shiny complexion,” says Dr. King. “This means that it could potentially help to reduce clogged pores and acne.”

How to use argan oil for better hair

Condition hair

Since argan oil is so moisturizing, it serves as a great conditioner or mask for your hair. “Argan oil’s molecules are smaller than other oils, so it’s easier to penetrate the hair cuticles, which will make hair softer and more manageable with less tangles and dryness,” says Stephanie Brown, NYC-based master hair colorist.

You can use pure argan oil, or opt for an argan oil-infused hair mask, like this cult-favorite from Briogeo. Brown suggests applying to wet, cleansed hair and leaving on for at least 20 minutes. For best results, put a shower cap on while it sits to lock in the moisture. Rinse thoroughly.

Soothe an itchy scalp

“For those who suffer from flakes and dandruff, argan oil provides anti-inflammatory benefits and will not clog pores, which can lead to damaged hair follicles,” says Gina Rivera, hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. To use argan oil as more of a treatment, she suggests taking a few drops and gently massaging into the scalp, stimulating the blood circulation. Ideally, leave on overnight before rinsing out in the morning.

Prevent heat damage

The vitamin E and fatty acids in argan oil actually protect the hair and scalp from heat damage caused by styling tools. To protect your hair while blow drying, straightening, or curling, Rivera recommends applying a couple of drops of plain argan oil to wet or dry hair before and after styling.

Boost shine

Unlike other oils, like coconut and olive oil, argan oil is easily absorbed into the hair strand, so it doesn’t leave a greasy residue unless you overdo it, explains Rivera. “Thanks to the fact that it is rich in fatty acids, it helps bring shine and luster back into the hair without weighing it down and causing buildup,” she says. “To use, apply a few drops to wet hair before styling. On dry hair, apply a small amount, focusing on the ends.”

Reduce frizz

Rivera likes to use a few drops of argan oil on wet strands prior to styling to hydrate and prep hair. “If there is still a bit of frizz, take a drop and rub well into hands, then work into dry hair, starting and focusing at the ends,” she adds. As an added bonus, using a little oil on the ends of your hair may help reduce the appearance of split ends (your cue to book a trim!).

Boost shine

Unlike other oils, like coconut and olive oil, argan oil is easily absorbed into the hair strand, so it doesn’t leave a greasy residue unless you overdo it, explains Rivera. “Thanks to the fact that it is rich in fatty acids, it helps bring shine and luster back into the hair without weighing it down and causing buildup,” she says. “To use, apply a few drops to wet hair before styling. On dry hair, apply a small amount, focusing on the ends.”

Reduce frizz

Rivera likes to use a few drops of argan oil on wet strands prior to styling to hydrate and prep hair. “If there is still a bit of frizz, take a drop and rub well into hands, then work into dry hair, starting and focusing at the ends,” she adds. As an added bonus, using a little oil on the ends of your hair may help reduce the appearance of split ends (your cue to book a trim!).

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