There is a
growing interest in the many benefits of essential oils, including their
potential as hair conditioners and treatments. Argan oil is one of the natural
products which has been coming into the spotlight recently, and it is increasingly
being used in hair care products and as a moisturiser.
If you are
concerned about either female or male hair loss, it can give your confidence a
boost if you improve the condition of your hair and make it look its best.
Choosing products rich in essential oils is one way to do this. However, the
only real answer for anybody seeking hair loss solutions is to get an expert
diagnosis of your specific problem. Our team at the London Centre of Trichology
can advise you and help you to find the best way forward.
Where Does Argan Oil Come From?
Argan oil
normally comes from Morocco, although the trees grow in smaller numbers in some
other countries. The oil is a natural product derived from the hard-shelled
nuts found within the fruit of the Argan tree, which is traditionally extracted
by hand by Berber women. The usual method of production involves cracking the
nuts to remove seeds, which are then roasted, ground together with water and
squeezed to remove the oil. Each nut can contain up to 3 oil-rich seeds.
Argan oil
has traditionally been used for combating skin diseases, including conditions
such as dandruff and irritation of the scalp, and for giving protection against
the drying effects of the sun. It is naturally rich in vitamin E, an
antioxidant which protects the membranes surrounding cells and maintains skin
health. The oil also contains carotenes and fatty acids.
As interest
in natural cosmetics has grown over recent years, there has been a growing call
for argan oil to be used in skin and hair products. The forests in Morocco
where these trees are grown have shrunk in size over the past century. But they
have now been designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and efforts are being
made to conserve the trees. The government of Morocco is stepping up production
of the oil to meet the demand, and this could help to preserve forests for the
future.
What are the Benefits of Argan Oil?
When used as
a conditioning treatment for hair, Argan oil can bring a number of different
benefits. These include combating frizz, helping to keep the scalp healthy and
balancing skin hormones, as well as replenishing lost oils in the hair to give
it gloss and shine.
In general,
the best way to apply the oil is to put a few drops on your hands and run them
through damp hair after washing. Leave it on the hair for the time specified by
the brand concerned, following the instructions, and then rinse it out to give
your hair an intensive conditioning treatment. Rather than applying argan oil
direct, you may prefer to buy a shampoo or conditioner containing the oil as a
key ingredient and there are a number of these on the market.
However,
despite the popularity of argan oil, there is no scientific evidence that it
can actually be used as a treatment for hair loss. So if you are concerned
about your hair becoming thinner or falling out, you will need to talk to
trichologists in order to arrange a consultation, as a first step towards being
given an expert diagnosis and arranging effective treatment.
Some brands
suggest massaging your scalp with the oil. However, while this might be
pleasurable and relaxing, there is no medical evidence that it will actually
stimulate hair growth or help to stop hair loss.
At the
London Centre of Trichology, we offer a wide range
of hair loss solutions for both men and women. Our first consultation is free.
We will talk to you at our premises in Blandford Street, central London, and
look in detail at your problems to achieve an accurate diagnosis, before
arranging a hair loss treatment geared to your specific condition.
