Having naturally shiny strands is one of the most admirable hair qualities. In fact, the loss or absence of hair luster is among the top five hair concerns of American women nowadays.

One of the popular natural remedies for dull hair is the application of argan oil, the components of which can restore the health of your strands, including their ability to reflect light. But before uncovering how we can make the best use of this "liquid gold," let's take a look at the factors leading to hair dullness.

What Causes Dull Hair?

The cuticle of each hair strand consists of overlapping cells that look like fish scales or shingles on a roof. Healthy cuticles are smooth and lie flat tightly together. This structure protects the inner layers of the hair shaft and keeps the moisture in. However, various factors can lift the cuticle, leading to the loss of reflectivity. As a result, the hair gets a matte look and tends to feel rough, dry, and heavy. It can also be frizzy and even unmanageable.  

Here are some of the factors that can dull your hair strands:

Improper hair care, which includes these practices: 

Not rinsing your hair well

When the residue from shampoo or styling liquids accumulates on your scalp, the product builds up in the hair follicles and blocks natural oils from reaching your hair shaft.

Excessive hair products or use of products with harsh ingredients

Hair treatments like dyeing, relaxing, or perming may feature harsh chemicals that can raise your hair cuticles.

Too much heat styling

Regular blow drying or use of straighteners and curling irons can damage your hair cuticles.

Mechanical stress

Wearing your hair in a tight ponytail or bun and aggressive hair brushing (especially when it’s wet—which is also when your hair is most delicate) causes stress on your strands.

Dehydration and nutritional deficiencies

Your hair can also lose its luster due to low water intake and the lack of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, and selenium in your diet.

Aging and health issues 

Hormonal changes as you age can lower sebum production, which can cause hair to turn dull. Hormonal problems like hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism as well as eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia nervosa) can also affect the health of your hair.

Environmental elements 

Hard water use, prolonged or frequent sun and wind exposure, hot climate, and staying in seawater or chlorinated water often can also turn your hair dull.

Argan Oil Treatment: The Best Way to Bring Back the Shine on Your Hair

Some people may opt to get a salon treatment—gloss, toner, or glaze service—to make their hair shiny. Meanwhile, others give their hair a break from chemical-based solutions. They may decide to wash their hair less often, use a milder shampoo, and try deep conditioning. Hair oiling is another common step, as its benefits have been known for centuries.

While there are many organic hair oils on the market, argan oil stands out due to the nutrients it contains. Its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant content (tocopherol or vitamin E and polyphenols or flavonoids) make it safe to apply topically and take in capsule form for lower cholesterol levels and stronger immunity.

Here’s how argan oil boosts the shine and strength of your hair:

It gives strands a mirror-like shine

The omega fatty acids in argan oil make the hair shiny after application. A light formulation will work best for fine to medium thick hair, while higher concentrations are needed for thick and coarse hair types.

It repairs and prevents breakage

Argan oil contains vitamin E, which improves your hair's elasticity by keeping the hair shaft moisturized.

It can act as a natural protectant

Compared to other oils, argan oil can withstand high temperatures. As a result, you can apply it to your hair before you blow dry or use other hot tools.

It also gives enough strength to hair to withstand the effects of dyes and chlorinated water.

It helps ease scalp conditions

You can get relief from itchiness due to oxidative stress (which leads to dandruff), eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and the like through the anti-inflammatory powers of argan oil.

Argan Oil Application Tips

You can use argan oil as a hair mask or styling agent by doing the following:

For styling: Put a small amount of oil in your hands, then use your fingers to comb it through your damp to dry hair. Use only a few drops to avoid having a wet or greasy look. This is also a good way to prepare your hair for heat tools that you might use. 

For mask treatment: You can apply it on dry or damp hair, which you should wrap later in a towel or cap. Leave it on for up to 30 minutes or overnight before thoroughly shampooing and rinsing your hair. You can do this up to three times per week. Apply the mask longer or more often if you have damaged hair.

Choose Moroccan Gold Series' Argan Oil as Your Hair Shine Solution

Our line of argan solutions includes oils, creams, shampoos, and hair masks, which you can select for your deep nourishment and styling needs. Check out our complete collection today.