You know those personality tests that tell you what kind of animal you’re most like? I think I’d be an iguana. The first time I saw one sunning on a rock in the caribbean I thought, “Oh, that’s the life!” . . . and I’m pretty much still of the same opinion. I love heat, so it’s no surprise that I love my sauna. My hair? Not so much.
This coconut milk conditioner recipe has been my “go to” recipe for years because it doesn’t weigh hair down. I didn’t use it often – mostly as a detangler for my daughter or the occasional moisturizing treatment for myself. Although it works better for me than most oil-based hair serums, lately I’ve needed some extra moisture and heat protection due to my daily sauna sessions.
Most oil-based hair products make my hair feel heavy and greasy, but I’ve figured out a way to lightly and evenly distribute the oil without adding water. This makes the shelf life much longer than water based formulas, which I love.
My secret? An oil mister that’s intended for spritzing food. Personally, I WANT lots of good fat on my plate, just not globs of it in my hair. So I ordered one to try, and it’s been a game changer.
Benefits Of Argan Oil For Hair
Made from Moroccan argan tree kernels, argan oil is rich in Vitamin E, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and antioxidants that help to moisturize and protect hair. Sometimes referred to as “liquid gold,” it absorbs easily and makes hair soft and shiny.
Argan Oil As A Heat Protectant
According to HSI Professional, which makes hair styling tools, “Argan oil is great for protecting hair from high heat and with many flat irons reaching temperatures of 360 degrees and over, argan oil is a no brainer. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E, argan oil not only protects hair; argan oil nourishes hair inside and out.” They often include argan oil samples with their tools because they’ve found it so useful.
DIY Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner And Heat Protectant Recipe
Okay, recipe is overstating things, since you’ll only need one ingredient.
Ingredients
At least 4 ounces Moroccan argan oil – this is what I use (Avocado oil is another good option if you don’t have access to argan oil)
Equipment
Oil mister for light, even application. Normal spray bottles will clog, so the oil mister is essential.
How To Use
I prefer to apply to wet hair so that the oil helps to seal in moisture, but I have used it on dry hair as well. Using the mister, lightly spray the ends of your hair – exactly how much you need will vary based on your hair porosity and overall health, but it’s best to start with a tiny amount and work up as needed. Once you’ve applied the oil, brush your hair from root to tip several times to further distribute the argan oil. Air dry or blow dry as normal, then style. (Or if you’re like me, throw it in a bun.)
Shelf Life
Argan oil has a shelf life of about two years if stored at room temperature in an unopened bottle. The shelf life reduces once it is opened, but I’d expect it to be at least 4-6 months if stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight. If you don’t think you won’t be able to use it all in time, keep in mind that it makes an excellent skin moisturizer as well.
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I’ve been using argan oil on my skin and hair for about a year. It works great! I mix frankensence oil and carrot seed oil in the argan oil for my face and I just use the argan oil straight for my hair. I apply it to my face then wipe any excess on a clean dry wash cloth and it works as a great all day moisturizer. I have very dry skin because I’m over 50. I love your site and look forward to seeing your new posts each week. Thanks a bunch!
I have made my first batch of Coconut Lavender Hot Process Soap!! It was successful!!! I am so excited. You gave me courage to try it. So grateful. I am from South Africa and had to change all the measurements to ml. It came out perfectly and it is soft on the skin and lathers beautifully. Thank you so sooo much. Bless you!!
Okay, your husband must make good money and/or you receive compensation from this newsletter/product recommendations. As a senior on disability, $30 for the oil mister is a bit steep. Was an esthetician for 45 years and grew up and formulated all natural way before it was the thing to do. Oils and botanicals and essential oils are the only way to go. You are absolutely amazing and wish every mom would raise their little ones as you do. Keep up the great work and thank you!
Instead of argan oil can I use argan butter as a heat protectant? I have wavy hair so I need to glid my hair straighten twice to make it straight otherwise it will go back to my original hair.
Thanks
Some people use shea butter so I don’t see why not, although it may be too heavy for some hair types. If you try it please let us know how it works for you!
I wonder if those misters would work for my facial oil. The sprayer that came on the bottle is useless, sprays it everywhere crazy. I resorted to using a dropper with it but I would love to just spritz my face! I put some EOs in it, do you think rosehip oil is too thick for the food misters?
I have used it for face/body application and it works beautifully, but I don’t put essential oils in the bottle because I don’t know what kind of plastic it is. Certain plastics (PET, for example) are safe to use with essential oils because they are not prone to leaching, but others are not.
Thanks , I have just been searching for information about
this subject for a while and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far.
Hi, in some websites I found that argan oil can only support till 170°c.
I have flat iron 200°c, and want to put argan oil on wet hair before drying hair, and use it as heat protector. Is it ok? thanks in advance
Would you clarify what type of avocado oil is used? Is it the carrier oil or cooking oil? So many recipes online do not clarify which ones to use and some say to use either.