Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil For Hair: What’s The Difference?

Argan oil and coconut oil are multi-tasking heroes, offering a range of incredible benefits for your hair.

Knowing what hair care products to use can be a minefield with so many options promising results. Amid all these choices, argan and coconut oil are stand-out ingredients used to maintain healthy hair.

If you want to know how each oil works its magic on your tresses, all the facts on ‘argan oil vs coconut oil for hair’ are right here.

First,What Is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is popular worldwide and known for its hydrating, smoothing and nourishing properties. Argan oil comes from the fruit of the Argan tree, which is native to Morocco.

Moroccan communities have used this natural ingredient for years for its health and beauty benefits, so it is no surprise the rest of the world has caught on. There is a vast choice of argan oil products on the market and a well-known brand is Moroccan Oil. Argan oil is also popular with people wanting to use unprocessed and plant-based oils.

Argan oil is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin E, making it a great ingredient to tackle dry hair.  It is often called “liquid gold” due to its unique properties, such as stimulating hair growth, adding shine, and soothing dry and itchy scalps. 

Argan oil has become a beauty staple for celebrities, including Charlize Theron, who said she used the oil as a conditioner to rescue her after too much hair dye caused split ends and breakage. 

What Is Coconut Oil?

Many of you will have a jar of coconut oil in your kitchen, and if you have not tested its talents on your hair, what are you waiting for? Coconut oil is a go-to hair care ingredient for many, and celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons says, “Coconut oil has benefits for all hair types, but is best used on dry, damaged, or colour-treated hair to lock in moisture and prevent breakage,”

Coconut oil comes from the meat of mature coconuts packed with high levels of essential fatty acids, primarily lauric acid, which makes up around fifty per cent.

Lauric acid is an effective moisturiser that helps repair damaged hair with its unique ability to penetrate the hair shaft and coat the hair strands to minimise breakage.

There is also a high level of vitamin E in coconut oil that locks in moisture, seals the hair cuticles and is an effective antioxidant.  

There are lots of coconut oil brands on the market, but opting for an unrefined coconut oil, often labelled as virgin or extra virgin, is the best choice. The reason is the oil is extracted straight from the fresh coconut meat without added chemicals.

What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil?

Softens and Hydrates Hair

Argan oil utilises the power of fatty acids and vitamin E to give an intense moisture fix to your tresses and is a great deep conditioner for dry and damaged hair. 

Combats Frizzy Hair

Argan oil keeps frizz caused by humidity and lack of moisture at bay due to its water-repelling properties. Applying a small amount of argan oil to dry hair will quickly transform it into smooth and more manageable locks.

Repairs Damaged Hair and Split Ends

The fatty acids in argan oil work their magic on split ends by penetrating the hair fibre to support the cuticle. Argan oil’s nourishing properties work hard to bring dry and damaged hair back to life.

Boosts Shine

Damaged cuticles make hair appear dull and lacklustre, and this is where argan oil uses its talents to smooth over the damaged strands for glossy and shiny hair. 

Moisturises the Scalp

A healthy scalp is the foundation of great hair, and argan oil is packed with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to hydrate a dry and itchy scalp. Massage the scalp with a few drops of argan oil to help unstick dead skin build-up and boost circulation. 

Acts as a Heat Protector

Our hair is often exposed to heat, whether from styling tools or the sun, and one of the most damaging things for our hair is direct heat. Argan oil provides a certain level of protection against heat and UV rays, but you should use it alongside a heat-protecting product for optimal coverage or wear a hat.

What Are The Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Improves Dry Hair And Hair Damage

Coconut oil has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft, creating a barrier that prevents water absorption, reducing damage. 

Moisturises the Scalp

The fatty acids soak into the scalp, providing a deep moisture boost to alleviate dryness. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe an irritated and itchy scalp.

Repair Split Ends and Tames Frizz

Coconut oil repairs split ends and smooths the hair cuticles, fighting frizz at the same time.  

Reduces Protein Loss

Limp and lifeless hair can be a sign of protein deficiency, and coconut oil is known for being one of the best oils to minimise protein loss.

Shields Hair From UV Rays

Coconut oil uses its natural SPF to block UV rays, providing day-to-day protection from the sun and works best on towel-dried hair. The SPF in coconut oil is low and should not be used alone as sun protection.

Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil For Hair: Which One Is Better?

Both oils are great for the hair and have similar uses, with some different ones. When it comes to argan oil vs coconut oil for hair and which offers the best results, the answer will depend on hair type and personal preferences. 

Argan oil and coconut oil are versatile ingredients that can be mixed together or with different types of oils, depending on your required results, read on to see how to use each oil on your hair. 

**If you have any allergies, get advice from a medical professional before using new products on your hair.** 

How To Use Argan Oil For Hair

Argan oil can be applied directly onto dry or wet hair. Celebrity hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor says “Argan oil is most effective when applied after washing your hair, while the hair is still wet” Taylor adds, “Besides helping the hair to dry and detangle faster, it nourishes from the roots to the ends and promotes shine.”

As a Finishing Touch 

To achieve more manageable tresses, tame frizz and add shine, apply a few drops of pure argan oil on dry hair through the mid-lower sections to avoid greasy roots.

Scalp Treatment

Use on wet or dry hair, and section the hair into four equal sections, massage the argan oil into each section of the scalp, not the hair. Spend around five to ten minutes massaging the scalp to enhance blood circulation and help balance oil production in the scalp. If you have an irritated scalp, do this treatment weekly, and reduce the frequency as the health of your scalp improves.

As A Leave-In Conditioner

Begin with clean, damp, towel-dried hair, as oils work best on freshly washed hair as the natural oils from the hair and scalp have been washed away. Apply a few drops of argan oil into the palms of your hands and run through your hair, paying attention to the ends to utilise the heat-protecting properties that prevent split ends. Leave the oil in and style as usual for shiny, smooth locks.

As a Hair Mask

Apply a generous amount of argan oil on dry or wet hair from the root to the ends, and mix the mask with other oils, such as coconut or castor oil if you want. Wrap it in a towel and leave the mask to work for fifteen to thirty minutes. You can leave it overnight for a more intensive treatment for silky soft hair. 

How To Use Coconut Oil For Hair

Like argan oil, coconut oil can be applied to dry and wet hair, but note that this oil has a heavy consistency, so use small amounts on dry hair to avoid your hair looking greasy. 

As a Hair Mask

Warm up one to two tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil in your hands, evenly distribute it onto dry hair and leave it on for thirty minutes or overnight for better results. Shampoo and condition afterwards, and repeat this treatment once a week.

As a Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Apply a small amount of coconut oil from the mid-section to the ends of your hour around thirty minutes before you shampoo. This step stops your hair from soaking up too much water, which causes dry and damaged hair.

As a Scalp Treatment

Massaging your scalp with coconut oil boosts circulation and hydrates the scalp, and the oil’s anti-bacterial properties can help treat scalp issues. Warm up one to two teaspoons of coconut oil and massage across the entire scalp in a circular motion for five to twenty minutes; you can use a massaging hair tool such as a shampoo brush if you prefer.

As a Leave-in Conditioner

After shampooing your hair, apply a bit of coconut oil to damp hair from the mid- section to the ends for added moisture, particularly beneficial for people with long, dry or curly hair. 

To Protect Against Heat/UV Rays

Coconut oil shields hair from UV rays and helps repair sun and heat damage by forming a protective barrier around each strand, and the vitamin E content prevents damage and keeps hair healthy. 

In conclusion to the argan oil vs coconut oil for hair debate, each one offers amazing benefits to your tresses, and a little bit goes a long way. There are differences between the two, such as absorption, properties, and consistency, but both have the power to transform your hair. 

Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thestylecadet.com is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your doctor, qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. The information, suggestions, or remedies mentioned in this article are provided without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied.