I read a very informative article in the May issue of DERMASCOPE magazine. It gave some great facts about Argan Oil. Argan oil (it's the awesome oil in many of our professional products we sell at The Haven.) Mainly in our Morracan Oil haircare line. Us stylist are always telling our clients how awesome this amazing argan oil is because we have seen the results and many of us use it on ourselves and on almost all our clients daily. For those are you who like a little more detail I thought I would share some great facts.
In the South- Western parts of Morocco, argan oil is extracted from nuts of argan trees. Often times referred to as "liquid gold". The process used to extract the precious oil from the argan trees is a manual and laborious process that has become a tradition among the local Berber woman. The production of argan oil allows these women to gain social benefits in a country where equal rights are not yet fully established; affording them a sustainable livelihood and an opportunity to earn fair wages. The process to extract the oil as mentioned before is laborious. The initial stage of this process is the actual removal of the nut from the fruit. Next, the shell of each nut is forcibly opened to obtain the kernel. Once all the kernels are collected they are roasted over mild heat. Then the roasted kernels are left to cool, ground in a quern made out of stone, and then blended with water into dough.
- Argan Tree -
- Argan fruit has a green fleshy exterior like an olive, but larger and rounder. Inside, there is a nut with an extremely hard shell, which in turn contains one, two or even three almond shaped kernels. -
- It is said that producing one liter of oil takes about 20 hours worth of work -
(no wonder this oil doesn't come cheap)
In regards to our personal health and beauty, argan oil is outstanding choice. There are two types of argan oil. one used for cosmetic purposes and one for culinary purposes. Beyond its nutritional benefits, argan oil has many beautifying effects. As a cosmetic medium, the oil is magnificent for hair, skin and nails. In addition argan oil is a rich source of Vitamin E (a strong antioxidant) making it a great way to combat the again process. Argan oil has the ability to lock in moisture. This is great of skin and hair. Locks in moisture in the hair and eliminates frizz. Argan oil helps decrease blowdrying time. Helps hair look and feel so shiny and smooth. Is a great thermal protectant. So great of our dry Utah weather. Great on skin for after waxing or shaving. The list could go on and on. Argan oil provides unparalleled results making it worth of it's informal title...."Liquid Gold".
