Argan Oil for Hair: Why Cold-Pressed Makes All the Difference

The Secret Ingredient Your Hair Has Been Missing

If you've spent any time reading about hair care, you've almost certainly come across argan oil. It's everywhere — in shampoos, conditioners, serums, masks, and leave-ins. But here's the thing most brands don't tell you: not all argan oil is the same. The way it's extracted makes an enormous difference in how effective it actually is.

At Braes, argan oil isn't just a marketing buzzword. It's the cornerstone of the entire product line — cold-pressed, minimally processed, and used in concentrations that actually do something. Let's break down exactly what argan oil does, why cold-pressing matters, and how to use it to get the best results for your hair.

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What Is Argan Oil — and Why Does Your Hair Love It?

Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), native to Morocco. It has been used for centuries in North African hair and skin care, long before it became a global beauty phenomenon. And for good reason.

The oil is exceptionally rich in:

• Oleic acid (Omega-9) — deeply moisturising, penetrates the hair shaft to hydrate from within
• Linoleic acid (Omega-6) — strengthens the hair's lipid barrier and reduces protein loss
• Vitamin E (tocopherols) — a powerful antioxidant that protects hair from oxidative stress and environmental damage
• Polyphenols — plant compounds that add shine and improve the hair's surface structure
• Squalene — a natural emollient found in sebum, making argan oil exceptionally compatible with your scalp

Together, these compounds make argan oil one of the most scientifically well-supported ingredients in hair care. It's not hype — it's chemistry.

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Cold-Pressed vs. Heat-Extracted: Why It Matters

Most commercial argan oils on the market are extracted using heat or chemical solvents. These methods are faster and cheaper, but they degrade the oil in the process. The high temperatures denature proteins, oxidise fatty acids, and destroy a significant portion of the vitamin E content. What you're left with is an oil that might look and smell the same, but has lost much of its biological activity.

Cold-pressing works differently. The kernels are pressed at low temperatures — below 50°C — without any chemical treatment. This preserves the full fatty acid profile, keeps the vitamin E intact, and maintains the polyphenols that give the oil its antioxidant properties. The result is a noticeably richer, more golden oil with a slightly nutty scent and a texture that absorbs beautifully without leaving residue.

You can actually feel the difference. Cold-pressed argan oil feels more "alive" — it absorbs quickly, doesn't leave a greasy film, and delivers visible results faster.

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5 Ways Argan Oil Transforms Your Hair

1. Deep Moisture Without Weight

Unlike heavy silicone-based serums that coat the hair surface without actually hydrating it, argan oil penetrates the cortex — the inner structure of the hair shaft. This means moisture gets in, and stays in. Hair becomes genuinely softer and more supple, not just temporarily coated.

2. Repairs Chemical and Heat Damage

The fatty acids in argan oil help rebuild the hair's lipid layer, which is the first thing damaged by bleach, heat tools, and chemical treatments. Regular use doesn't just mask the damage — it gradually rebuilds what was lost. The protein structures inside the hair shaft are also protected by the oil's antioxidant compounds.

3. Tames Frizz Naturally

Frizz is caused by the hair cuticle lifting in response to humidity. Argan oil smooths the cuticle down and fills in microscopic gaps and chips in the hair shaft that create texture irregularities. The result is smoother, more aligned hair that resists humidity far better.

4. Adds Genuine Shine

The polyphenols in cold-pressed argan oil create a natural reflective surface on the hair strand. This isn't the artificial "wet look" of silicone — it's the kind of healthy, light-catching shine that comes from a hair cuticle that's smooth and intact.

5. Supports Scalp Health

Argan oil's similarity to natural sebum makes it ideal for scalp use. It balances oil production, soothes irritation, and provides a protective environment for healthy hair growth. Used as a scalp massage oil before washing, it can reduce flakiness and improve circulation.

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Braes Argan Oil Products: Choose the Right Format for You

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How to Use Argan Oil at Every Stage of Your Routine

Pre-Wash Treatment (Oil Mask)

Apply the pure argan oil generously from roots to ends on dry hair. Massage gently into the scalp. Leave for at least 30 minutes — or overnight for deeper penetration. The oil creates a protective barrier around the hair shaft, so when you shampoo, you're cleaning the oil rather than stripping your hair's natural moisture. This is one of the most effective ways to reverse chronic dryness.

Post-Wash Serum

After washing and conditioning, squeeze excess water from your hair (don't rub — that damages the cuticle). Apply 2–4 drops of pure argan oil to damp hair, concentrating on mid-lengths and ends. Distribute evenly. Style as normal. The oil locks in the moisture from your conditioner and adds a natural protective coating.

Heat Protectant

Argan oil's high smoke point and antioxidant content make it a natural buffer against heat damage. Apply a small amount to dry hair before using a flat iron or curling wand. It won't eliminate heat damage entirely, but it significantly reduces it — particularly the protein bond breakage that leads to long-term brittleness.

Overnight Treatment

For seriously damaged hair, an overnight argan oil treatment once a week can accelerate repair considerably. Apply generously, wrap hair in a microfibre towel or sleep cap, and wash out in the morning with the Argan Infused Shampoo. Repeat consistently for 4–6 weeks and the improvement in texture and elasticity will be significant.

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Braes and the Philosophy of Pure Ingredients

Braes was founded on a simple conviction: the best ingredients for your hair are the ones nature already made. Braes co-founder Amira ElZayat learned from her grandmother that what you can feed your body, you can feed your hair. That principle guided every product decision — starting with the choice to use cold-pressed oils rather than cheaper processed alternatives.

It would have been easier and more profitable to use heat-extracted argan oil at a fraction of the cost. Braes chose not to. Because the difference in quality is real, and the results speak for themselves.

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