Wouldn’t it be nice to escape the brutal onslaught of winter to the hot, sunny climes of a place like Morocco? In a way, you can. It seems like anywhere you go nowadays, you see and hear about Moroccan oil products, both for hair and body. Hair treatments promise to restore shine, moisture and luster to frazzled locks, just the remedy you need for winter-weary hair. Not only are these products available for you to try at home, many spas are offering various Moroccan-themed treatments, as well.
Here’s all you need to know about Moroccan oil and what it can do for your hair, body and psyche. Whether in the comfort of your own home or your favorite spa, get ready for a transformative experience!
The History and the Hype
Moroccan oil is another name for argan oil, which is made from the nuts of the argan tree which grows only in Morocco. In fact, it is an endangered species and therefore is under protection of UNESCO. This thick, rich oil, which is similar to olive oil but reddish in color, is loaded with antioxidants. In Morocco, it is popular in cooking and as a salad oil. It’s also a very effective moisturizer. Think about home facial treatments that call for olive oil to provide moisture; argan oil is the same type of thing.
Although argan hair and body treatments have long been popular in Morocco itself, it has not been long known to the rest of the world. Recently, however many products containing Moroccan oil have been brought to the marketplace and have been zooming off the shelves. It is often found in shampoos and conditioners to repair damage caused by hair treatments gone wrong, the sun and hot styling tools. Of course, straight-up argan oil can also be used, but it is quite expensive!
A company called Moroccanoil harnessed the power of argan oil and made its product available to spas and salons throughout the world. It began when one of the co-owners, Chilean-born Carmen Tal, visited a salon in Israel to correct a bad color experience and first experienced an oil treatment. She says she was astounded when her hair was transformed from damaged to shiny and manageable. She decided to work on making Moroccan oil products available to women of the world, even though hair oil is not a conventional treatment.
The company was founded in 2006 when Tal bought the fledgling company that imported argan oil from Morocco, and has since taken off. Now, many products containing argan oil are available at salons, drugstores and supermarkets all over the world. Companies such as Pantene, Suave, Organix and Garnier all offer products which contain argan oil.
Products and their Promises
Moroccanoil makes products especially for salons and spas. Different formulations are available based on hair type, such as fine, medium, course or curly, and for various needs, such as hydration, frizz control, repair, volume or scalp treatment. Not only are shampoos and conditioners available, but also various styling products and special hair treatments.
These products promise to restore luster, prevent breakage and make hair super silky and shiny. Whatever your hair type or concern, there’s a product ideally formulated for you.
Now Moroccan oil treatments are also formulated for the body as well, and many spas are embracing the trend and offering various luxurious wraps, massages and other treats with Moroccan oil as the star player.
Spa Specialties
Serendipity Day Spa in Michigan offers a variety of Moroccan oil treatments. One of them is a 120-minute Moroccanoil Facial Ritual, which consists of a scalp and mask treatment that’s massaged in to restore your hair. Then you’ll get a facial and a Moroccanoil Body Buff Exfoliant and massage for your arms, hands and feet. The final touch is a good rinse and styling with the Moroccanoil styling line. Perfect to do before a big night out!
The spa’s Moroccanoil Body Ritual, also 120 minutes, focuses more on the body and includes a hot stone massage featuring the Moroccanoil Hydrating Treatment. You still get the full hair styling experience, as well.
Cranwell, a resort, spa and golf club in Massachusetts, features a Moroccan Oil Instant Radiance Body Buff. It’s made with orange peel, argan oil, vitamin E, and other ingredients to leave the skin radiant and smooth and super moisturized. The treatment also features Moroccan Oil’s Intense Hydrating Treatment.
At the Four Season Hotel in Atlanta, you can indulge in a Moroccanoil Manicure and Pedicure, the perfect remedy for dried out and tired hands and feet. The treatment begins with a body buff followed by Moroccanoil’s honey lavender Intense Hydrating Treatment. The final touch is the application of either a citrus-enriched Hand Cream or a signature scented Body Soufflé, leaving your hands or feet smooth and supple.
Four Seasons’ Moroccan Ritual begins with a full-body dry brush exfoliation followed by Moroccanoil’s Intense Hydrating Treatment along with a hot stone massage, then Moroccanoil Body Buff is used on the feet and hands. The treatment ends with Moroccanoil’s scalp treatment and Intense Hydrating Mask, which are warmed and then massaged into the scalp and hair. Bonus: You get to take home the body brush!
Moroccan oil is all the rage, and for good reason. It hydrates, it adds shine and it give you a bit of luxury. It may even inspire you to visit the warm and exotic country of Morocco, if only from the comfort of your own home.
Take some time to relax and unwind.
Alicia
Photos by Cranwell Website and Herman Rhoids.