Moroccan Oil treatment is flying off the shelves at Michael’s Salon and Spa – everyone who tries it, seems to love it. One of the main ingredients in Moroccan oil hair treatment is Argan oil -- and you won’t believe how this amazing oil is harvested. The October issue of DAYSPA Magazine featured an extremely interesting article on the topic, so interesting we just had to share it with you. DAYSPA Magazine’s Trend Watch / Argan Oil October 2009 Every decade or so the beauty industry names a new “liquid gold”. In the 1980’s, it was jojoba oil, a superior moisturizer and surefire wrinkle fighter. The new superstar ingredient claiming the crown has been around for centuries: Argan oil. The difficulty in obtaining this fountain of youth adds to its luxe reputation—and hefty price tag. The oil is produced by the seeds of the Argan tree, which only grows in a 10,000-square-mile region of southwestern Morocco. The seeds must be harvested, shelled, ground, strained and pressed to produce the oil. It can take up to week to yield one liter.

Local goats, however, often complicate matter. The tree-climbing critters excrete the seed after feasting on the Argan fruit. Indigenous Berber women then retrieve the seeds, clean them and put them through the same process. The women rely on sales of this oil as their primary source of income and have formed government-sanctioned co-ops to retain their independence. Argan oil is high in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It’s safe for all skin types-hydrating for dry, clarifying for oily—and is purported to treat a range of ailments from acne to burns to diaper rash. Moroccans rub it on their skin, hair and scalp; and eat it mixed in salad dressing or spreads. “Argan oil is to this decade what the discovery of extra virgin olive oil was to the early 80’s in America. So there you have it . . . interesting stuff. www.michaelssalon.com