Part 4 of Six | Blog Series: Natural Ingredients That Protect & Hydrate Hair for Swimming, Surfing & Sauna

PART 4 — Argan Oil: The Liquid Gold for Protecting Hair from Chlorine, Salt & Heat

Why Argan Oil Belongs in Every Swim & Sauna Hair Routine

Argan oil — often called liquid gold — is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that protect hair from environmental stressors.

Key Benefits

  • Powerful Protection Against Chlorine & Salt
    Seals the cuticle and blocks harsh chemicals from entering the hair shaft.

  • Restores Elasticity
    Prevents breakage from constant bun-wearing, caps, or sun.

  • Natural Heat Protectant
    Ideal for sauna sessions or hot outdoor activities.

  • Adds Shine Without Grease
    Lightweight but highly nourishing.

Why Argan Oil Is a Critical Ingredient in Active COCO

Argan oil isn’t just a luxe add-on in our Pre-Splash Spritz — it fills several very specific performance gaps that swimmers, surfers, and sauna-goers struggle with. It strengthens, shields, and restores hair in ways that other oils can’t match.

Here’s a deeper breakdown of why argan oil elevates Active COCO and makes your formula more effective than single-oil or coconut-only pre-swim sprays.


argan oil as a water barrier by the pool

1. Argan Oil Has a Unique Fatty Acid Profile That Makes It an Ideal Water Barrier

Most oils coat the hair, but argan oil has an unusually high concentration of:

  • Oleic acid

  • Linoleic acid

  • Palmitic acid

  • Stearic acid

This combination creates a flexible, breathable barrier that protects the hair shaft without making it stiff or overly greasy.

Why it matters in Active COCO:

When hair is submerged in chlorine or salt water, argan oil helps prevent these harsh elements from penetrating deeply, reducing:

  • protein loss

  • dryness

  • breakage

  • color fading

It works synergistically with coconut oil’s penetration ability to create a dual-action internal + external shield.


sun by a pool

2. A Powerful Antioxidant Source That Protects from Sun & Environmental Damage

For surfers and outdoor swimmers, sun exposure is just as damaging as chlorine.

Argan oil is rich in:

  • Vitamin E (tocopherol)

  • Polyphenols

  • Natural antioxidants

These protect hair from UV oxidation — the process that causes:

  • color fading

  • dryness

  • brittleness

  • rough, “fried” ends


damaged hair by the pool

3. Restores Elasticity and Prevents Breakage (Huge for Frequent Swimmers)

Chlorine, salt, and heat all rob the hair of elasticity — which is why swimmers notice:

  • more split ends

  • increased shedding

  • hair that snaps easily

  • breakage at the ponytail or bun line

Argan oil has a natural ability to restore hair elasticity, thanks to its fatty acids and high antioxidant load.

Why it matters in Active COCO:

It helps hair withstand the stress of:

  • swim caps

  • tight buns

  • goggles rubbing the scalp

  • salt-water stiffness

  • sauna heat

This makes Active COCO especially valuable for long hair and curly hair, which are more vulnerable to breakage.


4. Repairs the Cuticle — the Part Chlorine Damages First

Chlorine lifts the hair cuticle, making it rough and prone to moisture loss.

Argan oil is known for its ability to:

  • smooth lifted cuticles

  • fill microscopic damage points

  • create a uniform surface

This results in hair that looks and feels healthier and more manageable.

Why it matters in Active COCO:

Pre-Splash Spritz not only protects hair but also actively repairs and improves its texture with each use.


in a bathing suit

5. Natural Heat Protection for Sauna Sessions & Sun Exposure

Most people don’t realize that sauna heat can reach 170–200°F, enough to rapidly dehydrate hair.

Argan oil offers natural heat protection due to:

  • its high smoke point

  • its thermal stability

  • its rich antioxidant content

Why it matters in Active COCO:

Unlike coconut oil (which melts but doesn't offer true heat protection), argan oil helps prevent heat-induced:

  • frizz

  • dryness

  • cuticle damage

  • brittleness

This gives Active COCO multi-environment versatility: pool, ocean, and sauna.


6. Lightweight Moisture That Balances Richer Oils in Your Formula

Coconut and castor oils are rich and protective — but can feel heavy alone.

Argan oil:

  • provides silky slip

  • absorbs faster

  • softens without weighing hair down

  • improves how the formula spreads through the hair


7. Helps with Color Retention (Especially After Chlorine Exposure)

Chlorine strips artificial pigments, causing:

  • blonde hair to turn brassy or green

  • brunette hair to look dull

  • red hair to fade rapidly

Argan oil slows this fading by sealing the cuticle and protecting pigments from oxidative damage.


8. Adds Shine, Smoothness, and Post-Swim Softness

Argan oil leaves a non-greasy shine that looks healthy and natural.

This makes hair:

  • smoother

  • easier to comb out

  • softer post-swim

  • less prone to tangling

Why it matters in Active COCO:

It improves the entire experience of the product — not just the protection.

It’s the ingredient that brings luxury performance and professional-level repair to jour Pre-Splash Spritz.