It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I was introduced to the infamous argan oil. We were getting ready to venture out on College Ave. Before leaving, one of the girls held up an amber bottle with a blue label, orange and white lettering, and distributed two pumps throughout the mids and ends of her hair. From the scent, the weightless shine, and the smoothness, I was in awe. Then she says, “My mom’s a stylist, and she told me this argan oil is amazing for hair. ” Specifically, it was the Moroccanoil Treatment.
What is this sorcery? Will it work for my hair? Is it something I need? I must know more.
If any of those ran through your head, then you’re likely in the right place. ‘Cause in this post I’m sharing everything you should know about argan oil for hair.
Heads up! This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission for any items purchased through the links at no additional cost to you. Happy reading 🙂
What is Argan Oil?
Well, it comes from the kernels of the slow growing, thorny argan tree (Argania spinosa). And that is native to the dry lands in the southwestern parts of Morocco. Through human cultivation, the tree has also been introduced in the deserts of South Africa, Spain, Kuwait, Mexico, Tunisia, and Israel (NCBI).
There are two different types of argan oil; one is food grade while the other is cosmetic grade. The cosmetic version of argan oil is cold pressed from unroasted argan kernels. It can be applied directly to the hair or skin, or as an ingredient in cosmetic formulas.
It was even coined the name “liquid gold”. Keep reading to understand why.
Benefits of Argan Oil For Hair
Argan oil is filled with fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin e, and so much more that are all great for hair and skin. Here’s some of the major benefits your strands can reap just by adding it into some of your hair care rituals.
Intense Moisture
This oil has been used for centuries as apart of ancient skin regimens, so naturally we see that extending to our hair. Oleic and linoleic acids are the star of the show when it comes to conditioning the hair shaft to provide smoothness while retaining moisture.
Frizz Fighter
Thanks to vitamin E along with other fatty acids, argan oil locks in moisture and hydration. This makes it a great sidekick when it comes to fighting frizz on a humid day.
Ultimate Scalp Health
If you suffer from scalp conditions this may be the oil for you. It’s anti inflammatory properties have proven to soothe and treat common scalp problems like dry or flaky scalp, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and even psoriasis.
Strand Repair
Due to its content of medium chain fatty acids, the molecules easily penetrate the hair shaft. Not only does this protect from breakage, but it improves hair’s elasticity too. This means reduced damage from brushing, heat styling, and even chemical treatments like color. Get fuller looking hair, reduce split ends, and improve manageability when you use argan oil for hair.
Argan Oil for Hair Protection
Argan oil is like a shield for your strands when it comes to UV rays, worldly pollutants, and other environmental stressors known to cause dryness.
May Prevent Hair Loss
While this isn’t backed by enough case studies, the other benefits above can have a great effect on the health of your hair. Paired with a proper healthy hair diet and other beneficial hair rituals, your hair may appear fuller and reduce hair fall overall.
How To Use Argan Oil For Hair
Like other carrier oils, there are plenty of uses for argan oil when it comes to your hair. Its versatility makes it a great contender for many hair DIYs. But there’s also some amazing cosmetic products on the market as well. Here’s some different ways to use argan oil in your hair rituals.
In Your Shampoo & Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner pair have claimed their title as one of the argan oil hair OG’s. Inexpensive, and lightweight, these guys will help to reinforce your hair’s strength, moisture, and shine.
If you’re apprehensive about using argan oil because your hair is on the finer side, start with a shampoo and conditioner infused with the Moroccan goodness. You won’t have to worry about greasy strands.
Make A Hair Mask
If you’re ready to get connected by taking a more hands on approach in your hair rituals, consider a DIY hair mask using a pure argan oil like this one. Bonus– this carrier oil can be used on your skin, too!
I like this argan and coconut oil mask recipe from Let’s Craft Instead (though I double up on measurements cause of my long hair). You can even heat it up for some extra razzle dazzle, but it’s optional, of course.
Looking for a pre-made hair mask before diving into the world of DIY? Pictured above is a highly rated fan favorite for you to try.
Use As A Leave-in or Styler
Finding a styler, especially for coarse or curly hair can be difficult. This curl defining cream by Moroccanoil has been my lifesaver for the last decade. Its lightweight but keeps my curls soft, bouncy, and in check all day. I’m a wash-n-go type of girl who would rather snooze a lil’ extra in the morning than focus on my hair.
They also have this spray on leave-in conditioner which is perf for all hair types. It hydrates, detangles. prevents breakage and has heat protectant too. Definitely a must-have for any one, and all hair types.
Your Mane Heat Protectant
Argan oil has been used as a natural heat protection for centuries. This lightweight spray is the perfect defense for hot tools up to 450°F. It’s been my go-to for the last five years, before the flat iron or curling wand touches my or my clients’ strands. And plus, it smells amazing!
As A Hair Treatment
Whether you’re into weekly hair oiling rituals or are in need of a good hair treatment, Agadir’s innovation when it came to this product is unmatched. Made with keratin, biotin, and argan, it is applied to the hair when damp to reduce blow-drying time by up to 50% while protecting from heat. It supports weightless shine and added volume while smoothing and hydrating the hair shaft to its core.
Use As A Finishing Oil
Keep your hair under control no matter the time or place. Though it can be used as a styling primer, I like this one best for after styling. It delivers intense moisture to the ends of your hair to prevent them from drying out. You can use before bed to smooth the cuticle and protect split ends from further friction against clothing or other fabrics and materials. It’s the perfect oil to take when traveling, to stash in your purse, or keep on the vanity.
What Hair Type Can Use Argan Oil?
Pure argan oil works best for coarse, thick or curly/ coily hair. But this doesn’t mean other hair types can’t reap the benefits either.
Fine Hair
Hair that leans towards the finer side can use argan oil in small amounts. It should not be applied often. Try using an argan oil infused shampoo and conditioner like this one, so you still get the benefits without the weight or greasy look.
Additionally, pair with the lightweight heat protectant featured above to protect your strands from hot tools.
Medium
Depending on the overall density of your hair, you’re likely to get away with using argan oil as a regular part of your hair rituals. Leave in conditioners or stylers are a great place to start.
I love the styling cream from Moroccanoil. Like I said, it keeps my curls smooth, doesn’t weigh my hair down, plus I always get compliments on how my hair smells.
Coarse
With coarse, thick hair, you’ll likely benefit from using argan oil in its purest state. This can be used daily, and for some, multiple times per day. Argan oil is best applied on wet hair, after washing. Avoid roots and focus on the mid shafts and ends of the hair. Use on dry hair to smooth out flyaways and control frizz. You can start with a pure oil like this one, or this one which has added benefits.
By now, it’s probably easy to tell why argan oil was coined the term ‘liquid gold‘. And also why I was so in awe when I first witnessed my friend using it on her hair.
Thanks to current cosmetic formulations, every hair type is able to reap these wonderful benefits. Whether you enjoy at-home DIYs, or are looking for new ways to elevate your hair rituals, there are a variety of ways to use the lovely oil. With argan oil, your hair wellness journey is ready to enter its Golden Era!