Argan Oil for Hair Growth: What It Can (and Can't) Do

Why People Turn to Argan Oil When Hair Stops Growing

Believe it or not, all hair types shed 100 hairs a day. It’s completely normal. But if you notice thinning hair or feel like you’re losing more strands, it could be down to a number of reasons. Like, increased hair breakage. It may appear as if you’re losing more hair when in fact your hair is snapping off mid-length. Growth may also slow down owing to scalp issues like inflammation, heat and colour damage, or environmental stresses like UV, pollution, temperature changes and more. Whatever the reason, it can be very distressing. So when it comes to hair growth, why is Morocco’s ‘liquid gold’ often touted as the holy grail?

What's Actually in Argan Oil That Could Affect Hair Growth

Argan oil is packed with skin-loving, follicle-friendly nutrients that support the conditions for a healthy scalp - the starting point for hair health. For a start, it’s rich in anti-inflammatory heroes - oleic and linoleic acid. These essential fatty acids may help tackle issues like psoriasis and dermatitis which can contribute to hair loss. It’s also rich in tocopherols (vitamin E) and polyphenols – a powerful antioxidant duo capable of neutralising free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Both factors that contribute to damaged hair, dryness, frizz and hair loss.

The vitamin E in argan oil also boosts blood circulation ensuring your hair follicles receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive. No wonder argan oil is called ‘liquid gold’.

Does Argan Oil Actually Stimulate Hair Growth? What the Research Says

While a PubMed study in 2022 found that argan oil doesn’t directly cause new hair growth, it’s always been known for its skincare benefits. And it makes sense that keeping your scalp in tip-top condition creates the optimum starting place for strong, healthy hair to grow. There’s also evidence from a study in 2013 that the antioxidants in argan oil protect your skin against free-radical damage from the sun. Another reason it helps keep your scalp happy.

How Argan Oil Supports the Conditions for Healthier Hair Growth

Putting science and buzz-words aside, what improvements will you actually see in the mirror from the benefits of argan oil? For a start, your hair should maintain its length owing to less breakage and more hydration, improving the elasticity of your hair shaft. And because argan oil protects your hair cuticles from heat and environmental damage during the growth phase, the hair that emerges from your scalp should stay happy and healthy as it grows longer.

Argan oil is also great for helping to seal split ends and tame flyaways. So in reality it’s not brand new growth you’re seeing and feeling, it’s your existing hair at its strongest, healthiest, shiniest best.

How to Use Argan Oil with Hair Growth in mind

Get the most out of a topical hair oil, like pure argan oil, by following these simple steps for a pre-wash scalp treatment:

1. Warm up 6-10 drops of oil in your palms.
2. Section your dry hair into 4/6 areas so you can easily see your scalp.
3. Using the pads of your fingertips, gently massage the oil into your scalp using slow, circular motions. Great for increasing blood circulation too.
4. Leave in for 20-30 mins allowing the nutrients to be absorbed by your skin.
5. Shampoo and style as usual ensuring all hair oil is removed.

Or try the damp hair method:

1. Wash your hair as usual.
2. Gently pat dry with a micro-fibre towel or cotton t-shirt. Try to avoid towel-drying your hair with rough fabrics as it can damage/weaken your hair.
3. Start with 1-2 drops of argan oil warmed between your palms.
4. Gently massage into your damp scalp.
5. Dry and style as usual.

If you find using hair oils a bit of a faff, try hair products with this ‘liquid gold’ already in the formula. Like our Shea & Argan Shampoo, also available in a shampoo bar, Shea & Argan Conditioner and Shea & Argan Nourishing Hair Mask. The combo of argan oil and shea butter is deliciously moisturising, and loved by our customers with very dry and/or curly hair.

Is Argan Oil Enough on Its Own for Hair Growth or Does It Need Help?

Despite all its hydration benefits and abundance of nutrients, there is a limit to what argan oil can do for hair growth. If you’re experiencing hair loss due to medical or hormonal causes, like androgenetic alopecia, postpartum shedding or telogen effluvium, argan oil is a great therapeutic treatment, but not a cure. It’s best used to support your growth-focussed haircare routine, alongside a healthy diet, scalp massage and avoiding heat styling, chemical damage or tight hairstyles.

To ensure your hair gets all the natural benefits of this powerful oil, check the label for purity and quality. If you can, go for a cold-pressed organic argan oil. Which means the kernels have been pressed at a low temperature, preserving the oil’s vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. All good stuff basically.