The Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair

Pure Argan oil only grows in one very specific part of Morocco, but it's loved the world over as a hair elixir. What's all the fuss about? Read on for our deep dive into one of Nature's cult haircare ingredients: Moroccan argan oil.

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil comes from the nut of the argan tree, which grows in a specific ecosystem in Morocco: the UNESCO Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. Also known as ’the tree of life’, this thorny plant is incredibly well-adapted to living in the arid landscape it inhabits – and even protects soil from erosion. Cultivation of argan not only helps support sustainable development, but reduces the effects of climate change in the region.  

Argan trees bear small, oval fruits that are not much bigger than olives. The fruits have a tough skin and bitter flesh, and take over a year to ripen on the tree. In the centre of each fruit is a nut, which contains up to three hard kernels or seeds. These kernels are ground or pressed, often by hand, to extract argan oil.

Argan oil has been used in Moroccan cooking and cosmetics for centuries, but in the early 2000s, it began to gain international attention from the beauty industry. Today, it is highly sought after for use in skincare and especially haircare products – and often referred to as ‘liquid gold’.

What Does Argan Oil Do for Hair?

Argan oil is packed with fatty acids, which make it a great hair hydrator. Used regularly, it may seal damaged cuticles, which can help dry, damaged hair look a whole lot healthier. And this cuticle-sealing action can also help protect hair from heat damage; this and the fact that argan oil burns at a much higher temperature than other oils are why it is often included in leave-in styling products.

As well as fatty acids, argan oil is brimming with antioxidants and vitamin E, which may help to protect your hair from free radicals. These components are also known to help improve hair’s elasticity, reduce breakage and make dull hair shine again.

Just like rosemary oil and other popular haircare oils, argan oil is thought to be all the ‘antis’: antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which can help a flaky scalp. And a healthy, happy scalp is the strongest foundation for healthy, happy hair.

How to Use Argan Oil on Your Hair

To smooth the appearance of split ends and give your locks lustre, run 2-4 drops of argan oil through the ends of freshly-washed, towel-dried tresses, concentrating on the tips. You can also use argan oil on dry hair to calm frizz and seal split ends. A little goes a very long way, so use sparingly.

Argan oil can also be applied to your whole hair and scalp for a deep treatment. Treat frazzled strands by saturating them in 6-10 drops of argan oil (depending on the length and thickness of your hair) while they’re dry. Pop on a shower cap and leave for at least 30 minutes and at most 8 hours. For intense hydration while you sleep, leave on overnight. When you’re done, shampoo and condition as usual.

Oil can be messy, and it’s easy to go a couple of drops overboard and end up with greasy-looking locks. A convenient way to avoid this is to look for hair products made with argan oil. There are plenty of leave-in conditioners, heat protection sprays and hair serums that include this ‘liquid gold’ in their ingredients. When it comes to washing your hair, our Shea & Argan Shampoo, Shea & Argan Conditioner and Shea & Argan Nourishing Hair Mask are all easy ways to incorporate the power of argan oil into your haircare routine. And if you’re on a mission to reduce plastic packing, our Shea & Argan Shampoo Bar is for you. Whether in bottles or bars, the combination of argan oil and ethically-traded shea butter is a deeply moisturising mix loved by those with very dry and/or curly hair.

As well as detangling and helping reduce flyaways, adding argan oil into your haircare or wellness routine can be super beneficial. We’ve compiled some FAQs below to help you get the most out of this miracle ingredient.

Does argan oil encourage hair growth?

Although Argan oil doesn’t directly increase the growth rate of your hair, it does add nutrients and essential fatty acids to your hair follicles, which can promote healthy growth. Cold-pressed argan oil is the most concentrated and therefore moisturising version, but it can also be found in argan oil shampoo and hair oils.

Can argan oil repair damaged hair?

Argan oil is definitely a good thing for damaged hair. It can help strengthen strands and smooth out your hair, especially if it’s looking a little frizzy. An argan oil hair mask is a great hair treatment to combat dryness and reduce the appearance of split ends, leading to fuller, healthier-looking hair.

Is argan oil effective for treating dandruff?

Yes, absolutely! Argan oil can be effective for dandruff, especially when caused by dryness or an itchy scalp, due to its moisturising, vitamin E, and anti-inflammatory properties (including fatty acids) that soothe the scalp and hair follicles. However, it's less effective against fungal causes like seborrheic dermatitis, so identifying the root cause of your dandruff with a professional is key. Remember: It’ll help create a healthy scalp microbiome, but may not treat infections directly. 

How often can I use argan oil?

To maximise the benefits of using argan oil on your hair, it’s best to use it around three to four times per week in your haircare routine (or every day if you’re a big fan!). But, if you have fine hair or thinning hair, it’s best to stick to one to two times per week to avoid your hair becoming excessively greasy. If you have thick, curly or dry hair, daily application might work best for you. It might also be worth adding a hair mask that has argan oil in it and applying that to your hair strands once or twice weekly for completely nourished hair. When using argan oil, it’s best to avoid applying the oil or hair serum directly to your roots or hair follicles (around the scalp area) as this can cause excess oiliness. 

Where does the term liquid gold come from?

Firstly, the best argan oil has a rich, deep gold colour, but beyond that, its rarity as a natural resource makes it akin to actual gold. Argan trees (Argania spinosa) grow almost exclusively in a specific region of southwestern Morocco, making the oil a limited resource. The extraction process is pretty labour-intensive, making it quite an exclusive haircare ingredient – the trees themselves are essential for preventing desertification in the areas it grows. 

Who Should Use Argan Oil on Their Hair?

Anyone can use argan oil, but it’s especially good for very dry, thick, curly and afro hair types. Although argan oil can’t prevent hair loss, it’s great to use in your hair styling to increase the appearance of healthy-looking hair. It’ll soothe and smooth your strands, leaving them nourished and healthier looking for longer.