9 Reasons You Should Start Using Argan Oil on Your Hair

Argan oil comes from the argan tree, in Morocco. This oil is very beneficial for hair and beauty, containing antioxidants, linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids, and you may have noticed it’s a key ingredient in many high-end beauty products.

Pure, 100% argan oil doesn’t come cheap, but a little will go a long way. This makes it better value for money than expensive store-bought hair products.

How to make sure the oil you’re buying is pure and authentic

Look at the ingredients

There should only be one ingredient – 100% argan (Argania spinosa) kernel oil. There should be no added water, fragrances or preservatives.

Don’t buy it in clear or plastic bottles

Argan oil is usually packaged in dark amber glass bottles, as light can break down the beneficial properties.

Smell it

Argan oil should have a slight nutty aroma that will dissipate after a few minutes of contact with skin.

Feel it

The oil texture should be smooth and not too watery.

Look at the label

The oil should be labeled as “Made in Morocco” or “100% Pure”. It should also have an ECOCERT certificate.

Use Cosmetic Grade Oil

Use only cosmetic grade argan oil, which isn’t roasted.

Here’s How Argan Oil Can Help

1. Gets Rid of Dandruff

Argan oil is an intensive moisturizer, and can combat both dandruff and dry, itchy scalp, due to the essential fatty acids it contains.

Flakiness and dry scalp often occurs because people use shampoo that contains drying chemicals (even anti-dandruff shampoo can dry out your scalp), and don’t restore the moisture needed for the scalp to stay healthy.

Use argan oil on your scalp to moisturize and nourish. Warm 5 or 6 drops of oil between your palms and massage into your scalp. Put on a shower cap and allow the oil to soak in for a few hours, or ideally overnight.

Treat your scalp twice a week with the oil.

2. Helps Reduce Frizz, Flyaway Hair and Split Ends

You can use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner to help repair split ends while controlling frizz and flyaway hair.

Use one drop of oil to start with, warming it in your palms before spreading it through your hair with your fingers – pay particular attention to the ends of your hair. Add another half drop to your fingers and massage into the scalp.

Argan oil works very well as a leave-in conditioner, leaving hair softer, more manageable and glossier.

3. Styling Heat Protection

A lot of heat-protecting styling agents can damage hair over the long term, due to the many chemicals they contain. Argan oil nourishes and repairs damage instead.

Before styling hair, add 2 or 3 drops of argan oil using your hand. Use a brush or comb to distribute the oil evenly through the hair from roots to tips to protect from heat damage.

4. Soothes Dry, Brittle Hair

If your hair is dry and brittle, give it a weekly treat with argan oil and leave it on overnight.

Warm 6-8 drops in your hands before massaging it into your scalp, then work through your hair all the way to the ends. Put all of your hair up inside a shower cap to avoid staining your pillowcase.

In the morning, wash your hair as normal and rinse well until all the oil is gone.

5. Protect Your Hair While Swimming

The chemicals used in swimming pools (as well as salty sea water) can really damage your hair, leaving it dry and dull.

Argan oil can protect your hair from the effects of chlorine and salt water. Soak your hair in water from roots to tips, then apply a few drops of oil, working it through your hair. This locks in moisture and acts as a barrier. Do this every time you go swimming.

Wash your hair and condition it as soon as you can after swimming, then squeeze the ends dry gently with a towel. Warm a dime-sized amount of argan oil in the palm of your hand, and gently pull it through the bottom two inches of your hair. Comb your hair from roots to tips with a wide-toothed comb to distribute evenly, and allow your hair to dry naturally.

6. Treating Hair Loss

Hair loss isn’t just a male problem – around 40% of American women experience hair loss too. Argan oil is good at stopping hair loss, and it can even help promote new hair growth.

There have been several studies on the effectiveness of argan oil on hair regrowth, and they found it can stimulate the scalp to produce more hair because of its rich nutrient content.

Put a few drops of the oil on to your fingertips and massage into your scalp using a circular motion. Start at the front hairline, and gradually work your way back across your head, then down each side and at the back. Massage for 15 minutes to allow the oil to penetrate your scalp and encourage blood flow to the hair follicles.

Do this three times a week and you should notice fewer lost hairs, as well as an improvement in hair texture and thickness.

7. Curl Definition

Argan oil can help keep curly hair manageable and define your curls. Apply a few drops to the palm of your hand, and run it through your hair, focusing on the ends. Put your hair in a microfiber towel and squeeze it gently without rubbing. Keep doing this, working from tips to the roots each time.

8. Shinier Hair

If you want shiner and more lustrous hair, apply a few drops of argan oil to your hair every day to nourish and protect your hair.

9. Sun Protection

If you plan to go out in the sun for any length of time, apply a few drops of argan oil to your hair to prevent sun damage. After you’ve worked the oil through your hair, braid it if you can to help lock in moisture.