A person with curly hair applies argan oil using a dropper, demonstrating a common application method. A person with curly hair applies argan oil using a dropper, demonstrating a common application method.

Argan Oil for Hair: Benefits and Tips for All Hair Types

What Is Argan Oil?

Hailing from Morocco, argan oil is a pale yellow to amber-hued oil that can be used for skin, hair, nails, and even cooking. Also known as “miracle oil” or “liquid gold,” this multi-talented oil is derived from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). Extracting the precious oil takes days, but the work — and the wait — is well-worth it. The advantages of argan oil for hair are numerous as this precious oil is loaded with beneficial ingredients, including vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants.
A bottle of argan oil is shown.

Is Argan Oil Good for Hair?

Brimming with antioxidants and fatty acids, argan oil is very good for the hair and scalp thanks to its powerful hydrating, nourishing, and protective properties. Used regularly it helps seal the hair’s cuticles and lock in moisture, making damaged hair look healthier, shinier and smoother.

Argan Oil Benefits for Hair

What does argan oil do for hair? What doesn’t it do! Argan oil comes with some seriously impressive credentials. Read on to learn about argan oil hair benefits.

Moisturizes & conditions: loaded with fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil for hair intensely hydrates, making it the go-to option for dry and damaged locks.
Strengthens strands: argan oil for hair conditions, fortifies and protects the hair shaft without leaving it dull or heavy.
Hydrates the scalp: argan oil’s deep moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties can help with certain scalp conditions, such as itchiness, dryness, and dandruff.
Increases hair elasticity: its powerful antioxidants, essential acids, and vitamin E help increase your hair’s elasticity, making it easy to manage and detangle.
Boosts shine: argan oil for hair seals the hair cuticle, adding shine and reducing frizz and flyaways.
Protects from UV rays: its powerful antioxidant protection from UV rays and pollution, make argan oil for hair your first line of defense against environmental damage.

Who Should Use Argan Oil for Hair?

Argan oil for hair is beneficial for virtually all hair types. Whether you want sleek and shiny straight hair, need extra TLC for your curls, or have dry, color-treated hair, argan oil can help. Even hair prone to greasiness can benefit from argan oil's lightweight texture, which adds silkiness without weighing it down — just avoid applying it directly to the roots.

Four people with different hair types (straight, wavy, and curly) are pictured, demonstrating that argan oil benefits various hair textures.

How To Use Argan Oil for Hair

For dry or damaged hair, an argan oil hair treatment can be incredibly restorative. Products like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Argan Oil, which features a blend of natural oils including argan oil, can be used in multiple ways. Apply it as a pre-shampoo treatment to soften and moisturize hair before cleansing or use it post-styling to add a boost of shine. For optimal results, pair the treatment with a complementary shampoo and conditioner like Fructis Sleek & Shine.
A person with curly hair applies argan oil, focusing on how it helps manage frizz and enhance smoothness.

Argan Oil for Frizzy Hair

Argan oil for hair is highly effective when it comes to managing frizz and flyaways. Incorporating argan oil-enriched products into your routine can significantly boost smoothness and shine.
Start your argan oil hair care routine with a smoothing shampoo like Fructis Sleek & Shine, followed by a liquid conditioner like Sleek & Shine Glass Hair Water. On wet hair, apply a leave-in conditioning cream, such as Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream, to target frizz and improve manageability. After drying, a few drops of a smoothing serum like Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum can further tame flyaways and enhance shine. Look for products that use sustainably sourced argan oil, like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine.

Argan Oil for Average/Fine Hair

Even fine or average hair can benefit from argan oil. The key is to use it strategically to avoid weighing down the hair. A hydrating and shine-boosting regimen like Garnier Whole Blends Illuminating Hair Care, formulated with Moroccan argan and camellia oils, is an excellent choice. To prevent buildup and maintain volume, apply the conditioner and leave-in treatment from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, avoiding the roots.

A person with fine, straight hair applies argan oil, demonstrating its use for this specific hair type.
A person with curly hair is shown smiling and demonstrating improved curl definition after using argan oil.

Argan Oil for Curly Hair

Curly hair is often prone to dryness, so incorporating an argan oil hair treatment into your routine can be highly beneficial. Using an argan oil-infused shampoo and conditioner is a great way to provide regular nourishment and hydration. To refresh and define curls, and fight the dreaded frizz try a spritz of a product like Fructis Sleek and Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, which contains argan oil extracts. Apply evenly to damp or dry hair. Do not rinse. This will help to smooth frizz, add shine, and enhance curl definition.

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Argan Oil for Hair FAQ
  • Argan oil for hair and cosmetic purposes should have a pale golden or yellow color. Argan oil used in cooking is a darker shade as the argan kernels are lightly toasted before the oil is extracted.
  • While there is little scientific evidence to demonstrate that argan oil promotes hair growth, its properties can help prevent breakage and damage, making hair appear fuller and thicker. Argan oil for hair also moisturizes and nourishes the scalp, creating a healthier environment for hair follicles.
  • Argan oil can be used on either dry or wet hair. Prior to shampooing your hair, apply a small amount of argan oil to damp hair (mid-lengths and ends) to hydrate and smooth the hair, as well as protect it from heat damage during styling. On dry hair, use it sparingly to tame frizz, flyaways and add shine – just avoid the scalp and roots.
  • Yes, argan oil for hair can be used daily especially if you have dry, damaged, thick, or curly/coily hair. However, if your hair is very fine or thin, use a couple of drops of oil, or opt for a lighter or blended version.
  • Argan oil for hair is incredibly good for damaged locks — it’s not called “miracle oil” for nothing! Its rich fatty acids and vitamin E content help hydrate, strengthen, and protect hair, making it a highly beneficial ingredient for restoring shine and elasticity. It also strengthens damaged hair by locking in moisture, and wrapping a protective shield around the hair shaft.
  • You can leave argan oil in your hair for 15-30 minutes before shampooing it out. If you’re looking for a deep conditioning treatment to tackle very dry or damaged hair, apply argan oil for hair from the roots to ends, wrap your hair in a towel or bonnet, and leave overnight before washing out. Just remember that a little goes a long way!
  • If you’re suffering from a dry, irritated scalp or dandruff, apply a few drops of argan oil for hair directly to the scalp and massage in. If you want to tame frizz and flyaways, and boost shine apply argan oil to the ends and mid-lengths.
  • Too much argan oil can result in product buildup, which in turn may weigh down hair and irritate the scalp. Start with very small amounts (just a couple of drops), and keep experimenting until you find the perfect dose. If you have recently colored your hair, always perform a patch test before using pure argan oil for hair. Finally, make sure you only buy high-quality argon oil products from reputable retailers.

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