Argan Oil Is the Secret to Healthy, Shiny Hair, According to Experts
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The idea of drenching your hair in oil may sound a bit suspect, but castor oil, jojoba oil, rosemary oil and argan oil have all made their way into hair care routines for their restorative benefits. If you're a hair oil newbie, here's the lowdown: Most products marketed as hair "growth" oils won't actually make hair grow faster; rather they promote growth by curbing breakage and damage, eventually resulting in healthier, longer strands.
Argan oil, in particular, can make hair look and feel healthier by coating hair strands and sealing hair cuticles. What's more: It's found in all kinds of shampoos, conditioners and hair masks these days, meaning it's easy to reap its benefits. The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab chemists regularly test hair products featuring argan oil — to find out everything you need to know about argan oil for hair, we tapped them as well as board-certified dermatologist Monica Y Li and hair wellness expert Meerika Khanna.
Meet the Experts
Monica Y Li, M.D., is a double board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia.
Nick Stenson is the Matrix Artistic Director and a professional hairstylist.
Meerika Khanna is a hair wellness expert and the founder of Rthvi Ayurveda.
Chiara Butler is a reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab.
What is argan oil?
Rooted in Moroccan culture, argan oil is extracted from the fruit kernels of the argan tree, a.k.a. argania spinosa. According to Dr. Li, it is often referred to today as "liquid gold." Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and oleic and linoleic acid, the ingredient is renowned for its moisturizing effects in both skincare and hair care.
What are the possible hair benefits of argan oil?
While there's science to back up its hair-health benefits, there is no evidence that applying argan oil will lead to hair growth. Rather, "avoiding damage and conditioning hair to prevent friction and breakage is the best way to grow out long hair," says Butler. "Hair loss at the scalp can only be reliably treated with FDA-approved drug products, like Rogaine." Still, there are plenty of other benefits to reap by using argan oil on your hair:
Softens and moisturizes hair: Compared to other hair oils, argan oil features a smaller molecule, which is why it absorbs more easily into the hair to hydrate and soften it, according to Dr. Li.
Prevents breakage: Argan oil is made of unsaturated fats that can easily penetrate the hair strand, sealing the gaps in the cuticle of damaged hair and creating a healthier appearance, explains Butler.
Soothes the scalp: Argan oil is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects, which can also help soothe sensitive or itchy scalps, Khanna adds.
Repairs hair coloring damage: Argan oil can restore some shine to damaged hair — whether that's due to general dryness, color treatments or perms. One study showed that a conditioning treatment with argan oil applied after a bleaching process helped reduce the bleach damage.
How to use argan oil for hair
Stenson says adding argan oil to any hair product will automatically enhance it with its "restorative and nourishing" qualities. "When looking for pure argan oil for your hair, select one that is not overly thick or heavy to avoid weighing down the hair," he recommends. "I personally enjoy utilizing hairspray formulas infused with argan oil because of their smart combination of hold and frizz reduction." Here are a few of the best ways to incorporate argan oil into your hair care regimen:
Add pure argan oil to your ends. "Hair oils will not only soften the hair but also provide an awesome anti-frizz effect," Stenson says. Dr. Li recommends applying it directly to clean hair. A great rule of thumb is to only run argan oil through the mid-to lower-part of hair, so the product isn't heavy on your natural hair pattern and doesn't grease up your roots.
Layer on an argan oil hair mask. For an extra boost of hydration, hair masks can restore moisture, and one made with argan oil's conditioning properties can help prevent breakage. Like conditioners, coat your hair with a hair mask after shampooing, then rinse off for great detangling benefits.
Try an argan oil-infused shampoo and conditioner. Argan oil alone can't match the hair-smoothing properties of conditioner, so go a step further and opt for an argan oil-infused conditioner. Our GH Beauty Lab experts named the Garnier Whole Blends shampoo-conditioner duo as one of the best shampoos for dry hair for its unique argan oil-and-olive oil blend that nourishes while cleansing.
Polish off hair with argan oil-infused products. Some of the best anti-frizz hair products use argan oil as a star ingredient to smooth out flyaways and baby hairs. Similarly, leave-in conditioners made with argan oil can go on wet hair to help your hair dry smoother.
How often should I use argan oil on my hair?
Ease in by using argan oil in your hair two to three times per week. From there, adjust based on how well your hair and scalp skin tolerate it. Oily hair types will likely want to be a bit more scarce, while damaged or dry hair types can be a bit more generous. Argan oil can leave behind some residue, so it's essential to clean your hair at the end of the day.
Do I put argan oil on wet or dry hair?
Argan oil works on both wet and dry hair. "Think of it as a moisturizing leave-in conditioner," says Dr. Li. "On wet hair, it serves to protect hair from heat during blow-drying or styling. On dry hair, a few drops of argan oil can give your mane increased shine."
The best argan oil hair products to try
The GH Beauty Lab and dermatologists recommend trying the following products infused with argan oil. Looking for more ways to moisturize and repair damaged hair? Check out our guides to the best conditioners for dry hair and the best curl creams for your money.
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