How Moroccanoil's Hair Treatment Became a Beauty Staple

Photo credit: Moroccanoil
Photo credit: Moroccanoil


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."

What makes a product iconic? That was the question we asked as we edited this year’s list of the 100 most iconic beauty products of all time. Though every lipstick, mascara, hair spray, and cleanser on the list deserves its moment in the sun, there are a few key beauty icons who have earned to have their stories (legends?) expanded on in greater detail. Ahead, the story behind Moroccanoil’s signature Treatment oil.


Hair oils have been used for centuries, but they were often intimidating for those with thin, fine, or oily hair—not to mention argan oil is a staple in several cultures. But then Moroccanoil's hair treatment cocktail hit the scene, and everything changed.

Like many revolutionary products, the Original Treatment was discovered out of desperation after a service gone awry. Carmen Tal, Moroccanoil's cofounder, needed to fix her damaged hair after a botched color process. While on a trip to Tel Aviv, she went to a salon hoping an expert could salvage her locks. To her surprise, she left with rejuvenated, shiny strands. The secret: a mysterious argan oil-infused treatment.

Tal took her secret weapon back home to Canada and shared with friends and family who also soon discovered the magic behind the oil. She then teamed up with her husband to create an argan oil-based hair treatment, what we know today as simply Moroccanoil.

Photo credit: Moroccanoil
Photo credit: Moroccanoil

"After over 10 years, the Original Treatment is still a global phenomenon and a best seller for us," Tal explains. "The key to its success is not only its proprietary blend of the highest-quality ingredients, but also its versatility."

The Treatment does it all: It strengthens, repairs, reduces frizz, adds shine, protects from UV rays, and even cuts down on blow-drying time. The unique blend of argan oil, linseed extract, and silicones leaves hair looking and feeling (and smelling!) healthier right away.

Moroccanoil Treatment pioneered oil-infused haircare and created an entirely new beauty category. "A decade ago, oil-infused beauty products were still seen as unconventional in many parts of the world," Tal explains.

A telltale sign of a hit product: It inspires others (think shampoo-and-conditioner duos, hair sprays, and even body products from the brand). Most recently, Moroccanoil took its signature scent from the Treatment and created a fragrance mist with the same spicy yet floral notes. "So many people remark on the scent of our products and how they use our products just to wear the Moroccanoil smell, so it made perfect sense to give people our iconic scent in a fragrance," Tal says. "It brings the Treatment full circle with an actual fragrance since it launched the scent in the first place."

You Might Also Like