Argan Oil for Hair: What It Helps and What To Avoid

At 19, after chemical straightening left my hair fragile, the one product that kept it from snapping was argan oil. Among castor oil, jojoba oil, and the rest, many people find argan oil stands out for helping strands look healthier.

We reviewed research to understand why argan oil is so helpful for hair. Below, you’ll find a plain rundown of what this oil is and the ways it can support your routine.

Key Takeaways

• Argan oil contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E that nourish, moisturize, strengthen hair.

• It may seal cuticles, reduce breakage, boost shine, and protect against heat styling damage.

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may support scalp health, helping dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

• Direct evidence for hair loss benefits is limited, while moisture and antioxidants can reduce shedding.

What Is Argan Oil?

Argan oil, often called “liquid gold,” comes from the fresh kernels of fruit from Morocco’s argan tree. For centuries, people have used pure argan oil in cooking and as a home remedy for skin and hair concerns, including hair loss. Today it’s in many hair and skincare formulas.

It’s widely appreciated for hydrating and smoothing. Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which nourish hair, support follicles, and improve shine and manageability.

Most people can use argan oil. As a general rule, use full-strength oil on thicker or curly hair, and choose lighter blends if your hair is fine, thin, or short.

How Argan Oil Can Help Your Hair

Packed with fatty acids, argan oil works well as a hydrator. Regular use can help smooth damaged cuticles so dry, stressed hair looks healthier. This cuticle support may also offer heat protection, and the higher burn point is one reason it shows up in many leave-in stylers.

Beyond fatty acids, argan oil contains antioxidants and vitamin E that may guard hair from oxidative stress. These components can improve elasticity, reduce breakage, and bring back shine to dull strands.

Similar to rosemary oil and other popular oils, argan oil is often described as having antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory actions that may calm a flaky scalp. A comfortable scalp helps set the stage for healthy hair.

Hair Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan oil delivers fatty acids and potent antioxidants like vitamin E, which have been linked to scalp and hair benefits.

Below are potential benefits of argan oil for hair that may help reduce loss from breakage.

Moisturizes and Conditions

Argan oil is commonly used as a moisturizer for skin and hair because it’s high in oleic acid and linoleic acid. These fats can lubricate the hair shaft and help your hair maintain moisture.

It’s also a good source of vitamin E, which can add a protective lipid layer on hair and scalp to limit dryness, tame frizz, and boost shine.

Improves Scalp Health

Argan oil shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that benefit skin. This may help prevent or improve scalp conditions tied to hair loss, including:

• psoriasis

• seborrheic dermatitis

Research on argan oil’s antifungal action is limited, though it may ease dandruff. In some cases dandruff is caused by a yeast-like fungus on the scalp.

Protects Against Styling and Color Damage

Medium-chain fatty acids in argan oil can create a protective effect that helps reduce damage from routine washing and heat styling.

Research shows oils rich in linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids add a protective layer that improves combing and helps prevent breakage during heat use. Oil treatment also reduced split ends, which can make hair appear thicker and healthier.

In a 2013 study on Caucasian hair, applying argan oil after dyeing lessened color-related damage.

Provides Sun Protection

For generations, Moroccan women have used argan oil to shield skin from sun damage. A 2013 study found its antioxidant activity helped protect skin from free radical harm. This protection may also benefit hair by limiting UV-related dryness and damage.

Reduce Breakage & Shedding

There isn’t direct research on argan oil as a hair loss treatment, but its hair and scalp benefits may cut down breakage and related shedding. Vitamin E, found in high amounts in argan oil, improved hair growth in a small 2010 research study.

Its antioxidants and nourishing fatty acids help keep hair moisturized and shield it from styling stress and free radicals. That combination may mean less breakage and less shedding.

Can You Use Argan Oil on Hair Daily?

Daily use is fine, but if you have thin hair, start with a very small amount, add only if needed, and layer carefully. Too much can leave hair limp and greasy. A lightweight argan blend usually suits finer textures.

If hair looks oily between washes after adding argan oil, try applying only on freshly washed hair or reduce the amount you use.

How to Use Argan Oil on Hair

Depending on your goals, there are several easy ways to get the benefits of argan oil. It works well as a conditioner or as a styler focused on the mid-lengths and ends. Some formulas feel heavy, so look for blends that strike a balanced, lighter feel.

Nourishing Conditioner

Argan oil contains vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, linoleic acid, and omega-6 fatty acids, which make it a strong conditioning ingredient. Together, these nutrients can leave strands softer, shinier, easier to manage, and frizz-free.

Protective Spray

When working with clients, keeping hair in top shape is key, so I look for supporting ingredients like silk proteins to protect against heat. Argan oil in heat protectants helps because it nourishes, conditions, and adds slip that makes styling smoother.

Hydrating Hair Mask

A mask with argan oil can be especially helpful for damaged hair. Vitamin E helps smooth frayed shafts and seal split ends, while omega fatty acids support stronger strands. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes to capture the benefits.

Shine-Boosting Hair Oil

Quality oil-infused products help maintain shine because hair oils penetrate the strand (unlike many serums that sit on top). A pea-size amount smoothed flyaways for me without grease, applied at the ends. Reach for this when your hair feels very dry.

Effective Styling Product

Argan oil boosts shine and offers strong anti-frizz benefits. If you have textured hair, you can also use it to help define curls.

Soothing Scalp Treatment

Because argan oil supplies antioxidants, it can be a soothing scalp treatment. It may help reduce scalp inflammation linked to dandruff, itch, and other issues. Avoid leaving any oil on the scalp for long stretches, since that can trigger sensitivity over time. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to absorb, then wash.

Start a With Natural Hair Care Oil Routine with Keyoma

Argan oil adds moisture, tames frizz, and helps protect against heat while its antioxidants and vitamin E may soothe the scalp. Evidence for regrowth is limited, so apply small amounts to mid-lengths and ends, choose lighter blends for fine hair, and patch test first.

For clear routines, practical tips, and research updates, follow Keyoma’s blog and social channels for ongoing hair care guidance.