By Laura Bissessar

We hear many things about how argan oil is great for hair, skin, and even your diet. Maybe you’ve even seen those photos of an unreal number of goats perched within the argan trees of Morocco. And then, perhaps that’s the extent of our knowledge when it comes to this richly nourishing oil. Most of the time, we only hear buzz words about what a popular ingredient can do. This is why we think it’s time to focus on the specifics so you can learn why you’ll want to start using argan oil for hair that shines like the desert sun.

Why Use Argan Oil for Hair?

Let’s discuss a little background first to understand why argan oil has become so popular in hair care. Argan oil comes from the fruit kernels of the very ancient argan tree. Only growing in certain parts of Morocco, the argan tree has been an essential part of its country’s history for centuries. Argan oil is rooted in the local culinary, beauty, and wellness culture.

While not much scientific research has been done on argan oil for the hair itself, we know that it’s comprised primarily of beneficial fatty acids and protective antioxidants. And fortunately, it’s widely understood how those ingredients nourish your hair and scalp. What does this translate into? Argan oil’s 99% makeup of linoleic acid and oleic acid plus the 1% cocktail of vitamin E and other antioxidants equals the following benefits:

• Moisture retention
• Easier manageability and reduced split ends
• Protection from everyday exposure to environmental stresses, like air pollutants and UV rays
• Protection from heat styling
• Increased shine
• Improved scalp health

How To Use Argan Oil for Hair

If you think that using pure, rare, and therefore pricey argan oil is your only option to relish in its polyunsaturated glory, think again. Part of what makes argan oil so great is its versatility, and it can be found in a wide range of hair products that will work for you.

Thicker, curlier hair havers will find joy with the use of denser, more concentrated argan oil formulas. And infused products, like shampoos and conditioners, are great if your hair can’t handle a heavier hair oil. Using argan oil for hair health will be as easy as following the directions on the bottle. Here are some of our top picks to get you started!

1. The All-Purpose OG – This list couldn’t be started without raving about the original Moroccanoil Treatment. Remember that this isn’t just a bottle of argan oil but a concoction of nourishing ingredients that will give all hair types smooth, shiny, and manageable hair. A little bit goes a long way whether you want to use this oil before styling, as a hair touch-up facilitator, or as a boost to your favorite conditioning hair mask. Moroccanoil also focuses its brand on sustainability, so you can feel as good as your hair is about to look when snagging their products.

2. Vegan and Cruelty-Free – The professionals at UNITE make only cruelty-free products that contain zero sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride. This includes their argan oil blend of the citrusy-scented UNITE U Argan Oil. Use a few drops of this hair oil on damp hair before styling or to tame dry flyaway hairs before they end up poking you in the eye. With regular use, you’ll unleash soft, shiny tresses that are easy to manage and protected from the elements.

3. Our Favorite Infused Shampoo – How do you get a shampoo that thoroughly cleanses and richly hydrates your hair? You put argan oil in it, of course, like the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo. This shampoo is also infused with algae extracts, which are loaded with nutrients that support hair and scalp health. Use this gentle shampoo if you’re experiencing dryness or damage. And since it’s free of garbage ingredients, those of us with color-treated hair can take comfort that it’s safe to use on the regular.

4. A Hair Mask for Deep Repair – If your medium to thick hair needs some extra love, turn to a deep conditioning hair mask like Redken’s All Soft Megamask. Hair masks are ideal when you need intense repair after life gets in the way of taking good care of your tresses. Redken’s mask is formulated with hydrating aloe vera, strand-fortifying proteins, and our bestie argan oil for hair that needs a leg up. This conditioner is for serious recovery of soft, shiny, healthy hair.   

5. Conditioner that Cares – We get it; not everyone is looking for repair but rather for a great quality conditioner for regular wash days. EVO’s The Therapist Hydrating Conditioner is the go-to for a high concentration of argan oil-infused greatness, plus they’re a brand that’s committed to sustainability and giving back (just to throw that out there). This vegan, glycerin-based conditioner packs a punch of hydration, as glycerin acts as a humectant that attracts moisture to your hair and scalp. Combine that with the protective powers of argan oil and other no-nonsense ingredients, and you’ve got soft, silky hair for days!

6. Argan Oil for Hair Styling – Prep your hair for voluminous styling with the Aquage SeaExtend Silkening Oil Foam. Aquage combines botanicals from the sea with botanicals from the argan tree to give you a rich, mousse/hair oil combo that results in heat-protected strands and defined hold, no matter what look you’re aiming to achieve. Most hair types can use this foam on wet hair to ready strands for heat or apply it to damp hair and let it naturally flow for moisturized, defined texture. Fulfill your hair dreams and contribute to ocean conservation since Aquage is committed to supporting efforts to reduce plastic waste in our seas. Win-win.

How do you choose with so much available diversity when using argan oil for hair? It’s easy. Ask yourself what you might be missing from your hair care routine, and determine which of these pro favorites will fill that missing link. Hint – it’s okay to love on more than one. You’ll be able to decide as confidently as those argan tree goats hanging out amongst the branches. But never fear because our Beauty Resource Center is here for you to get all the information you need to make smart beauty choices. Stop by for a visit!