Ever wondered is argan oil good for hair, or whether it’s really worth it? The truth is: argan oil can be genuinely brilliant for hair. But only the right quality, used the right way and understood for what it does (and doesn’t) do.
Argan oil hair care has been described as everything from a miracle cure to a trendy buzzword. You’ll find it woven through shampoos, conditioners, serums and hair oils - often promising smoother hair, more shine, less frizz or stronger ends.
So, what’s the truth behind the claims?
This guide is for anyone who wants more than surface-level gloss (excuse the pun). We’ll explain what argan oil is made of, how it interacts with the hair and scalp, and where the science supports its benefits. We’ll also cover how to use it properly - whether your hair is fine, thick, colour-treated, postpartum, menopausal or simply feeling a bit different.
What’s argan oil made of?
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows almost exclusively in south-west Morocco. These trees are slow-growing and uniquely adapted to their environment, which is part of why argan oil has such a concentrated nutrient profile.
Once the fruit of the tree is harvested, the kernels inside are extracted and cold-pressed to produce the oil. For hair and cosmetic use, the oil is unroasted. This is important, as roasting changes the fatty acid structure and reduces its suitability for hair and skin.
From a scientific perspective, argan oil is so effective because of its lipid composition. Hair isn’t just protein. It’s coated in a delicate layer of lipids (fatty, waxy molecules) that protect the cuticle, reduce friction and keep hair flexible.
Argan oil contains:
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Oleic acid, which helps soften and smooth hair
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Linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that supports barrier function
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Vitamin E (tocopherols), which provides antioxidant protection
- Polyphenols, which help protect against environmental stress
When hair becomes dry, brittle or frizzy, it’s often because this lipid layer has been depleted - through over-washing, heat styling, sun exposure or hormonal shifts. Argan oil helps replenish and support this layer rather than coating the hair temporarily.
Is argan oil good for your hair?
In short, yes. The benefits of argan oil are well documented, particularly when it’s high quality and used correctly.
Argan oil is effective because it sits in a kind of sweet spot. It’s nourishing without being heavy, smoothing without being greasy, and protective without sealing the hair off completely.
To understand the benefits of argan oil for hair, it helps to look at how it interacts with the hair fibre itself.
Argan oil’s fatty acid profile lets it:
- Partially penetrate the hair cuticle, smoothing frizz and flyaways
- Protect against oxidative damage, which leads to issues such as greyness, dullness and dryness
- Improve flexibility and softness, without flattening hair
- Help hair recover from treatments like colouring or heat-styling
- Reduce surface roughness, lowering breakage as a result
- Help hair reflect light more evenly and increase shine in a natural way
- Protect against environmental stress like pollution and UV exposure (sun damage) for skin as well as hair
Together, this makes hair feel resilient while looking smoother and shinier. Not because it’s been coated, but because the cuticle itself is supported.
The benefits of using argan oil are especially evident for hair that feels fragile, dull or more prone to breakage. This is why argan oil often works so well for postpartum or menopausal hair, or worn with extensions. It supports hair’s natural structure rather than forcing a cosmetic result.
What’s the best argan oil for your hair?
Now this is where quality really matters.
Not all argan oil hair care products contain enough argan oil to make a difference, and not all argan oil is processed in a way that preserves its benefits.
The best argan oil for hair is:
- Cold-pressed
- Unroasted
- Responsibly sourced
- Used as part of a balanced formula
From a formulation point of view, argan hair care oil performs best when it’s supported by:
- Other naturally derived oils, such as coconut or linseed oils
- Lightweight conditioning agents and sulphate-free shampoos
- Ingredients that support hair strength, like biotin or plant-based keratin
This is why well-formulated shampoos, conditioners and hair oils often outperform pure oils alone - especially for fine hair or hair extensions, where balance matters more than intensity.
Choosing vegan, cruelty-free products can also be a good indicator of thoughtful formulation, as these tend to avoid unnecessary fillers and harsher processing methods.
What are the disadvantages of argan oil for hair?
Argan oil is a genuinely effective ingredient, but like most things in hair care, it works best when it’s used with restraint. Most of the downsides don’t come from argan oil itself, but from how it’s used or the quality of the product.
Issues tend to come from:
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Using too much: Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, which is what makes it so good at smoothing and softening hair. In excess, though, those same lipids can overwhelm hair (particularly if your hair is fine or low in volume) leaving it looking flat or greasy rather than nourished
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Applying it too close to the scalp: Argan oil is best suited to mid-lengths and ends, where hair is older and more prone to dryness and breakage. Applied at the roots, it can weigh hair down and interfere with natural lift
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Expecting it to stimulate hair growth: While argan oil can support scalp comfort and reduce breakage, it doesn’t activate hair follicles or speed up growth. Its benefits are indirect and cumulative, not immediate or dramatic
- Using low-quality or heavily diluted products: Some products contain very small amounts of argan oil or use versions that have been overly processed. This can limit effectiveness and encourage overapplication in an attempt to see results.
Used thoughtfully, argan oil works best as a supporting ingredient rather than a heavy treatment. The goal is balance. Enough to smooth, protect and soften the hair, without tipping into heaviness or buildup.
Argan oil and hair care: a deeper look at specific concerns
This is where argan oil can be misunderstood. So let’s slow down and take each question seriously.
Does argan oil help hair growth?
Argan oil does not directly cause new hair growth.
It doesn’t activate follicles or change the hair growth cycle in the way medical treatments do. So it’s not considered a direct treatment for hair loss.
What it does do is support the environment hair grows in.
Healthy hair growth relies on:
- A calm, balanced scalp
- Minimal inflammation
- Reduced oxidative stress
- Strong, flexible hair shafts that don’t break easily
Argan oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can support scalp comfort, while its conditioning effects reduce breakage along the hair shaft. It also contains Vitamin E in abundance, which has been shown to support hair growth.
Over time, this leads to hair looking fuller and healthier. Not because hair is growing faster, but because less hair is being lost to breakage.
Does argan oil reduce frizz in hair?
Yes! And this is one of its most reliable benefits.
Frizz occurs when the hair cuticle lifts and moisture moves in and out unevenly. Argan oil helps smooth the cuticle, creating a more uniform surface that reflects light and resists humidity.
From a structural perspective, the fatty acids in argan oil:
- Reduce static electricity
- Improve alignment of hair fibres
- Help hair strands sit together rather than repel each other
This makes argan oil particularly effective for wavy and curly hair, heat-styled hair and hair exposed to humid conditions (think exercise, swimming pools, or if you’re lucky enough, warmer climates). It’s also great for hair that feels a bit rough, despite being overall healthy.
Is argan oil good during pregnancy?
When it comes to argan oil and pregnancy, questions centre around safety, sensitivity and hormonal changes.
Pregnancy brings surprising hair changes. Some women experience thicker hair, while others notice dryness, sensitivity or changes in texture.
The good news is argan oil during pregnancy is generally considered safe for topical use. It’s usually well tolerated by both skin and scalp.
It can help:
- Soothe dryness
- Improve manageability
- Support scalp comfort
- Reduce brittleness during hormonal shifts
Because argan oil is naturally derived and gentle, it’s often a reassuring choice during pregnancy - particularly when used within vegan, sulphate-free hair care formulations.
How to properly apply argan oil: a quickfire guide
Understanding how to use argan oil for hair is just as important as choosing the right product. Argan oil works best when it’s used intentionally, not automatically.
Here’s what you need to know.
Do I put argan oil on wet or dry hair?
When it comes to how to use argan hair oil, the key is matching the method to your hair type and goal.
On damp hair, argan oil helps:
- Seal in moisture
- Improve softness during drying
- Reduce frizz before styling
Apply a small amount to towel-dried hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
On dry hair, argan oil helps:
- Add shine
- Smooth flyaways
- Improve manageability between washes
Have an experiment and find out what works best for your hair and your routine. But whether wet or dry, use sparingly. A drop or two warmed between your palms is usually enough.
Is argan oil for roots or ends?
Now the application itself.
For most people, argan oil is best kept away from the roots.
Focus on:
- Mid-lengths
- Ends
- Areas prone to dryness or frizz
If your scalp is very dry, argan oil can occasionally be used on the scalp. But this should be done lightly and sensitively, and ideally within a rinse-off product rather than as a leave-in oil.
Is it good to put argan oil on your hair every day?
So, how often is best?
Argan oil can be a daily product, but only in small amounts. Daily use works best when:
- The oil is lightweight
- The amount is minimal
- It’s focused on the ends
Fine hair often benefits from every-other-day use, while thicker or curlier hair may benefit from daily use.
Can too much argan oil damage hair?
Using too much argan oil won’t damage hair chemically, but it can cause indirect problems.
Too much oil can:
- Weigh hair down
- Make hair appear greasy
- Reduce volume
- Lead to buildup
Argan oil works best when it supports hair’s natural behaviour rather than overpowering it. So start small, and slowly understand what works best for your hair.
Final thoughts: is argan oil good for your hair?
Argan oil hair care is a classic for a reason. Not because it’s fashionable, but because it genuinely works.
When responsibly sourced, thoughtfully formulated and applied with restraint, argan oil can improve softness and shine, reduce frizz and breakage and support hair through periods of change. It also fits seamlessly into a gentle, vegan hair care routine.
Essentially, it’s not about doing more to your hair. It’s about doing better. And that’s exactly what Phoenix Crown stands for.
Explore the Phoenix Crown vegan-certified, cruelty-free hair care range to experience argan oil alongside biotin, plant-based keratin and complementary natural oils - designed to support both natural hair and luxury Virgin hair extensions.
