ARGAN OIL AND HAIRCARE

What is argan oil?

Argan oil is a rich, nourishing oil used in cosmetics and haircare products. It’s made by cold-pressing unroasted kernels from the Moroccan argan tree (Argania spinosa), and it’s widely-renowned as an excellent addition to your haircare routine.

It’s an oil that’s loved worldwide for its hydrating and smoothing properties - argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which deeply nourishes and moisturises hair and strengthens hair follicles, boosting shine and manageability.

Anyone can use argan oil, but in general, full-strength argan oil should be used on thicker and/or curly hair, and lighter versions can be used on fine, thin or shorter hair.

What are the benefits of using argan oil on your hair?

• Deep hydration: Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which provide an intense moisture boost for hair - it’s an excellent natural conditioner for dry and damaged hair
• Strengthens and protects: The essential fatty acids in argan oil help strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage and improving overall hair resilience. It also provides a protective layer that shields hair from environmental damage
• Frizz control: Humidity’s no match for argan oil - it tames frizz and flyaways, leaving you with smoother, more manageable hair
• Heat and styling protection: When used before heat styling, argan oil can act as a protective barrier, reducing heat damage and preventing moisture loss
• Adds shine and promotes elasticity: Argan oil has the natural ability to add shine and lustre to hair, and its high concentration of antioxidants, essential acids and vitamin E naturally increase your hair’s elasticity
• Soothes scalp irritation: Argan oil's anti-inflammatory properties may help calm and soothe scalp conditions like itching, dryness, and dandruff

Can I use argan oil on my hair every day?

You can use argan oil on your hair every day - but if you have thin hair, we’d recommend using a small amount at first, adding more product if you need to, and layering up the oil. Using too much will end up making your hair look limp and greasy. We’d also recommend that you use a lightweight argan oil.

If you find your hair’s looking oily in between washes and you’ve started using argan oil, you can either start only applying it to freshly-washed hair or experimenting with using smaller amounts.

Our hair serums contain argan oil, and they’re perfect for smoothing and de-frizzing dry, straw-like hair - we’d recommend them to anyone who’s experimenting with using oil in their hair for the first time. Our Frizz Ease All-In-1 Lightweight Serum is suited to thin, fine hair, and our Frizz Ease All-In-1 Original Serum and Frizz Ease All-In-One Extra Strength Serum are more suitable for thicker, longer hair.

How to use argan oil on your hair

• Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and then gently towel-dry your hair until it’s slightly damp
• Add a small amount of oil to your hands, and rub them together to warm the oil slightly. This helps with easy distribution and absorption into your strands. Depending on your hair’s length and thickness, start with a small amount. You can always add more if needed
• Gently run the oil through your lengths. If you fancy using a blend of oils, our hair serums contain argan oil, as well as moringa oil and coconut oil, so they’re brilliant for smoothing and calming frizzy hair
• Begin applying the oil from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair, focusing on the areas that tend to be frizzy and dry. Avoid applying the oil directly to your scalp, as it can make your hair look greasy
• Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to evenly distribute the oil throughout your hair
• Style as you normally would - you can let your hair air dry or use a hairdryer, as argan oil helps protect your hair from heat damage and provides a smoother finish

You can also use a few drops of argan oil as a finishing touch after you’ve finished styling your hair. Rub the oil between your palms and lightly apply it to the surface of your hair to add shine and control frizz.

If shiny hair’s always on your wish list, our Vibrant Shine 3-In-1 Shine Spray contains argan oil and creates a glossy, mirror-like shine, adds heat protection and detangles.

Using argan oil as a deep conditioning treatment

For extra hydration, you can also use argan oil as a deep conditioning treatment. Apply a generous amount of oil to your hair, comb it through, and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing it out.

Remember that a little goes a long way with argan oil, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Consistently is key - used regularly over time, it can help improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.

Can I use argan oil on my hair overnight?

Yes, you can - applying argan oil to your hair before you go to bed can provide intense hydration and nourishment. Bear in mind that argan oil might not be suitable for all hair types, especially if you have fine, oily or thin hair, as using an oil treatment overnight may make your hair greasy.

If that’s the case, opt for a shorter leave-in time or use argan oil as a pre-shampoo treatment instead.

If you’re applying argan oil because of damaged, frizzy hair, our Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Repairing Tropical Oil absorbs quickly to nourish hair and visibly repair damage. You can use this oil overnight as a treatment, or apply it to damp, freshly-washed hair to seal, protect, and smooth your hair’s cuticles.

Does argan oil encourage hair growth?

Argan oil’s often touted for its numerous benefits for hair health - however, when it comes to hair growth, there’s little scientific evidence to suggest that argan oil supports hair growth or stops hair loss, even though it contains several beneficial components.

Hair growth is influenced by various factors, including genetics, your overall health, hormonal imbalances, and proper scalp care.

To encourage your hair to grow, we recommend you avoid excessive heat or chemical treatments, brush your hair gently, avoid restrictive hairstyles and eat a balanced diet - these habits are generally better for promoting hair growth than the use of any specific oil by itself.

If you're concerned about hair growth, we’d advise you to see your GP, who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the right treatments or lifestyle changes.

If you’re looking to maximise the volume of your thin hair, why not give our PROfiller+ range a go? It gives fine hair an instant plumping boost, with hair that looks and feels thicker in just one use.