Summary
Argan oil can improve shine, softness, and reduce frizz, especially for dry, coarse, or curly hair. However, not all argan oil products are equal, and results depend on your hair and scalp type, as well as the amount of sun or heat exposure after application. If you are on a sunny holiday, please refrain from using any oil at all. For best results, use 100% pure, cold-pressed argan oil only on the lengths, not the scalp. If you’re dealing with hair loss or breakage, a personalised consultation is essential.
Is Argan Oil Good for Hair? Here’s the Truth.
If you’ve spent time researching hair oils, you’ve likely come across argan oil, often hailed as “liquid gold” in beauty circles. Naturally rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, argan oil is frequently marketed as a miracle solution for dry or damaged hair.
But as a consultant trichologist, I’m often asked:
Can I trust argan oil actually to help my hair?
The answer, as with most things in hair care, depends on your unique scalp health, hair condition, and how you’re using it. Only in a few cases is it truly safe to use. If you have no colour in your hair, wear a hat outside most of the time, never use hair dryers or tongs/irons, and then you may be able to get away with using it. Otherwise, you prepare your hair like a chip, ready to be baked in the oven!
This opinion may be unpopular, but even with preheat spray, the same applies. How can the hair dryer’s intense heat not cause the oil to fry your hair? The cuticle is then singed, and you can develop Bubble Hair condition, where blister-like areas form on your hair just before it breaks. I see oil damage all the time between May and September!
What Argan Oil Can Do for Hair
If used on the people stated above, pure argan oil can:
- Smooth the cuticle
- Add shine.
- Temporarily reduce the appearance of split ends (which is likely the cause of the breakage).
These effects are cosmetic, not curative. Argan oil won’t “fix” damaged hair in the scientific sense, particularly for those with:
- Dry mid-lengths and ends, where people are using appliances to style their hair and want to enhance their appearance. Deep conditioning cream-based weekly treatments are usually better received by the hair shaft and can really help rebuild..
- Curly or textured hair prone to frizz, if overused, can make this hair feel brittle and cause product buildup (like a crust that leaves it brittle).
- Hair that tangles and knots usually requires a good trim, ideally cutting above the damaged area.
Real-World Experiences: Why Argan Oil Has Mixed Results
Across many conversations, it’s clear that people’s experience with argan oil varies widely. Some report smoother, glossier hair, while others find no improvement—or even complain of increased breakage or weighed-down strands.
So, what makes the difference?
Hair type matters.
Coarser or highly porous hair may soak up the oil and benefit from the extra slip. Fine or oily hair types may find it too heavy.
Improving hair quality internally
The best way to address or treat oil-damaged hair is to ensure you consume plenty of protein each day. A varied diet of eggs, fish, beef and bone broth is fantastic in helping to store amino acids, the building blocks of strong and resilient hair from within. Rather than applying copious products, try to make it look “as if” it’s in good condition.
When Argan Oil Is NOT the Right Choice
It’s essential to understand what argan oil cannot do:
- It won’t treat hair loss or scalp conditions. If you’re experiencing excessive shedding, thinning at the temples, bald patches, or inflammation, applying oil to your scalp may worsen the issue—not improve it.
- It won’t repair broken protein bonds. Split ends and snapped strands from over-processing or heat damage can’t be reversed with oil. The most it can do is temporarily smooth the rough surface.
- It may irritate some users. Natural doesn’t always mean safe. A small percentage of people develop sensitivities or allergic reactions to natural oils, including argan oil.
What If Argan Oil Doesn’t Work for You?
I recommend a fantastic product that I have used in the past, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, it works exceptionally well, from slightly tangled hair to hair that hairdressing procedures have chemically damaged.
But again, these are only cosmetic aids. If you’re experiencing hair breakage, diffuse shedding, or signs of chronic scalp irritation, I recommend pausing your oil routines and seeking a professional consultation. You do not have to keep guessing or feel alone in your choices.
So: Should You Trust Argan Oil?
Mostly no!
If you’re unsure why your hair feels dry or is breaking more than usual, or if your scalp feels uncomfortable, flaky, or reactive, that’s the time to get a proper diagnosis. Self-treating with oils can sometimes mask or aggravate underlying issues.
Live near Forest Row? Let’s Talk In Person
If you’re based near Forest Row or the surrounding areas, I warmly welcome you to visit the clinic. I offer comprehensive hair and scalp assessments that include microscopic analysis, a health history review, and a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. We can explore whether oils like argan have a place in your care routine—or if there’s something deeper to address.
