Does Argan Oil Help Protect Against Hair Loss?

Argan oil — often called “liquid gold” — comes from the fresh kernels of the argan tree fruit native to Morocco. Pure argan oil has been utilized for generations in cooking and as a traditional remedy for health and beauty concerns, including hair thinning. Today, it’s a common ingredient in a variety of hair and skincare products.

When applied to the skin, argan oil has demonstrated several health advantages, many of which also apply to hair care.

Potential benefits of argan oil for hair

Argan oil is loaded with fatty acids and potent antioxidants, including vitamin E, that have been linked to improvements in scalp and hair health.

Below are some ways argan oil may support hair health and help guard against hair loss.

Hydrates and conditions

Argan oil is widely used as a moisturizer for both skin and hair due to its high content of fatty acids, primarily oleic acid and linoleic acid. These lipids have been found to lubricate the hair shaft and support hair moisture retention.

Argan oil also contains abundant vitamin E, which forms a protective, fatty layer on your hair and scalp that can prevent dryness, reduce frizz, and enhance shine.

Enhances scalp health

Argan oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that are beneficial for skin. This can help manage or improve skin issues that affect the scalp and may lead to hair loss, such as:

• psoriasis
• seborrheic dermatitis

Research on argan oil’s antifungal effects is limited, but it may help address dandruff in some cases. Dandruff is sometimes caused by a yeast-like fungus on the scalp.

Shields against styling and coloring damage

The medium-chain fatty acids in argan oil offer a protective effect that may reduce harm from washing and styling routines.

Evidence shows that oils rich in linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids create a protective coating on hair that improves combing force and reduces breakage during heat styling. Oil treatments have also been shown to lessen split end formation, which can make hair appear thicker and healthier.

A 2013 study reported that argan oil diminished damage from hair dye when applied to Caucasian hair after coloring.

Sun protection

Moroccan women have historically used argan oil to shield their skin from sun damage. A study found that the antioxidant activity in argan oil protected skin from free radical damage caused by ultraviolet exposure. This protection likely extends to hair, helping to prevent drying and other UV-related damage.

Argan oil and hair loss

There’s no direct research on argan oil specifically as a treatment for hair loss, but its documented benefits for hair and scalp health may help reduce breakage and shedding. Vitamin E — plentiful in argan oil — has been linked to improved hair growth in a small study.

The robust antioxidants and nourishing fatty acids in argan oil help maintain hair moisture and guard against styling-related damage and oxidative stress. This can lead to reduced breakage and less hair loss from damage.

How to apply argan oil to hair

If you want to enjoy the advantages of argan oil for your hair, there are several simple methods to incorporate it into your routine.

Argan oil hair mask

Making an argan oil mask at home is straightforward. Pure argan oil gives the best results and can be used alone or blended with other nourishing oils like coconut or castor oil.

Try this method:

• Use your fingers to massage 8 to 10 drops of argan oil into your scalp and hair. Adjust the quantity according to hair length.
• Continue massaging for about 10 minutes, making sure to cover hair from roots to tips.
• Wrap your hair in a towel or hair wrap and leave it on overnight.
• Shampoo your hair in the morning and style as usual.

Adding to shampoo

You can purchase argan oil shampoo, but it’s easy to enhance your regular shampoo with a bit of oil.

• Pour your normal amount of shampoo into your palm.
• Add one or two drops of argan oil and rub your hands together to combine.
• Apply to your hair, then wash and rinse as usual.
• Repeat every two to three days.

Leave-in conditioner

Skip your regular conditioner occasionally and use argan oil as a leave-in to minimize breakage during combing and styling.

• Wash your hair following the shampoo instructions.
• Towel-dry so hair is damp but not dripping.
• Rub two to three drops of argan oil between your palms and apply to your hair.
• Blow-dry and style as you normally would.
• Use this method once or twice weekly.

Styling aid

Use argan oil as a styling product to smooth hair and tame frizz. It also offers some protection against heat styling.

• Place one or two drops of argan oil in your palm and rub your hands together.
• Lightly smooth over clean, dry hair, avoiding heavy application to the scalp — a thin layer on the hair surface is ideal.
• Style as desired.

Choosing the best argan oil for hair

High-quality, pure argan oil is essential for use on hair and scalp. It may be pricier, but a small amount goes a long way, delivering better value overall.

When selecting argan oil for hair, look for products that are:

• 100 percent pure organic argan oil with no additional ingredients
• labeled for cosmetic use
• packaged in a dark-colored glass bottle

Cosmetic-grade pure argan oil should be virtually scentless. Culinary-grade argan oil has a nutty aroma, and low-quality argan oil may smell rancid.

Argan oil should be sold and stored in a dark glass bottle to preserve its beneficial properties.

Check out these products available to purchase online.

Bottom line

Argan oil can hydrate your hair and scalp and help protect hair from routine damage. By decreasing breakage and split ends and supporting scalp health, argan oil may contribute to preventing hair loss and promoting thicker, fuller-looking hair.