How to Use Argan Oil to Grow Hair

Co-authored by Dedra Allen and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 26, 2022 References

Argan oil, otherwise known as Moroccan oil, is a natural substance known for its nourishing properties as well as its high levels of vitamin E, carotenes, and phenols.^{[1]
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Research source} While it’s not a miracle product, argan oil can help stimulate hair growth by improving the health of your scalp. When using argan oil, you have two general options: using the oil in its natural form, or using a shampoo and conditioner with argan oil infused in the formula.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Nourishing Your Scalp with Oil

1
Put 1-3 drops of argan oil onto your hands. Squeeze a small amount of oil onto your hands and lather it into your palms. Rub your hands together for a few seconds, or until the oil feels sufficiently warm on your skin. Don’t worry if you used too much product by accident—you can always rub the extra into your scalp later.^{[2]
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- Although argan oil is great for your hair and scalp, don’t use it more than 2 times a week. When used excessively, it can make your hair look extra oily.^{[3]
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- That said, you can use a small amount of argan oil daily as a hair styling oil.
2
Knead the oil into your roots and work your way down. Work on small, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) sections of hair at a time, using your fingers to massage the oil into your roots. Continue working your way down each section of hair, using the tips of your fingers to spread the oil to the ends.^{[4]
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- If you have shorter and thinner hair, start with 1-2 drops of oil.^{[5]
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- For individuals with thicker and longer hair, try using at least 3-4 drops of oil. If your hair is short but thick, try to use somewhere between 2-3 drops.^{[6]
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- Feel free to rub the oil in larger or smaller sections of your hair at a time. Depending on your hair’s length and density, it might be easier to apply the argan oil in larger or smaller amounts.
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3
Rub any extra oil in and around your scalp. If your fingers and palms still feel oily after applying the product into your hair, use the tips of your fingers to knead any extra oil in and around your hair. Continue doing this until you’ve massaged all of your scalp.^{[7]
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Tip: If your hair is especially thin, then argan oil might make your hair look greasy. Ideally, individuals with coarse or medium hair are best-suited to use argan oil.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Stopping Hair Loss

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Search for shampoos and conditioners that are made with argan oil. Look online or in stores to find products that include argan oil as an ingredient. Try to find a shampoo and conditioner that boasts argan oil as one of the primary ingredients. Keep in mind that these products might be a little more expensive than traditional shampoos and conditioners.^{[8]
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- This is a good option for people with thinner, less coarse hair.
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Lather a coin-sized amount of shampoo into your hair before rinsing it out. Squeeze a little shampoo onto the palm of your hand and rub both of your hands together. After you’ve worked the shampoo into a foam, use your fingertips to knead the product into your scalp and roots. Try to avoid scratching your scalp or pushing with your fingers too much—in the case of shampoo, a little goes a long way.^{[9]
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- Spend at least 1 minute rubbing the shampoo into your hair. By massaging your head, you’re actually encouraging more blood flow to your scalp, which can subsequently encourage more hair growth.
Tip: Always use lukewarm water when you’re in the shower, since hot water can reduce your hair’s natural oils and hurt your skin.^{[10]
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3
Massage some conditioner toward the ends of your hair. Nourish your hair by rubbing in an argan oil-enriched conditioning product. Once you’ve lathered in the conditioner, let the product sit in your hair for at least 5 minutes. If your hair feels especially knotted or tangled, take a moment to comb through it with a wide-toothed comb.^{[11]
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- At this point, you can wrap your conditioned hair in a towel and step out of the shower while you let the product soak in.
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Rinse out your hair and towel dry it. Make sure that all of the product is rinsed out before you towel off your hair. Rinse out the product with warm water, and check throughout your hair to ensure that you’ve washed out all of the product.^{[12]
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- If you plan on straightening, curling, or blow drying your hair afterwards, consider applying a heat protecting product first.
Did you know? Argan oil works makes your hair healthier by nourishing it with healthy fatty acids.^{[13]
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