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With tons of different products out there, finding something that hydrates, soothes, and helps protect against styling damage can feel like a lot of work. While hair masks, curl creams, and conditioners are all great for adding moisture and helping with manageability and overall hair health, sometimes you need something that does a little more. A product that works overtime to add shine and smooth frizz all while nourishing your strands would be great to enhance any style. But does such a thing exist? It does, and it’s the long-proven argan oil, beloved by celebrities, their hairstylists, and beauty industry experts alike. Whether you have tight coils, loose waves, or frizz that just won’t quit, argan oil could be just the product that could help increase the results you hope to get from your hair care routine.
What is argan oil?
Originally used in ancient Moroccan beauty traditions because of its anti-aging and and healing benefits, it’s become an important ingredient in beauty and hair routines because of its ability to do it all: hydrate, smooth, add shine, and soften. Argan oil, which is harvested from argan seed kernels, is filled with super-nurturers like essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. These ingredients all come together to make a powerhouse blend that has become an increasingly popular addition to beauty routines worldwide.
Why is argan oil good for your hair?
Argan oil is packed with amazing properties that help to moisturize and strengthen your strands and bring dull limp hair back to life. The oil contains fatty acids that allow it to hydrate and seal your hair cuticle, locking in moisture for long-lasting shine and minimal frizziness. Argan oil also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, which help to treat and prevent skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, making it great for your scalp as well. It also helps to prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth with its abundance of vitamin E, which is also proven to aid in hair breakage and retention.
Actress, entrepreneur, and patron saint of gorgeous, bouncy Curls and red lipstick, Tracee Ellis Ross loves argan oil so much that she launched her own version of it in her curl-centric hair care line, Pattern Beauty. “I like to use the argan oil on my hair when it’s very wet for two reasons,” Ellis says about her own miracle-working blend. “One: I think it penetrates the hair cuticle better. Two: it doesn’t leave a greasy residue, as some may expect with an oil. I also like to co*cktail it with my leave-in conditioner, also on wet hair for a little extra hydration.”
How should I use argan oil?
The great thing about argan oil is that it’s not a single-use product, and its many benefits make it easy to seamlessly work into your hair care routine. While it is great for adding an extra bit of shine to finish off your style, argan oil can also be used as a heat protectant, hair treatment, or as a way to enhance your conditioning routine.
Justine Marjan, a celebrity hairstylist who shapes the tresses of Ashley Graham, Laura Harrier, and more, is also obsessed with the oil. “There are many ways to use argan oil in your hair,” Marjan says. “It’s amazing as a hair and scalp treatment before washing. You can also work a small amount of it into damp hair before blow drying as a leave-in treatment, or smooth a little through ends on dry hair for shine and hydration.”
We’ve tried many of oils in our own hair routines; below, we’ve gathered up the eight best argan oils to add to your stash.
Pros
A little goes a long way
Cons
- Thick consistency
If it’s good enough for Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair, it’s good enough for us! This hair serum is an extra shot of hydration and shine and can be used on wet or dry hair.
Reviewers say: “This oil made my hair so soft and shiny!”
| Hair Type | Curly and Coily Textures |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.9 oz |
| Ingredient Callout | Sunflower Oil, Castor Oil, and Apricot Oil |
| What It Is | Pattern's Argan Oil Hair Serum is a powerhouse oil blend that nourishes hair and tames frizz. |
Pros
- Smells good
Cons
- Some dislike the lack of dispenser
It’s been a bestseller for more than a decade for a reason. This cult classic argan oil treatment can be used on wet hair—or dab a tiny bit onto dry hair to smooth away flyaways. It smells so good that the brand also released a candle with the same scent.
Reviewers say: “It helps smooth my hair, gives it shine without being oily, and helps brittle hair come back to life.”
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.4 oz |
| Ingredient Callouts | Cruelty-Free and Gluten-Free. |
| What It Is | Moroccanoil's Treatment is a versatile, argan oil-infused hair treatment and styler that promotes softer, stronger hair with increased shine and less frizz. |
Pros
- Leaves hair with a long-lasting shine
Cons
- Strong odor
People with fine hair can be justifiably wary of hair oils, but this one has all the hydrating and strengthening benefits, without the weight and greasy feeling. Just a few drops will make a massive difference with flyaways and dry ends.
Reviewers say: “Love this product. When my hair is dry and crunchy, this is my go-to for softer, silky hair.”
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.3 oz |
| Ingredient Callout | Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil |
| What It Is | OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil seals in nutrients and strengthens hair to provide shine and touchable softness. |
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Best for Face and Hair
SheaMoisture Multi-Tasking 100% Argan Oil for Smooth Hair and Skin
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Some dislike the pump dispenser
Argan oil isn’t just great for your hair, it works wonders on the skin as well. If you’re looking for a two-in-0ne product, this bottle can do just that. Tap a few drops onto your skin, then run the excess amount through your strands for a youthful glow and head-to-toe smoothness.
Reviewers say: “I really love this product. It’s my third or fourth time buying this and I use it almost everyday to tame my hair or moisturize it. You can also use it as a face moisturizer and it works great.”
| Hair Type | All Hair Types, Dry Textures |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.6 oz |
| Ingredient Callout | Vitamin E, Aluminum-Free |
| What It Is | SheaMoisture Multi-Tasking 100% Argan Oil for Smooth Hair and Skin helps to hydrate hair, while adding shine and controlling frizz. |
Pros
- Effective
Cons
- Some dislike the smell
When it comes to argan oil, hairstylist Justine Marjan prefers organic—just like this one that you can use it on skin, hair, or wherever you’re in need of hydration.
Reviewers say: “Great product. I use it on my skin and hair, and it never leaves my skin feeling greasy. Good moisturizer!”
| Hair Type | All Hair Types, Dry Textures |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7 oz |
| Ingredient Callouts | Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Cruelty-Free |
| What It Is | Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil multitasking moisturizer made of the highest-quality argan oil for visibly smoother, healthier, more hydrated skin, hair, and nails. |
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Small container
This bottle of pure argan oil not only won’t break the bank, but it will stop your hair from breaking, too. The dropper also makes it easy to apply to your scalp for a full hair oiling ritual.
Reviewers say: “My hair is moisturized and it isn’t heavy at all.”
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.0 oz |
| Ingredient Callout | Cruelty-Free and Vegan |
| What It Is | The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil is a multi use product that moisturizes the skin and softens and strengthens hair. |
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Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Pricey
People with thick, dry hair know the struggle with frizz is all too real. This blend of argan oils is capable of handling massive amounts of hair, and the sizable bottle means you won’t run out any time soon.
Reviewers say: “Very light without that greasy, heavy feeling. Moisturizing and made my hair feel so soft and smells so good.”
| Hair Type | All hair Types, Dry Textures |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.0 oz |
| Ingredient Callout | Aloe Vera |
| What It Is | Redken's All Soft Argan-6 Oil hydrates, strengthens and locks in moisture all day long to Improve manageability and soften your strands. |
Pros
- Uses a blend of oils
Cons
- Pricey
With a blend of rosehip, argan, and coconut oils, this product is tackling frizz and damage from the inside out. Not only will your hair immediately look and feel less brittle, but the oil can protect your hair from damage and strengthen it over time.
Reviewers say: “Smells great and the ingredients are safe to use daily and long-term.”
| Hair Type | Curly and Coily Textures, Dry Textures |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.0 oz |
| Ingredient Callout | Rosehip Oil and Coconut Oil |
| What It Is | Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosehip, Argan & Coconut Oil Blend smooths the hair cuticle to lock in moisture and help reduce environmental impurities restore sheen and minimize frizz. |
9
Meet the Experts
Justine Marjan is a celebrity hairstylists and beauty influencer.
Tracee Ellis Ross is an actress, entrepreneur, and the owner of Pattern Beauty.
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10
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. Along with expert interviews, Margaux, Tatjana, and Tasha used their own experiences with their different hair textures to provide unique perspectives on the best practices and products when using argan oil.
