Argan oil for hair: how to use it step by step

Argan oil is one of those products almost everyone has at home, yet very few people use properly. The difference between glossy hair and limp, weighed-down hair isn't the oil itself: it's how much you use and where you put it.

This guide covers the four ways to use it, the right amount for your hair type, and the mistake nearly everyone makes at first.

Why argan works so well on hair

Argan oil is cold-pressed from the kernels of the Argania spinosa fruit. Pressing without heat preserves its composition: omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, along with a notable amount of vitamin E.

In practice that means three things: hair holds on to its natural moisture better, the hair fibre stays more flexible (so it breaks less when you brush it), and the surface of the hair reflects light more evenly, which reads as shine.

Its big advantage over other oils is its light texture: it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave the heavy residue that denser oils do.

The 4 ways to use it

1. On the ends, on damp hair

This is the most common and simplest use. After washing, squeeze your hair with a towel until it stops dripping. Warm 2–3 drops between your palms and apply them from mid-length down only — never at the roots.

Damp hair spreads the oil far better than dry hair, so you'll need less to cover the whole length.

2. As a pre-shampoo mask

This is the most intensive use, and the one that makes the biggest difference on very dry or damaged hair. Apply a generous amount to dry hair, from mid-length to ends, and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour before washing as usual.

Applying it before shampooing lets the oil act as a barrier: it reduces how much water the fibre absorbs and softens the harshness of washing.

3. Before the hairdryer or straightener

One drop, worked through the ends on damp hair, before applying heat. It smooths the surface of the hair and helps the style hold better.

Important: always apply it before turning on the dryer, never on hair that is already hot.

4. To tame frizz during the day

Half a drop at most, spread well between your palms, then smooth your hands over the top of your hair without rubbing. This is a touch-up, not a treatment: if you see greasy shine, you've used too much.

The rule that solves 90% of problems: always start with less than you think you need. You can add another drop; removing one means washing your hair again.

How much for your hair type?

These amounts are a guide, applied from mid-length to ends on damp hair:

• Fine or oil-prone hair: 1–2 drops, twice a week. Ends only.
• Normal hair: 2–3 drops after each wash.
• Thick, curly or very dry hair: 4–5 drops, and you can use it daily if your hair calls for it.
• Coloured or bleached hair: 3–4 drops, concentrating on the ends, where damage shows most.

The most common mistake

Applying it at the roots. Your scalp already produces its own sebum; adding oil on top only makes hair look dirty within hours. That's where the idea that "argan oil weighs hair down" comes from — when the real problem is where it was applied.

The rule is simple: from mid-length down. If your hair is very short, the ends alone are enough.

How to tell if your oil is genuinely pure

Pure 100% argan oil has a light golden colour, a fluid texture and a mild, characteristic nutty scent. If it smells of nothing at all, it has probably been refined or blended with cheaper oils.

Always check the label: the only ingredient should be Argania spinosa kernel oil. If you see added fragrances or other oils, you aren't paying for pure argan.

This article is informational and cosmetic in nature. For any scalp or hair condition, please consult a healthcare professional.