Argan oil is a lightweight, vitamin-E–rich oil that smooths frizz, adds shine, and softens ends—without the heavy residue many oils leave behind. Used the right way, it can slip into almost any routine: as a pre-shampoo moisturizer, a post-wash frizz tamer, a scalp massage oil, or a glossing finisher.
This guide covers exactly how much to use, where to put it, and how to tailor the method to your hair type and goals (fine, thick, curly, damaged, or color-treated). Keep reading for simple, no-mess steps and pro tips to avoid the common “oily hair” pitfalls.
Quick Take
- Start with 1–3 drops (fine hair) or 4–8 drops (medium/thick/curly), then adjust.
- Always warm between palms and apply from ears down, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
- Best uses: pre-shampoo treatment, post-wash leave-in on damp hair, finishing gloss on dry hair, and overnight repair (for very dry ends).
- Argan oil is not a heat protectant on its own—use a dedicated heat spray if you heat style.
What Argan Oil Does (in plain English)
- Smooths the cuticle → less frizz, more light reflection (shine).
- Softens and detangles → slip for easier brushing and fewer snaps.
- Seals in moisture → slows water loss from dry, porous ends.
- Adds flexibility → hair feels less brittle, bends instead of breaks.
- Helps color look glossier by laying the cuticle flatter.
How to Use Argan Oil by Goal
1) Pre-Shampoo Softening (5–15 min)
Great for: very dry, coarse, or curly textures; highlighted/bleached ends
- Detangle dry hair.
- Warm ½–1 tsp oil in hands; work through mid-lengths → ends.
- Clip up for 5–15 minutes (or braid).
- Shampoo as usual; condition lightly.
Why it works: cushions hair before cleansing so it loses less moisture.
2) Post-Wash Leave-In (On Damp Hair)
Great for: frizz control, blow-drying, everyday softness
- Towel-blot to damp (not dripping).
- Start with 2–3 drops fine, 4–6 drops medium, 6–8 drops thick/curly.
- Emulsify in hands, then rake from ears down, scrunching ends.
- Comb through with a wide-tooth comb.
- Air-dry or blow-dry (use a separate heat protectant first).
Pro tip: If hair looks greasy, next time apply to wetter hair or use fewer drops.
3) Finishing Gloss (On Dry Hair)
Great for: flyaways, dullness, rough ends
- Rub 1–2 drops between palms, tap hands together to spread ultra thin, then float palms over the surface and pinch ends.
Goal: polish the outside—don’t soak strands.
4) Overnight End Mender
Great for: crispy ends, split-prone lengths
- Work 4–6 drops through the last 3–4 inches, braid loosely, sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase.
- Shampoo or co-wash in the morning if needed.
5) Scalp Massage (Optional)
Helpful for dry, tight, or flaky scalps (not for very oily scalps).
- Mix 1 part argan oil + 3 parts lighter carrier (e.g., squalane or grapeseed).
- Use 1–2 dropperfuls total, massage 3–5 minutes, leave 30 minutes, then shampoo.
- Patch test if you’re sensitive.
Hair-Type Tweaks
- Fine / easily weighed-down:
Use tiny amounts (1–3 drops) on damp hair only; keep oil below the ears. Choose a serum blend with silicones + argan for extra slip without heaviness. - Medium/Thick or Curly:
Layer a leave-in conditioner first, then 4–8 drops argan oil to seal. For curls, try LCO or LOC (Leave-in → Cream → Oil or Leave-in → Oil → Cream). Scrunch to encourage definition. - Highly porous / color-treated:
Add a pre-shampoo step 1–2×/week and a 2–3 drop daily finish on ends. Argan helps reduce roughness so color looks glossier.
How Much Should I Use?
| Hair length | Fine hair | Medium hair | Thick/Curly hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short–Bob | 1–2 drops | 2–4 drops | 3–5 drops |
| Shoulder | 2–3 drops | 4–6 drops | 6–8 drops |
| Mid-back+ | 3–4 drops | 6–8 drops | 8–10 drops |
Always start low—you can add a drop, but you can’t un-oil.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Warm oil between palms before applying.
- Apply to damp hair for best distribution.
- Pair with heat protectant when hot tools are involved.
- Store in a dark bottle (light + heat degrade oils).
Don’t
- Don’t apply directly to the roots (unless it’s a deliberate scalp treatment).
- Don’t rely on argan oil alone as heat protection.
- Don’t layer too many rich products underneath (can build up).
Product Forms (Pick What Fits)
- 100% Pure Argan Oil: versatile, great for pre-wash, ends, and finishing.
- Argan-Blend Serums: lighter, easier for fine hair, ideal pre-blowout.
- Masks with Argan Oil: weekly deep nourishment without daily oiling.
See Also
If you’re choosing an oil by hair goal, compare textures and routines in Best Hair Oils for Fine Hair, Best Hair Oils for Frizzy Hair, and our broader Best Oils for Hair Growth roundup—each explains when to pick argan versus richer options. For targeted growth routines, check Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth and Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth; both pair well with light argan finishes on ends.
Prefer kitchen-cabinet classics? Our guides to Olive Oil for Hair and Coconut Oil for Hair break down when those heavier oils beat argan (think deep pre-poo on very coarse or protective styles) and when to keep things light. Use those articles to build a simple weekly plan that won’t weigh you down.
FAQ
Is argan oil safe for color-treated hair?
Yes—used correctly it can enhance shine and reduce roughness. Keep amounts small to avoid dulling color with residue.
Can I use it every day?
You can, but most hair does best with a few drops 3–5×/week and a richer pre-wash 1–2×/week if very dry.
Will argan oil make hair grow?
It doesn’t directly stimulate follicles, but by reducing breakage and friction, your hair can retain length better. For growth-focused routines, combine with scalp massage (e.g., rosemary) and a balanced diet.
Can I use argan oil before flat-ironing?
Use a heat protectant first. Argan may be layered afterward (or in a tiny amount before) for slip and shine, but it’s not a substitute for heat protection.
How do I fix over-oiling?
Rub a drop of light conditioner between palms and rake through; or sprinkle a little dry shampoo at roots. Worst case: quick cleansing shampoo and re-style.