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Does Argan Oil Grow Hair? Here’s What The Research Says
Dr. Kalra (GMC)
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Kalra (GMC)
Updated on October 29, 2024

Argan oil is well known as a hair conditioning treatment. It’s effective for softening your hair and reducing frizz [1]. But does argan oil grow hair, or are its benefits limited to improved hair shine and texture? With 80% of men and 50% of women experiencing hair loss at some point in their lifetime [2], the interest growing in natural hair growth products is unsurprising. 

Despite argan oil’s growing popularity in the haircare sphere, there is limited evidence that it can boost hair growth or treat different types of alopecia. In this article, we’ll explore: 

  • What argan oil is 
  • Whether argan oil can grow hair or prevent hair loss
  • Benefits of argan oil for your hair and how to use it
  • Other natural oils for hair growth 
Table of Contents

What is argan oil? 

Argan oil is sourced from the fruits of argan trees (native to Morocco). It’s been used for hundreds of years for cooking and cosmetic purposes across different cultures and may have anti-ageing properties for the skin — possibly because it’s rich in antioxidants [3]. 

In hair care, argan oil is mainly used as a conditioner for softer, shinier hair. It’s known as liquid gold and can cost up to £230 per litre, making it the most expensive oil in the world. 

Argan oil processing

Does argan oil grow hair? 

Research on the use of argan oil for hair growth is limited. Most studies focus on its uses for general health and skincare treatments. 

The most robust piece of research into argan oil for hair growth is a systematic review from 2022. The authors found no significant evidence that argan oil improves hair growth [4]. 

Other research suggests argan oil can improve hair quality (or prevent loss of hair quality) [5-7]. In addition, a 2022 study testing different concentrations of argan oil on mice showed increased hair growth with each formula over 21 days. The higher the argan oil concentration, the more growth was observed, while the group without argan oil showed a decrease in hair length and weight [8]. 

However, this does not necessarily mean argan oil will work the same way for human hair. Human studies are needed on the relationship between argan oil and hair growth before any conclusions can be drawn.  

Does argan oil prevent hair loss? 

There is a lack of research on the use of argan oil as a hair loss treatment. However, argan oil may indirectly prevent hair thinning by improving or maintaining hair condition. 

Oxidative stress can cause oxidative damage to the hair, leading to damaged cuticles, frizzy hair, split ends, and hair breakage [9]. Pretreating hair with argan oil has been shown to help protect hair against oxidative damage [7], so over time, argan oil may reduce breakage and keep the cuticle intact. 

Argan oil for hair

Why use argan oil for your hair?

Argan oil has plenty of research behind it as a conditioning treatment to boost hair quality and protect it from damage. Liquid gold can make hair easier to brush or comb by reducing its antistatic properties [10]. It can also make your hair shinier, reduce flyaways, and protect it from damage caused by hair dyes [5]. 

Learn more about the benefits of argan oil for your skin and hair according to a dermatologist:

Argan oil’s high oleic acid content has been shown to regulate sebum secretion from glands in the scalp [11]. Too much sebum can cause oily hair and common scalp problems like seborrheic dermatitis, while too little sebum can lead to dry, brittle hair

How to use argan oil for hair

How to use argan oil as a hair conditioner

Argan oil is simple to use and requires no equipment other than the oil itself. Here’s how to nourish your strands with argan oil: 

  1. Use your preferred shampoo to wash your hair thoroughly. If you’re also looking for hair growth improvements, consider a hair growth shampoo or hair thickening shampoo
  2. Towel-dry your hair. Use a microfibre towel or soft cotton T-shirt to pat your hair dry — this can help keep it smooth and protect it from damage sometimes caused by rough fabrics. 
  3. Rub 2-3 drops of argan oil between your palms until evenly coated. 
  4. Use both hands to spread the oil through your hair, focusing on the middle to ends of your strands. If you have a naturally oily scalp, avoid applying any to the roots of your hair. 
  5. Leave the argan oil in, then let your hair dry naturally or blow-dry with a hairdryer.

Other natural oils for hair growth

Although argan oil isn’t a proven hair growth treatment, there are other natural oils and essential oils for hair growth which may help you grow thicker hair naturally. However, some of these are supported only by animal studies and need further research with human participants.  

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is one of the natural oils with the most research behind it as a hair growth treatment. One study compared it to 2% Minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment used for many types of alopecia. 

Rosemary oil delivered similar results to Minoxidil after 6 months of use, and both groups had improvements in hair density [12]. See the before and after results of rosemary oil for hair loss, and discover the best rosemary oil for hair growth

Black seed oil for hair growth

Black seed oil

Black seed oil (Nigella sativa seed) is an antioxidant, meaning it can help reduce oxidative stress that contributes to hair loss. Research suggests it can boost hair growth and treat alopecia [13-15], as well as improving symptoms of scalp psoriasis by reducing inflammation [16].

Pumpkin seed oil 

Pumpkin seed oil may also help with hair growth. It’s packed with antioxidants like vitamin E, which work against oxidative stress that can cause premature hair loss [17]. Animal studies suggest it may improve hair growth [18], while human research suggests it can address symptoms of female [19] and male pattern baldness thanks to fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid [20].

Lemongrass oil

Several animal studies have investigated the use of lemongrass oil as a hair health treatment. One found hair follicle length increased after just 5 days [21], while another found lemongrass oil significantly reduced dandruff after 14 days [22]. Reducing dandruff promotes a healthy scalp, which is vital for hair growth. 

Lavender oil for hair growth
Lavender oil for hair growth

Lavender oil

A 4-week animal study investigated the effects of lavender oil on hair growth. Lavender oil was applied 5 times a week, once a day for 4 weeks. At the end of the research period, the lavender oil group had increased hair follicle depth and an increased number of follicles [23]. 

Treating hair loss at the Wimpole Clinic

Are you experiencing hair loss and looking for solutions to help your hair grow back? Look no further. Our expert trichologists can help by identifying the reason your hair is falling out and suggesting a treatment plan for maximum regrowth.

First, your hair doctor will perform a full assessment and diagnostic trichology tests such as a hair pull test, or blood tests for hair loss. Once you have a diagnosis, you’ll learn which treatments may be right for you.

These may include PRP hair treatment, low-level laser therapy, or even a hair transplant. To get started, find your nearest clinic location and book a consultation today.

Does Argan Oil Grow Hair? Here’s What The Research Says, Wimpole Clinic

FAQs

Argan oil comes from kernels, which are extracted from the nut inside the argan fruit. For this reason, argan oil is not suitable for people with nut allergies. If you experience any contact dermatitis (itchy rash or redness) after using argan oil, discontinue use immediately. 

Using excessive amounts of argan oil could damage your hair indirectly. Too much argan oil used around your roots could lead to a buildup of product on your scalp. This could be one of the reasons your hair is greasy and put you at risk of conditions like dandruff. Inflammation and head-scratching due to dandruff may damage your hair follicles, reducing hair growth. 

Argan oil is the most expensive oil in the world, and there are effective plant oils for hair conditioning that are much cheaper. Research has not supported the use of argan oil as a hair growth treatment, and using it on naturally fine or oily hair may make it appear flat and unwashed. 

As long as you don’t have any allergic reactions to argan oil, it’s okay to use it on your hair every day. Start by applying a small amount to see how your body responds, and make sure to wash your hair regularly to avoid any buildup of oil on your scalp. 

Argan oil works best as a hair conditioner when applied to wet hair. Your hair’s cuticles are more open when wet, allowing strands to absorb the oil more easily. Also, applying argan oil before drying or heat styling your hair gives it a layer of protection. 

Sources:
  1. Research on formulation and evaluation of herbal hair growth stimulating activity of herbal hair oil
  2. The psychological consequences of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review 
  3. Anti-aging Effects of Select Botanicals: Scientific Evidence and Current Trends 
  4. Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review.
  5. Hair Protective Effect of Argan Oil (Argania spinosa Kernel Oil) and Cupuassu Butter (Theobroma grandiflorum Seed Butter) Post Treatment with Hair Dye 
  6. Effect of rinse-off hair conditioner containing argan oil or camellia oil on the recovery of hair damaged by bleaching 
  7. Argan oil as a pretreatment of human hair before exposure to oxidative damage: Attenuated total reflectance and protein loss studies 
  8. Hair Growth Promotion of Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Skeels) Nanoemulsion Hair Tonic Preparation With Mice (Mus Musculus) 
  9. The impact of oxidative stress on hair  
  10. Alopecia Therapy: A systemic review on herbal oils used for the treatment of hair loss
  11. Use of vegetable oils in dermatology: an overview
  12. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial 
  13. Formulation and Finding Out the Efficacy of the Herbal Hair Oil Over Simple Coconut Oil (Purified) – A Formulation and Clinical Study in Bangladesh 
  14. Nigella sativa seed, a novel beauty care ingredient: A review 
  15. Evaluation of a Therapeutic Alternative for Telogen Effluvium: A Pilot Study 
  16. Alternative Treatment for Psoriasis –A Review 
  17. Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress 
  18. Beneficial effects of pumpkin seed oil as a topical hair growth promoting agent in a mice model 
  19. Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A randomized comparative trial 
  20. Preparation and characterization of dutasteride-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers coated with stearic acid-chitosan oligomer for topical delivery 
  21. Hair Growth Activity Of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) In Male Albino Rats 
  22. Anti-dandruff Hair Tonic Containing Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Oil 
  23. Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice
Dr. Kalra (GMC)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kalra (GMC)Updated on October 29, 2024
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
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