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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
Rosemary oil 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 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 (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 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].
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.
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].
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.
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.
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