What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the Argania spinosa tree, which grows in the dry southwest of Morocco. For generations, local women's cooperatives have cracked the hard nuts by hand to release the kernels, which are then pressed into oil. It is a slow process, and it is a large part of why the oil has a reputation as “liquid gold.”
Cosmetic argan oil is typically cold-pressed from unroasted kernels. Cold pressing avoids the high heat used in some refining, so the oil keeps more of its natural character, including its mild nutty scent.
What Is Inside the Oil
Argan oil is mostly unsaturated fatty acids, chiefly oleic and linoleic acid. It also contains vitamin E (tocopherols), small amounts of squalene and plant polyphenols. These are the reasons it feels conditioning rather than watery: the fatty acids are the same kind of lipids that make up the hair's natural surface barrier.
What Argan Oil Does for Hair
Argan oil is a cosmetic ingredient, not a medicine, and results vary by hair type and how much you use. These are the benefits people most commonly look for:
- Softness and slip. A thin film of oil on the surface of the hair reduces friction between strands, so hair feels smoother and detangles more easily.
- Frizz control. Frizz is often raised cuticles and moisture escaping or entering the hair. Oil helps the surface lie flatter and slows humidity from puffing it up.
- Shine. A smooth surface reflects light more evenly, which reads as a healthy, polished shine.
- Conditioning for dry ends. Ends are the oldest, driest part of the hair, which is why oils and creams are usually concentrated there.
- Light heat-styling cushion. A little oil can soften the feel of hair before styling, but it does not replace a dedicated heat protectant.
Cold-Pressed vs Refined Argan Oil
| Feature | Cold-pressed, unrefined | Refined / deodorized |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Pressed without added heat or solvents | Filtered or treated to remove scent and color |
| Scent | Mild, nutty, slightly earthy | Nearly odorless |
| Natural compounds | Generally better preserved | Can be reduced by refining |
| Best for | Leave-in care and styling products | Products where any scent is unwanted |
How to Use Argan Oil in Your Routine
- Pure oil: warm two or three drops between your palms and smooth over mid-lengths and ends. Start small; fine hair can look greasy fast.
- In a styling cream: a cream lets you shape the hair as well as condition it. That is the idea behind Arganiss Natural Shine Cream and Natural Matte Cream, which pair argan oil with aged oud and clay.
- Before washing: some people apply oil to dry ends 20 to 30 minutes before shampooing as a pre-wash treatment.
For a step-by-step routine, see how to use Arganiss or the Arganiss ritual.
How Argan Oil Pairs With Oud
Argan oil brings the conditioning; oud brings the scent. Together they are the two ingredients at the center of every Arganiss formula.
Argan oil and oud in one cream
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