‘I’m a Celebrity Hairstylist, and These Argan Oil Shampoos Are Basically Fertilizer for Your Dull, Damaged Strands’
Of all the hydrating hair cleansers on the market, few are as effective and nourishing as argan oil shampoos. The indulgent oil has become a hair care staple in many hair care routines, thanks to its healing and moisturizing benefits on tired manes and scalps alike.
Hair feeling really dry, like it needs a cool burst of hydration? Try washing with an argan oil shampoo. These shampoos cleanse hair from dirt and grime while giving strands some serious TLC.
Why hair loves argan oil
Let's back things up—why is argan oil so good for hair in the first place? Here to explain is Gregory Patterson, a hairstylist and Sally Beauty Celebrity Consultant, who's an expert on the illustrious extract. Patterson explains that argan oil is so great for both the hair and the scalp because it's full of essential fatty acids and vitamins. "It's a multi-use oil that can cover, heal, and hydrate everything from your skin to your scalp and everything in between," he says. "Argan oil can help moisturize dry itchy scalp, nourish the root follicle—yay, hair fertilizer!—protect from heat damage, and help to heal and strengthen dry, dull ends."
And while there's this misconception that argan oil is only for thick or curly hair, Patterson confirms that it's actually great for all hair types. The key is in the amount you use (if you go the pure oil route). "I would recommend three to five drops for fine [hair], five to seven for medium [hair], and eight to 10 drops for thick, coarse curly [hair]," Patterson says. "Also, if your scalp is prone to oil, make certain to only apply it to the ends because as you brush your hair, with every stroke you carry some oil up with you." (It's especially great if you use a ton of dry shampoo.)
Or, you can go the argan oil shampoo route, which gives hair more moisture while you cleanse. If you have really dry or coarse hair, Patterson suggests keeping a bottle of the pure stuff on hand and adding a few drops to your shampoo for what he dubbed a "SHOIL Cleanse": "Use your normal shampoo with an extra dose of hydration—you’ll get the cleanse while some of the oil will bind to the rough layers of the cuticle. It's perfect for wet hair because that’s when it’s most absorbent."
Otherwise, give Patterson's picks, and our suggestions, a chance below.
The best argan oil shampoos
Best overall
This is one of Patterson’s favorites, thanks to its formulation which includes Argan oil and acacia collagen to prevent signs of aging hair. As with any good shampoo, it’s free from any sulfates, parabens, or harsh chemicals that can damage the hair over time. Use this shampoo, and Patterson says you can skip adding argan oil in separately to your existing shampoo.
Runner up
MoroccanOil Moisture Repair Shampoo is a fan-favorite, thanks to its ultra-hydrating formula, ridiculously nourishing ingredients, and iconic scent. It’s not just argan oil—each bottle is infused with different hair-loving extracts, like jojoba and lavender, keratin that strengthens the strands, and cocamide mea, a fatty acid derived from coconut oil. All in all, it’s one of the best shampoos your money can buy, saving your strands in the long run.
Best drugstore
You don’t need to spend your savings on an argan oil shampoo. OGX makes a decadent formula for just $8 that’s available at most drugstores (and Amazon). It’s intensely moisturizing, so if you have thick hair or dry curls, this should quench its thirst. And while other shampoos have that intense spicy scent, this smells a bit lighter and zestier.
Best splurge
If you’re going to spend the money, do it on this indulgent shampoo from Oribe. It’s loaded with three different oils (argan, cyprus, and marcuja) that work together to nourish your strands from the inside out. Yes, it has a steep price tag, but judging from the reviews (and our editor’s reactions), it’s worth it.
Best for fine hair
If you have fine hair, the wrong argan oil shampoo can leave you greasy and weighed down. That’s why we love this lightweight shampoo by Sebastian—it doesn’t overdo it on the oily front. Sure, it hydrates, but not in a way that’ll leave you looking like an oil slick. It’s fine-hair-friendly, smells divine, and only $16. You can also find it on Amazon.
Best for all-over hydration
If your locks are really thirsty—like, begging for water thirsty—we recommend MoroccanOil’s hydrating formula. It’s fortified with vitamin A, E, and algae, which parched strands just drink up. We’ve tried a lot of hydrating shampoos, and this one continues to take the cake. It’s a little expensive, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Best for curls
Curls, kinks, and coils bounce back to life with this pineapple-scented shampoo from Pacifica. In addition to tropical pineapple, it’s infused with argan oil, hyaluronic acid, and quiona, which give curls life while adding hydration. Best part is, it’s only $10, making it an affordable option compared to luxury curl shampoos. You can snag a bottle from Ulta, Target, or Amazon.
Best for shine
Go into the gloss with this shiny-fying shampoo from Creme of Nature. It’s another Patterson-approved pick, thanks to its moisture-locking formula that keeps tendrils hydrated and shiny. You can drop mega bucks on shine-promising shampoos, or you can pick up a bottle of this at Sally Beauty for just $9.
Most eco-friendly
Skip the plastic bottle with this nourishing shampoo bar from Soapbox. It’s does everything you want an argan oil shampoo to do—nourishes hair, softens locks, adds hydration—except theres limited waste. Plus, with every bar you purchase, a bar is donated to local communities in need of hygienic products.
Best for color-treated hair
Hask makes amazing argan oil-infused shampoos, but this one is especially great for blondes and color-treated hair. It’s formulated with blue chamomile, which balances out any brassiness or weird, yellow undertones you can get from lightening your strands. There’s no gluten, harmful chemicals, or drying ingredients that can damage color treated hair in the long run. Get yourself a bottle below or on Amazon.
Best for scalps
Flaky, itchy scalp? Give it a wash with ArtNaturals’ Scalp 18 Shampoo, which is specifically designed to rejuvenate scalps and bring them back to their healthiest potential. Thanks to the jojoba oil and coal tar, it deeply purifies the skin to soothe itchiness and stop dandruff. The argan oil base hydrates hair too, feeding two birds with one scone.
Best on Amazon
Based on Amazon reviews, this Pure Nature Argan oil shampoo and conditioner set ranks as number one. It has over 15,000 5-star reviews, largely based on its safe formula, star ingredients, and UV/thermal protectant. For $25, you can get both the shampoo and conditioner and give your hair some serious TLC with every wash.
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