Argan Oil vs. Moroccan Oil: Which One Is Better For The Hair?
If you’re not sure whether you should go with argan oil or Moroccan oil, you’re not alone. A lot of people use these oils without knowing the difference between them. Some even think it’s one and the same oil.
I grew up in Morocco using argan oil for my hair and skin very regularly, and I still do! I also started occasionally using Moroccanoil products a couple of years ago. What you should know is that there is a BIG BIG difference between these products, and it’s best to understand the properties of each one to adapt to your beauty routine.
Since today’s market is full of products claiming to be derived from Moroccan argan oil, it’s important to know the difference between pure argan oil and beauty products using this oil as an ingredient among other ingredients.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree that grows in southwestern Morocco. This oil – also called gold oil in the cosmetic industry – is loaded with vitamin E, fatty acids, carotenes, and squalene which make it highly beneficial for any hair and skin type, for both women and men.
Authentic Argan oil is extracted from the nuts of the Argan tree in the Atlas mountains of Morocco – funny story, goats love to climb the Argan tree to snack on those delicious nuts!
The content of Argan oil includes specialized elastomers which allow it to penetrate the hair once applied and get the excess product fully absorbed, thus replenishing dry and brittle hair and leaving a non-greasy after-feel.
The amazing content of argan oil makes it great for repairing damaged hair, treating split ends, boosting hair growth, and making your hair shiny, thick, and beautiful. In 2013, participants in one Brazilian study reported improvement in hair quality and dye retention after using argan oil. According to the study, the oil protects the hair from the damaging effects of hair coloring better than commercial hair conditioners.
Also, the oil helps prevent aging, hydrate the skin, regulate the production of sebum, and treat acne.
Moroccan Oil
Unlike Argan oil, Moroccan oil is not pure oil. It’s a mixture of argan oil, additives, and other oils.
The combination of these ingredients makes Moroccan oil great for hairstyling by making it more likely to hold its shape, but not for repairing damaged hair as it lacks the specialized elastomers argan oil has.
Since Moroccan oil is a blend of multiple ingredients, it’s more watery than Argan oil and other products where Argan oil is the main ingredient.
Which Moroccan Oil Is Better?
You’ll often hear or read that argan oil and Moroccan oil are one and the same as they both come from Morocco, but the truth is that they are different products. While argan oil is pure oil, Moroccan oil is a mixture of argan oil and other ingredients. And while Moroccan oil makes hair more manageable, argan oil helps repair damaged hair. So, if you had to choose one product only, argan oil is definitely the better option for your hair.
If your hair tends to frizz after a blow-dry, Moroccan oil can help tame your frizz and reduce static electricity thanks to its silicones. I personally still use Moroccan oil and it works very well. But I avoid using it more than once a week to prevent silicone build-up.
If you are looking for long-term results, then argan oil will be the better choice, and this has been confirmed by more and more scientific studies. This oil was used by generations of Berber women to nourish their hair – and even skin! – in the hot climate desert and dry Atlas mountains. When you see pictures of these women, you wouldn’t believe they spent all their life in extreme conditions, without a hair spray or sunscreen, yet they look gorgeous!
Finding Premium Organ Oil
If you are on the quest for high quality organ oil, I know how the process can be daunting. I am a Moroccan and the first year I came to the US, I found it very hard to trace where the organ oils I found online and in store were made, and how the oil was extracted. In fact, the quality of your Moroccan organ oil depend on many factors like the quality of the argan nuts used, the quality of water used during extraction, the type of extraction, and so much more. You will be applying organ oil to your face and hair, so you need it to be as nutrient-rich as possible.
If you don’t know where to start, I highly recommend checking the argon oil of Little Moroccan Thing’s premium argan oil, which I sourced from a women-founded cooperative in the Atlas mountains of Morocco. It’s often out of stock as it’s not manufactured the traditional way – meaning we rely on human resources and climate conditions – but it’s restocked a few times a year. This argan oil keeps most of its nutrients as it’s made using premium argan nuts that are cold pressed – this makes all the difference quality-wise. It’s the argan oil I use on my hair and skin and the beauty product I gift to my friends.
How to Use Moroccan Argan OIl
A few drops on your hair strands and scalp will do wonders! It’s the best investment that you can make for your hair. It is also very cost-effective compared to other beauty products as a little bottle will last for months.
Once you add premium argan oil to your hair routine, there will be no coming back!
Thank you!!
I’m back a few months later as I want to send this article to one of my friends. She told me that my hair had looked perfect lately, even au-naturel. The only thing I changed in my routine was adding little Moroccan things argan oil which you recommended. I massage a few drops on my hair before shower and that’s it.
Response from Moroccanzest
Oh thank you! This means a lot! -xx
Back in stock?
When is your argan oil back in stock? I would like to order it for my and my mom. Thank you
Response from Moroccanzest
I just checked and it’s back in stock. Hope you get to buy it. -xxx
How should I store my argan oil?
Very clear article, thank you! Do you know what’s the perfect way to store argan oil? Should I store it in the fridge? In a dark place? Thank you in advance
Response from Moroccanzest
Hi Tania, You don’t need to store your argan oil in the fridge, Any space at room temperature and far from heat sources will be great.
If you have a high quantity of argan oil and think you won’t be using it in the next 12 months, then storing it in the fridge is a good idea. In this case, the texture will very likely thicken after a few days. It will get back to the oily texture once you bring the oil to room temperature or heat it in your palms.
I recommend purchasing small quantities of argan oil to avoid this and always be sure of having fresh oil.
For storing your argan oil, if the bottle holding your oil is totally transparent, it’s better to store it in a dark place.
That’s why amber bottles are the best for oils.
I hope this helps -xx
Little Moroccan Things argan oil is out of stock
Hi Safa, thank you for this amazing guide. I wanted to purchase Little Moroccan Things argan oil but it was out of stock. Do you know when it will be back? many thanks
Response from Moroccanzest
Hi Farah, the argan oil is now back in stock! -xx
Very helpful
This article was very helpful! Now I can see the difference. Argan oil is what my hair needs right now …
From design and decor to food and travel, moroccanzest is the space where I share what I loved growing up in Morocco, and more. It’s your destination for everything beautiful, artistic, and made the Moroccan way with love.
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