Argan oil protects the hair against damage caused by pollution and harsh weather. Think about the desert environment in Morocco near where the argan tree grows. Is it any wonder that people living there have used argan oil for centuries to moisturize their skin and hair?
But the best argan oil shampoos offer additional benefits. Not only are they good for frizzy hair, but they also help hair bounce back from chemical processing like hair dye. Argan oil shampoo and conditioner can bring dry hair back to life and strengthen it, leaving it shiny and soft.
Browse the argan oil shampoo reviews below to learn more:
The best argan oil shampoos | Why we love them |
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Avalon Organics Therapy Damage Control Shampoo |
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artnaturals Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo |
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Argan Shampoo for Dry Damaged Hair by Maple Holistics |
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LUXEORGANIX Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo |
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OGX Extra Strength Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo |
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Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo by PURE NATURE LUXE SPA |
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HASK ARGAN OIL Shampoo with Moroccan Argan Oil |
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J•R•LIGGETT'S All-Natural Shampoo Bar |
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What makes argan oil shampoo good for hair?
Argan oil comes from an edible fruit that grows on a tree native to North Africa. When the fruit is dried and the oil is extracted, it can be used for skin and hair care.
The official name is Argania spinosa, and it’s been studied extensively as a treatment for psoriasis, heart disease, and atherosclerosis. The oil is packed with polyphenols and tocopherols which are potent antioxidants (1).
Unfortunately, there have been fewer studies done on the benefits of argan oil for the hair. However, one in particular stands out: argan oil fixed the dryness caused by hair dye (2).
If your hair feels dry and lifeless, it can’t hurt to try argan shampoo. Look for a sulfate-free formula and give it a couple of weeks to work wonders.
It may also help if you use pure argan oil as a hair mask or deep conditioner. Choose oil that has a golden yellow color and a nutty natural fragrance.
Best Argan Oil Shampoos in 2024
Avalon Organics Therapy Damage Control Shampoo
Here’s our top pick for dry hair and a sensitive scalp. It’s an EWG-verified shampoo that lists argan oil near the top of the ingredients list, which is always a good sign. (If argan oil is in the middle or towards the bottom, it’s not likely to be there in any significant amount).
Not only is the formula sulfate-free, but it has no artificial fragrance, color, parabens, or other scary ingredients. There are no GMOs, either, since this is a certified organic product.
Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, the shampoo is excellent for hair repair and protection against heat styling and frizz. On the downside, the gentle cleansers might not be potent enough if you need a clarifying shampoo or have oily hair.
By the way, this is a vegan, cruelty-free product, plus it’s Climate Pledge Friendly to protect the natural world.
Pros:
- Ideal for dry hair and sensitive skin
- Restores moisture, reduces frizz, and protects against damage from heat styling
- Certified organic, EWG-verified for safety, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Contains no artificial fragrances, parabens, colors, or sulfates
- Climate Pledge Friendly
Cons:
- Not a clarifying shampoo, may not remove styling product buildup on the first try
artnaturals Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
This popular argan oil shampoo comes with a satisfaction guarantee. It’s designed to fix brittle hair that’s been damaged by heat styling, blow-drying, dry weather, and the hot sun. Moreover, it’s suitable for all hair types, even curly hair and chemically processed styles as it’s sulfate-free.
Obviously, like any good shampoo, it cleanses the scalp and removes excess oil and impurities. But it leaves no residue as it’s silicone-free. And the subtle vanilla honey fragrance appeals to both women and men. If all you want is shiny, soft hair, look no further.
There’s a lot to love about it and only one thing to worry about. Many times sulfate-free shampoos like this one use a surfactant called cocamidopropyl betaine, a coconut-derived cleanser that causes a rash or contact dermatitis on sensitive skin. That’s why it was named allergen of the year in 2004 (3).
Pros:
- Suitable for all hair types, even curly and chemically-processed
- Sulfate-free and moisturizing, silicone-free, leaves hair soft and shiny
- Soft vanilla honey fragrance
Cons:
- Only one ingredient of concern if you have a known allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine
Argan Shampoo for Dry Damaged Hair by Maple Holistics
Here’s another natural shampoo with argan oil to transform your hair. It tames frizz and leaves thick, coarse hair manageable. It may also stimulate hair growth and strengthen strands with keratin, camellia seed oil, and other botanicals.
Fans say it helps color treatments last longer because it’s sulfate-free. It has a pleasant fragrance and leaves the hair feeling clean and healthy. Reviewers with unmanageable hair find that it gives them more control without going poofy.
Pros:
- Natural shampoo that makes coarse, thick hair manageable
- Leaves hair shiny and soft, strengthens strands, and may stimulate hair growth
- Infused with botanicals like plant-based keratin and camellia seed oil
- Sulfate-free, contains no parabens
Cons:
- Has cocamidopropyl betaine (see explanation in the review above)
LUXEORGANIX Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo is good for colored hair and also safe for keratin-treated hair because it contains no salt. That’s right, there is no sodium chloride that could strip keratin from the hair. (If you’re on the lookout for cocamidopropyl betaine, it doesn’t have that either).
The formula perks up fried hair to give it shine, volume, and control. It leaves each strand silky soft because it smoothes the cuticle and moisturizes. Truly, you’ll get the best results if you use the matching conditioner afterward.
The shampoo smells like a Creamsicle with hints of vanilla and orange. Unfortunately, this is an artificial fragrance, and the shampoo is artificially colored as well. But it has no parabens or phthalates, and it comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Pros:
- Safe for color-treated and keratin-treated hair, sulfate and salt-free
- Restores damaged hair to health, leaving it silky, shiny, and with more volume
- Tasty Creamsicle fragrance
Cons:
- Artificially scented and colored
OGX Extra Strength Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
This thick and creamy shampoo strengthens brittle hair and rehydrates it. It fixes damaged strands with silk protein and argan oil. No matter the weather, it leaves the hair moisturized and manageable.
What people seem to notice the most is the delicious coconut, vanilla, and tangerine fragrance. We only wish it lingered after the hair dries!
The shampoo is sulfate-free and features cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil for maximum potency. However, those with sensitive scalps should check the label as it has an artificial fragrance, formaldehyde releasers (DMDM hydantoin and diazolidinyl urea), and dyes. Given that it’s a rinse-off product, these downers may not be such a problem.
Pros:
- Features cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil and silk protein for maximum benefits
- Creamy texture and delicious coconut, vanilla, tangerine scent
- Strengthens and adds shine to brittle hair
Cons:
- Some questionable ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin
Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo by PURE NATURE LUXE SPA
Let’s be honest, when we took matters into our own hands during lockdown, our hair ended up a little over-processed. We had to switch to a milder shampoo like this one that’s sulfate-free and moisturizing. Users say that they’ve seen huge improvements in their hair’s condition after only one or two washes.
Those with curly hair will enjoy how the shampoo helps define curls and diminish frizz. It’s also salt-free for keratin-treated styles. Even better, the matching conditioner has a heat protectant so you don’t have to give up blow-drying and using a flat iron. The UV protection also keeps color treatments from fading.
Pros:
- Mild, hydrating shampoo that sulfate-free
- Defines curls, reduces frizz
- Safe for keratin-treated styles and color treatments
- Matching conditioner provides heat and UV protection
Cons:
- Contains potential irritants for sensitive skin like an artificial fragrance and cocamidopropyl betaine
HASK ARGAN OIL Shampoo with Moroccan Argan Oil
Instead of hunting for a conditioner to go with your shampoo, try this set with both. Both contain argan oil to tame rebellious hair and leave it glossy.
Did you know that argan oil contains antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and phytosterols? These are what leave the hair luminous, silk, and manageable. They fix split ends and restore over-processed hair to health. One reviewer was astonished at the way the shampoo revived her hair after swimming in chlorinated water.
What’s more, these citrus-scented hair care products are from a brand used by Hollywood stylists. They are free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, too.
FYI, if you have keratin-treated hair, you might be disappointed to know that the shampoo has sodium chloride in it.
Pros:
- From a brand used by Hollywood stylists
- Features argan oil to revive and tame damaged and rebellious hair
- Sulfate-free, with no parabens or phthalates
Cons:
- Not recommended for keratin treatments
J·R·LIGGETT’S All-Natural Shampoo Bar
Are you worried about the plague of plastic garbage on our planet? Then it’s time to try a shampoo bar as a personal solution. Packaged in paper and petroleum-free, this is as natural as it gets. Furthermore, the shampoo bar is free of silicones and sulfates.
We admit it, we were skeptical at first. Can solid shampoo lather as well as a liquid? Would it leave a residue on our hair? And what we need conditioner after all? What we discovered was that it is mostly good and just a little bit discouraging.
First, let’s discuss the ingredients. They are simple: saponified olive, coconut, castor, sunflower, (sustainable) palm kernel, and argan oils with a dash of vitamin E. That’s it – no preservatives, no dyes, no fragrances. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and safe for all hair types. It takes a little effort to rub the bar and get the foam started, but it lathers about as well as liquid shampoo in our medium-hard water.
Second, the bars are made with a century-old recipe and hand-cut in New Hampshire. As long as you don’t leave the bar sitting in a puddle of water, it will last as long as a bottle of shampoo, or maybe longer.
Third, it’s true that most people won’t need conditioner. Our hair felt a bit strange after the first wash, but it wasn’t hard to brush. Still – this is the discouraging part – we found that our hair did better with an occasional vinegar rinse. It’s not necessary every day, but maybe once a week. There is a little bit of buildup over time and our hair seemed to get oilier faster than it did with liquid shampoo.
Nevertheless, once our hair was dry, it felt lightweight and shiny.
Pros:
- Good for the environment and the hair
- Natural ingredients, no artificial additives
- Safe for sensitive skin and all hair types
- No need for plastic bottles
Cons:
- Some users benefit from an occasional vinegar rinse
Conclusion
If you’re frustrated with dry, frizzy hair, argan oil shampoo might be the miracle you’ve been seeking. We hope our reviews helped you find your new favorite hair care product today. If it’s working wonders for you, we’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave us a comment below.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/ Gavazzoni Dias M. F. (2015). Hair cosmetics: an overview. International journal of trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450, accessed October 6, 2021
2. https://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=36776 Hair Protective Effect of Argan Oil (Argania spinosa Kernel Oil) and Cupuassu Butter (Theobroma grandiflorum Seed Butter) Post Treatment with Hair Dye by Pamella Mello Faria, et al., published in the Journal of Cosmetics, vol. 3, September 2013, accessed October 6, 2021
3. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-cocamidopropyl-betaine#1 accessed October 9, 2021