Moroccan Argan Leave-In Conditioner: Benefits and How to Use

Nov 06, 2025 0

Moroccan argan oil, often dubbed "liquid gold," is derived from the nut of the Moroccan argan tree and is celebrated in the hair community for its nourishing properties. Free of parabens and full of growth-promoting polyphenols, argan oil offers a multitude of benefits for your hair. But how exactly can you harness the power of this natural ingredient?

We are frequently asked “why Moroccan oil,” or “what can a Moroccan oil do for my hair?” Moroccan oil is a great moisturizer because it contains plenty of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. That’s not all it can do, Moroccan oil has many benefits.

What is Moroccanoil Treatment?

Moroccanoil Treatment is a lightweight finishing and conditioning oil built around argan oil. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which help soften the hair shaft, improve shine, and reduce frizz. The formula coats and conditions the cuticle, which can make hair look smoother and feel more manageable.

It can be used on damp hair after washing or on dry hair to add polish between washes.

How Does Moroccanoil Treatment Work on Hair?

Moroccanoil Treatment creates a thin, even layer over the hair fiber. This helps seal lifted cuticles so light reflects more evenly, which is why hair looks glossier after use. It also adds slip, so brushes glide with less snagging. Over time, regular use can reduce the look of split ends and tame static. Because it is a leave-in, you get lasting benefits without an extra rinse step.

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How to Use Argan Oil as a Leave-In Conditioner

There are a variety of ways you can use Moroccan argan oil products to maximize the benefits of the oil:

Leave-in Conditioner: When using Moroccan oil as a leave-in conditioner, a small amount goes a long way. All you have to do is pour a few small drops into your hands, rub your palms together, and comb the product with your fingers through your hair from the roots to the tips.
Hair Serum: If you’re planning on blowdrying your hair, rub a few drops of argan oil into your damp hair.
Before Shampoo and Conditioner: Apply a few drops of Moroccan oil to your scalp and rub into the hair like you would with a shampoo 30 minutes before you shower. Wash the oil out and use regular shampoo and conditioner as you normally would. The use of argan oil will help repair damaged hair.

When working with argan oil, always remember that a little goes a long way. Start with 2 drops, and then work your way up. Have colored hair? No worries! Comb your fingers through your hair to distribute the product. Argan oil can keep your hair shiny for at least 2 to 3 days. For the best results, comb the oil through the length of your hair 2 to 3 times a week after you wash it. If your hair is brittle or damaged, your hair may need more oil. For instance, if you have split ends, use more oil on your ends.

Application Tips:

Place the oil in your palms or squeeze it from its dropper directly onto your scalp.
Place the oil in your hands and run it through your hair from roots to ends until it’s fully saturated. Depending on your hair type, you may need less or more oil to fully saturate your hair.

Deep Conditioning Treatment:

Start by saturating your head with 6 to 8 drops of oil. If you have very long, thick, or damaged hair, you might need to use 10 or more drops.
To distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair, run a comb through it to make sure every part of your hair gets covered.
Once your hair is saturated with the oil, cover your head in a shower cap or hair bonnet to keep in the heat, which will activate the oil and make it easier for it to absorb into the follicle. Don’t have a shower cap? No worries!
The longer you leave the oil on, the better the results. For a thorough, deep condition, sleep with the shower cap, and rinse out the oil in the morning.
When you’re ready to rinse out the oil, hop in the shower and scrub your hair with shampoo thoroughly from your roots to your ends to remove excess oil. Rinse out the shampoo, and apply conditioner as normal.

Do an argan oil hair mask to replenish and revitalize your hair.

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How Often Should You Use Moroccanoil for Different Hair Types?

There is no single schedule that fits everyone. Ranges are provided as a starting point, then adjust based on how your hair looks and feels.

Here’s a general guideline:

Hair Type	Frequency	Application Tips
Fine or easily weighed-down hair	One to three times per week	Start with one to two pea-size drops. Focus on mid-lengths and ends only. If your hair feels flat or greasy, cut back to once weekly or use a smaller amount.
Medium hair with normal porosity	Two to three times per week	Apply a small coin-size amount to damp hair after washing, then add a tiny touch to dry ends on non-wash days if needed.
Thick or coarse hair	After every wash and as a light touch-up between washes	Coarse strands often need more moisture to fight frizz, so two to four pumps may be appropriate depending on length. Start lower and increase only if hair still feels rough.
Curly and wavy hair	Apply after each wash	Apply after each wash as part of your styling routine. Rake a small amount through damp curls, scrunch, and let air dry or diffuse. Add a drop on dry curls to break a cast or refresh ends without causing buildup.
Color-treated or chemically processed hair	After every wash	Use after every wash to boost softness and help protect the cuticle. If you heat style often, a tiny amount before blow drying can improve slip and reduce snagging.

Use Moroccanoil Treatment as often as your hair needs moisture and control, not on a fixed schedule. Fine hair may thrive on one to three light applications per week, while thick, coarse, curly, or color-treated hair often benefits from use after every wash and tiny touch-ups between washes. Adjust seasonally, apply from mid-lengths to ends, and start with less before adding more.

Can You Use Moroccanoil Daily?

For very dry hair types, daily use is acceptable as long as the amount is small and evenly spread. If your hair is fine or oil-prone, daily use can lead to a heavy feel and faster buildup on the fiber. A quick test helps. If hair looks glossy and moves well, you are using the right amount. If it feels flat, sticky, or needs more frequent washing, reduce the frequency or amount.

Hair often needs more moisture in winter when indoor heating and cold winds lift the cuticle. In humid summers, use a smaller amount or switch to targeted application on the outer layer to fight halo frizz without weighing down the roots.

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Application Techniques

To maximize the benefits of argan oil, follow these application techniques:

Starting Point: Start with clean, towel-dried hair.
Preparation: Warm a small amount between your palms to thin the oil for even spread.
Application: Work from the ears down, focusing on mid-lengths and ends. Comb through to distribute.
Heat Styling: If you plan to blow dry, apply your heat protectant after the oil unless your protectant is oil-based.
Targeted Treatment: For dry hair, apply a tiny amount over frizzy areas only.

Dosage:

Short hair often needs a pea-size drop.
Shoulder-length hair may need a small coin-size amount.
Long or very thick hair can use one to two pumps, split into layers so each section gets an even coat.

Always start with less and add only if your hair still looks dry.

Layering with Other Products

Moroccanoil Treatment plays well with many routines, but layering order matters.

On damp hair: use leave-in conditioner first if you need it for detangling, then Moroccanoil Treatment, then cream stylers or heat protectants.
On dry hair: use finishing sprays last so the oil does not prevent them from setting.

Addressing Common Concerns

Build-up: If you use a silicone-free routine, test a small section first and clarify as needed to avoid buildup. Watch for these clues:

Hair looks limp soon after styling.
You need to shampoo more often than usual.
Your roots feel coated even when you keep oil away from the scalp.

If any of these show up, reduce the amount, cut frequency by half, or use a clarifying shampoo once every two to four weeks to reset. Then resume with a lighter hand.

Additional Uses

Pre-shampoo softening: Apply a small amount to dry ends 20 to 30 minutes before washing to reduce moisture loss during shampooing. This is helpful in winter or after sun exposure.
Overnight rescue: Smooth a few drops on the last two inches of hair before bed. Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction. Shampoo or lightly rinse in the morning if your hair type needs it.
Mix-in gloss: Blend a drop with your curl cream or smoothing cream on damp hair for extra slip and shine without a separate step.

Debunking Myths

Argan oil will not cause hair loss. In fact, it's nourishing properties can help prevent shedding. You can massage it into your scalp for maximum benefits.
Argan oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that nourish the scalp and can soothe conditions that impact hair growth.
Yes, argan oil can be applied to the scalp and used for scalp massage. It should be washed off after about 15-30 minutes.

If you apply too much argan oil, your hair may feel greasy or sticky.

If you’re considering purchasing Moroccan argan oil, be careful. There are many products that have additives. Some additives can be good, while others can create build-up and make your hair look greasy and heavy. If you can, find one where argan oil is listed higher on the ingredients list. Because argan oil is rare, it usually is quite pricy to buy the pure product, which is why it’s so important to make sure to buy a good product without additives. Some argan oil products have silicones, which can be good for your hair in small quantities, but will most likely dry out your hair when mixed with the argan oil.