How to Use Argan Oil on the Face

Step-by-step facial routine

Most skincare guides suggest using argan oil as a moisturizer or face oil on clean skin, often as the last step in your evening routine:

• Cleanse your face. Wash with a gentle cleanser and rinse thoroughly to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
• Leave skin slightly damp. Pat your face dry without rubbing; a bit of water on the surface helps the oil spread and absorb better.
• Take 2–3 drops of argan oil. Place a few drops in your palm—most sources recommend about 1–3 drops depending on skin type.
• Warm and apply with upward motions. Rub your palms together and gently massage the oil into your face and neck using circular, upward motions, avoiding direct contact with the eyes.
• Let it absorb fully. Wait a few minutes before applying makeup or sunscreen so the oil can sink in and leave the skin soft rather than oily.

Many guides recommend using argan oil twice a day (morning and evening) or at least once daily at night, especially if your skin is dry or dull.

Where argan oil fits in your skincare routine

You can use argan oil in different ways depending on your routine:

• As a moisturizer: After cleansing (and after water-based serums), apply 2–3 drops and let it act as your final hydrating step.
• As a sealing face oil: Use it as the last step at night to lock in hydration and support the skin barrier, which magazines recommend for glow and overnight repair.
• Mixed into moisturizer or foundation: Add 1 drop to your cream or foundation for extra nourishment and a dewy finish.
• For targeted areas: Dab a tiny amount around fine lines, on dry patches, or on lips as a night treatment.

Health and beauty sources emphasize that argan oil can work for many skin types as long as you keep the amount small and layer it after lighter hydrating steps.

Tips for different skin types

• Dry or dehydrated skin: Use argan oil twice a day, mix it with your moisturizer, or apply a slightly larger amount at night to help with flakiness and tightness.
• Normal or combination skin: Stick to 2–3 drops mainly at night and focus on drier areas like cheeks and neck, using less on the T-zone.
• Oily or acne-prone skin: Many guides still allow argan oil in routines but suggest light use—1–2 drops max, applied after hydrating ingredients and often at night, with patch testing for breakouts.
• Sensitive skin: Look for pure, fragrance-free argan oil and start with a small amount on a test area, as added essential oils or perfumes in blends can be irritating.

How to Use Argan Oil on Hair

Argan oil is widely used in haircare because it helps moisturize hair and scalp, reduce breakage and split ends, control frizz, add shine, and protect against heat damage. Haircare resources outline several ways to use it: as a leave-in oil, deep conditioning mask, scalp treatment, and styling finish.

1. As a leave-in on damp hair

Using argan oil as a leave-in hair oil on damp hair helps with frizz, dryness, and shine:

• Wash hair and towel-dry until it is damp, not dripping.
• Take 2–3 drops of argan oil in your palms and warm it by rubbing your hands together.
• Apply from mid-lengths to ends, focusing on dry, weak, or frizzy areas. Avoid the scalp to prevent greasiness, especially on fine hair.
• Comb through for even distribution and style as usual, air-dry or blow-dry.

Guides note that this method helps improve softness, manage frizz, and protect hair from daily damage, including heat styling.

2. As a deep conditioning hair mask

For damaged, color-treated, or very dry hair, you can use argan oil as a deep conditioning mask:

• Start with clean, damp hair.
• Apply a generous amount of argan oil from roots to ends or mainly on the lengths and ends, depending on your scalp type.
• Comb through with a wide-tooth comb to distribute.
• Put on a shower cap or warm towel to trap heat and help the oil penetrate the hair shaft.
• Leave for 30 minutes to an hour, or overnight for very damaged hair.
• Rinse thoroughly and wash with a mild shampoo to remove excess oil.

Healthline notes that this kind of treatment can help moisturize the hair and scalp, protect against everyday damage, and reduce breakage and split ends over time.

3. As a scalp treatment

Several haircare experts recommend argan oil for dry scalp and nourishment at the roots:

• Divide hair to expose the scalp and apply a small amount directly with fingertips.
• Massage for about 10–15 minutes to stimulate circulation and hydrate the scalp.
• Leave on for 15–30 minutes or overnight depending on dryness, then wash out with a gentle shampoo.

This approach can help with dryness, flakiness, and overall hair health by supporting the scalp environment.

4. As a finishing oil for shine and frizz

You can also use argan oil as a finishing touch on dry hair:

• Squeeze 1–2 drops into your palm, rub hands together, and lightly smooth the oil over the surface of clean, dry hair.
• Focus on the ends and areas with frizz, without massaging into the scalp.

This method helps boost shine, tame flyaways, and give hair a polished look without a heavy residue when used sparingly.

How much argan oil to use on hair

The right amount of argan oil depends heavily on hair type and thickness:

• Fine or thin hair: Start with 1–2 drops and keep the oil on mid-lengths and ends only. Use 2–3 times a week to avoid weighing hair down.
• Medium hair: Use 2–3 drops for leave-in care and more for masks, adjusting based on dryness.
• Thick, curly, coily or color-treated hair: Experts suggest using a more generous amount daily or several times a week to deliver enough nourishment and manage frizz.

Beauty articles recommend starting with less product and gradually adding more if necessary, instead of applying too much at once.

FAQ: Argan Oil for Face and Hair

Can I use argan oil on my face every day?

Yes, many sources recommend applying argan oil or argan-based creams to the face at least once or twice a day, especially if your skin is dry or needs barrier support. Just keep the amount small (2–3 drops) and apply on clean, slightly damp skin.

Should I put argan oil on my hair before or after washing?

You can use argan oil both before and after washing, depending on your goal: as a pre-wash mask for deep conditioning, mixed into shampoo or conditioner for extra moisture, or as a post-wash leave-in oil on damp hair for frizz control and shine.

Is argan oil good for scalp health?

Yes. Guides explain that massaging argan oil into the scalp can moisturize, reduce dryness, and protect hair follicles from damage. Leaving it on for 15–30 minutes or overnight before washing is a common method.

Can argan oil cause breakouts on the face?

Argan oil is often considered suitable for many skin types, but acne-prone skin should patch test and use very small amounts. Some people use it successfully; others may find that heavy oils aggravate breakouts, so it is important to introduce it slowly and observe how your skin responds.