Argan oil: Is it useful for androgenic alopecia, or just for making hair look nice?

Argan oil, often called "liquid gold," has gained popularity in hair care due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. However, its effectiveness in treating androgenic alopecia—a common form of hair loss related to hormonal and genetic factors—is a matter of debate. To answer this question, it’s also necessary to consider the various types of alopecia, as the relationship between argan oil and hair loss may vary depending on the underlying cause. While androgenic alopecia affects both men and women and is characterized by a progressive thinning of the hair. This type of hair loss is mainly influenced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that shortens the hair growth phase, causing hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

However, it is not the only type of alopecia.

There are other forms, such as alopecia areata (autoimmune), diffuse alopecia from stress or nutritional deficiencies, scarring alopecia (linked to permanent follicle damage), and traction alopecia (caused by tight hairstyles). This diversity is crucial when evaluating whether argan oil might be beneficial in some contexts and not in others.

Properties of argan oil

Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid, antioxidants like vitamin E, plant sterols, and phenolic compounds. These components are why it is promoted as moisturizing and protective for the hair and scalp. To date, scientific evidence supporting argan oil as a treatment for androgenic alopecia is limited. A 2022 systematic review found no significant evidence that argan oil improves hair growth (Phong et al., Journal of Drugs in Dermatology).

Regarding alopecia areata, no specific studies exist on argan oil as a treatment.

There is also no evidence that argan oil has anti-androgen activity in people. It has not been shown to lower testosterone or DHT.

When it comes to using argan oil in its pure form, research is virtually nonexistent. Most studies include argan oil as part of a mixture or cosmetic formulation. This makes it difficult to conclude whether using pure argan oil has a real impact on alopecia beyond improving the appearance of hair and scalp health. Currently, there is no robust scientific evidence supporting the use of argan oil as a direct treatment for androgenic alopecia or any other type of hair loss. Its role appears to be more aligned with maintaining a healthy scalp and cosmetically improving hair: adding shine, softness, and reducing frizz. Where the scalp or hair is dry, it may help as a moisturizer, but it is not a treatment for alopecia.

User Experiences

Argan oil is commonly mentioned in the Tressless community, but its perceived effectiveness for androgenic alopecia (AGA) is generally limited to cosmetic benefits rather than regrowth. Most users discuss it in the context of scalp conditioning, combining it with other treatments, or managing dryness caused by harsher interventions like ketoconazole or minoxidil.

A widely referenced post comes from a user who documented two months of oiling their hair and scalp twice weekly using a blend that included argan oil, along with rosemary, castor, jojoba, coconut, and olive oils. They reported visible improvement in crown density, but because the mix involved multiple oils, it's impossible to isolate argan oil as the effective agent. A two-month self-report with photos cannot show what caused the change. In another case, a user tested argan oil, castor oil, and tea tree oil individually to treat temple thinning. They concluded none of the oils had any noticeable impact on regrowth and decided to consult a dermatologist for pharmaceutical treatments instead, suggesting disillusionment with natural oils for hair loss reversal.

A 27-year-old male who abandoned minoxidil and adopted dermarolling with peppermint oil reported improvements in thickness and reduced shedding. He used argan oil conditioner as part of his regimen, but attributed regrowth primarily to microneedling and essential oils, not argan oil itself. Argan oil is often brought up for its supportive role in hair health. One user described its utility in counteracting the drying effects of ketoconazole shampoo, especially for curly or wavy hair types. It’s seen as a good conditioner, not a regrowth agent. Another thread discussing a regimen of finasteride, melatonin, and rosemary oil included argan oil as part of a supportive routine.

Again, it was framed more as a moisturizing adjunct to more potent anti-androgens, not as a standalone treatment.

Lastly, a frustrated user expressed concern after trying multiple treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, microneedling, and oils like argan and rosemary. They mentioned argan oil but did not attribute any regrowth success to it, reinforcing the consensus that it’s unlikely to help on its own for AGA. Across the community, argan oil is primarily used for its cosmetic and moisturizing properties. There is no consistent evidence from user reports that it provides significant benefits for reversing androgenic alopecia. It's occasionally included in broader oil mixtures or regimens, but its role appears to be supportive, helping with hair texture and scalp dryness rather than acting on the hormonal or follicular pathways central to AGA.

References

Phong, C., Lee, V., Yale, K., Sung, C., & Mesinkovska, N. (2022). Coconut, castor, and argan oil for hair in skin of color patients: A systematic review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 21(7), 751–757. PMID 35816075.

Perfect Hair Health. (2022). Does argan oil help with hair loss? https://www.perfecthairhealth.com/argan-oil-hair-loss/

Hair Loss Cure 2020. (2023). Argan oil and hair growth. https://www.hairlosscure2020.com/argan-oil-hair-growth/