Ever wondered whether argan oil can really help your hair look thicker? The answer is yes — in a way that feels natural, healthy, and supportive. Argan oil is often called “liquid gold” for haircare, and with good reason. Below, I’ll walk you through 4 of the many benefits it offers — backed by scientific findings — and why it deserves a spot in your hair routine.
What Makes Argan Oil Special?
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the Argania spinosa tree in Morocco. It’s rich in fatty acids (oleic, linoleic), vitamin E (tocopherols), polyphenols, and antioxidants. These compounds help protect hair, nourish strands, and support scalp health.
Though human clinical trials on argan oil for thickness are limited, there is good evidence from lab, pre-treatment, and hair protection studies that it works behind the scenes — by reducing damage, supporting hair structure, and keeping strands healthy.
4 Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair Thickness
Here are four ways argan oil helps your hair feel and look thicker — with scientific backing:
- Reduces Protein Loss & Breakage
In a study of human hair strands by Europe PMC, pre-treatment with argan oil helped reduce protein loss when the hair was exposed to oxidative damage. That means less internal damage, which helps maintain strand integrity and thickness over time. - Protects and Repairs Damaged Hair
A rinse-off conditioner study by SpringerOpen showed that formulations containing argan oil helped protect bleached and damaged hair by improving tensile strength, reducing surface wear, and maintaining protein content. - Improves Hair Quality & Reduces Breakage
In a systematic review of oils used for hair in people of color, argan oil was noted for supporting hair quality and reducing breakage risk, even if direct growth effects were less clear. - Antioxidant & Anti‑Oxidative Support
Argan oil contains phenolic compounds and vitamin E that help counter oxidative stress — one of the hidden enemies of hair thickness. Healthy follicles and cuticles are better protected against environmental damage according to an MDPI paper.
What the Research Supports —
- The human hair pre-treatment study (oxidative stress) demonstrates that argan oil helps protect strands from damage and protein loss — which is directly tied to how “thick” hair appears when it’s intact.
- The rinse-off conditioner trial by SpringerOpen supports that oil and hair product formulations with argan can help maintain strength and reduce wear in treated hair.
- Still, what we do see is argan oil working mostly by protecting existing hair — reducing breakage, sealing cuticles, and offering nutrient support. Over months, that often leads to the look of fuller, more voluminous hair.
How to Use Argan Oil for the Best Results
While you didn’t ask for a “How to use” section, here are a few tips to make sure your argan oil delivers its benefits:
- Use it as a pre-treatment before chemical or heat styling to protect strands.
- Incorporate it in leave-in serums or mid-length to ends hair oils (avoid heavy application at scalp if your hair is fine).
- Combine with massage to improve absorption and help scalp circulation – your free Lia Belle gift does the trick perfectly!
- Be consistent — maintaining low breakage over weeks and months helps hair appear thicker.
Final Thoughts
Argan oil shines as a protective, nourishing, and repairing ally for hair. While it may not be a direct stimulator of new hair growth, its strength lies in helping your existing strands survive, shine, and resist damage — which over time makes your hair look thicker, healthier, and more robust.
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🔗 Sources & Studies
- “Argan oil as a pre‑treatment of human hair before exposure to oxidative damage” — protective effects on protein loss Europe PMC
- “Effect of rinse‑off hair conditioner containing argan oil” — protection of bleached, damaged hair SpringerOpen
- “Coconut, castor, and argan oil for hair in skin of color patients: A systematic review” JDDonline
- “The Importance of Argan Oil in Medicine and Cosmetology” — composition, antioxidants, and cosmetic use review MDPI