6 great argan oil hair serums

Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra-Sleek Hair & Body Super Potion is from the 2 Chic hair and body collection that features eight products containing Moroccan argan oil and was introduced last summer.  The company’s selling point is that while many hair care products now feature argan oil in the formula, not many also contain keratin.  The 2 Chic products contained what they called a “Dual Smoothing Complex" that combines Moroccan argan oil's antioxidant power that fight against free radical damage, with Brazilian Phyto-Keratin, a plant protein derived from organic Brazilian Cocoa (Guarana) to help deliver and retain moisture in the hair, plus renew elasticity and strength.    Ultra-Sleek Hair & Body Super Potion also contains glycerin, grapeseed oil, macadamia seed oil, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, olive fruit oil, panthenol, beta-carotene, aloe vera leaf juice, rooibus tea extract, organic coconut oil, shea butter extract and natural fragrance.  $7.99 (1.8 fl oz)Dove added argan oil to its “Weightless Nutri-Oil blend” in 2012, a formula that is said to penetrate the hair to deeply nourish the strands without weighing them down and smooths uplifted cuticles that cause frizz.  Like the Suave product mentioned earlier, the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Anti-Frizz Serum also contains sweet almond oil and coconut oil to smooth frizzy strands and revitalize the shine of hair without a greasy feel.  As promised, it does indeed absorb quickly, without an oily or greasy feel.  It seems to be basically the same formula, so it depends on which brand you prefer.   (You might detect more of the almond oil scent in the Suave product and the Dove scent is a bit lighter, so for a more subtle scent, pick Dove).   It has a higher price point than the Suave product at $6.59 (1.35 fl oz) offering less product, but it’s convenient for travel and I have seen it for $4.98 online at Wal-Mart.  Twisted Sista Different Strokes Hair Serum locks in moisture and blocks humidity to keep unruly strands at bay, making dry, frizzy hair smooth and manageable.   It contains argan oil, green tea and camellia leaf extract, plus a UV filter to protect the hair.  Twisted Sista products are free from sulfates, phthalates, parabens and mineral oils, making them great for natural hair.  It can be used to smooth through damp hair to de-frizz or to add shine when used on dry hair.   This serum has a bit of a different scent, possibly from the camellia oil, but it also lists parfum.  Whatever the ingredient, it does add a nice fragrance to the hair.   The argan oil is number six on the ingredient list, after the silicones (which give product the silky feel), so it might have more argan oil than the Suave and Dove products). $5.99, 1.01 fl oz.View the list ยป
Suave’s Moroccan Argan Styling Oil is part of a collection of hair care products for normal and color-treated hair that features shampoos, conditioners and hair masks.  The Moroccan Argan Styling Oil is a lightweight oil that absorbs quickly and gives hair a silky feel.  It’s infused with Moroccan argan oil, which is known for conditioning properties, replenishes nutrients, and helps revive tired, damaged hair.  You can use Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil on damp hair after washing, comb through and style as usual, or use it on dry hair as a finishing spray for shine and to condition the ends.  It's good for both thin and thick and wavy hair types.    I love the scent and it's not too heavy or greasy for use on dreadlocks.  (It doesn’t particularly give shine to dreadlocks, but does help keep them neat.)  The product contains coconut, as well as almond oil; the latter might be responsible for the nice fragrance.  $5.98 (3 oz).

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Moroccan argan oil has been called "liquid gold" and the "miracle oil". Derived from the seeds of the argan tree in Morocco, this oil is full of vitamins, proteins and essential fatty acids and has increasingly been added to hair care products because of its ability to strengthen and soften stands. Here are six to consider:

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  • Suave’s Moroccan Argan Styling Oil is part of a collection of hair care products for normal and color-treated hair that features shampoos, conditioners and hair masks.  The Moroccan Argan Styling Oil is a lightweight oil that absorbs quickly and gives hair a silky feel.  It’s infused with Moroccan argan oil, which is known for conditioning properties, replenishes nutrients, and helps revive tired, damaged hair.  You can use Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil on damp hair after washing, comb through and style as usual, or use it on dry hair as a finishing spray for shine and to condition the ends.  It's good for both thin and thick and wavy hair types.    I love the scent and it's not too heavy or greasy for use on dreadlocks.  (It doesn’t particularly give shine to dreadlocks, but does help keep them neat.)  The product contains coconut, as well as almond oil; the latter might be responsible for the nice fragrance.  $5.98 (3 oz).
  • Twisted Sista Different Strokes Hair Serum locks in moisture and blocks humidity to keep unruly strands at bay, making dry, frizzy hair smooth and manageable.   It contains argan oil, green tea and camellia leaf extract, plus a UV filter to protect the hair.  Twisted Sista products are free from sulfates, phthalates, parabens and mineral oils, making them great for natural hair.  It can be used to smooth through damp hair to de-frizz or to add shine when used on dry hair.   This serum has a bit of a different scent, possibly from the camellia oil, but it also lists parfum.  Whatever the ingredient, it does add a nice fragrance to the hair.   The argan oil is number six on the ingredient list, after the silicones (which give product the silky feel), so it might have more argan oil than the Suave and Dove products). $5.99, 1.01 fl oz.
  • Dove added argan oil to its “Weightless Nutri-Oil blend” in 2012, a formula that is said to penetrate the hair to deeply nourish the strands without weighing them down and smooths uplifted cuticles that cause frizz.  Like the Suave product mentioned earlier, the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Anti-Frizz Serum also contains sweet almond oil and coconut oil to smooth frizzy strands and revitalize the shine of hair without a greasy feel.  As promised, it does indeed absorb quickly, without an oily or greasy feel.  It seems to be basically the same formula, so it depends on which brand you prefer.   (You might detect more of the almond oil scent in the Suave product and the Dove scent is a bit lighter, so for a more subtle scent, pick Dove).   It has a higher price point than the Suave product at $6.59 (1.35 fl oz) offering less product, but it’s convenient for travel and I have seen it for $4.98 online at Wal-Mart. 
  • Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra-Sleek Hair & Body Super Potion is from the 2 Chic hair and body collection that features eight products containing Moroccan argan oil and was introduced last summer.  The company’s selling point is that while many hair care products now feature argan oil in the formula, not many also contain keratin.  The 2 Chic products contained what they called a “Dual Smoothing Complex" that combines Moroccan argan oil's antioxidant power that fight against free radical damage, with Brazilian Phyto-Keratin, a plant protein derived from organic Brazilian Cocoa (Guarana) to help deliver and retain moisture in the hair, plus renew elasticity and strength.    Ultra-Sleek Hair & Body Super Potion also contains glycerin, grapeseed oil, macadamia seed oil, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, olive fruit oil, panthenol, beta-carotene, aloe vera leaf juice, rooibus tea extract, organic coconut oil, shea butter extract and natural fragrance.  $7.99 (1.8 fl oz)
  • Badger’s Argan Jojoba & Baobab Botanical Hair Oil Daily Leave-In Conditioner has my favorite scent of the argan oil products tested for this article.  The product is packaged in a glass bottle and has a cruelty-free formula that also contains baobab, which strengthens the cuticle and improves elasticity to restore and maintain healthy hair.  Baobab is no doubt going to be the next big thing in cosmetics. The oil also contains sunflower oil (argan oil is number three on the list, which is a good sign), and essential oils of Sicilian orange, bergamot, sandalwood, ylang ylang and sunflower vitamin E.  With the exception of the last ingredient, all of the ingredients are certified organic and Badger products typically get good ratings from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).  The Botanical Hair Oil can be used daily as a leave-in conditioner or as a weekly intensive treatment to repair damaged hair. $18.99 (2 oz)
  • Diehard purists would probably prefer Josie Maran Argan Oil, which is pure argan oil.  100% organic argania spinosa kernel oil is all you will see on the ingredient list.  Because it is pure argan oil it is a little oilier to the touch, but does absorb quickly and has a nutty scent (that varies depending on the time of extraction).   Since there are no preservatives, it needs to be refrigerated (unless you’ll be using it quickly).  It is in a dark glass bottle to help keep it fresh.  The oil has many uses. It can be used on the hair to condition split ends, as well as the body such as rough patches on the elbows, knees and feet, on toenails and fingernails, as cuticle oil, as well as a bath oil.   (The other products in this article have ingredients that are deemed safe,  silicones for example, but if you’re concerned with any chemicals, this is the definite choice.) $14, 0.5 fl oz and $48, 1.7 fl oz. 
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, NY Beauty Products Examiner

Gerrie Summers has been writing for more than 32 years covering an eclectic mix of topics and holding a number of editorial positions, including a 15-year stint as the beauty editor for a national women's publication. She has written about beauty for Bergen County Magazine, beauty and lifestyle...

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