TLDR : In short, yes. Argan oil is recognised as a dry oil.
This might be the first time you’ve ever heard of a “dry oil”, so lets dive a bit deeper to understand what it mean for your hair.
What is a “dry oil”?
An oil is typically called dry because of how it feels (texture) and acts on your hair or skin, for example, dry oils are:
- Lightweight and absorb very quickly into the hair
- Leave the skin or hair feeling smooth instead of oily
- Not heavy or greasy
Here are a few dry oils you may recognise:
- Grapeseed oil
- Argan oil
- Rosehip oil
These oils absorb better because they are high in polyunsaturated fats, this means unlike their thicker equivalents e.g. castor or coconut oil, they soak into the hair coating it, instead of just sitting on top of it. This is perfect for day to day use without having the heavy, oily look and feel.
Why is argan oil a dry oil?
Just in case you don’t already know, argan oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants AND its molecular structure is lighter than other oils. By being lighter it helps:
- Smoothes the outer layer of the hair strand, sealing in moisture
- Is practical for those with fine or medium hair types, as well as those with oily scalps
- Offers heat and uv protection
- Perfect when used in small / reasonable amounts
- Won’t cause buildup on the scalp so you can use it as a finishing oil, leave-in treatment or moisturiser
- Gives your hair a soft shine without any of the slickness – again when used reasonably