How to Make Homemade Argan Oil for Hair

Method 1: How to Make Argan Oil from Raw Argan Nuts

If you can find raw argan nuts or kernels, this traditional-style method gives the closest result to authentic Moroccan argan oil.

What You’ll Need

• Raw argan nuts or kernels

• Mortar & pestle or food processor

• Warm water

• Pan or skillet

• Cheesecloth or strainer

• Clean glass bottle

Step 1: Roast the Argan Nuts

Place the nuts or kernels in a dry pan and toast on low heat for 10–15 minutes. Roast gently — the goal is to warm the nuts enough to release their natural oils without burning them. Stir frequently until they are fragrant.

Step 2: Cool & Grind

Allow the nuts to cool completely, then grind them using a mortar & pestle or a food processor. Grind until you have a thick, smooth paste. The finer the paste, the more oil you’ll extract later.

Step 3: Mix with Warm Water

Transfer the paste into a bowl and slowly add warm water.
Knead the mixture with your hands for several minutes. As you work the paste, the oil will begin to separate naturally.

Step 4: Extract & Strain the Oil

Once you see oil forming on the surface, squeeze the paste to release more oil. Pour the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer to filter out solid pieces. Let the strained mixture sit so the pure argan oil rises to the top.

Step 5: Bottle & Store

Pour the clean layer of oil into a glass bottle.
Store in a cool, dark place.
Homemade argan oil lasts 3–6 months.

Method 2: Argan-Infused Oil (If You Can’t Find Raw Argan Nuts)

Pure argan nuts can be difficult to find outside Morocco. If that’s the case, you can still enjoy many hair benefits of argan through a simple infusion using dried argan shells, argan powder, or even natural herbs combined with a carrier oil.

This method is easier, faster, and perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

• 2–3 tbsp dried argan shells or argan powder

• 1 cup carrier oil (jojoba, grapeseed, sweet almond, or olive oil)

• Pot or pan

• Glass jar

• Cheesecloth or strainer

Heat-Infusion Method (Ready in 20–30 Minutes)

1. Combine argan powder/shells with carrier oil in a small pan.

2. Warm on low heat for 20–30 minutes (do not boil).

3. Let it cool fully.

4. Strain using cheesecloth.

5. Store in a clean bottle.

Shelf life: 2–3 months.

This version is richer and perfect for dry, frizzy, or damaged hair.

No-Heat Infusion Method (Slow but Higher Quality)

1. Add argan powder or dried shells into a glass jar.

2. Pour in enough carrier oil to fully cover the ingredients.

3. Seal and place in a warm, sunny spot for 2–4 weeks.

4. Shake every 2–3 days.

5. Strain and store.

Shelf life: 4–6 months.

This produces a lighter, cleaner oil ideal for daily styling.

How to Use Your Homemade Argan Oil

• Daily shine & smoothing: Apply 1–2 drops to mid-lengths and ends.

• Frizz control: Use on dry hair for instant softness.

• Heat protectant: Apply before blow-drying or using hot tools.

• Overnight treatment: Leave on overnight for deep nourishment.

• Scalp hydration: Massage a small amount to soothe dryness.

Making your own argan oil — whether traditional or infused — gives you a natural, chemical-free treatment that deeply nourishes and transforms hair. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a luxurious oil that leaves your hair softer, smoother, shinier, and healthier with every use.