Argan Oil vs Marula Oil: The Best Natural Oils for Dry, Damaged Hair

If your hair has been feeling dry, brittle, or lacking its usual lustre, natural oils could be exactly what it needs. Two of the most celebrated in haircare are argan oil and marula oil — both deeply nourishing, both lightweight enough to use without weighing hair down, and both with impressive science behind them. Here's everything you need to know.

Argan Oil: Liquid Gold for Your Hair

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, native to Morocco, and has been used for centuries as a beauty staple. It's exceptionally rich in:

• Vitamin E — a powerful antioxidant that protects hair from environmental damage and UV exposure
• Fatty acids — particularly oleic and linoleic acid, which deeply nourish and soften the hair shaft
• Ferulic acid — which helps strengthen hair and improve resilience over time

For dry or damaged hair, argan oil is transformative. It smooths the cuticle, reduces frizz, adds brilliant shine, and makes hair significantly more manageable — without leaving it greasy.

Marula Oil: The African Botanical Making Waves in Haircare

Marula oil comes from the fruit of the marula tree, found across sub-Saharan Africa. It's one of the lightest natural oils available, making it particularly well suited to fine or easily weighed-down hair. Its key properties include:

• High oleic acid content — which penetrates the hair shaft deeply to moisturise from within
• Antioxidant-rich profile — protecting hair from oxidative stress and environmental damage
• Rapid absorption — it sinks in quickly, leaving hair feeling silky rather than oily

Marula oil is especially effective at taming flyaways, adding softness, and giving hair a healthy, natural-looking sheen.

Argan vs Marula: Which Is Better?

Honestly? Both — and together they're even more powerful. Argan oil excels at strengthening and repairing, while marula oil excels at lightweight hydration and shine. Used in combination, they complement each other perfectly, covering a fuller range of hair concerns without compromise.

How to Use Hair Oils

• As a treatment: Apply a few drops to dry hair before washing, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave for 20–30 minutes, then shampoo as normal.
• As a finishing oil: Warm 1–2 drops between your palms and smooth over dry hair to tame frizz and add shine. Avoid the roots.
• As an overnight mask: Apply generously, wrap hair loosely, and wash out in the morning for intense nourishment.

Our Recommendation

Our Coastal Bloom – Botanical Hair Elixir combines both argan oil and marula oil in one beautifully balanced formula. It's designed to restore softness, shine, and vitality to dry or damaged hair — whether you use it as a pre-wash treatment or a finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

Natural oils are one of the simplest, most effective additions you can make to a haircare routine. If dryness, frizz, or dullness have been persistent concerns, argan and marula oil are a brilliant place to start.

Have a haircare question or want a personalised recommendation? We'd love to hear from you.