Everyday hair care

Oily roots, dry ends: where does argan oil belong?

A scalp that feels oily and ends that feel rough call for different decisions. Here is how to place shampoo, conditioner and an optional argan finish without replacing everything you own.

Your roots and ends do not need the same treatment

If the top of your hair looks flat while the ends catch on your fingers, adding oil everywhere is not the only option. First separate the two jobs: shampoo cleans the scalp, while conditioner helps care for the lengths. Follow the directions for your particular products rather than assuming every mask, oil or conditioner can go on the scalp.

Before buying anything, look at what already works. Does your usual conditioner leave the ends comfortable? Does a finishing product leave them too heavy? Change one part of your routine at a time so you can tell which change you actually prefer.

Argan is an ingredient, not a substitute for washing

Argan knowledge has roots in south-west Morocco, including oil-making traditions passed between generations. That cultural origin does not make every argan-labelled bottle pure oil or Moroccan-made. A shampoo with argan, a blended hair serum and a bottle of pure cosmetic oil are different products with different directions.

For an optional finishing step, choose a product labelled for hair and follow its amount and placement instructions. Keep the aim specific: a finish you like on the lengths, not a promise to cure dandruff, stop shedding or repair every strand. You can also skip oil when your existing routine already feels right.

If you wear a hijab, leave room for drying

A five-minute care step does not include the time your hair needs to dry. When you are getting ready to cover your hair, plan washing and drying around your departure rather than squeezing extra products into the last few minutes. The same distinction matters when you tie your hair or wear a helmet; none of these habits tells us your scalp type.

Start with the wash-and-dry routine for scalp care, or the conditioning routine for dry-feeling lengths. If you have ongoing itching, sores or sudden shedding, seek a qualified clinician rather than treating a finishing oil as the answer.