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Moroccan Oil + Other ‘oil’ Products: Bad For Your Hair!
  -  Uncategorized   -  Moroccan Oil + Other ‘oil’ Products: Bad For Your Hair!

Photo of my client with alopecia due to silicone damage

***IMPORTANT UPDATE August 2021! Please read through the whole article, then the COMMENTS section below for advice and product recommendations before posting a comment to ask a question. You may find something in the article or comments that helps with an issue you have. Use the search function in your web browser to find your hair type eg. “curly”, “thinning”, “highlighted” and so on.

If you don’t see anything that helps you, I would love to chat with you about your hair issue in the COMMENTS section below so that other people can see my responses – please do not email me or use my contact form. We all benefit from seeing your questions posted and answered here.

Also please share this article if it helps you. The more people who learn about Moroccan Oil, the better!

As far as I have discovered with my own clients, the Malibu C Crystal Gel treatment and Undo Goo shampoo as weekly maintenance are the best ways to clear out buildup from Moroccan Oil. Make sure to follow up after Undo Goo with a low pH conditioner (4.5) to seal the cuticle and help preserve colour and hair health. If you have ‘unicorn’ or any other rainbow shade in your hair, the Malibu will rinse it off – so use a good colour shampoo until about 10 days before your colour retouch appointment, then start a deep cleanse by doing the Undo Goo and low pH conditioner every second day. You can repeat this before every retouch appointment for 6 months to strip out all the Moroccan Oil residue.

And finally, to all representatives of MONAT: Please do not contact me about MONAT. This horrible line has caused one of my clients to lose more than half of her hair since March 2017, and she now has 2 bald spots and horrible greasy hair, itchy scalp and zero regrowth. Upon researching honest MONAT reviews I discovered that it is just as bad, if not worse than Moroccan Oil – comparable to the Wen line in the amount of hair loss it causes! I don’t want to hear about how MONAT is silicone free, all natural, 3rd party research blah blah blah…I don’t care what’s in there, because the reality is that this product is ruining people’s hair.

The Moroccan Oil product line, as well as other ‘natural oil’ lines, have been bothering me since they invaded the market. I have always been suspicious of products in the beauty industry that are heavily marketed and unusually popular – beginning with the original Brazilian Blowout, and we all know how that turned out. After seeing many friends, brides, models and clients with dry, damaged hair after using these trendy oil serums and product lines, I decided to do some research. My goal? Discover why this stuff is ruining everyone’s hair!

It has come to my attention that when I recommend products to a client, often the retailers or salons will push Moroccan Oil onto them instead. I received an email from a client last year, complaining that ‘the product you recommended ruined my hair, and it is dry and completely unmanageable now’. Guess what she bought instead of the curl product I suggested? Moroccan Oil, at the insistence of the store clerk! This is but one example of many, so that now when I recommend a product I bring it with me to the appointment and have the client take a photo so she can buy the exact thing without being distracted.

We need to get something straight here. I know a lot of salons and hairdressers will be angry for my giving this next tidbit away, but it is one of the offensively dishonest things about working in a salon; it is one of the many reasons that I went mobile. Hair product companies often have sales competitions wherein the team or the top seller on the team wins a big prize for selling the most products. I disagree with this so strongly because it does happen a lot with Moroccan Oil brand, and often the products that are recommended are not in the best interest of the client. In seminars we hairstylists are often told we can get rich quick from product revenue alone. Now that I’m working for myself, I am proud to say I do not sell products, but recommend the best products for my clients and tell them where to buy them at the best prices. Many of them take my recommendations seriously and have some of the most beautiful hair I’ve ever worked with.

How much of the ‘good’ ingredients are there anyway?

Anyway, back to Moroccan Oil. I went to the beauty supply store and read the ingredients for their products. I was shocked (but not surprised) to discover that in products such as their curl cream, there is more fragrance than actual argan nut oil! This is a big deal, as it shows that there is really not a lot of the good stuff in Moroccan Oil at all. You’re paying top dollar for the name brand while getting the same junk as you’d find in a drugstore product: the product line is completely silicone based. The first 4-6 ingredients are all silicones, depending on which product you’re looking at. Silicones are what I like to call ‘hair cosmetics’ because they cover up the problem (dryness and frizz) for a long time but do nothing to heal it. They make the hair feel ultra sleek and soft for the first while that you’re using them. Please do your research and read the labels of products before buying. It will save you a lot of money and a lot of hair damage down the line! Also, it’s really very important to note that although I am targeting Moroccan Oil here, this issue applies across the board for all ‘oil’ lines. I do make sure to take a photo of every miracle product that my clients tell me about, so that I can find out what exactly is in there that’s so special. Sadly, it is always SILICONES. Dimethicone, cyclomethicone, phenyl trimethicone, cyclopentasiloxone…any of the ‘-one’ suffixes basically. Hair cosmetics.

So! Why is it bad for your hair if the strands feel soft, shiny and smooth? Well, for starters, silicone molecules are too big to penetrate your hair’s cuticle.ย  They tend to build up over time and leave the hair looking dull, greasy and feeling drier than ever. It looks greasy, but is dry/coarse/stiff to the touch. I have literally scraped off old built-up silicone from clients’ hair with my fingernail – this buildup seals and locks in the dry damaged hair so that nothing can help the condition. It takes drastic measures and funky tricks to remove this old gunk, and often one trick is not enough. For example, one method is to use a clarifying shampoo (I love Kevin Murphy’s Maxi Wash!) but it will need to sit for 5-10 minutes and be repeated over the course of a few days to get everything out. Dimethicone, for example, is not water soluble and can really build up, so it does need a lot of scrubbing to clear off. Another method is to use a Malibu Treatment such as Crystal Gel and apply it using heat for 45 minutes. For more intense stripping and a faster processing time, try using cheap dish soap and leaving it for 10 minutes. A paste made of shampoo and crushed aspirin also works. You get the picture: it takes harsh chemicals to strip silicones out.

So silicones are bad?

I just want to quickly mention that silicones are OK in the right proportions. Many lines have silicones in them – just not as much or as many as Moroccan Oil does.

Remember: NATURAL doesn’t always mean BETTER. UN-NATURAL silicones are completely OK to use in your hair if they are in well-formulated products that can be rinsed out. Synthetic chemicals sometimes do better thanย natural ones and I recommend mostly ‘un-natural’ products that still do great wonders for all hair types. Silicone based products can even be awesome for the health of your hair (for example the Sealed Ends leave in treatment by Schwarzkopf, which builds up a teensy bit on your ends to protect them and help them stay fresh and healthy so that you can go longer in between haircuts). The problem I am discussing ย in this article is strictly about ‘miracle’ products like Moroccan Oil that are heavily marketed and claim to be oil based…but are instead loaded with the stickier types of silicones in the wrong proportions to natural oils. It is a problem because of dishonesty and NOT because of silicones themselves. People end up over-using these kinds of products since they claim to be natural and healthy when they absolutely are not.

In contrast to silicones, natural nut oils such as argan, coconut, avocado, jojoba (and more) have teensy little molecules that soak up into the hair and can provide great benefit for its health. You can probably already see a big problem here! If the cuticle is already overwhelmed and clogged with silicones, how do the meager amounts of nut oil in Moroccan Oil products (and others, remember there are many similar lines) stand a chance to penetrate the hair? Well, any idiot can see THEY DON’T. They can’t! The makers of these ‘oil’ lines know this, and that’s why they put such a small amount in their products – they know the good stuff is getting wasted!

I am feeling so angry and worked up, because I have now arrived at the main issue.

Moroccan Oil, Argan Oil, MONAT and other fancy ‘oil’ lines are LYING to you about what is in their products!!! They have loaded their products with a bunch of silicones that stick together and can’t be properly rinsed off! They are also marketing dishonestly by bribing hairstylists into selling you their products instead of what might be best for your hair. The MONAT reps claim there is no silicone in their products; that may be true, but it’s doing the same thing as the Moroccan Oil does, so as far as I’m concerned their products are also dishonestly marketed.

If you had dry, damaged hair before, it will be much worse after using these products. I have seen it time and time again. Any masque conditioners, protein treatments, true natural oils and other healing products simply do not penetrate your hair if you’re using heavy amounts of silicones. Your hair will stop feeling so soft and instead start to feel a bit dry or damaged…and you’ll use more serum…then it gets drier over time….and you apply more…you can’t understand why your hair is so dull and dry and frizzy…so you apply more because that miracle product worked so WELL when you first got it! And it smells so yummy…you simply LOVE to apply it for the smell alone, so why not go nuts?

…The cycle continues until your haircolour stops working properly. It won’t fully pass through the clogged cuticle and fades quickly. Your blonde looks dull, even brassy or rusty. Your brunette looks greyish and greasy. Your natural grey or white gets a yellowish tint regardless of how much you use your toning shampoo. Your sexy natural curls fall limp and flat while feeling drier and frizzier than ever before. Straight hair sticks all lank and greasy against your neck. Blowouts and curling irons do nothing. Your scalp gets sticky and packed with what appears to be oil. Shampoo stops working and your hair stinks and feels dirty no matter what you do. You may get acne on your scalp. Most notably, your hair will smoke as if it’s on fire when using hot styling tools. You can scrape the buildup off with your fingernail.

How can we fix this buildup problem?!

I cannot stress this enough: throw out your expensive ‘oil’ products and invest in some heavy duty clarifying treatments. Ask your hairdresser about a Malibu treatment or do some research online to find your own home care products. Go to your local health food store and spend your money on some honest, natural and true Argan Nut Oil. The page over at Saadia is the best resource for how to choose the right type of natural oil. When you start to strip the silicones out of your hair, it will feel weird and gross for the first few times. Stick with it! There will be a detox period where the clarifier actually causes buildup on your hair as the surfactants grip onto the silicone molecules but cannot break them apart. You can do this!ย  It will be worth it!

Then when your hair finally starts feeling normal again, buy some Undo Goo shampoo by Malibu (it’s 100% vegan!), and use it once a week as maintenance. Leave it for 5 minutes in your hair and rinse. It’s good to clarify weekly for scalp and hair health, no matter what products you’re using. Undo Goo is of a very high pH, so make sure to balance it out with something 4.5 pH (such as Schwarzkopf Colour Freeze conditioner) or even do an apple cider rinse. This will seal the cuticle and prevent your colour from fading.

Update July 2016

One of my clients picked up some Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Mask and started using it about 6 weeks ago. I saw her last week and her normally beautiful clear skin was breaking out all around her hairline and down her neck. I didn’t want to comment in case she was embarrassed. Near the end of our visit she mentioned the breakout, saying she doesn’t know what’s going on, but that it started suddenly 6 weeks ago and she was looking for solutions. She said the acne was on her shoulders and back as well. I asked her if she had changed any hair or skincare products around that same time…and then it clicked – that was exactly when she bought the Moroccan Oil. She said she hadn’t changed anything else and was certain that it was due to that product alone. It’s so full of pore-clogging junk that the rinse water caused a breakout! So – if you are having skin troubles don’t despair, it might be the Moroccan Oil.

Update October 2017

One of my clients started using MONAT in March 2017. She is a busy mom and sees me sporadically, maybe once every few months; I saw her in April and then June, and at both visits I noticed a lot of hair falling out. She said her MONAT rep told her it was due to the ‘detox’ period which everyone goes through after starting MONAT. Then I saw her 2 days ago and was HORRIFIED. She has been my client for 7 years and normally has thick, full yet silky soft, bouncy hair that she can just wash and air dry…it’s just the most beautiful hair. She now has thinning all around her front hairline and behind her ears. She has two bald spots at the back of her head (one 2″ diameter at her crown that is completely smooth, and one 1.5″ just below that which is mostly bald with some hair still growing sparsely). Her hair is so greasy and sticky that when I did an Undo Goo shampoo, the residue was thick, viscous and white like hand soap…and after I dried and styled her hair, it felt just as greasy as before the Undo Goo! It is going to take years to fix her hair!!! MONAT is awful, awful, awful – please stay away from this line. If you don’t believe me, there are some interesting Youtube videos with before and after photos – check it out for yourself. I don’t care that some people are doing very well with this product, because the fact that enough people are having trouble with it points to something terribly wrong.

Any questions? Please ask in the comments section below!

HAIR ADVICE DISCLAIMER: By posting in the Comments section below, you acknowledge that I am unable to analyze your hair in person, and that therefore my ability to give advice is limited to my understanding of your comment only; since I cannot see or touch your hair and scalp this is a huge limitation on my ability to help you. Despite this, I do my best to give the most appropriate and helpful advice that I possibly can. By posting a question here, and/or by following my advice about any haircare instruction and/or cosmetic products, you hereby assume all risk and accept full responsibility for any and all results, and waive, release and forever discharge myself, Victoria Kuzma and my business, Vancouver Mobile Hairstylist, from all liability for injuries or damages resulting from or connected with using a cosmetic product and/or instruction. This applies also to those of you who do not post in this Comments section, yet follow any instructions or use any products listed in this article or in the Comments section.

Comments

  • Cheryl

    Hi Victoria,

    I have been using Moroccan oil every day for about a year now and my hair has become so dry on the ends I wake up and they look like in been dragged thru a hedge and feel so dry, no breakage or anything just unbelievably dry and frizzy ends. I thought it was my hair as I used the oil before and it never seemed to be an issue until maybe the last 6 months. I also have found my skin on my back and down sides of my face quite spotty, really small ones u can only really feel but I never used to have this issue. If you think this is the issue what do you think I should do get it back to how it used to be which was soft and glossy. I have brought the malibu goo undo but waiting for it to arrive, what shampoo and condioner do you recommend I use with it as I just have no idea.

    May 29, 2018
  • Roberta Barrett

    Hi, OMG so much information!! Thank you very much! I have been using MO for about 1 year, and I could not figure it out why my hair key getting worse and worse. I just want to make sure I have the right information ( I do not die my hair, naturally brunette, long hair , lightly wavy)! Very dry brittle lower 1/3 of the length!
    The information I gather:
    I should use the Malibu c undo goo and the crystal clear treatment ASAP! Should that be everyday for like a week?
    Because I do not color my hair should I purshase the Bonacure shampoo/conditioner or do you recommend anything else ( I live in Denver and it is very dry here)!
    Thanks again for all the information!

    May 28, 2018
  • Mira

    Hi Victoria!
    I just started using Moroccan Oil curl cream.It had a sticky , yuckyfeeling. So was just checking the Internet in a sea of positive reviews if there was anyone who was not liking the product, like I was. So thank you for this helpful info!๐Ÿ‘
    I have dark brown colored wavy – curly dry hair . Iโ€™m not sure what products I should use so that I can wear my hair wavy without always straightening it. Plus what do you think of the Trepadora line? Are they safe and healthy for the hair?

    TIA

    Mira

    May 3, 2018
  • What would you recommend for tape in hair extensions? I tried Monat and immediately my hair felt sticky and gross. After using it 3 times I discontinued it and canceled my membership. Thankfully I was within the 30 days. I used to purify from Moroccan oil followed by their smooth conditioner and my felt and looked so much better, but that hasnt lasted. I have been using Moroccan oil Smooth shampoo and condition for about 3 weeks now and have noticed the top of my scalp has been itchy and my real hair + extensions looks dull and flat. Would you recommend the Malibu C Crystal Gel treatment and Undo Goo shampoo for me? Thank you!

    May 2, 2018
  • PattiJF

    I have fine hair and I used the Moroccan Oil hydration shampoo and conditioner and my hair is so unruly now. I used to have beautiful shiny hair and it feels destroyed. I cannot tell you how HAPPY I was to know it actually WAS the products, and not something else going on. I am also so happy that you suggest products for getting rid of the build up. Thank you so much for your posts!

    April 29, 2018
  • Kaye

    Hi Victoria,
    I donโ€™t think my prev comment went through, so Iโ€™m trying again. So glad I accidentally found your blog on MO as I used the hair treatment sparingly for 3 months and now Iโ€™ve thrown it away. So Iโ€™ve been using InstaNatural Argan Oil from Amazon, 100% pure certified organic cold pressed for 3-4 yrs. Since I read your comments, I donโ€™t think it is pure as it cost $17. I wash with sulphate and silicone free shampoo and conditioner. Then I slather on Argan Oil as its dry, wavy and frizzy. I air dry for an hour then blow dry on low heat. I have shoulder length hair that has become coarse and Iโ€™ve had hair loss and breakage for 3 yrs. Iโ€™m paranoid as Iโ€™ve lost more than 1/2 my hair. I was told Nisim Biofactors shampoo & cond is good for hair loss, so Iโ€™ve been using that for 2 months. My Ferritin and thyroid is normal and Iโ€™ve increased my Biotin from 1,000 to 5,000 mcg 2 wks ago, hoping that will help. I use Herbatint Dk Brn hair colour monthly. I tried the ACV scalp massage and rinse twice so far as my scalp occ feels itchy. I just bought the BC Bonacure moisture kick spray but havenโ€™t used it yet . Pls recommend what I should do. Thanking you in advance.

    April 28, 2018
  • Whitney

    I never thought my pricey MO product could be the culprit, yet here I sit knowing something bad is going on with my hair.
    I have an appointment to get almost 2 inches cut off because of this horrible stuff. I used to have such great and healthy hair!! After almost 6 months of this use, itโ€™s horrible.
    Iโ€™ve spent my Friday night being so thankful for finding this website!
    Here are my questions:
    My hair is mid-back, medium texture and naturally wavy and semi-curly. I wash 2 times a week and never flat iron.
    I have done the global keratin process on it, twice.
    1. Iโ€™m ready to start using the KM color line and products. I need to get my hair colored in 3 weeks, will this new regimen be enough time?
    2. KM maxi wash after the Un-do-goo for maintenance? How long do I need to do the Malibu stuff, in the beginning?
    3. I LOVE Schwarzkopf stuff- canโ€™t believe I didnโ€™t stay with that line. My hair was never healthier.
    4. Also, recommendations for extremely tangled hair after shampoo and conditioner?

    Lastly, I looked at the Malibu c hair website to get the initial process done. Can you please recommended how I should follow up afterward….
    Iโ€™ll buy the Schwarzkopf conditioner today.

    Thank you SO much!!!

    April 28, 2018
  • Deborah

    Hi Victoria. Fantastic post! I have thin, straight, lank hair. Iโ€™m planning to do a Crystal Gel treatment, then use Undo Goo with Schwarzkopf Color Freeze until build up is removed. I have dyed dark brown hair, and Iโ€™m trying to grow it long. Your post on long hair is great – Iโ€™ve never been able to grow my hair, so Iโ€™m excited to try your tips. I noticed you are loving Kevin Murphy in your later posts. Which shampoo and conditioner would you recommend for my hair type to grow it long with volume? Thank you so much!!

    April 10, 2018
  • It doesn’t seem like this has been asked before. What are your thoughts in briogeo deep conditioning mask? There’s a lot of hype around that product and looking at the ingredient list I think its fine but I’m not as knowledgable as yourself.
    Thank you for your time!

    April 10, 2018
  • Nellie

    Hi , I suffered from severe hair loss in 2015. Then I went to see a doctor and he recommended minoxidil 9%. The results were amazing. Last year September I bought Moroccan oil and started using it occasionally. I noticed , that by February 2018, my hair started falling quiet a lot. In March I am loosing about 800 hairs when I wash my hair. I had the most beautiful black long hair, now it is only 25% left. Do I use aspirin in any shampoo or a baby shampoo perhaps. I am desperate to have my hair back.

    March 30, 2018
      • Shane

        I have always been told that Minoxidil is horrible for your hair and scalp. Also, as soon as you stop using it, your hair falls right back out.

        May 27, 2018
  • Jas

    P.S. I posted on what are your thoughts about the Shea Moisture line. Here are the ingredients to the shampoo I just bought. Any read flags? Thank you!

    Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Glycerin, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Litchi Chinensis (Lychee) Fruit Extract, Hylocereus Undatus (Dragon Fruit) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Garcinia Livingstonei (African Mangosteen) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phytate

    March 10, 2018
  • Jas

    Hello! What are your thoughts on the Shea Moisture brand? I specifically just bought their Fruit Fushion Coconut Water Weightless Shampoo, along with the conditioner (waiting for it in the mail.

    Also, what wavy/curly styling product would you reccomend? I tend to let my hair air dry, but I would like to start using a product to bring out my waves and tame the frizz. I used to have curly/wavy ringlets but now my hair is just pretty much wavy and frizzy. Now any product that is extra moisturizing uust weighs my hair down, so thatโ€™s why I bought that โ€œweightlessโ€ shampoo from Shea Moisture.

    March 10, 2018
  • Katie

    Hello, Iโ€™m glad I read your post because I was interested in both MONAT and Moroccan oil. Would you be able to suggest and shampoo and conditioner for me.. Iโ€™ve been trying to find a good one for a long time now. I have fine straight hair, some postpartum hair loss (itโ€™s growing back) I have oily hair and my ends are starting to dry out it seems like. im currently using biolage RAW, itโ€™s has broke me out along my hair line and back and my hair is oily at the end of the day.
    Thanks in advance!!!!

    March 7, 2018
  • Melissa

    Hi Victoria

    I recently bought and used a Argan Oil of Morocco shampoo recommended to me by the sales person at the Beauty specialty store I went to. Iโ€™ve only used it twice and Iโ€™ve noticed right away that my scalp has felt very itchy. Iโ€™ve used a dandruff shampoo for years and itโ€™s been working for years. My scalp is the itchiest I can ever remember these past few days. I made sure to use the dandruff shampoo on my scalp with extra massaging today with no affect. It started the day I used the Argan Oil shampoo so Iโ€™m pretty sure itโ€™s the reason. What should I do? Stop using the shampoo Iโ€™m sure, but now I donโ€™t know what shampoo and conditioner to use. Based on what Iโ€™ve read here Iโ€™m worried about the damaged I might have done. Plus I still want to know what kind of shampoo and conditioner to use. I have very thick, wavy, bushy, frizz prone, dark brown hair and itโ€™s thining. It gets oily and greasy quickly, but also dry somehow. Itโ€™s still very very thick despite how much hair I seem to be losing in the shower. Itโ€™s been heat damaged by blow drying and flat iron use, and consistently feels dry and course if I donโ€™t do a lot of styling. I was looking for something that would soften and make my hair shinny. I didnโ€™t anticipate the scalp issue.
    Mainly would like to know what your thoughts are on the Argan Oil shampoo issue.
    Thanks.

    March 3, 2018
  • Donna Murray

    Hello Victoria

    Thank you for this very informative and enlightening article! For a very long time while I’ve been of the opinion that Moroccan Oil products were not beneficial to my hair, despite my hairdressers protests. Up until now I haven’t been able to find evidence to support this until your article. Apologies if my story is lengthy, I’ll shorten as much as I can.

    I was given a full sized bottle of MO in a goody bag at an event (around 2009/2010 I think). I had never heard of the product, didn’t know anything about it or argan oil and no-one else seemed to either. I tried it on my hair – I’m afro caribbean with relaxed hair – it made it very dry and my scalp flaky. I couldn’t see any benefits so stopped using it, put it in my bathroom cabinet and forgot about it

    Fast forward a year or so later – I was under the hairdryer at my salon and reading an article about an argan oil “wonder” product – something was very familiar about it. When I got home I dug the bottle out from the bathroom cupboard and realised it was the same. I decided to give it another chance but sadly it still had no beneficial effect on my hair. At this time the oil was the only product in the range – the extended range of shampoos etc came a couple of years later.

    My hairdresser then started raving about it, though at the time didn’t sell it in her salon – I told her I had a bottle before it was launched, didn’t do anything for my hair so wasn’t convinced. For a few years she tried to convince me it was good for my hair – I totally disagreed. Eventually… in October 2017 I bought a kit which had a full sized oil and smaller sizes of the shampoo and conditioner. When I shampooed my hair the strands felt rough and when it was dried it felt heavy with residue and even coarser when I dried it. I thought I had used to much or too little. The next time I used it I tried a test – I shampooed with the MO and after rinsing then used L’Oreal Hair Expertise Ultra Riche Replenshing & Taming Shampoo – what a difference! My hair felt smoother and softer and have been using it for a while. The shampoo claims to have “no sulphate surfactants” but I need to have a look at the full list of ingredients.

    I was given a bottle of pure argan oil from a relative who travelled to Morocco last year – the oil is odourless so perhaps it’s the perfume in MO that has a drying effect on the hair – who knows. BTW the pure argan oil is amazing! I also wanted to comment that despite coconut oil getting rave reviews – it only dried out my hair and made it coarse so never again. Again, perhaps it’s just the effect on my type of hair…

    Lastly – I don’t know much about Rene Furterer and don’t think I used enough MO products to form a build up but was reading up on the range and at your recommendation will give them a try.

    My thanks again and for your patience in reading this
    Donna, London UK

    March 2, 2018
  • Aimee

    I just recently had some hair stylist try to sell me Moroccan oil…Glad I found the truth! I have naturally super curly dry hair and i frequently have to oil my hair( I use coconut oil) ….but anyway would you recommend Via Natural ultra care Argan oil? Trying to grow my hair out and i only want to use the best products!

    February 21, 2018
      • Aimee

        Lol thought my comment didn’t go through that s why I put another! Oops lol thanks for all the info!

        February 26, 2018
      • Janine

        Hi Victoria . I have a salon and have been achieving fantastic colour results using Olaplex. Yesterday I started to pre lighten with bleach and Olaplex. Not long into the process I noticed oil dripping from all the foils . The hair had been completely comprised . My theory is that the oil dripping was the Olaplex which could not penetrate the hair shaft . My client uses all Moroccan oil products always . I feel that the build up of Moroccan oil made it impossible for the Olaplex to penatrate the hair shaft . Could you let me know your views on this please and if you have come across this before ? Many thanks janine

        March 4, 2018
    • Ali

      Hi
      I was using Lโ€™Orรฉal for men thickening shampoo and conditioner and it would take out 2-4 pieces of hair. I read articles saying how Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner is good for your hair if itโ€™s thinning. So I tried it for a week and I can literally see my scalp. When I scrub my hair I see like 10 pieces of hair on my hand itโ€™s ridiculous! Iโ€™m so confused on what type of shampoo and conditioner to get if my hair is thinning? Please help ๐Ÿ™

      April 8, 2018
  • Aimee

    I just had a haircut about a month ago in a supercuts and was very disappointed with my hair dresser there! I am a naturally super curly girl here who went in for just a split ends trim! Big mistake I know she cut off like 5 inches of my waist length hair…whem she told me at the most she would do only two! Meanwhile through all of this ripping the brush through my hair! She then tried to sell me the Morrocan oil..which when she put it in my hair it felt so soft and shiny…I was gonna buy it….not from the store but later on…but was thankfully enlightened by a YouTube channel! And I am so greatful! To you as well for putting this news out there so glad I came across your blog to help me know for sure it’s a bad product! I am wondering if the build up of that product would still be in my hair a month later? I use tea tree shampoo and conditioner in my hair for my dry hair.

    February 21, 2018
  • Debra

    Hi,
    So nice to stumble on your site. I saw the heading Moroccan Oil and it caught my eye. A bit off subject, however, do you have any insight on the Moroccan Method Products. They seem to be all natural but my hair has been damaged in the past and I am trying to find something healthy for it. I have colored my hair for many years with chemical products and have considered using natural henna for a change. The Morocco Method has some of these things to offer. I’m Interested in hearing if you know anything about their products. Thank you very much for all the interesting info your website…..just bookmarked it! .

    February 20, 2018
  • Lucia

    Hi Victoria,

    I stumbled upon this post while looking for sulfate free shampoos and doing research on Moroccan Oil as it was recommended on several websites. Now of course I will not buy it.

    I wanted to ask you what shampoo & conditioner you recommend for my hair. I have a mix of thick and fine hair, and right now it’s colored turquoise, though I’m not maintaining the color that much (it just doesn’t really fade that quickly) and I’m not bleaching it anymore. I wash my hair every other day and after the shampoo right now I’m using a Tresemme hair mask, because since I have my hair bleached and the water here is very hard, conditioner just doesn’t do anything for me anymore.

    I want to start using a good shampoo & mask (or conditioner) that will leave my hair more manageable and soft.

    Thank you!

    February 18, 2018
      • Lucia

        Thank you very much Victoria. Another question, can I combine the Malibu un do goo with the Provana shampoo to get rid of all the build up from the hard water in my hair once a week or once every two weeks? I’m asking since you mentioned combining it with a low ph shampoo on your post.

        March 5, 2018
  • Sky

    Hi, cant believe ive been wasting so much money on morrocan oil! Is the swartzcoff BC miracle oil the same? Also what would you suggest for blonde died hair, is the fanola no yellow ok? My hair has staryed to break and split more so than usual. Thanks

    February 16, 2018
  • Estefania Osornio

    Hi! So glad I read your article in Mรฉxico people barely talk about the harsh chemicals contained in the products such as Moroccan oil they all go along with the marketing, I was wondering have you tried Davines? The Italian brand what is your opinion? Thanks. So excited about your response

    February 15, 2018
  • Jessica Baker

    What are your thoughts on Aveda? I have been using Monat for about two weeks and it has thinned so much. Thanks in advance.

    January 29, 2018
      • Simone

        Wait, wait, wait…..you wouldn’t recommend Aveda since they were bought by L’Oreal? When did that happen? Estee Lauder has owned them since 1997, and you’ve previously recommended Aveda. I actually switched up my hair products based on your blog to Aveda and Rene Furterer, and my hair has transformed from a dry, course, frizzy mess to super soft and easy to style, which is saying a LOT because it’s long and thick and I live at the beach. Also, Kerastase is actually owned by L’Oreal. I haven’t used their products in years, so I have no comment on if they’ve retained quality, but just want to put the facts out there.

        February 15, 2018
          • Simone

            Thanks for the clarification ! There are so many changes that happen, it’s hard to keep it all straight ๐Ÿ™‚ and it’s sad that once-great lines get “cheapened” sometimes. You do have me thinking about the Aveda though…. I like it because the Damage Remedy conditioner makes my hair easy to detangle in the shower, but I think the real “miracle” I’m noticing is from the Rene Furterer Absolue Kรฉratine Sublime Renewal leave-in cream. I almost think I could use any shampoo/conditioner and this cream would do it all…lol !!! And b/c of Aveda’s price point, I think I’d like to try something else….maybe Redken? (yes, I’m trying to save some bucks if I can). I’ll re-“search” your blog to see what you’re recommending. I really do appreciate your efforts here. Like I said, it’s helped to transform my hair and get it to the length I wanted…long ! ๐Ÿ˜€

            February 20, 2018
  • Natalie

    Hi Victoria, I’m so glad to find your website, read this article and all the comments everyone’s left! I’ve long suspected Morocanoil is doing more damage than good. My hair is in serious trouble, it’s caused a lot of heartache and I’d be grateful for your advice!
    My hair type is curly, oily scalp+dry ends and in the last few years it’s been thinning at a terrifying rate. I always get split ends and have trouble growing my hair out. I’m in my 20s, I’ve seen my Dr., my hormones are fine, iron good, no thyroid problem. I exercise regularly, eat healthy, take multivitamins. I don’t color my hair. I fear what I’m putting on my scalp and hair is the culprit. I’ve spent a fortune on products, have tried every natural homemade mask, remedy online…I need serious help/advice.
    – Shampoo & Conditioner – I’ve tried several, I’m currently trying L’Orรฉal Clay Rebalancing line and Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle, not bad. What would you recommend for balancing my oily/dry combo, taming my curls & gaining much needed volume? Is Un-Do-Go or the Schwarzkopf line for me?
    – Post-Wash – I’ve been using Morocanoil for years, when I style my hair curly or blow dry/curling iron. It looks good at first, then second day it’s like straw. If I apply heat, I also use very little Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry at the ends. What would you advise to replace Morocanoil for my curly, frizz-prone hair. I seem to need something to seal in moisture and help dry/split ends.
    – To Conceal Thinning – I use Viviscal Hair Filler Fibers, I worry if it might be suffocating hair follicles and the ingredients. Have your clients used Viviscal? I know it’s best to leave scalp clean, however the thinning is embarrassing, are there any concealing products that are safe?
    – Vitamins – I currently take a Women’s Once Daily. I’m hearing a lot of hype about the new SugarBearHair Vitamins and tempted to try. Have you heard any positive feedback about this brand?
    Thank You so much in advance!!

    January 22, 2018
      • Andi

        I was wondering about Schwarzkopf Gliss. Is it that their grocery store, not professional Schwarzkopf haircare? Do you know if the Ultra Moisture line is good? I have medium texture wavy hair and Iโ€™m currently using Schwarzkopf Color Freeze, Sealed ends, Moisture Boost,Malibu Ungoo and Rene Furterer KarIte hydra which they told me is like the carthame line they no longer carry. I have used everything you recommend and I completely trust your opinion. Can you recommend some other great hair masks, please? Is the color freeze mask good? I love the Kerastase Magistral masque and the Rene Furterer KarIte hydra masks. Do you know other great masks like those two? Thank you very much for all your advice! You have gorgeous hair!

        January 27, 2018
  • Kari

    Thanks so much for the informative article and taking the time to read and reply to the comments. I’m at a loss as to what products to use, and I’m desperate for good advice.

    Stylists have always described my hair as medium fine, but lots of it. I warn them that I have more hair than they realize, but they don’t believe me until they actually start to color or style. My natural hair color is a Classic #6 Brown. Currently it is cut in a long angled bob and colored a burgundy red. My hair has always had body, but in my 30’s it really has tried to curl more. If I work it right, I get some great wavy curls. When it was longer it would naturally clump together and I’d end up with rope curls. I feel like my hair can’t decide if it wants to be curly or straight. It grows fast and I don’t end up with a lot of split ends. Only gets dry if I go lighter. So I’m pretty blessed.

    But here are my issues. I get a very oily scalp and flakes. No so many flakes that I’m brushing them off my shoulders, but my scalp gets itchy and then I can see a lot if flakes. I feel like I can’t find the right balance for my scalp. I used to handle it pretty well by using Kenra Dandruff Shampoo once a week and then various Biolage/Redken lines. I used to wash it almost every day as well. But then it seemed like the Kenra just wasn’t working anymore. I’ve been trying to find the right product to get rid of the flakes and itchiness without being too harsh. I’ve gotten so many different opinions, I don’t know what to do.
    Currently I’m using Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo with their Dandruff Control Conditioner. It seems great the day I wash it, but day 2 and 3 the flakes and itchiness are back. I’ve been trying not to wash it everyday to help keep the deep red color and keep hair from drying out. I’m also a fan of dry shampoo. Day 2 I’m greasy around the hairline. Day 3 my roots are super greasy, so I just use more dry shampoo but my hair is kind of lifeless.
    I’ve seen recommendations for Tru Moroccan Oil Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, but after reading your article I’m scared.
    What shampoo/conditioner line and regimen would you recommend?
    Also reading the comments, I’ve learned that mousse should not be my go to styling product. I always loved how lightweight it was. Gels and creams were either too heavy or made my hair crunchy. I live in Iowa, so it is humid in summer and dry and cold in the winter. If I style my hair, it’s just wrapping it around a curling wand. I don’t have enough time to let it air dry, so I dry using a diffuser. My hair always looks good in my bathroom mirror. Once I step outside it gets poofy. And looks like I kept taking a knit hat on and off my head. Lots of flyaways. I don’t like combing/brushing my hair throughout the day because I lose any natural curl and/or gets staticky. Any recommendations on styling products would be great.

    Thanks so much!!

    https://www.sheamoisture.com/african-black-soap-deep-cleansing-shampoo.html

    http://www.trumoroccan.com/products/

    January 19, 2018
  • Chele

    I had previously commented on Moroccan Oil, and trying Monat. I’ve read all the updated comments, above, and am horrified (yet again!). I was wondering why my hair had become thinner (after promising thicker hair)….Monat! In all fairness, the thinning was probably started by the Moroccan Oil, but I had tried the scalp oil hoping to correct that and it became even more noticeable. I’ve followed your advice about getting the gunk off my hair to free my curls and they are just getting better and better. Thank you so much!

    Chele

    January 17, 2018
  • T

    Hi. thanks for the article. i used Moroccan argan oil on my hair and i got the worst case of dandruff ever. i dont know what to do about it. i was using Apple Cider Vinegar on my hair, is that a temporary solution or does it work as a long term cure.

    January 15, 2018
  • Cayla130

    Ok so I just got the Moroccan oil about 2 weeks ago and I have never in my 21 years had dandruff but I started noticing it a couple of nights ago thinking maybe it was dry shampoo build up since I didnโ€™t wash my hair the night before. Well thatโ€™s how I found this article luckily. I used Monat for about 7 months and it had damaged my hair to no end.. I use to have medium length healthy dyed blonde hair, but after using monat my hair has been so broke off and WILL NOT grow. I went to my hair stylist and she refused to put blonde highlights in my hair since it was so fried. She told me to stop using it, and recommend its a 10, she also told me to use wella which I have tried before and it was ok I never felt like it was helping nor harming my hair. Now my hair is almost brown from not getting highlights in it since September and my hair is so choppy from all the breakage. I have tried so many hair products over the years. I also blow dry and straighten my hair every other night because honestly my hair will not do anything anymore. I try to stretch it out 3 days and that last day I usually wear it up, I use low heat On my blow dryer and turn down the heat on my straightener. I also take hair, skin, and nail vitamins which I just started about a month ago. Iโ€™ve gotten my hormones checked and everything. I guess what Iโ€™m trying to ask is does the shampoo you recommended really help with growth? Iโ€™ve spent a lot of money and I just wanted to get your honest opinion on what exactly to use. Also what do you think about wella and itโ€™s a 10 products? Thank you!

    January 11, 2018
  • beckss

    Hello.
    I’ve been using a very cheap 99p argan oil shampoo and conditioner for around 2 years now and nothing else and around this period of time I’ve noticed that my hair has been thinning and my hair is gradually disappearing so I can actually see my scalp. I’m getting the feeling that it’s because of the shampoo I’m using that is causing this. My hair is dry and frizzy but thick apart from at the top which is thin, flat and looks like it’s gradually balding.
    I bought some OGX Biogin and Collagen shampoo and conditioner today which I’ve not used yet. Do you think this will help with my hair growth and bring my hair back to its thickness again? I want it be volumised, soft and frizz free without being thin.
    What do you recommend and would you be able to provide me with a process of how long I should keep certain products on and stuff like that please? It would be so helpful. Because of your article it’s made me realise that it’s probably the cheap argan oil products that Ive been using so much.
    Thank you.

    January 11, 2018
  • Alexandra

    Hello! Thank you so much for this article!! I had a gift card to sephora and bought the morocan oil hydrating mask and the morocan oil oil treatment. I just returned them yersday after using them for a little over two months, i hope that wasnโ€™t too much damage:/ I have a lot of long thin hair, semi wavy, and i have recently put two treatments of toner in to bring my color from full head of highlights to a medium brown. After using the morocan oil products I noticed my hair becoming dull, sticky, and hard to comb through even though i barely have spilt ends. I need help to recover my beautiful hair that i once had!!! Can you please recommend any products for me?! Btw Iโ€™m getting married in June and would be so sad if i walked down the isle with this dull hair! Yikes! thank you in advance :]

    January 11, 2018
  • Julie

    Hello, so glad I found this. Iโ€™ve been using A LOT of the macadamia natural oil in my hair because itโ€™s been so dry and has tones of breakage. Do you know anything about this line? It has clyopentasiloxane and the first ingredient, dimethicone second, and then macadamia seed oil and Argania Spinoza kernel oil listed. It feels horrible to know that i am most likely the reason why my looks and feels so badly. Anyway I have a hair appointment tomorrow and am going to see if she can do a clarifying treatment and then get some good products. How often and how many clarifying shampoos dose one need. Is there a way to tell if all the gunk is gone?
    Thanks!!

    January 8, 2018
  • Jay

    Hey
    What do you think about nioxin?
    Great article! Very informative!

    January 4, 2018
  • Charlie

    Hi. Iโ€™m an apartment manager and we recently had a tenant try to dry a towel with Moroccan hair oil on it and it caused a nasty fire. Is this stuff flammable?

    December 28, 2017
  • Christine

    Hi Victoria,
    My fine blond hair looks like it had been through a shredder after using Moroccanoil for about six months. I can’t believe how quickly the damage happenend. At first I thought it was my new paddle brush and then I thought it was my diet. I just kept putting more and more oil on my hair thinking that it was helping. I finally figured out it was the oil because I was only applying it to the back top layer of my hair (The reason I was applying the oil to the back top layer of my hair was because I thought the oil would protect that layer from heat and from my flat iron). My back top layer is so broken up it looks like trash. I am horrified! Thank goodness I found your post and I finally know what’s happening. I have thrown away my oil and bought Redken Extreme. I am going to try to let it air dry as much as possible, wash it every few days, and use some of the other products that you recommended. I am also going to get a hair trim every month to help me get through this. Is there anything else I can do? I am so sad ๐Ÿ™

    December 18, 2017
  • Dezi

    I was looking at the Kerastase (owned by Lโ€™Oreal)products, which you recommend, and most of them do contain silicone. What is the difference between those silicones and the ones that are in moroccanoil?

    December 17, 2017
  • Michelle

    Hi Victoria! What a wonderful and informative siteโ€”thank you for this! I have medium thickness, naturally straight, color treated hair due to gray. My stylist uses a Redken Shades color I believe e dry 2 months. I was looking for more shine and was getting ready to purchase Moroccan Oil when I saw your blog. I have been using Briogeo Be Gentle Be Kind shampoo for the last ear or so. I am now looking at the Kerastase Aura Botanica shampoo and conditioner and Essence Dโ€™eclat. Do you think these products would give me the shine Iโ€™m looking for? Thanks so much!

    December 13, 2017
      • michelle

        Thanks so much, Victoria! Is it safe to use the Kerastase Elixir Ultime oil after every wash? I love how it feels in my hair.

        January 20, 2018
  • Ellen

    My hair has had major thinning over the past 2 years. I started using jojoba oil on my hair for a few months. Itโ€™s now fly away and unmanageable. What do I do? Help please!

    December 10, 2017
  • Alice

    Thank you for this very helpful article, Victoria! For about the past year, I was using a super cheap shampoo I had found in the supermarket. I had been a-mazed when I started using it by how shiny and “clean” it made my hair feel. At a recent haircut, my hairdresser scraped a mini-mound of silicone from my hair. I was mortified. I then did some research and realised that my sworn-by shampoo of the past year contains several silicones (including dimethicone). I immediately switched to a combination of the Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash and Repair Me shampoo/conditioner range. After a couple of weeks though, the situation still feels dire. Do you think it would be safe to just solely use the clarifying shampoo until it comes out?

    December 10, 2017
  • Lauren

    Hi, Victoria! I have always had fine, naturally board-straight hair, but a lot of it, that is insanely healthy no matter what I put it through. I even bleached the ever-living doo-doo out of it in 2015, and my stylist was blown away because there was zero evidence of damage, even after multiple times. I just need a little extra help eith volume.
    Of course it has since grown out and Iโ€™m back to my natural brunette for a while now. I recently bought samples of Kevin Murphy Angel wash and Rinse at a salon, as both my sister and sister-in-law swear by it. I was in love with it the first couple of washes, however, a week in to using it my hair began to feel extremely dry. Then the next thing I knew, it was breaking off about half-way up/down, sometimes closer to the root. I have TONS of fly-aways, and it is prettt much a mess now. I have also severely broken-out around my hair line and on the back of my neck, as well as shoulders and a bit on my back. My face has also become extremely dry. The shampoo and conditioner were the only change I made. I admit I have always had extremely sensitive skin, I even have to stay away from certain toothpastes because of it, but my hairโ€™s reaction has me completely perplexed.
    Have you ever heard of anyone else experiencing this with Kevin Murphy products? Iโ€™ve been trying to research it online, but all I find are more raving reviews from happy customers. I actually stumbled upon this article during a search and noticed you recommending other KM products so thought you might be a good person to ask. Thank you!!

    December 9, 2017
      • Lauren

        Hi again! I actually never even got around to purchasing full-size bottles. That was just from the samples, purchased at a salon. I have always stayed away from purchasing make up and/or hair products online, for the very reasons you stated. Iโ€™ve been lucky to have a number of friends become sylists, so they keep me on the up-and-up on that kind of stuff. None if them use KM products, though, so they werenโ€™t sure about this particular situation. On another interesting note, I decided to take a risk and also purchased samples of the KM Plumping wash and rinse, and had no reactions to it! In fact I love it and purchased the full size bottles of that line. My skin cleared up relaticely quickly after discontinuing the Angel Wash. I was by no means attempting to bad-mouth the brand or line in general, as I know I have crazy skin haha! (Not that I think you had that impression, just wanted to state it for the record).
        My hair is doing better now as well. I will be getting a trim/cut soon, and I think that should really clear up the minimal remaining damaged areas as you said. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond!! I had no idea about all this stuff with the moroccan products, and I cringe every time I see them now!! They were on the shelf at the salon I purchased the KM stuff at, and I really wanted to freak out and show them your post LOL!! I refrained, though, as I havenโ€™t established a relationship with them just yet and didnโ€™t want to be the subject of discussion at their dinner table that night.

        January 20, 2018
          • Lauren

            Hi again, Victoria! Iโ€™m back with a new question LOL! I finally got in to a salon today, the one i had found locally that carried Kevin Murphy. Anyway she wanted to try a new product sheโ€™d just purchased called Brazilian Blowout. It was the split end treatment. She used the KM Plumping shampoo & rinse (since its proven not to given me reactions). A few minutes after I left the salon, my face and neck lit up – another reaction hahaha! Anyway, Iโ€™ve been trying to find a list of ingredients for that product and Iโ€™m not turning much up. Do you know anything about this line? I was a little suspect of it, given she also carries the Moroccan line. Just wondering if this is equally as bad. I didnt even think about it until it was already in my hair, and as soon as I started itching I remembered this article. I let her do it because she said its normally a $50 treatment but since I was willing to be a guinea pig, she didnโ€™t charge me for it. Not worried about my reaction, as obviously my skin is super sensitive as i stated a few months back.
            Now that I actually know her and am establishing a relationship with her, Iโ€™m planning on finding the right moment to introduce her to this post ๐Ÿ™‚

            April 7, 2018
            • Lauren

              Oops I think I just found a comment youโ€™d made on another personโ€™s question that pretty sums up how you feel about it! Sorry about that!!!

              April 7, 2018
  • Mimi

    Brilliant! I think this is the first time that I’ve stumbled upon a genuine answer to these questions. Now, I’ve actually never purchased or used any Moroccan oil, except for a sample sized shampoo/conditioner that I received years ago. Since I only used it for about.. 3-4 times I didn’t actually see any difference on my hair and thus went back to my drugstore shampoo/conditioner.
    I have always tried different things that claim to do wonders for hair and somewhere along the road something went wrong.
    So naturally I have wavy/straight-ish and very thick hair but for the last couple of years it has become much much thinner and falls out a lot. Relatives who are used to my thick hair often comment on it being thin, I even checked if perhaps I was low on any vitamins or minerals – but nope!
    As long as I can remember I’ve used drugstore products, and my sisters who use the same lines, except only use shampoo (not conditioner) don’t seem to share my problem. In fact one of them is getting thicker hair. It could vary between Garnier Response, Garnier Fructis, L’oreal Elvital and so on.
    I used to have a problem with dandruff, and head pimples every now ant then which is where my “experimenting” began. I did different hair masks with coconut- olive- castor- or almond oil, I bought different shampoos and seeing as this was the period when I started to straighten my hair, I also started moisturizing it with conditioner, store bought hair masks etc. I noticed my hair would get split ends even if I only straighten it once every 6 months, so I stopped completely. When I asked my hairdresser about it, she said that I was simply born with the kind of hair that damages easliy.
    I refused to believe that and so bought Eco friendly products from Yves Rocher, and started rinsing my hair with apple cider vinegar every so often. Then I read about sulfats being the enemy so I bough Marc Anthonys sulfate free shampoo and conditioner which is what I’m using today. I’ve been using this line for about 3-4 months ( I wash my hair 2 times a week) and while I havent seen any bad reaction, I haven’t seen any improvement either.I still get dandruff sometimes, my hair feels thick the day I wash it (especially if I dry it with a blowdryer) but the second day its dull and thin again. Without the blowdryer there’s no volume, and I used to have tons of it.
    So what am I doing wrong? Is it the conditioner? Should I do like my sisters and stop using it? Or is it the products? Do you know anything about Marc Anthonys line?
    I’m just looking for a shampoo and a conditioner that will give me my hair back.
    So what products do you recommend for every day uses? I’ve heard about Redken being good, but I am not sure if the Extreme or Soft is what I need and recently I haven’t been able to trust anything enough to buy it haha!

    I would really appreciate an answer, thanks! ๐Ÿ™‚

    December 6, 2017
      • Mimi

        Hi again! For some reason my account did not notify me of your response! Thanks for the advice though!
        However I did not see your reply before already buying a shampoo line by Redken. I was recommended the High Rise Volume shampoo and the All Soft conditioner. The shampoo for my oily roots that lack volume and the conditioner for my very easily breakable lenghts. Would you say that these are any good? Because there are a lot of bad reviews about the voluminous one – but then again there’s a rave about the morroccan one haha. It’s so hard to trust the internet lol, but your response feel genuine and thus I once again come to you; can I use these products?
        THANK YOU <3

        April 24, 2018
          • Mimi

            Thank you! I’ve bought the Paul Mitchell shampoo three, so hopefully it will clarify some ^^ Sucks that the Redken Volume one was bad since it wasn’t exactly cheap.. but oh well what can you do, eh? I’m just hoping for something to work XD Just wanted to thank you once again, what you’re doing is awesome<3

            May 22, 2018
  • Gretel

    Hi Victoria, I have been using argon oil for a long time now and Iโ€™ve noticed my hair has gotten thinner over time. I had a lot of hair and super thick and my curls are very loose now they were a little bit more curly than a 3B but not as curly as a 3C. They are a 3A now. I wanted to start with a home made clarifying shampoo. What do you recommend? Also, what do you recommend me to do after that? (I have really dark hair naturally, almost black, but have been slowly getting blonder.)

    November 30, 2017
  • Naomi

    Your article has been so helpful. I have fine, but fluffy hair (past my shoulder) that is highlighted and can get damaged from time to time. This past September, I started to experience a lot of hair loss. The dermatologists seemed to think it was Tellogen Effluvium, I thought is might be hormonal changes (I am 43), but after reading this, I am wondering if it is actually just due to dimethicone buildup on my hair. Have you seen a lot of hair loss due to dimethicone use?

    Here’s my history:
    -I use a sulfate-free shampoo (Leau de Mare Formula 4 Hydrating shampoo) but started using Yululuka conditioner back in mid-August. Now, I realize that this has a lot of dimethicone. I noticed my hair feeling very dry and starting to fall out more than usual, starting in September. I also noticed that my scalp would get oilier more quickly (I thought this was due to having less hair than before and so it just seemed oiler, but perhaps it was due to the silicone build-up.)

    -About a month ago, I tried Moroccan oil to try to tame the dry feeling. This just made my hair feel like wig-hair (super plastic-y), which is when I started to learn about silicones. Unfortunately, I have had a really hard time getting the silicone build-up out of my hair and my hair has continued to shed.

    -I just got my hair highlighted yesterday and they used the Malibu Crystal gel (for 10 minutes with heat), but then I think they must have put more stuff on my hair that has serious silicones, b/c it has that wig-like feeling again (the ends feel like plastic-y wig hair).

    Given that I just highlighted it (and they do some kind of color gloss at the roots), what would you recommend? Just get the Malibu undo goo shampoo and follow up with a serious conditioner for a while? It just seems like my hair really likes to hold onto the silicones…and at this point, my hair is so dry, it can be hard to run my fingers through the layers–feels like the hair gets all tangled.

    Also, could this be the main cause of the hair loss?

    November 29, 2017
  • Desiree

    Hi. Iโ€™ve been using Monat for a while now and have noticed my ends are sooo dry! After reading your article I know I need to stop using and start to clarify. I am also 3 months postpartum and have hair loss which Monat seemed to be helping (losing way less than previous pregnancies). What is in Monat that causes the buildup? And if I use the Malibu ungoo which conditioner and styling products should I try? Thanks!

    November 28, 2017
  • Elyse

    I have been using Moroccan Oil treatment for years and I’m willing to try ditching it to see if it makes a difference in my hair. I have always had fine thin curly hair and is prone to the regular curly frizz and dryness. It also refuses to grow past my collar bone. I have had blonde balayage for the last year or so and just made an appointment to return to brunette because I’m tired of the damage. I recently purchased Bumble & Bumble’s full potential hair preserving shampoo (I’m finishing up my living proofs restore shampoo) and I use redken all soft conditioner. I have fekkai apple cider as a clarifying shampoo.

    I have been using the MO treatment in conjunction with Bumble & Bumbles hairdressers invisible oil primer.

    I know you seem to support some redken products. What do you think of the other lines I mentioned? I will plan to look into the un do goo and Schwarzkopf Sealed Ends.

    How many treatments do you recommend to remove the buildup?

    November 25, 2017
  • Wendy

    So, I have been using Monat and bleaching my hair. I went insane and tried a perm which fried it, BAD! Iโ€™m 2 months out trying to recover it. I just bought the Redken Extrmeme line and I usually wash daily because it is extremely short and I at least need to wet it to get it under control. Any advice on what product to use until I can get it grown out? Moroccanoil was suggested but I didnโ€™t use it. I have started Olaplex treatments.

    November 24, 2017
  • Margarita Toumazou

    Thank you so much for posting this. I started using moroccan oil 2 years ago after having a brazilian blowdry at a reputable salon in London. My hair felt soft and sleek for 10 days and then the frizz returned worse than ever. I returned to the salon after 6 weeks and they offered me the treatment again. I accepted (stupidly) and my hair has never been the same since. The moroccan oil products at first seemed to be helping but over 3 months people started commenting on my flatter and thinner – my hair would fall out in clumps which was devastating. I tried an alternative hair treatment described as one to restore moisture and vitality and my fair now feels burned, rough, matted and dull. It’s taken 2 years of hard work to try and save it. It his horrific that these products are being sold when they know full well the implications they have! Coconut oil treatments are the way forward. I will definitely be sharing this blog! Thanks you!

    November 17, 2017
  • Theresa

    Hi, are Oribe products ok to use? Iโ€™m throwing out my MO products and I want to invest in my hair because it so much of it has fallen out since Iโ€™ve been using MO for many years.

    November 16, 2017
  • Ann Hurst

    AARGH! So the large amounts of Moroccan oil I’ve been using is what is destroying my normally healthy hair. i will take all of your kind advice to correct this issues, but the one thing i did not see in the blog was which leave in conditioner you recommend. i need to use something. My hair is long, thick, curly, frizzy, processed, and now dried out. Thank you so much for your time and caring enough to point this issue out and helping so many of us. Regards, Ann

    November 10, 2017
  • Natalie Kugler

    WOW thank you so much for your article!! I’ve been going to a hair salon for the past year for color, wash & blowout. My husband & sister noticed how much thinner My hair has become (& it was very thin to begin with!!) since I started going. I asked two stylists if there hair products could be the cause, neither one of them answered me!! I still couldn’t believe that salon hair products could be the cause of my brush being full of hair EVERYTIME I brush it & split ends all over my head. I don’t want to stop going as my hair needs to be colored every 3 weeks (for grey) but can you please tell me the products/manufacturers to stay away from? Since my hair is very thin & lacks volume I always ask them to do whatever is needed to add volume. They spray in something. I’ll stop that immediately. Should I start bringing in my own shampoo & conditioner to use & what would you recommend? Thank you so much for your help & your article!!

    November 8, 2017
  • Gabriel

    Hi, Victoria. First, I want to thank you for the article and congratulations on how dedicated you are to your job. I have an oily type of scalp and my hair is falling out every time I wash it (and since I started letting it grow it’s worse) and I wash it every other day. I wanted to start using this moroccan oil but thanks to your article I WON’T. I use this shampoo for oily hair https://www.apivita.com/asia/balancing-shampoo-for-very-oily-hair and as a conditioner I use something from Pantene. Maybe you can recommend me something that will make my hair less oily and strengthen it because it is really weak. I am from Romania and some of the products you recommended cannot be found here. I’ve seen a lot of Kerastase products here, though. Thank you in advance!

    November 5, 2017
  • Miss P

    URGENT HELP!!
    Hi can anyone help, my new blonde fitted hair extensions have turned orange after I started using Moroccan Oil, can anyone advise how I get it off please? Thanks

    November 4, 2017
  • Kathryn

    Hi Victoria,

    Would you recommend redkens clarifying shampoo??

    October 21, 2017
      • Kathryn

        Thanks for all the product advice! I like the idea of switching to a shampoo/conditioner that are in the 4.5-5.5 ph range. I have just purchased the colour save shampoo & conditioner to use as my regular combo. I have fine wavy/curly highlighted hair that’s prone to frizz and dry ends . Not sure if it’s due to the winter, but lately my scalp at the front third of my head has felt extremely dry and tight. I don’t have dandruff or any noticeable flakes, but if i look up close my scalp just looks parched. Do you have any thoughts on the AG extra moist shampoo? It claims to be moisturizing but also still has a ph between 4.5-5.5. Also, have you heard of the moisture crema conditioner treatment by the brand Uans? It claims to be an “insanely hydrating” conditioner that has a “ph reversing formula”. I assume this means it opens the cuticle so that the moisturizing ingredients can penetrate the hair strands… Would this be ok to use on my dry ends as a weekly treatment? Or would the presumably high pH be too damaging? Also I’ve been using PURE natural Argan oil from a health store as a scalp treatment before I shampoo. Do you think this could help my dry scalp or could it be clogging my follicles? Sorry to bombard you with so many questions, any recommendations you could make would be great ! Thanks so much,

        Kathryn

        January 26, 2018
  • Tayla

    Ok I think I got through all of the products and didn’t see my question.

    I have recently had my hair go limp, gummy and lose curl. I’ve since quit the CG method (after 11 months) and been doing PT treatments which seem to be helping.

    Before I quit the CG method I’d been using Devacurl, Pantene mousse (with no silicones) and had been recently using the Shea Moisture’s (supposedly 100%) Argan Oil.

    Could it be the Argan oil that messed me up? I am scared to go back to the CG method because my curls are FINALLY back to normal.

    October 4, 2017
  • Lee

    Hi! I have medium lengthy wavy/curly hair. I never knew how to get defined curls and control frizz, so I just always straightened it. I am really trying to embrace my curls now and stop heat damaging my hair. So I went to a salon and asked for a haircut and product recommendations to help on my curl journey. They recommended of course the MorrocanOil line. I bought over $100 worth yesterday and then saw this article. Sigh. So I did read through comments for my hair type. Looks like maybe the Schwarzkopf color save shampoo and conditioner and then their osis bouncy curls number 3. Does that sound right? I did Google the color save and can only find color freeze. Is that the same product? Also, I always used cheap store bought shampoo and conditioner and about six months ago developed dandruff for the first time in my life, so maybe something to clean and restore my hair first? I feel so lost on how to care for my curls and fight frizz. Thank you!

    September 23, 2017
      • Lee

        Thank you! I learned a lot from your website. I haven’t touched a straightener in about six weeks now, which is long for me. I still use my blow dryer to diffuse lightly (using a Dry Bar diffuser) and only on the cool setting of my blow dryer. Otherwise my hair takes way too long to dry, up to several hours. I can’t walk out the door in the middle of winter with wet hair. Anyways, I will stick with it. I am already seeing an improvement in my hair. It feels so much thicker and I am already getting a lot more curl than I was. My only issue now is I hate my hair color (it’s just this dull not really blonde, not really brown color) but I am afraid to color it and damage the hair that I am working so hard to fix. Is there any way to color (either all over or highlights/lowlights) that won’t ruin all the work I have put into my hair so far? I did also share your info on Monat with a friend that just started using it and is thinking about signing on to sell it. She didn’t want to hear anything you had to say. I guess time will tell for her.

        October 30, 2017
  • Thank you so much for this post! My hair has been a mess and I’m finally convinced it is the Moroccan oil products I’ve been using. I’ve always thought I had thick hair, but I’ve been told I just have ALOT of fine hair. And the past few months I’ve been losing way more than usual in the shower, it feels thinner and does not naturally wave like it used to. After reading through the comments and your long hair product page, I’ve found Redken’s extreme strengthening shampoo/conditioner. I normally wash my hair about twice a week. Is this product safe to use that often with the high levels of protein or do you recommend mixing in another shampoo/conditioner?

    September 21, 2017
  • Janet Cody

    Have you heard of the line devacurl and your thoughts on it?
    It’s a nopoo system along w conditioner and a curl lotion added. All claim to be silicone free.

    September 21, 2017
  • Pam

    For a number of years my hair has been falling out – a lot. Thank goodness I used to have a very thick head of hair. Recently, when I brush it or wash it, it comes out by the hands full. I thought it was stress & hormones, but after reading this article, I am wondering if it is my products. I recently switched to (you guessed it) Moroccan Oil products (serums, shampoo & conditioner). My hair is like straw, it’s thinning, and literally I can feel it falling out as I walk. I am stressed because my hair looks awful!!! I was using Pureology products but still had some issues with hair loss. What do you think about the Pureology products. Obviously, after reading this post, I am not using Moroccan oil anymore.

    September 18, 2017
  • Nicole

    Amazing article! I used to have thick, wavy, dry hair which over the years has morphed into fine/medium, limp hair that breaks easy due to over processing…. and apparently due to all of the cheap drugstore finishing oil I slathered onto it while I was bleaching. I’m so glad I read this article.

    I no longer bleach or heat style my hair, but I do still color it every 6 weeks (I believe she uses joico color). I use Redken Extreme or AG color savour every 2 days and olaplex #3 every week, but I also use cheap garnier fructis damage eraser as a deep conditioner which I apparently need to stop that right away.

    I’ll try some of the products you listed in the comments, but is undo goo really safe for my color? My roots are brown, but the rest of my hair is vibrant blue and purple.

    Any feelings towards Obliphica brand? Or Enjoy brand?

    September 12, 2017
  • Andrea Livoti

    I have a few questions.
    1. I have medium texture hair that’s pretty healthy with highlights and lowlights. My texture is wavy but I blow out every 3-4 days and usually curl it with a curling iron. My hair doesn’t get oily or weighed down either because I only put hair masks on from my ears down. I currently use Malibu ungoo and Moisture kick and sealed ends. What would you recommend for a shampoo and a hair mask for my hair?
    2. I currently also use Keratase elixir ultime, is this
    this Keratase product ok? It doesn’t seem to build up. Also, have you heard of Marrakesh endz? I think it’s like sealed ends. Just curious.
    3. A couple times I have washed my hair and put on a hair mask and rinsed it out. When I tried blowing my hair out only the bottom layer seemed like it would not dry with the dryer and it’s like sort of greasy. What’s going on? The way I fixed it was re washing my hair with Malibu ungoo.
    4. My stylist noticed breakage at the ends of only one small section on the right side. I think it’s from my purse strap pulling it? Anyway, it was trimmed so it’s it even but would the sealed ends help prevent this? I will also not carry my puts on my right side if that’s the cause.
    Thank you so much for your blog! You seem like such a nice and genuine person! Thank you,
    Andrea

    September 10, 2017
  • Joanie Weiss

    Several months ago, at the continued recommendation of my hair cutter, I switched to that salon’s “colorist” using Kevin Murphy color. My former colorist had been using Redken Fusion for many, many years. I really liked the color….but I did switch to the Kevin Murphy color. My hair is quite dull now and she hasn’t been able to achieve the color I want (a goldish-red). I have verrrrrry naturally curly hair (I am Caucasian) and it’s quite gray now. This salon has a huge array of Kerastase as well as Kevin Murphy products for sale. They sold me Kerastase “Reflection Bain Chroma riche” shampoo and “Reflection Chroma Captive shine intensifying care”. My hair seems excessively dry so….HORRORS, I used some Moroccanoil…..which didn’t help at all. (Never again) I’ve used some Redken Extreme CAT (Protein) also used Redken Hair Cleansing Cream. And a little Redken “Time Reset”. Additionally I have used Nioxin #3 off and on for many years (and have liked it). BUT NOW after switching “color” my hair is quite dry and a strand or two falls off at random! Not hunks. Also it feels like “straw”…..I always let it air dry! No dryer or hot tools. I use Bumble and Bumble “setting hairspray” and when dry and when styled I use L’Oreal hair spray (the lightest one). What would you recommend for me to use to for the excessive dryness? Redken Extreme??? A different Kerastase??? Nioxin #3???

    August 29, 2017
      • Joanie

        I greatly appreciate your reply. I forgot to mention that, my hair is VERY FINE (along with very curly and gray under the color!!! Not going natural, ever!) I have very balanced hormones so that shouldn’t be a factor (I’m a very healthy 75 year old but look 50, feel 35!!!!) My hair now seems much MORE FINE with the Kevin Murphy color…..which contains no peroxide or ammonia! Which was supposed to be “better” for my hair than the Redken Fusion. I will purchase the mask etc that you suggested…..Is it alright if I continue to use Bumble and Bumble Hair Setting for body (I spray it on wet hair after shampooing, then air dry)? Even curly, my fine hair doesn’t have a lot of body!!!! And is the L’Oreal Elnett Satin Strong Hold hairspray okay for me to use? (Also I use all Mason Pearson brushes and wide-tooth combs on my hair). thank you in advance.

        August 31, 2017
  • Scarlett

    Hi! I got here after searching for “do moroccanoil products cause hair loss”. I was using Joico shampoo up till recently when i decided to give Moroccanoil a try since its reviews seemed so fab. I bought the clarifying shampoo and the repair shampoo. After using the shampoos a couple of times, i realised my hair has been falling out a LOT! It’s making me really nervous. It has to be the shampoo right? I have thick hair and have never had any hair loss issues. I feel so shortchanged because i spent a LOT of money on these shampoos :(((( Should i just stop using the Moroccanoil shampoos with immediate effect? I think i should just try selling them off. Ugh! ๐Ÿ™

    August 28, 2017
  • CurlyCue

    Hi…I *just* bought Moroccan Oil this week and have used it twice. I randomly mentioned to my colorist who made a face and told me to be careful as she says it can turn blonde highlights orange. I started googling and found this article today. It scared me. I have almost full bottles so no noticeable damage *yet*. I was using Ouidad products. Any thoughts on them? I have thick curly hair; what products do you recommend to control frizz and dryness (that ideally isn’t crunchy!). Thank you, in advance!

    August 27, 2017
  • Cecil

    Hello.What about Joico products?Is the combination and amount of silicones in their products good?

    August 26, 2017
  • Aaron O.

    This is so enlightening! Does this apply to Argan oil too or does that depend on the product?
    I’m using Fixx Shampoo and it uses Argan oil, but if it has the same effect, then I’ll try something else!

    August 17, 2017
  • Justine

    Hi there

    Thank you for your article. I have blond (dyed) hair and they are thin and break. In order to keep them a little smooth and not too stray-looking I used marrakesh oil from my hairdressers. But I have the feeling it dries it out just more. What product can you recommend after washing and drying, to keep my stray hair a little straight and in form?

    August 16, 2017
  • Nancy

    Thank you so much for this post. I recently bought the Moroccan oil repair shampoo and conditioner, and have used it few times. My hair was falling out a lot more than it normally would, and hair feels so dry even after conditioning it. I have fine hair, and it’s lately been so dry, and quite frizzy as well. What products do you recommend?

    August 14, 2017
  • Anushka

    Hi there, I’m so glad I read this today when I was a few days away from buying a range of Moroccan Oil for my damaged hair.
    I am 25 and underwent a Smoothening treatment in May 2016 thinking that it is less damaging than straightening. The salon used Wella products and I remember she put the cuticle breaking formula + heat + rinse twice because it didn’t work very well the first time. She gave me Wella shampoo and conditioner (for straightened hair) to keep the effect for long which I stopped using 3-4 months ago when I switched back to store bought shampoo and conditioner. Now my new growth is almost halfway of my current hair length and the weird division between frizzy and treated straight hair is evident but I cannot go for another chemical treatment since this one caused a lot of problems like hair fall, I have half of the hair I used to have, there’s loads of dandruff, scalp has pimples, follicles pain when I tie a ponytail, hair breaks off of the follicles as well as mid length very easily, my hair gets greasy and stinks 2 days after wash, scalp is itchy, have pimples on shoulder and back.
    Problems like dandruff and frizzy hair were there before the treatment too, and I have always used commercial and store bought shampoos and conditioners with application of coconut oil.
    Now I want to make my hair better but healthier and not cosmetically.
    My Q’s:
    1. Does going bald or cutting your hair short help in growing better hair?
    2. I live in India and the Malibu products are not available here except through Amazon which I don’t trust ๐Ÿ™ Do you suggest any other products for buildup removal?
    3. Many of my hair strands are not even in diameter, as in a single strand might have thick and thin parts. What may have caused this? How can it be corrected?
    4. Do serums cause buildup? What is the best serum to use to avoid buildup? (currently using Grapeseed oil serum from Body shop)
    5. Should I be going for colouring at this point or allow my hair to get in good health first?
    Thank you for your time and advice in advance! ๐Ÿ™‚

    August 12, 2017
      • Anushka

        Thanks a lot! This is very helpful! My last resort was gonna be to use dish soap but I wasn’t sure how I will tackle the harshness it may have.
        Thank you Victoria, your doing some wonderful work here ๐Ÿ™‚

        August 18, 2017
  • Jill

    Sorry! Also one more quick question…. What is the difference between using the Malibu Undo….vs Kevin Murphy Maxiwash and which hair type should be using which? Thanks! ๐Ÿ˜˜

    August 11, 2017
  • Jill

    Hi I have thick wavy hair. It tends to be dry a lot lately and frizzing up. I was using a lot of OTC hair “oils” including Morocaan, Wella, organix… Etc
    I never once thought to use a clarifier as my stylist never suggested or hinted to anything about Malibu Treatments. To be honest, I never heard about Malibu until coming across this blog.
    My hair has really been acting up for last yr now. I realized that little over a yr ago I went to a new salon and the stylist used thinning shears to remove the bulk! Biggest hair mistake ever. It’s taking forever to grow back and it’s frizzier than ever! : /. I’m going to continue using the Malibu undo and Colorsafe conditioner. I ordered Sadia oil as well. After a month of clarifying which shampoo conditioner would you recommend for helping get my length and fullness back? How often would you get dusting trims? Thank you for your time.

    August 11, 2017
  • Laura

    Hi Victoria,
    This is a great article. I used Moroccan oil for a full summer before I realized it was the result of my horrible oily build up and breakage. I’ve since been on the hunt for a good shampoo and conditioner. I am currently using Monat and I’m ready to give that up as well for the same reasons. I have done a lot of research and tested a lot of products, but nothing is standing out. I saw you recommended Malibu and wondered if this would work for me. I have long, fine, natural golden blond hair. My scalp tends to get itchy (without dandruff being the cause – I believe it may be allergy related) but also oily after a day without wash. Then ends of my hair do dry out. Thanks so much!

    August 11, 2017
  • Tilma

    Hi. I’m was recently diagnosed with Lupus/Sjogren’s Syndrome. Those, plus the medication are leaving my hair really, really dry. Already had it cut very short, try quite few products, but nothing works. Could let me know which is the best product in my case? Thansk a lot.

    August 11, 2017
  • Crystal Hammond

    I just recently bought the morrocooil intense hydrating mask $65!!! I have used it 3 times would I need to use a clarifying shampoo do get it out?? Or could i just chuck it out and use a different brand and if the stuff wil come out???

    August 11, 2017
  • Gigi

    Hi, thanks a lot for your article, this inspire a lot! I have been using MO for 2 years and I had experienced the exact situation that you described!!!! I used to have shiny and hair hair but not anymore ๐Ÿ™

    I would like to obtain some advice from you:
    – I have thin hair
    – not heavy volume
    – fizzy hair
    – tangle a lot at the end
    – dark brown colour
    – experience hair loss

    What would you recommend me to try please?

    P.s. I tried to post a comment to you last month but seems it wasn’t successfully posted.. awaiting for your feedback! Thanks!!!

    August 7, 2017
      • Gigi

        Hi Victoria,

        Many thanks for your reply! I did some research on the shampoo, and saw that some of them consist on Silicon (Dimethiconol). So is it still fine to use that? Is it because the shampoo doesnt consist a lot of silicon so its fine?

        Or do you recommend to go for some SLS, paraben & silicon free shampoo? Living Proof claim to be one of them.

        Thanks!

        August 13, 2017
  • janet

    Hi Victoria I hope this is my last post because I don’t mean to bombard you with a series of questions on a weekly basis. I kind of just want a regimen for my hair it’s thick coarse wavy frizzy I was using Moroccan oil for a number of years I started using the Malibu undo goo shampoo a few days a week with the bonecure. conditioner I put coconut oil on the ends I just did a hard water packet treatment today it felt a little strange and then I put the bonecure conditioner in it how would you maintain my hair though on an everyday basis I should not wash it everyday use the same products or should I switch to a specific shampoo also what about hair color what is the best type of hair color that is healthiest I have minimal drying should I get semi-permanent or should I just get subtle highlights and that healthier and less damaging?
    My hair still isn’t feeling right I don’t know it feels dry.

    August 6, 2017
  • Janet

    How is that product line Grow Gorgeous? Would it be beneficial for coarse thick wavy hair type? Also how about Redken Smoothdown Line. I know its not Sulfate free…..
    I know oils are supposed to be great for our hair.
    https://www.growgorgeous.com/home.dept

    August 4, 2017
  • Janet

    What is the cause of all those ugly unsightly broken hairs that I can see middle to crown of my hair? you know the ones you see on a sunny day car window a bunch of spikes of broken hair ? how do you get rid of this…?

    August 4, 2017
  • Carla

    Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been using moroccan oil conditioner for about 6 months now, and your info may be the explanation of what is happening to my hair. I’ve always had a dandruff issue so it is pretty difficult for me to keep a good hair cleaning routine since my scalp goes crazy some times. I have gradually progress from cheap products to more expensive ones, but none of them seems to really work much time, they either give me dandruff of stop working leaving my hair feeling dry again. I live in Mallorca and I have to say that keeping a nice hair here is quite difficult per se, we have very alkaline water and a lot of humidity. Las winter I started using some products that make my hair feel amazing (Crush Shampoo and conditiones Power, It is a Swedish brand.) the thing is that, of course the shampoo ended up feeling super itchy and making my dandruff awfull, so I switched to Moroccan oil, cuz it was supposedly the best I could get without splurging too much. Right now my dandruff got better with a pharmaceutic shampoo, but instead I’m having some dermatitis break outs on my hair line (wich has never happened before). So, please what would you recomend me to clean my hair, and keep it healhty. My hair is long and brunette, it’s been a year since I dyed it, but I would like to change my color again, and it feels thin,dry, without shine and volumen and like it needs to be repaired. Thanks !

    August 3, 2017
  • Ally

    Hi, I use OGX Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil 100ml, and based on the ingredience this is pretty much crap to, but I only use it on the ends so I guess I am not in such a deep trouble.
    You can find the ingredience here
    https://www.superdrug.com/OGX-Moroccan-Argan-Oil/OGX-Renewing-Moroccan-Argan-Oil-100ml/p/579757?v2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInM_DnoO71QIVS40bCh1sDQyVEAkYBiABEgLrLvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

    For the shampoo and conditioner I use natural world

    http://www.natural-world.com/product/moisture-rich-shampoo-1000/

    My hair are dry but not much, but gets oily very quickly, like every second day I have to wash my hair. They don’t really grow also. What will be the good shampoo. I live in UK.

    Thank you
    Ally

    August 3, 2017
      • Ally

        Thank you very much Victoria

        August 7, 2017
  • Hi there,

    This will probably be a bit long so apologies in advance.

    I used to absolutely love my hair. It is naturally curly, fine, and I used to have a lot of it. 3 years ago I moved from Canada to Germany. I began to notice a change in my hair. I was losing a lot more in the shower and the texture began to get more and more dry.

    I’ve been dying it red for about 10 years and for the past 5 have been using esalon to colour my hair. I have a lot of grey and need to colour approximately every 6 weeks. I thought for a while it was the coloring, but after reading your article am not sure. For a very long time I’ve used the Moroccan Oil curl defining cream.

    The current state of my hair is extremely dry, the curl stays only an hour or two before hanging limp around my face, I feel that I have about half the amount of hair I used to have. I’ve also been going back and forth on how often to wash my hair. If I do it too often, it’s doesn’t help the dryness. If I wash too infrequently, I get a massive sebum build up and can even get acne. My hair doesn’t seem to get oily, it just feels gross and sometimes the follicles themselves seem to hurt.

    I currently use the Kevin Murphy Angel shampoo and rinse. Should I be switching one of those to the Hydrate me?

    I would welcome any suggestions you might have to help me with my hair problems!!

    Best wishes,
    Jessica

    July 31, 2017
  • Carina

    Hey,
    I was actually looking for a solution to my “straightening gone wrong” problem when I saw your article. I’m wondering if you could help.. I straightened my hair with Schwarzkopf Glatt-0 last December and my roots got burnt due to overprocessing I assume. So then I waited until May to redo my hair and some how ended up with ridiculous unnatural bumps in my hair. My hair is naturally thick but wavy but look way better without the straightening clearly. So my question is, should I get them straightened again cause they look ridiculous and if so when since I’ve done it in December and then again in May?! Or better yet is there a way to strip off the straightening all together – oiling or salt water.. does any of it work!? HELP!!!

    I’m hoping you can help a girl out! Thanks xx

    July 29, 2017
      • Carina

        Thank you so much!! Appreciate it a lot! I love my hair long so I’ll grow it out! Much love!!xx

        August 1, 2017
  • Kay

    Hi. After having my two children, I lost an extreme amount of hair. I seen a dermatologist last year who said its in my genetics and that’s why I’m loosing so much hair. Something to do with my hormones being up and down through pregnancy has caused my premature hair loss. I tried the Nioxin system for about 10 months. The reason I stopped using it is because it completely dried out my hair, made my scalp shiny and more noticeable and I never seen true results. I’ve never been one to have my hair cut routinely. I usually only cut it twice a year. It takes forever to grow anyways. I used to dye my hair maybe twice a year but after the birth of my children and all the scary hair loss I stopped all together. I usually buy drug store shampoos and conditioners that are labeled for “Volumizing and/or Thickening”. I recently purchased the big duo set of HASK Argan oil shampoo and conditioner from Costco. I’ve been using it for about two weeks and love how smooth my hair feels and looks however this morning I noticed some dandruff and a terribly itchy spot on my scalp. I didn’t buy it to help with the volume, I just thought if my hair gets healthier and has more moisture, that maybe it’ll help with my natural volume. Wrong! It’s still flat, thin and fine.
    I’m only 27 and I would LOVE some suggestions. I’m not looking for a miracle. I would just like to find a product that helps my hair feel and look more thick and also one that doesn’t strip it of moisture. My confidence level is very low. I’m always wondering if everyone’s staring at the girl with very thin hair ๐Ÿ™ I even bought a real human hair wig last year but ended up selling it just because I could never be comfortable wearing it.
    Thanks for reading!

    July 27, 2017
      • Kay

        Hi Victoria! Thanks for the quick reply.
        As for a clarifying shampoo, what would be a good one to use? I’ll be traveling to the states this weekend and will buy it down there.
        I will get my ferritin checked again. Thanks for all your tips!

        July 28, 2017
          • Kay

            Hi Victoria,

            Do you know where I can find Malibu C UnDo Goo in Vancouver? I’ve checked a few salons in Bellingham and Vanvouver and I can’t seem to find it.
            Also, I did try the Schwarzkopf colour save shampoo and conditioner but felt there was too much residue left on my scalp that it made my already thin hair look even thinner. Do you happen to know of any good organic lines? I used to use Sukin while pregnant and I’m debating if I should try it again.
            Thanks!

            August 14, 2017
      • Michelle Hamilton

        I myself have lost over 2/3 of my hair in the last 5 months. This also happend to me 2.5 years ago and I ended up having to wear wigs for 6 mo till i had enough growth for dream catcher extensions. I wore them for 2 years and my hair grew back. Filled out nice so I took them out. One month after taking them out my hair started falling out by the handfulls again. I am devastated. I use and have always used salon products. I’m at a loss. I have spent thousands of dollars on diff products including several of Kevin Murphy’s line, all natural/organic, vitamins & cure all’s. I have had test after test ran. My testosterone is not low. Ive Seen dermatologist and multiple other doctors with no help & no answers. As soon as water hits my hair if comes out by the roots in my hands. I try not to touch it and it will still fall out into the water in the bathtub. I have zip lock bags full of my hair from every wash. I can’t even run my fingers or brush through without gobs of hair coming out by the roots. It has consumed me and I’m completely devastated. I’m 45 with a 15 year old son who is very active in sports and at school. I’m so embarrassed. I don’t even want to leave my house

        August 15, 2017
  • Heena

    Y m i loosing hair inspite of doin evrthng… my diet includes lots of proteins n m hvin a healthy diet.. oilin n shampooin regularly still its breakin lyk hell…. durin pregnancy i achievd a grt length n hair fall was zero or 1 hair falled in one day… after breastfeed hair are falling very very badly… nw wht do i do

    July 27, 2017
  • Janet

    Hi again….so I tried using the Malibu C undo goo shampoo along with the BC BOnecure color safe low pH conditioner…and an olaplex number 3 . My hair still feels coarse frzzy and like straw.
    Would I benefit from also doing the Malibu salon treatment as well as the saadia oil?

    July 27, 2017
      • janet

        oh wow thank you for that. I did buy the olaplex from amazon….lol oops
        I’ve been using the Malibu undo goo for about 2 weeks now. it feels slightly better. As far as texture goes..yes its always been coarse…however, after blowouts my hair would feel thick soft and shiny like silk. My hair type is SUPER thick coarse wavy…not super tight curls.. it air dries very thick..with frizzy loose curls. I cannot seem to get a healthier blowout any longer…now I see I a lot of broken hairs where they shouldn’t be as well as hair not growing past my shoulders..im guessing…that my stylist keeps cutting it over an inch due to damage…from buildup??? not sure really why it doesn’t grow long anymore.
        I’ve noticed hair issues for 2 yrs now.
        Also, how do you feel about me getting the Malibu C treatment in the salon?

        July 28, 2017
  • Chele

    Iโ€™m so glad I found this article! Iโ€™ve been using Moroccan Oil for over 3 months now. I had used it before, but my sister-in-law starting selling Monat and convinced me to try it. It was okay but, for the price, not spectacular. I ended up going back to Moroccan Oil. Iโ€™m noticing my curl (2b/c) has actually started to straighten out, which is horrifying โ€“ I love my natural curl! Now I know what the culprit is. As I started letting my hair go naturally grey over a year ago, Iโ€™ll be trying the Malibu Blondes collection. I also wanted to say โ€œthank youโ€ for your comments on ordering from Amazon, etc. Itโ€™s easier, and sometimes cheaper, but not worth the worry of the product being tampered with. Lastly, when I mentioned finding this article to a friend at work, she said that sheโ€™d been using it for a month and noticed her shower drain was getting clogged up fairly regularly โ€“ something that never happened before. When her man swamped out the drain he said that it was completely coated with conditioner (along with the usual gross amount of hair that comes out โ€“ yuck!) She quit using MO immediately.

    July 24, 2017
  • Andra

    Hiii! I’m really glad i found this article. I’ve been using the smoothing lotion once a week for about a month and it’s been okay so far but i’ll toss it out before it actually damages my hair. I have long ish wavy hair that’s naturally frizzy if i don’t use proper products in the shower and it tangles easily. I’ve managed to make it look decent but i’m still not happy with it. The strands of hair are all puffed out and don’t stay together so i have to straighten it to look a lil more “put together” even though i wish i could just blowdry it for it to look nice. I’ve had a haircut problem so it has just now started to grow in volume again and i have a lot of short strands of hair. Also.. humidity is my worstttt nightmare.. it puffs out instantly and it’s all over the place.. a frizzy mess. Sometimes i feel like i’m burning it with straightening it everyday in vain cause it never stays the same when i step outside. Can you please recommend me some products to get that smooth, sleek and shiny look? I literally never managed to get that look at home. I’m currently using the Macadamia Natural Oil shampoo, Aussie Moist 3 minute miracle conditioner and the L’Oreal Liss Unlimited Keratinoil Complex mask (i just bought this one) and i used to use the Revlon uniq one treatment before i bought the smoothing lotion from moroccanoil but it wasn’t that great. I’m happy to replace them though just to get that salon look. Sorry if i blabbered a lot haha

    July 21, 2017
      • Andra

        Sorry if i’m asking too many questions but could you tell me your thoughts on the Kerastase discipline line? I just noticed i’m close to finishing my shampoo and conditioner and i can’t decide with what to replace them from what you’ve told me too. I payed a lot of money for some products that dryed my hair out in the shower and i wanna make sure i buy the right stuff this time haha. Is there a high end line that is worth splurging on?

        July 29, 2017
  • Elle

    Hey! Thank you for this amazing write up. It was so informative and helpful to know about these products! I would love to know your suggestion for oily hair which I struggle with. It sometimes even gets oily the same day I wash it! Currently using tresseme shampoo- I usually do an ACV wash following shampoo (never really use conditioner) and from time to time use coconut oil (organic and pure!) to help as well. I saw amazing results from both helping my hair get thicker and healthier but never conquered the oil problem. I wish I knew of a better shampoo to use them tresseme – maybe that would help? I appreciate your response and thank you in advance!

    July 19, 2017
  • Janet

    Hi again…i had written in a prior post that I was a long time user of silicone based hair products as well as the Morocaan oil.. without having any knowledge of it’s detrimental hair effects. Would the now popular baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinse be beneficial for my coarse curly hair? I understand the Malibu goo undo shampoo is a good solution as well but it’s taking forever to arrive in the mail! I’m just very impatient because it’s summertime and we all like to look nice this time of year! My once healthly lustrous locks look completely fried ,frayed and frizzy right now…even after doing the Redken Cat spray and olaplex number 3 treatment. : /
    Also when I do go to the salon and get my hair colored and trimmed should I do a non-permanent color ammonia-free.. and should I also have them do a gloss treatment each time I go. I apologize for the countless number of questions I have it just really want to get my hair healthy again

    July 17, 2017
  • Janet Cody

    Hi I have longish (passed shoulders) coarse curly hair. I get it colored around every 8 weeks. I’m 35 so I’m starting to gray a little by the sides. I have been using Morocaan Oil prodcuts for few yrs and after reading your site…I had an OMG moment. My hair has soooooo many unsightly flyaways. I see who’s supposed to be a top notch hair stylist in Locust Valley NY …Darrens….and never once did he warn me about Moroccan oil …he DID recently recommend Oloplex and Sapphira brand products. But if I have ALL that Moroccan oil buildup how is my hair EVER supposed to get a good result from these products. He never tells me about clarifying my hair etc. I’m honestly very disheartened and upset after reading your page about the MO brand. I feel like I’ve been conned all this time. lol. I’m even more disappointed w/ my stylist for not having the decency to put me on a good product line and tell me how to get my ha ir in tip top shape. Instead he fries my hair w/ these blowouts I can actually smell my hair burning.
    So from what I gathered from reading your M O brand blog. For my thick coarse loose curly dark brown hair type. I need to stop w/ my blowouts….get rid of the Moroccan oil…invest in that Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Hairtherapy Color Save Conditioner as well as Malibu Un-Do-Goo Clarifying Shampoo…Do you recommend any other products for me. Or some kind of a routine to undue all this yucky damage? Should I try putting oils in my hair. I tried coconut oil 2 weeks ago and my hair felt like straw literally afterwards. I then learned its because my hair is to coarse and thich..and probably have too much keratin and the Coconut oil makes it worse. Also worth noting….my hair color fades within literally a week. again probably due to the Moroccan oil.
    Thank you for your advice in advance!

    July 13, 2017
  • Anne

    Hi!
    I have progressively thinning and fine hair, that also has ‘fluffy’ body, not like a lot of people with fine hair that is pin straight (i think that might be better). In the past year i have been losing a lot of hair, and my hair is very dry…. i assumed it was due to a surgery i had at Christmas. I use pureology, but have also been doing ACV treatments the last fee months and also use Olaplex regularly. I only recently started using Moroccan oil as it is the only thing i could fine that made my hair look better and not feel like straw.
    So! What do you recommend I do going forward for healthy manageable hair and scalp?

    Thanks!!!!!!!

    July 9, 2017
      • What an eye opening article. Thank you for being honest and letting the public know! I have a question to you about my fine and thining hair. I have been using Nioxin shampoo and condition and then started shampooing with Lipogaine (switching everyother day with Nioxin). I also stimulate my scalp for growth. I use Lanza trauma treatment every day after my shower along with Argan Oil made by Fructis. I love how it makes my hair feel. Does this Argan oil also have the same problems as you mention? I also us Castor Oil mixed with water and spray on my scalp nightly to help hair growth. Any problems with Castor oil buildup?

        July 28, 2017
  • Ross

    Great article, thank you! I’m hoping you can help with a few product recommendations.

    I’m a man with coarse thick hair that is normal to slightly dry (products for normal to slightly oily don’t work for me), cut pretty short (2-4 inches on top). For the last 1 1/2 years, I have been using Keratase Nutritive Shampoo, Moroccan Oil Hydrating Conditioner and Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream, all usual every 1-2 days. I LOVE the shampoo and saw you recommended this line. I haven’t noticed a lot of negative effects and my hair is very short and grows quickly, but after reading your article, I’d like to explore other products

    1. Can you recommend an alternate conditioner?

    2. Can you recommend an alternate styling product? I prefer a light/medium hold and like to still be able to run my fingers through my hair. For a stronger hold, I already have Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming cream, which I’m happy with, so I’d like something with a lighter touch than that.

    3. My wife likes the Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo. She has thin, fine hair – can you recommend an alternate there?

    Thank you!

    July 6, 2017
  • Maria

    Hey Victoria!
    I’m a caucasian Norwegian girl with blonde, curly hair. My curls are kind of big and looks like the curls most people make with curling irons. I don’t have problems with greasy or dry hair, but my hair gets tangled the day after washing my hair and it is almost always frizzy, regardless of the time of my hair wash.
    Anyways, I have been using the weightless shine shampoo and balsam by define in about three years. I have never tried curl products, partly because I’m 15 and it’s pricey, but also because my mother, who buys the hair products have straight hair. But I have tried both expensive and inexpensive products as well as the define products, but I must say that define has the best non-curl products for my hair.
    However I have now begun my search for some curl-based products. I was about to buy the moroccan oil products, with several recommendations from my friends and having tried a great sample once, until I stumbled over this article.
    So I was wondering if u could recommend a shampoo, conditioner and a mousse or something, that will take away the frizz, give me more curls and maintain the softness and mouistness of my hair. I’ve seen that you’ve recommended several products to others, but it seems like all of them have either to oily or to dry hair, which is not a problem in my case.
    (Ps. I’ve heard that silk-pillows will prevent hair from getting tangled, is that true?)
    Thanks, Maria

    July 4, 2017
  • you?
    First of all, thank you for your honesty about products. Due to all the hype I tried moroccan oil and got terrible results. Same with organ oil. I use Controlled Chaos styling cream and it really keeps my hair soft and manageable. I am looking for more volume/lift at roots but hate crunchy hair. Yes, Ive been trying all types of techniques but remain a bit disappointed. I’ve also used Deva Curl gel, moisture lock, no-poo/conditioner. Not all that impressed so far. I wrote your suggestions down but if you have more suggestions please share. My hair is very fine as well. Thank you.

    June 28, 2017
  • Johan

    Hi Victoria,

    I came across you website as i am a user of the Maroccanoil line which i got from my hair salon. After using it for half a year or more my hair is getting extremely greasy in between washes. Normally i like it a bit as i have a bit wavy/curly hair and the hair curls come out nicely. But its getting way to greasy and way too fast. Also lots of hair fall out when washing it, but sort of always had that i think. I wash/condition every 4 days.

    What products would you recommend me?

    Male, brown hair (with some gay), its medium thick, wavy with a bit of curls.

    Kind regards from The Netherlands

    Johan

    June 28, 2017
    • Johan

      Hi Victoria,
      Thank you for your reply. Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo is not not available here and online only in the US it seems. Is there an alternative?

      Almost forgot, i also use the Maroccanoil Curl Defining cream. I kinda like it, is there an alternative you would suggest?

      June 29, 2017
  • Lisa

    Hi, I have fine hair that I have gotten bleached foy years. About 6 months ago I started using Moroccan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo & Conditioner. My hair has be one dry, brittle and the breakage it awful. How and what products should I use to get my hair back to a healthy condition. Thanks so much in advance!

    June 20, 2017
  • Rina

    Hello, I have thick wavy hair that usually like to curl. My stylist had me use morroccon oil dream curls and now I have no more curls and my hair feels greasy even after washing it (and I’m not an oily person). I want a shampoo and conditioner that will help my hair stay healthy and nourished without being heavy or greasy. I would really appreciate any help!! PS I did have the Bed Head recovery shampoo and conditioner used on me once and it felt pretty nice.

    June 7, 2017
  • Abhi

    I have a horrible experience with my hair going totally dry and frizzy after using these argan oil products specially the ACURE shampoo and conditioner. I had my first hair highlights 2 months back and i wanted to use a shampoo without parabens and was introduced to this shampoo by a friend.

    My hair is Naturally wavy and now it started losing its shape. I have no clue now on how and what to choose as my next shampoo, so that i don’t loose the shine of my hair totally.

    Do you have any suggestions of hair shampoo that are paraben and silicone free so that it wont bring down my highlights and have no harsh chemicals. I would definitely need a suggestion on how to maintain it going forward.

    Thanks,
    Abhi

    May 31, 2017
  • Aditi

    Omg, this is so true. I was using moroccon oil and shampoo past 2 3 months and was noticing terribly dry and fragile hair at the ends. I thought there is something wrong in my diet but actly eat quite a well balanced diet. Now I got the main reason. It was this oil. what a waste of money.
    Please suggest some nice shampoo.
    Also suggest if Moroccon oils shampoo and conditioners are good or not.
    Thank u so much

    May 22, 2017
  • Susie

    Hi Victoria

    I have naturally fine curly hair and quite damaged by bleaching as well. Before I bleached my hair my hair was about upper back length, but since I bleached I struggle to grow my hair over shoulder length. It’s really bad that I use straightener regularly too as I do not like the curls, which has not helped my hair situation. I’m very glad about reading your post as I was looking at buying a range of Moroccan oil products. I have been using their hair oil the last few months and I will definitely stop using it. Any good recommendations on repairing and growing my hair longer? I don’t care about the price but I just want beautiful long hair again!! Thank you!!!!

    May 14, 2017
  • Tsion

    I have just order moroccoan oil for my dry scalp my problem is that I have a dry scalp and dandruff it’s hard and embarrassed for me to control itching in front of my customers my doctor recommend me to use moroccan oil do you think I should start using it or do you mind advising me other product which helps me to control itchiness and dandruff.

    May 13, 2017
  • Can you please comment on Image Intrakera leave-in conditioner and Brocato Curlkarma? After reading your article I just washed my hair with Dawn to strip the Moroccan oil I have been putting on my hair every day…ugh! Now I’m using the above. I have curly hair that has lost some of its nice curl and seemed dry and frizzy, now I know why..thanks Moroccan Oil.

    May 4, 2017
  • Bailey

    Hello,
    I am having a hard time finding good hair care products I have looked at some of your suggested ones in your article, but I am trying to find a good shampoo and conditioner and wheat soy or bad silicones or parabens that can hurt me or my hair. If you have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated(:
    Sincerely,
    Bailey

    April 28, 2017
  • Ever since I have started this line, my hair has been shedding like crazy. I thought it was something in my diet but I haven’t changed a thing besides buying all the products from this line. This is only two weeks of using it too. My hair snaps and breaks very easily. I have been losing my hair. This is a horrible brand.

    April 16, 2017
  • Laverne

    Hi. This was a very interesting article to read. Wish I had found this 4 years ago. I am a redhead with shoulder length hair who about 4 years ago was told by my salon to use Moroccan oil. At the time I thought my hair was a little dry and needed some help. So everyday I used the oil. About a year later my hair is breaking off and falling out. My doctor said there is nothing wrong with my hair it looks fine. But I knew different . I had him order full lab work on me just to rule health reasons out. Then after 2 years past my hair is even thinner and you can really notice the breakage. Again my hairdresser said keep using the Moroccan oil and to start using the Kevin Murphy plumping wash for thinning hair. I really like this shampoo and it made my hair feel somewhat better. However after every wash I was still using the Moroccan oil. I have always curled my hair everyday with an iron for like 20 years so why now is my hair falling out and breaking off? I had my doctor send me to a skin doctor for my hair in Vancouver but he did nothing for me. Said my hair is fine. Now 4 years later I can do nothing with my hair it is very fine, thin, lifeless, dull and I just cry cause what is left to do with my hair other than a wig. Then the other night I thought and thought and came to the clue it must be the Moroccan oil that has sucked the life out of my hair and ruined my self esteem. This is what brought me to your article. Thank you! Thank you! I have recently purchased the Kevin Murphy maxi wash and used it once so far. I think I can use it once a week. I am still using the Kevin Murphy plumping wash and a hair protector before I curl it. Four days into it and my hair feels free and if I can say happy. Please help me and inform me if I am on the right track or is there any products you may suggest I can use. Like a leave in conditioner? I don’t want to be using the wrong shampoo/conditioner and be right back in the rut again or worse yet lose what hair I have left.

    April 12, 2017
  • This is an amazing site! I’m so happy I found this article. I used to be an all over bleached blonde then I grew my hair out to my boobs and now only 4 inches of the “all over blonde” exists at the ends. (I have highlights on the top) I’ve been using Moroccan oil on my ends, loved it at first, but now they feel like straw. I have fine hair but a lot of it and it lays straight and flat unless i put it up in a bun, then I can get some wave. I have to wash my hair every day or my scalp gets super oily, but my ends are always dry and straw-like. I also have tons of breakage.

    What should I use to clarify the silicons out? Once clarified what should my daily shampoo and conditioner be? What should I use to detangle my hair when I get out of the shower and what do I put on my ends to hydrate and help with breakage?

    Thank you!!!!!

    April 10, 2017
  • Sarah Short

    Hi,
    i recently found out about the silicone in oils, and stopped using them immediately, i have dyed blonde hair, and its very curly, so it is heat treated quite often, i would use hair masks weekly, and still get no repair to my damaged hair.
    after one trip to the salon, i went a little blonder than normal, and before i knew it my hair was snapping off at bottom, and i lost about, 5cm off the length.

    since then i have been trying everything to get it to grow, getting olaplex treatements and avoiding heat treating it so much.
    sadly its still breaking off at the ends.
    now that i have stopped with the oils, i have noticed my colour is turning less yellow as well which is awesome, however im still struggling with dry hair. Do you have any recomendations to make my hair less frizzy and feel less dry throughout the day that isnt an oil. i was using morrocan oil for years so not used to not putting anything in it .

    Thanks a lot ๐Ÿ™‚

    April 5, 2017
  • Tarry

    Hi Victoria,

    Thanks for your genuine and informative post. You have actually saved many people from getting into the hair trouble & saved many from wasting their money on morocconoil.
    And I was one of them. As I was about to buy morocconoil shampoo & mask for my dry & frizzy hair.

    Could you please help me and suggest me that which shampoo & mask can I buy. As I have very dry, extremely frizzy & thin but long hair( it touches my belly button).
    Also in our religion we don’t cut our hair, I can only get split ends done in 3-4 months.

    Actually I got hair Smoothening (rebounding) done last yr and I was using L’Orรฉal repair shampoo & mask as adviced by my hair stylist. But I stopped using it about couple of months back coz I was facing problem of extreme itchiness on my scalp & also extreme hair fall as well. So I used viviscal shampoo( which is for hair regrowth) but it didnt worked .
    So now I am using John Frieda Flawless straight. But it’s not working either. I usually do hair spa treatment and L’Orรฉal power dose treatment at home ( as I have small baby so don’t get time to go to salon)
    My hair is getting worse day by day and I have severe hair fall (probably we just moved to Texas and water is hard here). I feel like I will get bald soon as it has become really thin. Now I have started taking vitamin for hair too.
    But nothing is working for me…๐Ÿ˜ž
    Please help me and save me from getting bald.
    I would be waiting for your reply.

    Thanks
    Tarry

    April 4, 2017
  • Jason

    May have been asked and answered but there are a lot of comments. Heard argan oil worked extremely well for dry scalp/dandruff. This is an understatement for mine.. are there any specific shampoos tailored towards that or can any of your suggested products work to eliminate over time?

    April 4, 2017
  • Wow! You are a genius! I am very low maintenance with my hair and low budget, and as an outdoor girl with lots of time behind me in the sun and ocean, my hair ( often with highlights) is super dry, with split ends and frizzy. Naturally my hair has some wave and can get quite wavy/curly in moist conditions, or more straight if a dry climate. I have not blow dried my hair for about 10 years and I don’t even use a brush. I was having so much breakage before I switched to natural hair dye (it helps Tintsofnature)..and I was using an oil serum that I just was suspecting was making things worse. Yesterday I read your page and immediately did a clarifying shampoo. Wow my hair felt so clean. I let it air dry and my hair was gorgeous all day and night. Today I went out and bought the BC Bonacare end sealer and also the moisture kick shampoo and leave in conditioner. I used the end sealer today and wow..My hair feels so soft and light still from yesterday’s clarified wash ( no conditioner, who would have thought)..and it nearly feels like I had it done at a salon. It is the nicest my hair has felt in years. Next wash I will see how the shampoo and leave in conditioner work. I can see lots of other products on your list that would work too…but this is a start. In live in kits, so just walked right over to Zenkai. For my next purchase, I will try a purple shampoo. There she recommended milk shake but I will follow your lead and probably get one of those angel products? Thanks so much!! great advice!!! seems like I have just been adding gunk to my hair all this time. Thank goodness I googled that and found your site! It feels so natural and healthy now.:) ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you!

    April 3, 2017
  • Gina

    Hi Victoria…thanks for all the info on Morrocan Oil. My hairdresser recently highlighted my hair and used Moroccan oil products on me that day..i fell in love with the smell….so I purchased some shampoo and conditioner on line. My hair is looking more and more brassy….for awhile it looked really good….but then again I was isrimg purple shampoo. Do you think the Morrocan shampoo and conditioner is ruining my hair? I just love the way it smells.๐Ÿ˜Š

    March 29, 2017
  • Cathy

    After reading your blog, I’ve stopped using Moroccan Oil as a leave-in for heat protection after shampoo/conditioner. I’m not experiencing dry & brittle hair, but I’m noticing I have WAY less hair (normally have a TON of hair!) & my hair color wasn’t working like it should (I have red hair). I’ve clarified once with Nutrogena Anti Residue. Do I need to do that multiple times? And now I’m kind of spooked about what products to use? I have wavy hair that I CAN leave natural, but most times blow dry or curling iron. What shampoo, conditioner & heat protectant do you recommend? I SO wish I lived near you & could get my hair cut to let my natural curls do their thing! Thank you for all your help!

    February 25, 2017
  • Sandrine

    Thank you so much for your article, you have helped me so much in resolving my problem! I have my roots done regularly with Inoa process which I love because it has no harsh chemicals, at my hairdresser.
    My hair was a little dry ( I had run out of my fav products by Oribe) so without asking me the hairdresser sprained a bunch of Moroccan “Oil” in my hair at the end of the coloring process and put a plastic cap on. she didn’t tell me but I heard her say to her assistant to get the Moroccan oil spray.
    After she blow dried and straightened my hair, I never get a blow out as I prefer my hair naturally wavy.
    Anyway as soon as I walked out I noticed my hair was totally static, and already during the 5 minutes I sat with the Moroccan product on my scalp and hair my scalp was starting to get irritated :(:(

    After a few days and washing my hair twice, I couldn’t get rid of the static, and my scalp would get really oily quick and was very itchy…I had never experienced this..

    Thankfully I found your found your post and immediately got the Neutrogena clarifying shampoo and Keratine hair creme by Rene Furterer which was for sale closest to where I live, but eventually I got the Kevin Murphy products and that really did the trick!

    I felt the Neutrogena just didn’t really do the trick and eventually found a salon that sells Kevin Murphy not too far away. I used the KM Maxiwash which really stripped the silicones out and immediately my scalp stopped being itchy, and no more static hairs being stuck to my face for no reason..

    Now am using KM Angel hair shampoo and the Hydrate me rinse (my hair is naturally wavy, and fine/medium Northern European hair) and still use a bit of RF Keratin creme at the ends and my hair feels great now after almost 2 weeks of disaster!! I am totally in love with the Kevin Murphy products now!

    Read too many bad reviews that on line company’s secretly dilute the Kevin Murphy products, also the shampoo/conditioner are $30 in the salon in NYC, and actually saw some higher prices on line!

    I was given the Oribe Goldlust shampoo/conditioner, have used it and it’s a great product for my hair but the price of $49 per bottle is too steep! Now found a really good new line…thank you again for your great advice!

    February 21, 2017
  • Cathy

    Thank you so much! Reading your comments has given me hope that I may have found the reason for my hair thinning! I’ve always had REALLY thick & coarse hair, to the point that it would need to be thinned periodically. As I look back, I think I’ve been losing it over the last 2-3 years, which is how long I’ve been using Moroccan oil as a leave in after shampooing & conditioning. Just like so many people have said, in the beginning it felt wonderful! But over time, my hair has become frizzy & definitely way less of it! I’m obsessed with finding the cause & trying to restore my hair!

    I have natural red hair, but as I’ve aged, instead of going gray my red has become brown. So I color my hair with L’Oreal Preference. What do you recommend I do to get rid of the silicone build up & what should I do going forward? After I clarify, what should I do? How do I know if the silicone build up is gone? Should I do it multiple times over a period of time? What shampoo & conditioner do you recommend I use? Ok to continue with my color?

    After I clarify & stop using the moroccan oil will my hair grow back? I’m so desperate!

    Thank you!!

    February 19, 2017
  • Iryna

    Hi Victoria,
    What is always strange for me is that how, companies, that actually damage your hair still are popular, in demand. With so many people complaining about how Moroccanoil actually made it worse for them, how come it is not brought Up to attention, so that companies like moroccanoil stop making false statements about how wonderful their products are. For me it is like a crime, yet nothing is happening, they are in business.

    February 18, 2017
  • Dawn DeWeese

    I had just started using an argan spray shortly before getting my hair highlighted. It used to have natural curl in it, now it won’t keep a curl even with a professional curling iron. My color is good and I don’t want to lose it. What can I use to give life back to my hair?

    February 14, 2017
  • Deb

    Thank you so much for this VERY informative article! I’ve learned a lot from you and wIll be checking out some of the products you suggest here as well as working on removing any silicone build up I’ve accumulated. (I think I’ve got some build up because I notice that oils I put on my hair don’t seem to penetrate well – whereas they absorbed fully before)

    I’m older now and my hair is dryer, frizzier, and thinner these days, so I’m always looking for products that smooth, hydrate, but still keep some lightness/volume in my hair.

    Can I ask your opinion of Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil? I’ve noticed that their first ingredient is dimethicone. Would you put it in the same camp as Morrocan Oil, or do you think it’s safe in small amounts on the mid section/ends?

    Also, I’ve used the Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo on occassion but find it quite drying. Is the Malibu product you mention a little bit gentler do you think?

    And is there a silicone free product you’d suggest for smoothing/defrizzing/blow dry protection? It sounds like you’re a big fan of argan oil. Is there something else you’d suggest mixing it with to make a homemade formula?

    Thanks again for all of this valuable information!

    February 9, 2017
  • Have you used Monat before? Their products remove all that build up and have no silicones, surfates, sodium or other harsh salts. I never knew how much build up I had until I used Monat, and now my hair is so clean I only need to wash it once every 3-4 days (whereas I used to have to wash it every other day). I would be interested to know what you think of Monat!

    February 7, 2017
      • Jen

        I have used Monat for 7 weeks. I have curly hair and have used the Unwash products with Paul Mitchell mouse. I’m still using Monat amd my hair has fallen out like crazy. It also feels so dry, damaged and and thin now. Curls are loosing their nice wave and just dull unwavy or culry. I’ve spent $600 because i became a rep and now I can’t even get my money back. Not sure what to do. Keep going and have it look even worse or try another line to find a good shampoo, conditioner and styling products for curly hair.

        July 27, 2017
          • Gen

            I went to Ulta and after being there for 2 hours reading several lines I decided to buy the Quidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing,conditioner, Moisture lock leave in conditioner and their define styling gel-cream. I also bought some Paul Mitchell Clarifying Two and John Masters pure 100% Moroccan oil. I went home and did the clarifying twice and since I had some deep treatment from Deva Curl I left it on for 30 minutes. When I was done I added some leave in conditioner with some drops of oil and finished it with the gel-cream, twirled sections and did a loose twist on top of my head for 20 min. I want to cry at how soft and healthy in just ONE day my hair feels.I am so blessed. I normally have to put so many styling products on my curly hair but with the leave in and gel cream that was enough. Please please stay away from Monat, your hair should never fall out in clumps for weeks due to detox , feel itchy and dry and unhealthy to the touch. I think some of the ingredients are alcohol. I should have known better. I am just so lucky I stopped right away when my gut was telling me this was not right. I appreciate your help on the growth product line ๐Ÿ™‚ You will save me hours of researching. Thanks for your help and posting your knowledge as you learn. Have a blessed day.

            July 29, 2017
          • Gen

            I apologize I meant ARGON from John Masters NOT Moroccan Oil.
            I used Moroccan oil last year (shampoo, conditioner, oil, curl cream, mousse ) from a stylist who advised me on this line and it was the same nightmare as Monat. I still have over $200 of these products in my bathroom ๐Ÿ™

            July 29, 2017
  • Thank you for such an awesome article dear and from my experience with sheamoisture I want to share that i am using hair care products for my hair Because this formulation provides nourishing hydration to brittle, over-processed curls. Natural ingredients like peppermint invigorate the scalp and strengthen your hair from the roots.

    February 7, 2017
  • Taryn

    further to my comment just now, these are brands available here:
    http://www.stylestudio.co.za/brands/

    February 3, 2017
  • Taryn

    Hi Victoria,
    I stumbled across your blog as I was researching Moroccan Oil, because I had seen a you tube video where they promoted it to help with hair loss.
    My hair has been thinning out drastically over the past 3 months, temples, top, back and now from the front…..I have no clue why or where to even start.
    I have someone helping me work on what could be going on inside of me, but in the meantime I would love to address how poor, run down and dry my VERY FINE hair is looking as well as my scalp issues. I began with dandruff a year ago. I always feel the need to rub my fingers through my hair, rubbing the scalp, not too vigorously, but I do this a few times in a day. I dont think that is why my hair is now falling out though.
    But, I would like to clean my scalp in case that would assist with things….I live in South Africa and the products you mentioned I cant seem to find here.
    I was looking at this site under there hair loss products and I see Nixon is available. Can you look at suggest something for me? I would really appreciate it? ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚
    http://www.scarhair.co.za/hair-loss#/pageSize=6&viewMode=grid&orderBy=0
    Any advise really would help on how I could maybe clean the scalp. Also u mentioned dish soap as a cheap option to clarify. How would I make this up. Just put it neat onto the head and leave for 10 mins and shampoo out? ๐Ÿ™‚
    Much appreciated, Taryn

    February 3, 2017
  • Also is Shea moisture a good brand?

    January 31, 2017
  • Hi there, so glad you made this article I’ve been searching around for months! About 2 months ago I started the “no-poo” trend. I started it because my hair had been getting thinner for the last year but became more alarming to me when it really started shedding a lot in the wide tooth comb every day. Every SINGLE time I comb, gently even, it is as if you took all the hair that collected in your brush after 3 days of brushing..this is after ONE time combing. It’s ridiculous and scary! my mom has twice the thickness of hair than I do, so I know it’s not genetic. My dad has lost his hair though so I guess it could be from him? The thing is I’m 20 years old and find it shocking to lose so much hair.
    The no poo thing seemed to help so much in the beginning with hair fall. I still had some that was a little more than normal but nothing like before. Then one day I used the baking soda again to help with the transition, and after that the hair shed was worse! I thought I screwed up with the baking soda so I haven’t used it at all since then, a few weeks ago. Now I barley wash my hair but when I do I use honey, safflower oil, olive oil, lemon, and apple cider vinegar for conditioning rinse. I have stopped using cocnut oil because it worked wonders at first, before no poo, but my hair was dry and straw like after a while and I learned about protein overload. Let me add that I stopped taking birth control after 5 years and thought maybe the “lack of estrogen” my body thinks it’s being deprived of after years of feeding myself extra amounts of it ? What do you think.
    My question is, is no poo worth it because a lotttt of people say and show that after the transitioning stage it has worked for them!
    Also no one believes that the products in the store are bad and I’m tired of people trying to recommend horrible brands to me simply because of their lack of understanding and ignorance.
    Are these brands good or bad:
    Redken
    schwarzkopf Oil treatment
    Pura d’or
    L’Orรฉal hair line
    Biolage RAW line (shampoo, conditioner and mask)
    It’s a 10 leave in sprays
    Miracle 7 line
    And what is good to use naturally speaking?
    Like the honey and oils, are they bad to use?
    THANK YOU SO MUCH!

    January 31, 2017
  • Debra Mackay

    Thank you and the ladies who have shared their comments on this post. My hair has started to thin very noticeably, with lots being list while washing – even more when conditioner was applied. I’ve been using morrocan oil Shampoo, Conditioner and leave in Oil.
    My hair gets greasy at the roots, smokes when straightened and despite all the oil, remains dry, brittle and frizzy.
    I was getting quite upset with my hair thinning and put it down to stress. The stress of thinning hair is enough in itself!

    Then the other morning a couple of weeks ago whilst in the shower it suddenly struck me that perhaps the morrocan oil shampoo didn’t agree with me so I used some of my husband’s 3 Action Head and Shoulders shampoo.

    I have to say it felt so nice, fresh and clean! By the second use I no longer had clumps of hair falling out whilst washing my hair. What a relief! I have still used the Morrocan Oil shampoo and even then there are literally just a few hairs that fall out.

    I am going to look back through these posts and write down the recommended conditioners and heat protectors.

    Is Head and Shoulders worthy of use?

    My hair is highlighted all over, naturally curly but straightened mist days. I realise with lightening my hair and using straighteners it is never going to be in excellent condition, but what would you recommend. I get split ends all the time.

    If I pull my hair between my finger nails I am left pinching a load of split ends which have broken off.

    I am so cross with Morrocan Oil. The products are expensive and they have badly damaged my hair.

    This is being shared on my Facebook to help and warn other ladies!

    I’m from England and the product is heavily pushed by salons over here too. It seems they restrict the sale to salons so they can demand a higher price and make it feel more special and exclusive.

    Your product recommendations will be greatly received!!

    Thank you again, and for lifting the lid on this dishonest scam!

    Debbie

    January 19, 2017
  • Voula

    Hi Victoria
    i recently bleached my hair after bleach there where a lil damaged so i decided to buy the moroccan oil repair line shampoo, conditioner and both of the masks restorative and intense hydrating after almost 2 months i m using i saw no differense at all my hair still dry and frizzy , when i bleached them first time on October i was using a line from Phyto shampoo and mask plus to give some protein i was using extreme cat from redken, recently by mistake of the hair dresser i had my hair cut a lot good thing is dead ends are mostly gone but they still need moisture should i continue with Phyto line from now on ? I have already done olaplex therapy once and will continue do once a month for the next 3 months cause i ve read it has great results
    Thank u in advance for any advice

    January 14, 2017
  • Doris

    My hair has also become a lot worse after using Moroccan oil for a while and I changed to Aveda instead. If this problem affects so many people, I’m not sure why the company is not doing anything about it. Maybe it’s worth creating a petition and get them to officially reply? Just think it’s worth highlighting the problem, if it can be proven?

    January 10, 2017
  • Gina

    I have a 7 yr old daughter that has blond fine frizzy wave hair. I do not use a blow dryer. We do let it air dry. We have been using the loma moisture shampoo and conditioner. And morrocan oil intense curl cream or their curl mouse. Her hair just seems to be getting frizzier and breaking off. Any recommendations on shampoo and conditioner? leave in or deep conditioning. And something to tame her frizzy wavy hair? That won’t break the bank.

    January 6, 2017
  • Sarah

    Thanks for this post. Ended up buying pureolgoy hydrate instead. Then switched to the range for blonde here as I went lighter. But found that as a bit more build up. Trying to find a good clarifying shampoo. My hair dressor recommended the morrcanoil one which I don’t want to go with. Any suggestions?

    December 21, 2016
      • Kari

        Hi Victoria, just wondering if you could recommend a good hair mask? I was using Hask and Moroccan Oil masks and was breaking out. I still would like the benefits of the overnight conditioning mask though. Any recommendations??

        June 15, 2017
  • catherine marlowe

    Hi! When looking at the ingredient list of a product how does one tell if there is too much silicone or that it is not combined with the correct other ingredients?

    Thanks!

    December 20, 2016
      • Ivana

        Good article, and you are absolutely right about silicones – except for one thing. I don’t agree that the right amount or balance of silicones is OK. Nope. Avoid them entirely. This has gotten to be much easier in the last year or so, because lots of women like me simply refuse to buy hair products with silicones in them, so companies have started to offer products without them. Silicones are found almost exclusively in conditioners, but shampoos have their own problematic main ingredient – sodium laureth sulfate, or ingredients with similar names. These sulfates are harsh detergents, and strip your hair of all natural oils to the degree that your natural oil production goes into overdrive, and your hair gets oily much faster. If you are not using conditioners with silicones, you don’t need sulfates to clean your hair. Avoid them! Since I did my research, and stopped using sulfates and silicones entirely, my hair has become transformed. It doesn’t get greasy, and lasts much longer without needing to be washed. It doesn’t get dry or frizzy, and I can let my thin, fine hair air dry, and retain my natural waves with no frizz. The difference is unbelievable. Sulfates and silicones are used by the industry because they are cheap, and they get you into a vicious cycle where you keep washing and conditioning more and more often, because your roots get oily right away, but the hair itself gets dry and frizzy. These products may be good for the bottom line of the companies that make them, but they are terrible for you. Refuse to use any product with these two ingredients, and never look back. And by the way, I use pure, food grade Argan oil (meant to be ingested) on my hair, and it works great. Just make sure the one you buy is made from unroasted Argan kernels. I contacted the manufacturer to ask. I rub a few drops between my hands, and then gently rub my damp hair, focusing on the ends. It works great and leaves my ends smooth and conditioned.

        June 14, 2017
  • Jeanne

    Hi Victoria,

    Thanks so so much for your article. I am an African American with curly unrelaxed hair that is somewhat fine (i.e. breaks off like crazy). My stylist used MoroccanOil on my hair occasionally. Then I moved cities and couldn’t find a stylist, so I started doing my own hair. I started using the MoroccanOil line exclusively a few months ago including the light treatment, moisture repair shampoo and conditioner. My hair has never been dryer! It feels soft but almost looks like straw. After doing a little research, I stumbled across your post (it’s nice to know it’s not just me).

    Anyway, I read in your comments section a program for biracial (African / Caucasian) hair that involves the products listed below. I’m wondering if you would recommend the same for me as my hair originally wasn’t that dry. Also, the Malibu C shampoo is a little hard to find where I live as it’s always sold out. You mentioned Neutrogenaโ€™s Anti-Residue shampoo in another comment and I’m wondering if that’s a decent substitute for removing the buildup.

    Rene Furterer Carthame shampoo and conditioner
    Rene Furterer Absolue Keratine leave-in creme
    Malibu C Undo Goo shampoo
    Redken CAT 5-minute reconstructor spray-in treatment
    Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Repair Rescue Sealed Ends

    Finally, I really appreciate your honesty and making yourself so available to your readers in your responses. Your blog has been ridiculously helpful ๐Ÿ™‚

    December 7, 2016
  • HI Victoria,

    I have just called my salon who did a wonderful job updating the color on my hair for my wedding. I have naturally full body brown hair, with ash blonde highlights on the top, and full deep violet coverage underneath. The first time we did this it was beautiful, I loved it. They recommended the Moroccan oil and it was great for the last year. Now, I found my hair gets oily extremely fast, and it is very frizzy, flat and unmanageable. They did my hair 4 weeks ago, and currently, I look like a my little pony. All the purple has bled into my blonde and and made pink. Not a fan. They are now saying it could be the shampoo that is causing the color to bleed. Do you have any suggestions?

    Thank you!

    November 22, 2016
  • Meghan

    Hello so my hair was pretty healthy I do get bare minimum highlights every so often but I bought and used John Freda go blonder lighting spray twice after a month my hair started falling out like have my hair volume so I started using the whole line of redkens anti snap extreme shampoo conditioner and I think the leave in conditioner it didn’t seem to help with the hair lose and my hair still felt dry so I thought maybe to much protein and when’d back to the Salon they talked me into marrocon oil mask well o my the biggest chunk feel out in the shower now I do not know what to do is there a product for moister and protein or is there anything??? Pleas help

    November 20, 2016
  • Paris

    Hi,

    Thank you so much for posting this article, it was a real eye opener. I started using the MoroccanOil hair line about 2 years ago because my salon recommended it. I started off by using the hydrating/repair leave in hair masque + the oil and then moved onto the hydrating shampoo and conditioner (the big bottles). To be honest, its the only shampoo brand that made my curly hair feel less dry and nourished. I purchased their product for curly hair as well and it leaves my hair looking amazing!! It is SO upsetting to hear that it doesn’t have good ingredients for the hair though, I am seriously thinking about switching ASAP when my bottles are done (I just re-stocked and they’re pretty expensive). I have bad hair loss but it runs in my family so I can’t blame MoroccanOil for it, but with those chemical ingredients in it, I don’t think I want to risk more hair loss.

    My question is: Which shampoo and conditioner brand + oil/leave in conditioner do you recommend? I know there has been a lot of questions on this already but I have curly, thick (ish) hair but its very soft for some reason and rarely too dry. I have highlights as well.

    Another big problem that I have is my hair gets greasy really quickly?!?!?!? could this be because of the moroccan oil? Its very frustrating because I would wash my hair and straighten it one day and then the next day it would look like I have washed it in a week (greasy and super thin).

    My NEW hairstylist does not carry the MoroccanOil line but she said its really good for my hair regardless, and recommended NEUMA shampoo and conditioner. Is this a good brand?

    Sorry about all the questions, and thank you for posting this wonderful article.

    November 14, 2016
      • Lauren

        Victoria, I appreciate the article and have been looking through the comments for good recommendations for products. I’ve just begun letting my gray hair grow in and am astounded at the strawlike texture of my natural hair. My stylist recommended Morroccan Oil, but I like to stay away from silicones. With all respect to you, I checked the Schwartkoff spray your recommended above and it is loaded with silicone ingredients. The first 2-3 products end in ‘-one’.

        May 20, 2017
  • Elliana

    Wow this was such a helpful article! I’m looking for a new hair treatment/mask and was debating whether I should get the moroccan oil restorative mask. Usually I am not too hesitant to pay much for hair treatments because I thought I would get what I paid for, and my hair DOES need some treatment. Well I guess that’s not true..
    I have a lot of hair. My hair is naturally curly, but it is so thin that the curls just makes it look frizzy. It gets damages really easily too, so I only use cold wind when blow drying my hair. I also use hair irons on really few occasions because every time I apply heat on my hair I get split ends. (And I do apply heat protectant beforehand.) By now I pretty much just gave up on styling my hair without getting hair damage, and so I just style my hair as I want and then get a haircut every 3-4 months to cut the damaged hair off. About a year ago I decided to invest more money in hair treatments hoping that they will protect my hair. So far I’ve tried Argan oil shampoo and Loreal Absolute Repair Masque. But I don’t see a big difference happening to my hair.. Maybe I get a little less tangling? I finished a full bottle so I am about to purchase a new hair treatment product, and would like to get some suggestions. For a very easily damaged thin hair, what hair treatment(or shampoo or oil..or just any type of hair product) should I use?

    November 4, 2016
  • Gale

    Thanks for all the information on your site. I initially got gorgeous results with MoroccanOil, but you have helped me solve the mystery of why my hair and scalp changed so dramatically for the worse over the past few years. Thank you.

    A few questions:

    (1)
    Do you know where it’s possible for a non-stylist to buy the following products (at fair prices) in the Lower Mainland of BC, or via mail order? I am in Whistler, and it can be tough to find products up here. Thanks!
    > Malibu C Undo Goo
    > Schwarzkopf BC Color Freeze line
    > Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure line
    > Schwarzkopf OSI Bouncy Curls Curl Gel with oil
    > Redken Extreme line
    > Kerastase Nutritive line
    > Kerstase Oleo-Relax line

    (2)
    I’ve been using pure argan oil while weaning my hair off of MoroccanOil. (FYI, here’s some pure argan oil at a great price. http://www.timelessha.com/argan-oil-100-pure/) But within a few hours of styling, my hair frizzes wildly. Thoughts? Suggestions?

    (3)
    To deal with the insane frizz but not use the MO, I tried mixing the pure argan oil with this product http://www.vitacost.com/glonaturals-coconut-collection-hair-serum-non-gmo — but now after reading your blog, I guess I am just re-creating the problem of too much silicones in an inappropriate balance. Thoughts? Suggestions?

    (4)
    My stylist recommended Aveda oil and Aveda nourishing cream in addition to the pure argan oil. I find the Aveda scent overpowering and the price point out of reach for the quantity of product I have to use to get good results. Thoughts? Suggestions?

    Note:
    I have a *massive* amount of hair. Most stylists say it’s the most they’ve ever seen on one woman’s head. It has always been incredibly dry (never oily, even a week after washing), and wildly thirsty for product. Whether conditioner or leave-in, my hair takes about three times as much as a normal head of hair per treatment. When drying, if left to its own devices, it frizzes out like an electrocuted witch’s hair (kinky curly in the back and underside, straight like a pin on the front right and big gentle waves everywhere else) but responds **beautifully** to styling. It will grow as long as I want. Longer is often better because the sheer weight of it holds it down instead of allowing it to frizz out. However, my hair will hold any wavy or straight style gorgeously for about five days straight, with just a gentle finger shake in the morning and very little maintenance — but only if it is brought to bone dry during the styling process and doesn’t encounter humidity or rain afterward. Generally I air dry my hair to keep it from heat damage, often rolled up in curlers. Sometimes I use a flat iron. I don’t color it. I am white, and my hair is dark brunette with streaks of white grey.

    November 1, 2016
      • Brenda

        I am having problems finding the Schwarzkopf products. I live in the USA. Is it ok to order from united salon supplies and equipment? I want to make sure to order to real product and not a fake. Thank you!

        September 18, 2017
  • astra

    Thank you very much, this article was helpful. I am noticing my hair is getting bad on long term. I felt good for a day or two once I applied moroccon oil , but after 3 days it gets dry as well. I have a curly fine hair and it falls very often these days, I don’t know why. I used the Douglas protein repair shampoo and conditioner. After shower I use morccon oil treatment or argan oil from douglas. Do you think this is good ? Could you please suggest me a product or solution for frizzy curly light hair ?
    I face two problems :
    1. Dryness and frizz :
    The hair is beautifully curl for maximum one day after hair wash and later it becomes frizzy and less curl. How can I retain my curl and hydrated hair ?
    2. Hair growth is less .
    I can hardly see any change in my hair length even after 6 months (without cutting). My hair dresser says maybe because its curly you can’t see. Is it possible there is even slightest difference. When I was a child I have noticed very rapid growth . But now its almost not visible.

    October 26, 2016
  • Heather

    I stumbled across this post in my attempt to find moroccanoil products to make an Xmas basket for my daughter. Anyways she’s 14 (half African American half Caucasian her race matters I think as her hair is different from mine) she washes her hair maybe every 3 or 4 days and I’ve tried having her use other brands like Pantene or biosilk but so far they make her hair greasy and she hates washing it to frequently due to the length of time it takes to straighten it (super curly otherwise) so she has been using moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner and seemed to be ok. However I have noticed her hair thinning as well as having way more dead ends and flyaways. I assumed it was because of the straightening and blow drying that she’s constantly doing which she refuses to stop even for a month (she’s 14 they have to you know maintain a reputation) I never thought it was the Moroccan oil. Anyways what do you recommend for her? She is constantly if not more using heat (straightening iron) I thought hydration is good but she does not like the oily look at all and her ends are so dead and split I don’t know what to use ๐Ÿ™

    October 22, 2016
  • Dhanashree

    Hello Victoria,
    Your article is like an eye opener for me. I have fine black straight hairs and I had highlighted them in May 2016 for the first time. I have been using Moraccon oil shampoo and conditioner from last year since it was recommended by the hair stylist. I have noticed unusual amount of hair loss and the highlights look pretty dull now. My hairs have become dry and frizzy from the mid length. I live in Burnaby and after reading your article I started searching for the salons in and around Vancouver who has Malibu c products or Malibu c crystal gel treatment but unfortunately couldnโ€™t find one. Could you please suggest me any salon? Which shampoo and conditioner would you recommend for my hair type? It will be great if you can give the specific name since I donโ€™t have the knowledge of many product lines.
    Also my husband has got lot of dandruff after coming to Vancouver. Is it because of the water? He has got fine hairs. Could you please suggest a shampoo for him as well?

    October 22, 2016
  • Gloria Giovanello

    Hi Victoria,
    Was so relieved after reading your article as I have been going crazy for the last 6 months with the change in my hair. For 7+ years I have been using the Ouidad products for my curly hair and do the shake/rake after shampooing..etc. (I wash it every 3 days) I use the botanical boost and then the clear pomade and my hair responds very well to this as well as having the carving/slicing cut. About 5 years ago I started to use the Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair mask in place of my conditioner, as my hairdresser suggested this to help with the coarse texture and fly aways. My hair was amazing for all those years until March of this year when one day I woke up and it looked and felt as though I had put a relaxer in my hair. No curl, no body and was so thin. I did the deep treatment and it did revive it for a short time. I had my doctor do bloodwork…thought it was my thyroid, etc. Currently my hair has lost those relaxed wringlet curls and just have loose waves, no frizz, but much thinner. Have gone to the health food store and taking additional vitamins, as my hairdresser said it had to be stress or my diet! Anyway, I realize it will take a great deal of time to hopefully restore it and I did see numerous products you recommend. Since I have used the Moroccan Hair mask for so long, I wanted to reach out and see what you feel I should use to start the process, as well as anything I should use in between. Am just curious if you also feel the ouidad products are still okay to use. I have blonde hair and do get it highlighted, as well as touch ups on the grey about every 2 months. Thanks, Gloria

    October 10, 2016
  • Athena

    I have been using the Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream for well over two years now. My hair has more shine and way less frizz. I have curly hair so i only wash it maybe 3 times a week. I know that it’s normal to lose 100 strands a hair a day but when I shower globs of hairs fall out. Is this because of the product or just because I wash my hair less? I asked my hair dresser and she said it was normal. I also use Pureology Strenghth Cure Shampoo and Conditioner. Also my hair stops growing when it hits past my shoulders. I’m not sure if it’s just an age thing bring 34. Any suggestions?

    October 6, 2016
  • Lola

    Hi ! Have you heard of the product Naissant Nanatsu Argan Oil Elixer? I have used this in conjunction, at times, with my “light” moroccan oil but lately my hair has seemed to be getting more and more dull. Not sure if it’s the moroccan or the Naissant? Have you tried this product?

    October 5, 2016
  • Maureen

    I had been using Moroccan Oil Repair Shampoo for only a month when I noticed an unusual amount of hair loss while rinsing my hair. Additionally, my long thick, course hair became even more dry, frizzy and limp. I found this blog and immediately discontinued using all of their products. Upon the advice in this blog, I contacted Malibu C to get Undo Goo. My questions is, when can I expect my hair to stop falling out after beginning use of Undo Goo, and, what specific products would be good for my course, wavy hair to give it body and make it shiny and less frizzy?

    October 4, 2016
      • Maureen

        Hi Victoria, could you make a couple of recommendations regarding conditioners with a pH of 4.5 to use with the Undo Goo Shampoo. Would the Kevin Murphy Angel Rinse conditioner fall into this category? Do conditioners typically state what their pH is?

        October 4, 2016
  • Penny

    Hi
    I’ve been using the colour wellness Malibu C shampoos and conditioner. I also use undo goo about once a fortnight. I also use miracle repair once a week. I started using the Malibu c products about 3 months ago. My hair was the best it had been in a long time as my hair is naturally wavy and quite thick. I decided to have a hair tint instead of my normal highlights as my hair had started getting very dry and know that tinting is better than bleach. Well my hair is disgusting. There’s no shine, it’s dry and because of this I wear it up all the time now. I’ve paid a lot of money on the Malibu c products and thought they would fair better. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it’s because I have put tint on top of bleach. Because up until then, the products were fantastic. I also have the conditioning spray by Malibu c but can’t honestly see that it does anything extra. Do you agree that it’s more than likely just the Wella tint that had been used that has drastically affected my hair. Please advise what I can do to get my shiny locks back. Should I keep on using my beloved Malibu C products or not. Also my hair was tinted at my usual hairdressers and not done by myself
    Thank you and any advice would be appreciated
    Penny

    October 2, 2016
      • Penny

        Thank you so very much for your help. What a fabulous site this is and very dependable. Thankyou

        November 19, 2016
  • keiji

    Hello Victoria thanks for all your answers so far and im really sorry for me spamming questions all over this comment section, i have one more thing if possible is since i live in in another continent from canada, and the restricted import i only came across just some of bonacure product line and idk if it is good for my type of hair and problems with buildups and oils and since i checked your recommended products i was unable to find all of them here and since i do not want to spam people who are looking for other things in the comments i was wondering if there is anyhow i could contact you if possible to get at least any type of hair advice im in a quite dire state of hair :c or is it okey to ask the given questions here ? sorry and thanks again for all the insight

    September 26, 2016
      • keiji

        Thank you so very much, so ill just add context to what i talking to you about in the previous comment, naturally i have wavy hair and very frizzy/not problemtic dry kinda hard to manage through it as well as never had dandruff up to the point where i tried different products because i wanted to have straighter more manageable hair, as i am not comfortable in frizzy and very distinguable hair, when i was younger i had straighter hair which i liked; now fast forward to where i started trying out different oils nottably flower ones i thing and argan branded oils from loreal and others which smooths the hair but the effects started to wear out with time and i felt more split ends and frizzier look than usual if i dont use the products i tried masks and and conditioners which worked for first few days which i made sure included “natural oil’ label on it as i believed was better, now im experiencing dandruff as my hair became even drier and drier and can’t seem to easily make my hair look straighter like i used as i believe it’s very damaged and dry, i went to a hair salon and they proposed absolut repair lipidium shampoo and mask from loreal which worked fine at first but very fast went back to dry and dandruff hair and i believe with the mask and past products a build up was created and dried my hair even more.
        basically the products i found here are bonucare moisture kick and oil miracle shampoo and repair rescue conditioner
        as for a cleansing shampoo and conditioner i have found L’Occitane Aromachology Revit Fresh idk if it’s any good
        my question would be would the mentioned products help me cleanse my hair and get a stronger manageability on the frizz and achieve a straighter look out of my wavy hair?
        do you think i made a mistake when i used masks over conditioners for dry frizzy hair ?
        thank so much and sorry for the long post

        September 27, 2016
      • keiji

        and would you recommend and loreal expert series for my hair condition and/or kerastase nutritive ?
        thanks again and sorry for double reply cant seem to edit my comment
        thanks

        September 27, 2016
  • Jenny

    Hi, are the Moroccan Oil Moisture Repair or Hydrating shampoo and conditioner lines just as bad? I recently used them a couple times instead of my usual Joico K-PAK and my hair has been super soft and shiny, but is that just because all of the silicones? I don’t want to continue use if it will cause further damage in the long run. Thanks!

    September 25, 2016
      • Lori

        Hi – how do you feel about the Diamond Oil shampoo and conditioner by Redken? Also, the Pureology precious oil Softening Condition? I just got a brazilian blowout, and I don’t want to make a mistake in the aftercare of my hair.

        October 31, 2016
  • Thao

    Hi Victoria,
    Thanks so much for providing such an insightful, informative and eye- opening article. It’s 2016, and I’ve only now jumped on the argan oil bandwagon craze (I’m late to the party, I know). Recently I bought 2 items from the Macadamia Natural Oil line because I found them on sale and was so eager to try it. What is your take on this line? I got the Deep Hair Repair Masque and Healing Oil Treatment. Your thoughts on both these items? Okay to keep using, or toss them away now? I must admit, after reading your article, panic took hold of me. After a few uses of the Macadamia Natural Oil line, there wasn’t much difference to my hair. It’s still the same. Oily at roots, frizzy at mid- lengths and dry, unruly and lifeless at the ends. But the scent. Oh my. Is absolutely divine. I have very fine, thin, uncoloured straight Asian long black hair that reaches near my belly button. I consider my hair normal. No heat damage (apart from hair dryer) and no split ends. I have never had any chemical treatments done on it. And I want to keep it in it’s natural state as possible. I’ve started looking elsewhere for bigger and better products to give my hair the appearance of silky smooth frizz- free shiny hair, like what keratin treatments at the salon can give. And my eyes have lusted and settled upon MoroccanOil. That’s how I stumbled across this article. Now I know to steer clear of this line and other lines selling fake oils. I am completely outraged that MoroccanOil is able to get away with this! Don’t they care about the best interests of their customers? I will not be spending any of my money on this line. Speaking of which, Macadamia Natural Oil has silicones in their Healing Treatment oil as well. It’s a bit concerning for me as the first 3 or so ingredients are silicones, just like MoroccanOil. Should I just finish up the bottle or ditch it for good now? Any help, advice will be greatly appreciated. Much love from Australia, xx

    September 22, 2016
  • Tina Wilson

    I’ve been using Moroccan Oil for about 3 months. My hair is very fine but a lot of it (as I’ve been told repeatedly by several stylists). Over the past couple of months, my hair has been extremely dry, frizzy and thinning. The past month has been horrible ~ my hair is falling out a LOT! I just got my hair cut off (7 to 8″ and is now short). I started thinking if it was the moroccan oil and stumbled across your website. I’m sure it is and I’m quitting it immediately. Hopefully the hair will get repaired and I will have healthy hair again! Thank you

    September 22, 2016
  • Thao

    Hi Victoria,

    Thanks so much for this very informing and eye- opening article. It’s 2016, and I’ve only now started getting into the argan oil hair trend (I’m late to the party, I know). A few weeks ago, I bought the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Hair Repair Masque and Healing Oil Treatment as it was on sale. I’m not gonna lie, the beautiful scent completely blew me away after using it for the first time. After a few uses, there doesn’t seem to be any significant difference in my hair.

    I have uncoloured, fine, long straight Asian black hair that almost reaches my belly button. I consider my hair to be normal, but it can get quite greasy at the top, frizzy along the mid- lengths and a bit dry, unruly and lifeless at the ends. I don’t suffer from split ends as I have never coloured my hair nor do I use heat tools (apart from the blow dryer).

    I lust long silky frizz- free smooth hair, like what keratin treatments at the salon supposedly give (I’d do anything to also have thicker hair), but I want to steer clear of any chemical treatments. I want to keep my hair in it’s natural state as much as possible. What are your thoughts on the Macadamia Natural Oil line? Finish using it it or toss it away now? I’ve read the ingredients on the back and couldn’t help notice that the first few ingredients are also silicones. In fact, it’s got a quite a similar ingredient listing as MoroccanOil.

    Because Macadamia Natural Oil hadn’t been doing much for my hair, I was looking at other “holy grail” hair products amongst beauty bloggers and kept seeing it being bombarded with MoroccanOil products. I was more and more intrigued but wimped out at the steep price point. I somehow stumbled across this article and believe me, it was a major wake- up call for me. I cannot tell you how grateful and thankful I am to have read this as it has saved me from caving in to this fad and being bald down the track. I have very fine hair, I don’t need to be losing any more. I certainly won’t be spending my money on any MoroccanOil products or any line that sells fake oils. If I want natural Argan oil, I’d be using the real deal.

    Any help, advice, recommendations sent my way would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sending lots of love from Australia. xx

    September 22, 2016
  • Le Juan

    Hi

    Your article was very helpful, thank you. Could you please let me know your thoughts on the Kerastase Ultime Oil?, I’ve always purchased that over the Morrocan Oil as I tried the M.O shampoo once and really didn’t like how dry and stripped my hair felt.
    Would you advise to use Kevin Murphy products over Kerastase because they’re natural?
    Thank you

    September 22, 2016
  • Carla

    I forgot to mention my hair is very fine to begin with… so now its way worse….

    September 22, 2016
  • Carla

    Hi, I started using the Moroccan oil volumizing shampoo and conditioner on a daily basis about 6 months ago. About 3 months ago I noticed my hair getting thiner and some spots a lot thinner! My hairdreser’s other had experienced the similar results after using Moroccan oil products and she happened to me at my last appt and I thought maybe this could be the cause of mine. I will stop using it immediately. What can I do to try to get my hair to grow back ????

    September 22, 2016
  • Tracie Reeves

    I went to Atlanta and had my hair done. My son always has it done when I go there. My sons girlfriend took me to her salon and they pushed the morrocon oil products which I got all of them plus a Revlon leave in conditioner and yes my hair smelled great. I now have two bald spots on my head. After reading this blog no more morroccon products for me. Also, my sons , girlfriend kept saying her hair was fall ing out and she is young 40. I am 63 but have had a head full of hair. It was just odd it never fell out till I used these products. Makes sense though. Silicone build up and any weak hair at all should create a real problem. Bye Bye Moroccon products . Checking the Revlon leave in also smells great.

    September 21, 2016
  • Michaela

    What are your thoughts on Argan Oil infused hairdryers? I got brought one last Christmas and didn’t really think about it – come early/mid February this year my hair feels greasy, and like it’s stuck to my head but dry and frizzy at the same time. Recently brought a different hair dryer and hoping it will make a difference. Do you have any recommendations as to how I can rescue my hair?

    September 20, 2016
  • Thank you for such a wonderful article dear and from my side I want to say that i am using restorative conditioner shea moisture from long for my hairs and its really effective.It will improve your hairs for sure so try it once people.

    September 20, 2016
  • Sorcha

    My hair dresser used the light version on me and was saying it would be really good for my hair. I’m mid length hair coloured blonde and it’s very fine and naturally straight. For the price I said I would look into it first before I purchase and so glad I did. My hair tends to be dry and get a few fly away hairs after blowdrying but I want an oil not too heavy. Any recommendations on what I could look at? I’m in Europe so may be limited to certain brands.

    September 18, 2016
  • Tanu

    Hii
    My hairs are v frizzy and dry
    I have never used Moroccan oil
    I always use coconut oil and a mild shampoo
    Please suggest something beneficial to deal with the frizz

    September 15, 2016
  • Abdullah Thahir

    is babyliss pro Argan based products any good ?

    September 13, 2016
      • keiji

        Thanks for your Answer, would the recommended products also work for men ?

        September 18, 2016
          • keiji

            hi there victoria sorry for posting a lot of questions down here :c i was just wondering since i am not able to find the bonacure product line where i live and cannot import it i wanted your opinion on L’Occitane Aromachology Revit Fresh if it reliable product in contrast to the argan babyliss pro ? thank you so much and sorry

            September 25, 2016
  • Christina Cromwell

    Hey Victoria!!
    Your article is very interesting! I am wondering if you have heard of a haircare line called MONAT? I’d love to know what you think of it if you have!

    September 2, 2016
      • Dustin

        Hi Victoria. Did you ever end up trying Monat? Im in the early stages of deciding if I should promote the product or not. The results are undeniable.. I love the oil product in its pure form.. Although the shampoo and conditioner have silicone and acrylate copolymers.. Which in my research the particular silicone listed seems to be one of the better types to use. Anyway as you said its formulation that is important. What are your thoughts please. Thanks

        May 10, 2017
  • Kae

    This is really useful to know! I remember asking my hairstylist last time I got a haircut about what to do about fly aways, and she gave me some Moroccan Oil product to take home, for free, just the end of a bottle because she was so in favour of it. Luckily I did not buy it, but bought instead the Argan oil from The Body Shop. I’ve looked closer at the ingredients for that oil, and while there don’t appear to be any silicones in it, there certainly are a lot of other things in that oil. The first two ingredients before the actual argan oil are Capric Triglyceride and Dicaprylyl Carbonate. I can’t find out much about those, other than they are common and used in a lot of cosmetic products. Added fragrance and other oils I understand stretching an expensive product, maybe would make it not the best but not terrible, but I can’t figure out whether this long list of ingredients is harmful or not. I haven’t used the oil regularly, so I don’t know what the long term use would look like. Any thoughts about that?

    August 30, 2016
      • Kae

        Thanks for the response! I’m glad I found that out, I’ll look for something better right away ๐Ÿ™‚

        September 14, 2016
  • Swati

    I have been using moroccon oil mask and serum for almost a year. My hair are dry, damaged ( I straighten my hair only once or twice a month, never colored my hair) and have severe hairfall. Could it be because of morroccon oil? Is Kerastase any good? Please reply

    August 26, 2016
  • What do you think of theOrganix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner? I have been using it recently but feel like my hair has become even more dry then it used to be. Every time I use the conditioner feel like my hair becomes full of static and coarse

    August 24, 2016
  • Michelle Hidalgo

    I have thick course hair. I have been using Moroccan oil for awhile. My hair looks frizzy. After reading this site is looks like I should not use Moroccan oil. What should I use?

    August 14, 2016
  • Diane Belanger

    What do you think of the Oribe line for post Morocanoil users????

    July 19, 2016
  • Julie H Sabri

    My hairdresser uses (and sells) Moroccan Oil products, and uses them exclusively on his clients. He is incredibly talented, but I noticed that when I use Moroccan oil at home, my hair is super frizzy when I dry it. I thought it was my gray hair and hormone changes as I am 44. Luckily for me, last week when I was going to buy the curl lotion and volumizing cream, the Moroccan Oil palette had been hijacked (yes, hijacked) mid-shipment, and therefore, the salon couldn’t sell me any. I bought new styling products from Ulta from various lines, and the VERY FIRST TIME I blew out my hair with the new products, my hair looked shiny, soft and full like it used to! I stumbled upon your post while looking up new ways to use my Moroccan Oil, and half way through the article, I had an *aha!* moment. Thank you! for posting this article. I am now off to throw my half-used bottle away.

    July 19, 2016
  • sandie

    Hi, the last 2-3 months I started to notice my hair thinning on the side. I’m starting to wonder if my 1-2 times per week oil mask treatment has anything to do with this? I would combine honey and olive oil, other times I use honey with coconut oil. Sometimes I leave it overnight. Please help.

    July 17, 2016
  • Diane

    Thank you for this review!!! My wavy hair is so damaged by these products. Very dry and breaking along with frizz I can’t get under control. Now I know why. Will NEVER use any of these products again. Just wondering how many times you think I should use clarifying shampoo to correct this damage. Looking forward to having softer, natural hair back soon.
    Diane

    July 12, 2016
      • Diane

        Victoria,
        Thank you for your quick response. I do have a few more questions. I am in DESPERATE need of a haircut!!!! I’ve had bad experience with just about every stylist I’ve been to due to the fact they don’t know how to handle my thick wavy hair. Do you recommend cutting hair dry or wet and some layers or no layers. Appreciate any and all advice you have given me so far.
        Diane

        July 25, 2016
  • Sheila

    I am wondering about AG The Oil. I have been using it for a couple of years, and haven’t notice any changes to my hair. But I am wondering if this is one of the good ones or the bad ones. Any insight? Thanks so much!

    July 9, 2016
  • Sheila

    What are your thoughts on AG’s The Oil Extra Virgin Argan Miracle Soothing Oil. I have been using it for a couple of years and have never noticed dry hair or any problems. But I noticed one of the oils listed is a silicone. Thanks for your insight!

    July 7, 2016
      • Sheila

        Thank you so much for replying!

        September 10, 2016
  • Tammi

    I have been experiencing dry, damaged hair for a very long time. My hair if falling out. I started using this hairdresser December 2015. My hairdresser uses Moroccan Oil products exclusively. I have been to the dermatologist twice and gynecologist (thought it could be hormonal) I even went so far as to have my hairdresser get a different type of hair color because I thought it could be the type of hair color he uses. I NEVER thought it could be the Moroccan Oil products until I read this! He has repeatedly told me that it was just something that happens to some women. I was starting to think that I was crazy. I feel so relieved after reading this! Thank you. I am throwing every Moroccan Oil product away right now. Thank you again

    June 18, 2016
      • Tammie

        Victoria
        Thank you for your quick response
        I appreciate this information more than you know
        Please keep me informed on any new products/treatments
        Ordering crystal gel today

        June 25, 2016
  • anna

    Hi there,

    I’ve been using Marrakesh Argan Oil treatment & elixir for a couple of years now and have recently noticed that my ends have gotten extremely dry. I’ve looked on your site and you recommend Shwartzkopff BC OIL MIRACLE for my hair type (I have wavy thick hair). Just wanted to ask you how their oil is different/better than the Argan Oil product I’ve been using, given what you’ve explained in your article above, which was a real eye opener for me.

    May 23, 2016
  • Rachel

    Thank you for this article . I am a colorist in Los Angeles and used to love Moroccan Oil products when they first came out. I hadn’t used them in years let alone look at the ingredients.
    I bought the voluming shampoo and conditioner along with the Weightless Hydrating mask. I was alternating them with a few other shampoos(as hairstylists usually do) so I didn’t notice anything at first. My hair started to get really dry and frizzy. I have straight fine hair naturally. I thought it was all the new grey hair that took over. Then I thought it was the highlights, you get the picture. I have also been losing a ton of hair for 1 year. Then the other day I used the MO mask with a different shampoo, OMG my hair was like a rat’s nest. I have never seen it so tangled with the weirdest texture kind of like I put developer on it for a bit then rinsed it out. It freaked me out.
    So I finally looked at the ingredients, not knowing the original company was bought out years hence the ingredient change.
    Okaaayyyy are you ready for this…. in the Extra volume conditioner the 6th ingredient is CANOLA OIL!!! what?! and the Argan is the 10th ingredient. They should call it Canola Oil. The mask- the 4th ingredient is again CANOLA OIL with Argan as its 8th ingredient. I am just beyond.
    Seriously?! I don’t think in all my years doing hair I have ever seen canola oil in products. It is shameful…….no wonder it along with silicone clogs the hair follicle resulting in hair loss.
    Thank you for your knowledge of the best hair products, I am a fan of all that you recommended.

    May 23, 2016
  • Dacia

    Do you recommend all lines of Rene Furterer products? I read this blog after trying to research why the Moroccan Oil was leaving my hair Limp and greacy after 3 washes!
    I’m thinking of the Volumea line for my ultra fine hair.

    Thanks!!!

    May 21, 2016
      • Dacia

        Thank you so much for this advice! I do just color my roots to keep the greys out ๐Ÿ™‚ so will definitely try the Tonucia line. 6 months on & 6 off, correct? My hair is a few inches past my shoulders and have read your hair care section for long hair. What about the Redken Extreme line?
        So many choices and looking for the best for my longer, dark, ultra fine hair. Thank you so much for responding to my questions!!

        Dacia

        May 22, 2016
        • Dacia

          Followup #2.
          Just researched the Kevin Murphy products you suggested and they sound amazing!!! Do you think this would be a good alternate to the Rene Furterer? Or to switch every 6 months between the 2? Thanks!!!

          May 22, 2016
  • Monique

    I recently came across your site looking for hair care lines to help moisturize my coarse 4b hair type. I read your Morrocon oil article and it completely steered me away from that popular Morrocon oil brand. Can you tell me how the Redken All Soft line you recommend for African hair any different from that and what you mentioned in your article?

    May 3, 2016
  • Tina

    Thank you so much for sharing this article and all the comments!
    I have used Moroccan oil products the last 8 months, and I keep losing a lot of hair every day.
    I thought that it might be because of the shampoo, and after reading this I am 100% sure.
    Unfortunately I have just bought quite a lot of the products, but I don’t care – I will NEVER use these products in my hair again.
    One more time – THANKS!!
    Regards from Denmark ๐Ÿ™‚

    April 24, 2016
  • Shelly

    Hi. Where is link to products you recommend. Great article. I am not going crazy after all. Thanks !

    April 16, 2016
  • mildred

    I personally love Pro Naturals!!

    April 13, 2016
  • Great article! I definitely had fun reading. Thank you!

    April 3, 2016
  • Michelle

    I have found that all of these straightening serums make my hair static & look horrible. The creams make my hair feel crunchy vs. soft. I get the exact opposite intended results.

    What other smoothing/protective products do you recommend? Besides the True Argun Nut Oil? I have used Olive oil and coconut oil as a deep conditioning treatment and rub a very little bit on my hands then through my hair. You have to do this after the hair is dry. They don’t do much for me either.

    March 13, 2016
  • Kindy

    All of this is so true. I have natural curl that has over the past ten years turned to FRIZZ!! I used to have long thick hair, and it is now very thin and lifeless. I have been doing research for years trying to figure out why it’s falling out. I have recently investigated the effect of dimethicone on scalp and hair, and am 100% sure it’s why I have lost my beautiful curls. I am in the process of trying to get rid of all the yuck and switch to natural products. I’m wondering if coconut oil itself will actually get rid of the buildup. I’m tired of using harsh shampoos that add to the frizz, but it seems that when I do my weekly coconut oil mask it takes all the buildup off my scalp. Could I just use it to clarify all the crap out?? Thank you so much for the honest review of Moroccan products. I was also a victim of a salon promotion, and realized after a few uses of it was no good!! Nice to know I wasn’t crazy for hating it.

    March 12, 2016
  • Natasha

    Thank you so much for this article! I used to have incredibly thick hair, but it was always manageable. However, I somehow got wrapped up in the Moroccan Oil fad and quickly became a huge consumer of anything made by the brand because of how good it smelled, how soft it made my hair feel, and if i’m being honest, how popular it was. I cannot tell you how upset I am by the damage it has done to my hair with just 1.5 years of use. My hair has been falling out in clumps and it seems so thin. It makes me want to cry when I compare pictures of it to just 1.5 years ago. I’m throwing out all my shampoos, conditioners, and hair products and trying the Malibu treatments (which I just ordered). Let’s hope I can get my hair back to it’s original, healthy, beauty!!

    March 7, 2016
    • tee

      I am so happy you made this article! I honestly thought I was going crazy! My hair was at its longest leak since childhood. I mean it grew way past my bra line. I was so excited and in love. So I said let me try some Argon oil shampoo by cream of nature, well it hasn’t even been six months and my hair is so dry and brittle. The length is now only past my ears, and I never cut it!!!!! Recently I went back to my normal shampoo Sauve my hair got better so a few weeks went by and I bought some Argon oil to rub in after I Shampoo it just to see what would happen. My hair went from a good wash soft condition to a dry staticy mess! I am never using that product or any new product out! I am sting to my good old suave and vo5 along with my Royal crown hair grease! That way I know what I am using Thanks again xo —-Tamika B.

      March 13, 2016
  • Halle

    Thank you for this article! I have washed my hair 3 times with pure clean by garnier and the maroccon oil still hasn’t washed out!! I am not a product girl and asked for a conditioner for the curls that my hair has turned into. So not happy right now. My hair feels greasy and weighed down. Luckily I on did from my ear down. I’m off to Sally’s beauty supply to look for another clarifying shampoo.

    February 25, 2016
  • Deborah

    It was suggested that I buy Moroccan oil products and I started googling for ingredients. I was interested to read this article because I tend favour our using natural oil products like jojoba oil. I went to your list of recommended products only to find that you recommended kerastase oleo-relax, the primary ingredients of which are silicones! The same as the Moroccan oil products you so thoroughly discredit. Other kerastase oil products contain mineral oil, rather than natural oils so they are really no better.

    What gives?

    February 13, 2016
  • maidenfan

    I’m wondering how it is that Redken is able to claim that Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine is silicone free when dimethicone is one of the primary ingredients in it.

    February 8, 2016
    • Yon

      All ingredients in coesmtic products are listed in decreasing order according to the INCI (international nomenclature coesmtic ingredients), which is an international standard for ingredients that are allowed for use in skincare, make-up, hair products etc. Thus, the major ingredient in the Moroccan oil is Cyclomethicone, as it is listed first. This is a silicone. Silicones generally end in -one, therefore they are easily recognized. The second ingredient, which has the next highest concentration in the product, is Dimethicone, which, of course, is also a silicone. Now, silicones are not necessarily bad for your skin or hair, they are inert, thus, they don’t do anything, that’s why you can use silicone implants. However, they are not good either (in the sense of treating hair, skin etc). For me, silicones work on my hair a couple of times, then my hair becomes a mess. But that effect is probably individual. Then comes some botanical extracts (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan oil), Parfum (Fragrance), Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract) except for the perfume. Fragrances are often a mix of up to fifty different ingredients, that’s why it can be a smart idea to avoid them in skincare and hair products.Butylphenyl Methylpropional, the next ingredient, is a synthetic fragrance that is obligatory to mention with its chemical name (and not just parfum in the INCI list) as it can cause allergic reactions.Benzyl Benzoate is also a kind of fragrance that can cause allergic reactions. Here it is probably used as a preservative.Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, again an allergenic kind of fragrance (as if it wasn’t enough of that in the product already why do consumers always want perfumed stuff???)CI 26100 (Red 17), CI 47000 (Yellow 11), obviously, are both coloring agents, and are probably the villains causing yellow/brownish hair on blondes.If you want some of the Moroccan oil effect but without the silicones, fragrances and colors, you can mix argan oil and linseed oil. Both seem to be rich in linoleic acid. Or, if you think argan oil is too expensive, you could mix linseed oil with a slightly smaller amount of olive oil as both argan oil and olive oil contain oleic acid but the concentration is higher in olive oil. If you use cold pressed oils (and keep your mixture in the fridge) the oils will have a high natural content of antioxidants and vitamin E.

      February 21, 2016
  • Lynn

    This article is 100% true. All of the above happened to me. Gross build up, dry, unhealthy hair, natural curls that turned frizzy and limp. The worse my hair got, the more Moroccan oil I used. The worst part was that every time I would get my hair foiled, the hair would break off! The strands were so weak and damaged it would just frizzle up and break off in chunks. I actually thought this was my hairdresser’s fault and almost left her after going to her for over 25 years. I came across this article and stopped using Moroccan oil completely. I stopped having it foiled for 20 weeks and had all the damaged stuff cut off. I am now growing it back out, getting foils again, and using heat styling tools. My hair is in beautiful condition. My curls are back too. I will NEVER go back to using Moroccan oil again. If you use it, in the beginning it will feel terrific. You’ll love it. After a few years, maybe less, you’ll be sorry. Thank you for this article! I had no idea this could happen until I read it about 6 months ago.

    January 29, 2016
  • Annabelle

    Thank you so much for this post! Super informative! I was actually on my way to buy Moroccan Oil today at the nearest hair salon. The hair dresser there actually suggested Amika Obliphica Oil Treatment instead. She said that it was a lot more naturally and wasn’t silicone based as opposed to M.Oil. After purchasing it I did some research about the ingredients and found out that the first two (Dimethicone & Cyclopentasiloxane) are silicone based! ๐Ÿ™
    Do you have any suggestions of hair oils/serums/creams that are silicone free, have no harsh chemicals & would be beneficial to me hair long term? Im already using coconut oil to deep condition but I’m looking for something that i can use everyday without the greasy look and feeling.

    January 13, 2016
  • Angie

    I had a horrifying experience with my fine hair after religiously using Wen shampoo as well! I almost had to cut my hair off! it turned into stretchy “really stretchy” gum! My hairdresser had to use a tropical flower based expensive treatment used to penetrate and straighten black hair to save it!
    So… After that ordeal and years later I discovered and started using Moroccan oil.. Thought it was amazing! It felt so smooth and silky! I actually thought I was doing something “good” for my hair! In just the last week or so, my curling iron and flat iron ( on LOWEST setting) and for seconds only, has been “freezing” my hair into a stuff plastic! That I can’t comb through at all! I ended up having to pull apart the curl strand by strand and watch my hair break! Like super glue on steroids!
    I’m going to clarify and get this crap out of my hair tonight! And then I’m throwing out my Moroccan oil! Is it safe to do the clarifying as you describe and then possibly a mask of homemade organic coconut oil avocado and egg? Will something like this help?

    December 2, 2015
      • Andrea

        Is the Color Freeze sulfate free the shampoo you recommended with the matching conditioner? Also which Redken Color extend are you talking about? The one in the red bottle or the color extend magnetic in the hot pink bottles? Lastly, can you please recommend a good deep conditioner for medium texture, wavy hair that I want to keep healthy? Thank you so much!

        January 20, 2018
  • Ingrid greeff

    Sorry but I disagree. I am a very happy user of Moroccan oil.

    November 30, 2015
  • Wow thanks for this article, now I understand why my hair are now so dry! They look super unhealthy and strangely they just can’t grow! I’ll stop using Morocanoil. Is Diamond oil from Redken a great product? Anyway, I’ll go with a natural product!

    September 21, 2015
    • Lulu

      I have just ordered a small 25ml bottle of Moroccan oil from “feel unique website”.
      My hair at the back of my head has become coarse, probably menopause and under-active thyroid .

      January 17, 2016

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