Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Coconut, castor, and argan oils are popular commercial hair oils culturally rooted in current and historical Indian and African heritages. Dermatologists treating hair and scalp conditions often face challenging patient questions of whether over-the-counter hair oils should be used. This is particularly challenging given the deeply rooted cultural practices of some skin of color patients. As a result, many dermatologists recommend patients to continue using hair oils not based on clinical efficacy but rather lack of foreseeable side effects. We analyzed the literature to investigate claims to substantiate whether these hair oils can improve hair growth, hair quality, and treat infestation clinically. Based on 22 articles that met inclusion criteria, coconut oil has been shown to treat both brittle hair and hair infestation clinically, with limited evidence regarding its impact on hair growth. There is weaker evidence for castor oil improving hair quality by increasing hair luster, and no strong evidence supporting its use for hair growth or treatment of infestation. Argan oil does not have any significant evidence supporting its use to improve hair growth, quality, or treatment of infestation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):751-757. doi:10.36849/JDD.6972.