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Curls Guide
Treatment Original by Moroccanoil
oil
Protein Free
Cruelty Free

Moroccanoil

Treatment Original

"The original argan oil treatment that started the hair oil craze. Contains silicones, so not CGM-friendly, but delivers undeniable shine and frizz control for those who don't mind them."

Best for:
Frizz-prone hair in humid conditions Those wanting maximum shine Medium to coarse hair needing smoothing People who don't follow strict CGM
Avoid if:
You avoid silicones Fine hair that gets weighed down easily You're looking for a pure oil product Sensitive to fragrance

Hair Compatibility

Curl Pattern

2A 2B 2C 3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 4C

Strand Thickness

medium
coarse

Porosity

medium
high

Performance

Definition 2/5
Hold 1/5
Shine 5/5
Crunch Potential 1/5
Buildup Risk 3/5
Hold Level
No Hold
Weight
Medium
Finish
Soft, No Cast
Buildup Risk
Medium

What's Inside

Argan Oil

Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids for deep nourishment

Cyclomethicone

Lightweight silicone for smoothing and shine

Dimethicone

Creates a protective barrier against humidity

Linseed Extract

Additional conditioning and shine

Protein Free
Sulfate Free
View Full Ingredients List

Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, CI 26100 (Red 17), CI 47000 (Yellow 11)

Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.

How to Use

Best as: Finisher

Pairs Well With

Alternatives to Consider

Overview

Moroccanoil Treatment Original is the product that ignited the modern hair oil trend. This argan oil-based treatment combines the nourishing properties of pure argan oil with lightweight silicones for a finish that’s undeniably shiny and smooth. It’s not CGM-friendly due to the silicone content, but for those who don’t follow strict curly guidelines, it remains a highly effective finishing product.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Argan Oil - The star ingredient. Rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants, argan oil has been used for centuries to nourish and condition hair.
  • Cyclomethicone - A volatile silicone that evaporates after application, leaving behind smoothness without heavy buildup.
  • Dimethicone - Creates a protective coating on the hair shaft that blocks humidity and adds shine.
  • Linseed Extract - Additional omega fatty acids for conditioning.

What We Love

  1. Incredible shine - Nothing quite matches the glass-like finish
  2. Frizz control - Silicones create an effective humidity barrier
  3. Signature scent - The distinctive fragrance is iconic (love it or hate it)
  4. Versatile use - Works as treatment, primer, or finishing oil
  5. A little goes far - The pump dispenser helps control usage
  6. Immediate results - Visible difference from first application

What Could Be Better

  1. Contains silicones - Requires clarifying shampoo to remove buildup
  2. Not CGM-friendly - A dealbreaker for strict method followers
  3. Premium pricing - Cheaper pure argan oils exist
  4. Strong fragrance - Not for those sensitive to scent
  5. Can weigh down fine hair - Too heavy for some textures

How to Use

As a Finishing Oil

  1. Dispense 1-2 pumps onto palms
  2. Rub hands together
  3. Apply to dry or damp mid-lengths and ends
  4. Avoid roots unless you need extra smoothing

As a Pre-Styling Treatment

  1. Apply to damp hair before blow-drying or diffusing
  2. Use 1-2 pumps for medium hair, more for thick, long hair
  3. Provides heat protection and reduces drying time

As an Overnight Treatment

  1. Apply generously to dry hair
  2. Focus on ends and any particularly dry areas
  3. Wrap hair or use a silk pillowcase
  4. Shampoo out in the morning

Pro Tip

If you’re worried about buildup, use a clarifying shampoo once every 1-2 weeks. This allows you to enjoy the benefits without accumulation.

The Verdict

Moroccanoil Treatment Original sits in the premium bracket but delivers results that justify the investment for many users. The silicone content means it won’t suit CGM purists, but for those prioritising shine and frizz control above ingredient lists, it remains one of the most effective products on the market.

The fragrance is distinctive and long-lasting—wonderful if you love it, problematic if you don’t. Consider this a finishing product rather than a treatment, and incorporate regular clarifying to keep hair healthy.

Our Rating: 4/5