Comments on: Save vs. splurge: Argan oil hair treatments

By: glamsquad

glamsquad — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:46:57 +0000

Retrospectiv, I think you and I got tricked the same way with the live clean product! I spotted it in the store, double checked the ingredients (always!) and snapped one up right then and there. I went home thinking it was too good to be true, I mean really, a high Argan concentration for only 12~ish dollars? HEAVEN!

Upon getting home I took a second look at the ingredients and realized how I was duped: after the water content, there is a bullet point and the word “with” followed by the argan oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, etc. Then there’s another bullet point followed by standard leave in conditioner ingredients, some of which leave that sticky film (I experienced it too) which feels almost like there’s dried shampoo in the hair.

So the product doesn’t actually have a high concentration of those oils, but the marketing department which was probably aware of the increasing savviness of the cosmetic consumer, decided to insert the “feature” ingredients right into the top, protected by those bullet points so they can get away with doing what they did.

The ingredient in the highest concentration besides water is sorbitol, which acts very much like liquid sugar on the hair, goes on silky, then dries and feels sticky. It is a good humectant (so is sugar) but it doesn’t create the ultra touchable hair that a consumer would, rightfully, expect from this product.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:26:35 +0000

Great feedback, Retrospectiv – thanks for the detailed reviews! I guess even though it would be nice to go organic, sometimes you have to sacrifice that for performance. So many have raved about the Moroccanoil, I’m not surprised that one worked best for you.

By: Retrospectiv

Retrospectiv — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:48:19 +0000

I figured I’d weigh in as I’ve now tried both products.
I purchased the live Clean argain oil 2 weeks ago. I was excited to find an organic alternative that has a high percentage of actual argan oil, as well as some other nice natural oils.
I have fine, wavy mid-back length hair. For me, this oil was a tad heavy and almost a bit sticky. I would never consider even trying to use it on tangles (which is my hairs’ main feature….).
Rather than return it, I’m now using it as a pre- wash treatment. The price is too good & the ingredients too nice so an hour or two pre-wash I’m putting a bunch in my hair. Can’t hurt, right? : ) This oil is completely clear, no color.
I purchased the brand name Moroccanoil last week. Very different product that does contain silicones before argan oil. It’s much smoother and silkier (no doubt thanks to the ‘cones). I used a small amount after washing & towel drying and it wasn’t sticky at all and did make my hair very soft. It is a bit of a light amber color so I’ll be carefully watching for any color transfer to my blonde highlights.
Hope that helps some others trying to decide between the two.

By: my hair loves argan

my hair loves argan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:27:54 +0000

That hair photo is amazing! Thanks for the tip; I’ll give Live Clean a try.