Argan oil is not only used in facial treatments but can also be used for hair care. Argan oil has hair growth activity as it contains oleic acid and linoleic acid, which act to prevent hair loss, strengthen hair, and protect against harmful hair cosmetics, as well as containing tocopherol, which has antioxidant properties. Tocopherol can help to protect from the effects of UV radiation which can damage hair through the melanin pigment and protein fraction. This study aimed to determine the effect of variations in the concentration of argan oil (Argania spinosa Skeels) with levels of 1%, 2%, 3%, in hair tonic nanoemulsion preparations on the hair growth of mice. Hair growth activity was carried out using mice for 21 days. The data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and paired-sample t test. The results showed that after 21 days of testing, there was an increase in hair growth from each formula and the positive control, of 1.891 mm, 2.33mm, 3.484 mm and 2.225 mm, respectively. The hair weights of formula 1, 2, 3, and the positive control were 0.0028, 0.0059, 0.0111 and 0.0070, respectively. The negative control led to a decrease in length and weight by 0.641 mm and -0.0023, respectively. In conclusion, the preparations of hair tonic nanoemulsion using argan oil at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 3% promoted hair growth in mice.
Keywords: argan oil, hair tonic, nanoemulsion, hair growth activity test, mice