Can Argan Oil Lighten Hair? Everything You Need To Know

Are you tired of using harsh chemicals to lighten your hair? Have you heard rumors that argan oil can lighten hair naturally?

Well, you’re in luck because we’re here to debunk those myths and give you the facts. Argan oil has been praised for its numerous benefits for hair, but can it really lighten your locks?

In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind this popular beauty trend and give you all the information you need to know about using argan oil for hair lightening.

So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of argan oil and hair care.

Can Argan Oil Lighten Hair?

The short answer is no, argan oil cannot lighten hair. Argan oil is a natural product that does not contain any chemicals or color-corrosive agents that can modify hair color. Therefore, it cannot lighten or darken hair.

However, there are some instances where argan oil may give hair a slight golden hue, but this effect is only temporary and disappears after a few washes. This may be more noticeable on white or very blonde hair, but it does not change the overall color of the hair.

What Is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is a versatile oil derived from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It has been used for centuries by the women of Morocco for its beauty benefits. Argan oil can be used in the kitchen, as well as for cosmetic purposes. It is rich in fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins A, B, C, and E, which make it an excellent hydrator and moisturizer for the skin, nails, and hair.

Argan oil is a natural product that does not contain any chemicals or color-corrosive agents that can modify hair color. It is safe to use on both normal and colored hair, including bleached hair. Argan oil can help to repair and moisturize hair, while also adding shine and intensity to hair color.

In general, full-strength argan oil can be used on thicker or curly hair, while lighter versions can be used on all hair types. It is safe to use every day and works well with other moisturizing oils like jojoba, castor oil or coconut oil. As with any product that contains tree nut oil, it is important to discuss with your doctor before use if you have allergies.

Aside from its cosmetic benefits, argan oil has also been found to offer some protection against UV damage from the sun. Its high concentration of Vitamin E makes it an excellent antioxidant that can absorb UV light and prevent UV-induced free radical damage. Applying products with argan oil topically can also help to improve skin hydration levels and help the skin barrier.

How Does Hair Lightening Work?

Hair lightening works by using chemicals to break down the natural pigments in the hair, making them less visible and allowing light to reflect through the strands, resulting in a lighter appearance. The most commonly used chemicals for hair lightening are hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, which are mixed together to create a bleaching solution. When applied to the hair, the cuticles open up, allowing the solution to penetrate the cortex where natural pigments dissolve due to oxidation.

Unlike hair lighteners, which only make the natural pigments less visible, hair bleach removes the pigment from the hair strands entirely. This is achieved through an irreversible chemical reaction where the bleach oxidizes the melanin molecule in the hair, rendering it colorless. However, bleached hair tends to have a pale yellow tint due to the natural color of keratin, which is the structural protein in hair.

It is important to note that both hair lightening and bleaching can cause significant damage to the hair and its bonds. This is why many professionals use bond protecting additives such as Olaplex to protect existing bonds against serious damage and repair already damaged bonds.

The Science Behind Argan Oil’s Effect On Hair Color

While argan oil cannot lighten hair, it can help maintain the color of dyed or treated hair. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and oleic fatty acids, which can hydrate the cuticle and add moisture to dried-out color-treated hair. This helps to prevent hair color from fading or washing out quickly.

Additionally, argan oil is rich in plant sterols and Vitamin E, which are antioxidants that repair the damaged cortex and strengthen weakened and brittle hair. These nutrients can also give the hair a younger and revitalized texture.

Argan oil also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, as well as Vitamin C and B vitamins. These nutrients penetrate the scalp and add nutrients to the hair roots, promoting health and hair growth. With the protein structure of your hair intact, your hair color is less likely to get washed out and fade. This means that you may not need frequent coloring and bleaching treatments, which can minimize hair damage.

How To Use Argan Oil For Hair Lightening

While argan oil itself cannot lighten hair, it can be used as a pre-treatment to protect the hair from damage during the lightening process. Here’s how to use argan oil for hair lightening:

1. Don’t wash your hair for at least 48 hours before lightening, as the natural oils will help protect your hair and scalp.

2. Comb your dry hair and separate it into four or five sections to make it easier to distribute the oil.

3. Warm ten drops of argan oil in the palm of your hand by rubbing your palms together.

4. Distribute the oil from the lengths to the ends of your hair, covering your entire head of hair.

5. Apply two drops of oil to one of your palms and rub it into the roots and growth.

6. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes.

7. Prepare the lightening mixture and everything you need for the lightening process.

8. Apply the lightening mixture without rinsing out the argan oil and wait for the exposure time recommended by the product instructions.

9. Rinse your hair thoroughly after the lightening process is complete.

10. Apply argan oil again to your damp hair to moisturize it. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing with shampoo.

By using argan oil as a pre-treatment, you can help protect your hair from damage and keep it moisturized during the lightening process. However, it’s important to note that argan oil cannot lighten hair on its own and should only be used in combination with a lightening product.

Other Benefits Of Argan Oil For Hair

Apart from its inability to lighten hair, argan oil has numerous other benefits for hair health. Argan oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help hydrate, soften, and protect hair. Its high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E can help increase hair elasticity, restore shine to dull and lifeless hair, and prevent breakage.

Argan oil can also protect hair from the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize hair damage from free radicals and other elements. Additionally, argan oil can help moisturize hair and reduce inflammation due to its linoleic acid content. It can also help improve the penetration of other ingredients into the hair and reduce dryness.

Moreover, argan oil can help revitalize color-treated and processed hair. The small fatty acid molecules in argan oil can fill in gaps in the hair cuticle more easily, restoring the protein structure of the hair and reducing damage.

While argan oil cannot promote hair growth, it can soften and moisturize hair, prevent breakage, soothe the scalp, and repair hair coloring damage. It is a natural and safe product that can improve overall hair health without any harmful side effects.