Are you considering coloring your hair but worried about the potential damage it may cause? Look no further than argan oil.
This versatile oil has been touted as a miracle worker for hair, and for good reason. Not only can it strengthen and nourish your locks, but it can also help prepare your hair for the coloring process.
But is it safe to use argan oil before dying your hair? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of using argan oil as a pre-treatment for hair dye.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of hair care.
Can I Put Argan Oil In My Hair Before Dying?
The short answer is yes, you can put argan oil in your hair before dying it. However, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Firstly, it’s important to note that moisturized hair takes color best. This means that using argan oil as a pre-treatment can actually help the coloring process by strengthening and preparing your hair. Argan oil can also help repair any previous damage and nourish each hair strand, allowing for a more even distribution of color throughout your hair.
However, it’s important to use argan oil correctly. If you apply it too close to the time of coloring, it can actually ruin the whole dyeing process and leave your color uneven. This is because the oil can cause the dye to slide and not settle properly, resulting in a lack of color change or an uneven distribution of color.
To avoid this, it’s recommended to apply argan oil to your hair at least a day before coloring. This allows the oil to penetrate through your hair strands and reach the cortex, which is the middle layer of your hair strands that provides color and strength. The longer you leave the argan oil to penetrate through your hair, the more efficient it will be.
It’s also important to note that different types of hair dye may react differently to argan oil. Semi-permanent dye adheres to the hair cuticles, forming a color film. If you use argan oil before coloring your hair with this type of dye, the color may not stick properly. On the other hand, permanent dye contains developer and ammonia, which can get through the film formed by the argan oil but may not fix evenly.
What Is Argan Oil And How Does It Benefit Hair?
Argan oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It is rich in fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, as well as plant sterols and antioxidants like vitamin E. These compounds work together to provide numerous benefits for the hair.
One of the main benefits of argan oil for hair is its ability to moisturize and hydrate. The fatty acids in argan oil penetrate the hair shaft and hydrate the cuticle layer, adding moisture to potentially dried out, treated hair. This helps to prevent breakage and split ends, and leaves hair feeling softer and more manageable.
Argan oil also contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, as well as vitamins C and B, which penetrate the scalp and provide nutrients to the hair roots. This promotes healthy hair growth and helps to strengthen weakened or brittle hair.
In addition to its moisturizing and nourishing properties, argan oil also helps to protect the hair from damage caused by heat styling tools and UV rays. It can also help to prevent frizz and maintain the pigments in your hair, making it a great choice for color-treated hair.
How Does Argan Oil Help Prepare Hair For Coloring?
Argan oil is often referred to as “liquid gold” in the hair care industry because of its nourishing properties. It contains fatty acids, plant sterols, and vitamins that can hydrate the cuticle, repair the damaged cortex, and strengthen weakened and brittle hair. When applied to hair before coloring, argan oil can help to strengthen the hair shaft from the inside out, making it more resilient to damage caused by oxidative dyes.
One of the main issues with hair coloring is that it can cause damage to your hair over time. This is because the process requires oxidative dyes that stress your hair, causing damage little by little. Argan oil can protect and heal your hair from this damage by providing essential nutrients such as vitamin E, fatty acids, and minerals. These ingredients work together to penetrate the scalp and add nutrients to the hair roots, promoting health and hair growth.
Using argan oil before coloring your hair can also help to prevent further damage from hair dye by adding moisture and preventing dryness. Dry hair is more prone to breakage and damage, so using argan oil as a pre-treatment can help keep your hair healthy and strong.
Potential Risks Of Using Argan Oil Before Dying Hair
While argan oil can be beneficial for your hair before dying it, there are some potential risks to keep in mind. Firstly, if you have extremely sensitive skin or tree-nut allergies, argan oil can cause skin allergies or aggravate acne. It’s important to always do a patch test before applying it to your hair.
Additionally, applying argan oil too close to the time of coloring can result in uneven color distribution or a lack of color change. This is because the oil can cause the dye to slide and not settle properly. To avoid this, it’s recommended to apply argan oil at least a day before coloring your hair.
It’s also important to note that argan oil may not work well with certain types of hair dye. Semi-permanent dye may not adhere properly to hair that has been treated with argan oil, resulting in uneven color. Permanent dye containing developer and ammonia may not fix evenly either.
Lastly, if you are ingesting argan oil, it’s important to observe how your body is reacting to it. It can cause severe bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or breakouts. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before ingesting any type of oil or supplement.
Tips For Using Argan Oil As A Pre-Treatment For Hair Dye
If you’re planning to use argan oil as a pre-treatment for hair dye, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Apply the argan oil at least a day before coloring your hair. This allows the oil to penetrate through your hair strands and reach the cortex, which provides color and strength.
2. Use a small amount of argan oil, focusing on the ends of your hair and away from your scalp. Applying too much oil can cause the dye to slide and not settle properly, resulting in an uneven distribution of color.
3. Avoid using argan oil before coloring your hair with semi-permanent dye, as it may not allow the color to stick properly.
4. If you’re using permanent dye, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the recommended developer and ammonia levels.
5. Wait at least 72 hours before washing your hair after coloring it, and use warm (not hot) water to avoid stripping away the color.
By following these tips, you can ensure that argan oil will help strengthen and prepare your hair for coloring, resulting in a more even distribution of color and healthier-looking locks.
Other Ways To Incorporate Argan Oil Into Your Hair Care Routine
Aside from using argan oil as a pre-treatment before dyeing your hair, there are other ways to incorporate it into your hair care routine. One way is to use it as a leave-in conditioner. After washing your hair, apply a small amount of argan oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. This will help to keep your hair moisturized and prevent breakage.
Another way to use argan oil is as a hair mask. Apply a generous amount of argan oil to your hair and scalp, making sure to massage it in well. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for maximum benefits. This will help to nourish and strengthen your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable.
You can also use argan oil as a styling product. Apply a small amount of oil to your hair before using heat styling tools like straighteners or curling irons. This will help to protect your hair from heat damage and keep it looking shiny and healthy.
Finally, you can use argan oil as a scalp treatment. Massage a few drops of oil into your scalp to help reduce inflammation and dandruff. However, it’s important not to leave the oil on your scalp for too long as this can lead to sensitivity and inflammation over time.