Are you considering bleaching your hair but worried about the damage it could cause? You’re not alone.
Bleaching can be a harsh chemical process that strips hair of its natural moisture and nutrients, leaving it dry and brittle. But what if we told you there’s a way to protect your hair during the bleaching process?
Enter argan oil. This popular hair oil has been touted for its ability to nourish and protect hair, but can it be used before bleaching?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using argan oil before bleaching and whether it’s a good idea for your hair.
So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive in!
Can I Put Argan Oil On My Hair Before Bleaching?
The short answer is yes, you can put argan oil on your hair before bleaching. In fact, it’s a great idea!
When you bleach your hair, the peroxide in the bleach reacts with the iron and copper pigments in your hair, causing damage. However, argan oil contains certain substances that bond with the copper and iron in your hair on a molecular level, isolating them and preventing any reaction with the peroxide from taking place.
This means that by applying argan oil to your hair before bleaching, you can protect your hair from the damaging effects of the bleach while still achieving the desired effect.
It’s important to note that while argan oil can protect your hair from the damaging effects of bleach, it won’t stop the bleach from penetrating your hair shaft and breaking down the hair’s keratins. This means that you’ll still need to be careful when bleaching your hair and follow all instructions carefully.
What Is Argan Oil And How Does It Work On Hair?
Argan oil is a natural oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous benefits for hair, skin, and nails. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, making it an excellent moisturizer and protector for hair.
When applied to hair, argan oil works by penetrating the hair shaft and moisturizing the hair from within. It also helps to seal the cuticle of the hair, which can minimize split ends and frizz. Argan oil can increase hair elasticity, restore shine to dull hair, and prevent breakage and split ends. It can also protect hair from everyday damage caused by pollution, chemical treatments, and hot tools.
The fatty acids in argan oil can help to hold moisture in the hair, while the phenols and antioxidants strengthen hair follicles and promote cell production on the scalp. This promotes healthy hair growth and ensures that new hair strands are thicker and healthier. Argan oil can also aid in the production of keratin, which stimulates hair growth.
In addition to its benefits for hair, argan oil can also be used on the scalp to help with inflammation that can lead to dandruff, itchiness, and other scalp issues. It can also keep skin moisturized.
The Potential Damage Of Bleaching Hair
Bleaching hair is an extremely drying process that can cause significant damage to your hair. The peroxide in the bleach reacts with the natural copper and iron pigments in your hair, causing chelation that can lead to severe damage. This damage can result in dry, brittle, and weak hair that is prone to breakage and split ends.
If your hair is already dry, brittle, or damaged, bleaching is not recommended. Most hair professionals will not bleach damaged hair as it can cause further harm. It’s important to ensure that your hair is in good condition before attempting to bleach it.
To prepare your hair for bleaching, it’s essential to infuse as much moisture into your hair as possible. Committing to a deep conditioning treatment once a week for several weeks before bleaching can be beneficial. Coconut oil and marula oil are excellent options that can add moisture to your hair.
It’s also important to avoid using any heat styling tools for at least a week before bleaching and to wash your hair a couple of days before the process. Informing your hairstylist if you have previously bleached or colored your hair is also crucial as this information can impact the bleaching process.
How Argan Oil Can Help Protect Hair Before Bleaching
Argan oil is a great option to help protect your hair before bleaching. It contains small fatty acid molecules that can fill in the gaps in your hair cuticle more easily than other oils. This can help restore the protein structure of your hair, reducing damage.
To use argan oil before bleaching, start by not washing your hair for at least 48 hours before bleaching. This is because the natural oils in your hair can also protect it and your scalp during the bleaching process.
Four to five hours before bleaching, comb your dry hair and separate it into four or five sections to make it easier to distribute the oil evenly. Warm up ten drops of argan oil in the palm of your hand by rubbing your palms together. Then, distribute the oil from the lengths to the ends, covering your entire head of hair.
Apply two drops of oil to one of your palms and rub it into the roots and growth. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for a minimum of thirty minutes. This will allow the oil to deeply penetrate your hair and provide protection during the bleaching process.
After this time, prepare the bleaching mixture and everything you need for the process. Apply the bleach without rinsing out the argan oil and wait for the exposure time.
When the bleaching process is finished, rinse your hair thoroughly with water. You can apply argan oil again to your damp hair to moisturize it and provide extra protection. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing with shampoo.
How To Use Argan Oil Before Bleaching Your Hair
If you’re planning to bleach your hair, using argan oil beforehand can help protect your hair from damage. Here’s how to use argan oil before bleaching your hair:
1. Don’t wash your hair for at least 48 hours before bleaching. The natural oils in your hair can also help protect it during the bleaching process.
2. Comb your dry hair 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. Apply the oil to your hair, starting from the lengths and working your way down to the ends. Be sure to cover your entire head of hair.
5. Apply two drops of oil to your palms and rub it into your roots and growth.
6. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for at least thirty minutes.
7. Prepare the bleaching mixture and everything you need for the bleaching process.
8. Apply the bleaching mixture without rinsing out the argan oil and wait for the exposure time.
9. When the bleaching process is finished, rinse your hair thoroughly.
10. You can apply argan oil again to your damp hair to moisturize it. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing with shampoo.
By following these steps, you can help protect your hair from damage during the bleaching process while still achieving the desired effect. Remember to always be cautious when using harsh chemicals on your hair and follow all instructions carefully.
Precautions To Take When Using Argan Oil Before Bleaching
If you’re planning to use argan oil before bleaching your hair, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure the best results.
Firstly, make sure that your hair is not dry, brittle, or damaged before applying the oil. If your hair is in poor condition, it may not be able to handle the bleaching process even with the added protection of argan oil.
It’s also important to wash your hair a couple of days before bleaching it and avoid using any heat styling tools for at least a week beforehand. This will help to ensure that your hair is in the best possible condition before undergoing the bleaching process.
When applying the argan oil, start by combing your dry hair into four or five sections to make it easier to distribute the oil evenly. Warm up ten drops of argan oil in the palm of your hand by rubbing your palms together and then distribute it from the lengths to the ends of your hair. Apply two drops of oil to one of your palms and rub it into the roots and growth.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the oil on for at least thirty minutes before proceeding with the bleaching process. When applying the bleach, do not rinse out the argan oil first. Wait for the exposure time and then rinse your hair thoroughly.
After bleaching, you can apply argan oil again to your damp hair to moisturize it. Leave it on for around 30 minutes before washing with shampoo.
Finally, if you have previously bleached or colored your hair, make sure to inform your hairstylist before undergoing another bleaching process. This will help them to determine the best course of action for your particular hair type and condition.
Alternatives To Argan Oil For Hair Protection During Bleaching
While argan oil is a great option for protecting your hair during bleaching, there are also other oils that can offer similar benefits. Coconut oil is another popular oil that is rich in nutrients, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and plant sterols. When applied to frizzy hair due to bleaching, coconut oil can form a shield on the hair strands, protecting it from heat and other environmental factors. It can also prevent infections, hair fall, and hair breakage.
However, it’s important to note that not all oils are created equal when it comes to protecting your hair during bleaching. The oil needs to be able to penetrate the hair shaft, which is a rare property. Therefore, it’s best to stick with oils that have been proven to work, such as argan oil and coconut oil.
If you’re looking for an alternative to argan oil and coconut oil, you can try using camellia oil. This oil is also great for all hair types and can provide hydration, UV protection, and a patent finish. It’s also versatile and can be used as a moisturizing pre-shampoo treatment or a nourishing overnight fix for dry, color-treated strands.
Another option is to use hair products that include an SPF. This can protect your hair from burning from heat styling and from the sun after bleaching. Look for products specifically designed for hair that include an SPF or use an SPF spray.
