Are you tired of damaging your hair every time you straighten it? Do you want to protect your locks from the heat while still achieving that silky smooth finish?
Look no further than argan oil! This miracle oil has been touted for its restorative properties and ability to add shine and moisture to hair. But can you put it in your hair before straightening?
The answer may surprise you. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using argan oil for hair straightening and whether or not it’s safe to use before applying heat.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of argan oil and hair care.
Can I Putting Argan Oil In My Hair Before Straightening?
The short answer is no, it’s not recommended to put argan oil in your hair before straightening. When you apply heat to oil, it can actually cook your hair, causing more damage than good.
Instead, it’s best to use argan oil as a post-straightening treatment. Applying argan oil after straightening can help seal the cuticle and deliver much-needed nutrients and moisture to your hair. This will leave your hair looking shiny, healthy, and protected from future damage.
But don’t worry, there are still ways to use argan oil to protect your hair from heat damage while straightening. One option is to use a high-quality heat protectant in addition to argan oil. This will create a protective barrier between your hair and the heat, while still allowing the benefits of argan oil to penetrate your strands.
Another option is to use argan oil in the weeks leading up to your straightening treatment. By applying argan oil regularly before your appointment, you can help strengthen and nourish your hair, making it more resilient to heat damage.
What Is Argan Oil And How Does It Benefit Your Hair?
Argan oil is a natural oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. This oil is rich in nutrients and vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, linoleic acid, and omega-6 fatty acids. All of these super-nourishing ingredients make argan oil an excellent ingredient for conditioning and protecting your hair.
When used as a conditioner or styling product, argan oil can leave your hair strands softer, shinier, more manageable, and frizz-free. It can also be used as a protective spray when using hot tools, as it provides great slip that makes styling easier while nourishing and conditioning your hair.
Argan oil can also be used as a hydrating hair mask to help smooth frayed hair shafts and seal split ends while strengthening your hair. Additionally, it can be used as a shine-inducing hair oil for seriously parched strands or as an effective styling product to define curls.
Argan oil’s rich antioxidant content also makes it an effective scalp treatment, helping to reduce scalp inflammation that leads to dandruff, itchiness, and other scalp issues. However, it’s important not to leave any kind of oil on the scalp for a prolonged period of time, as the potency might lead to scalp sensitivity and inflammation over time.
The Science Behind Hair Straightening: How Heat Damages Your Hair
To understand why it’s not recommended to put argan oil in your hair before straightening, it’s important to understand how heat damages your hair. When you apply heat to your hair, it breaks and flattens hydrogen bonds, which are responsible for the shape and texture of your hair. While this process can leave your hair looking sleek and straight, it can also cause damage to the structure of your hair.
When you apply oil to your hair before straightening, it can limit the action of heat and cause you to increase the temperature of your flat iron. This can cause the oil to burn and produce harmful smoke, which can damage your hair strands by stripping them of their moisture and proteins. Not only does this make your hair look dull and lifeless, but it can also lead to split ends and breakage.
Additionally, most carrier oils have a smoke point less than 400°F, which means that when you put oil in your hair before flat ironing, you may need to go above this temperature to straighten your hair effectively. This temperature will not only burn the oil but also damage your hair strands.
To avoid this damage, it’s best to use argan oil as a post-straightening treatment or in combination with a high-quality heat protectant. This will help protect your hair from damage while still allowing the benefits of argan oil to penetrate your strands. By understanding the science behind heat damage, you can make informed decisions about how to care for and protect your hair while still achieving the desired results.
How Argan Oil Can Help Protect Your Hair From Heat Damage
Argan oil is a powerful ingredient that can help protect your hair from heat damage. It contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, which work together to nourish your hair from the inside out. When applied to your hair before heat styling, argan oil can act as a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing damage and keeping your locks healthy and shiny.
One of the key benefits of argan oil is that it has a higher burning point than other oils like coconut oil. This means that it can withstand higher temperatures (up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an excellent choice for heat protection. When used in conjunction with other oils like avocado oil, argan oil can provide even greater protection against heat damage.
Argan oil is also rich in natural fatty acids that help support hair follicle health and prevent your scalp and hair from drying out. Dry hair is more easily damaged when exposed to heat, so using argan oil regularly can help keep your hair healthy and strong.
In addition to its protective benefits, argan oil also has conditioning effects that can help improve the overall health of your hair. It can help smooth frizz and add shine, leaving your locks looking sleek and healthy.
To use argan oil as a heat protectant, it’s important to apply it correctly. Instead of applying it directly to your hair before heat styling, try using a high-quality heat protectant that contains argan oil as one of its key ingredients. This will provide a protective barrier between your hair and the heat while still allowing the benefits of argan oil to penetrate your strands.
Alternatively, you can use argan oil in the weeks leading up to your straightening treatment. By applying it regularly before your appointment, you can help strengthen and nourish your hair, making it more resilient to heat damage.
How To Apply Argan Oil Before Straightening Your Hair
While it’s not recommended to apply argan oil before straightening your hair, you can still use it to protect and nourish your hair before and after the treatment. Here’s how to apply argan oil before straightening your hair:
1. Start by washing your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to remove any dirt or product buildup. Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel and let it air dry until it’s about 80% dry.
2. Rub a few drops of argan oil between your palms to warm it up. Avoid using too much oil, as this can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.
3. Apply the argan oil to the ends of your hair first, working your way up towards the roots. Be sure to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
4. If you’re using a heat protectant, apply it after the argan oil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product and apply it evenly throughout your hair.
5. Divide your hair into sections using clips or hair ties. This will make it easier to straighten your hair one section at a time, reducing the amount of heat exposure and minimizing damage.
6. Use a flat iron with adjustable heat settings, and start with the lowest heat setting first. Slowly increase the heat as needed, but be careful not to exceed the recommended temperature for your hair type.
7. Once you’ve finished straightening your hair, apply a few more drops of argan oil to the ends of your hair to seal in moisture and add shine.
Remember, it’s important to use high-quality products and take good care of your hair before and after straightening to minimize damage and maintain healthy, beautiful locks.
Tips For Achieving The Best Results With Argan Oil And Straightening Your Hair
If you’re looking to achieve the best results with argan oil and straightening your hair, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Clean your hair thoroughly before straightening. Use a smoothing or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to remove dirt and traces of old products while providing much-needed moisture to your hair.
2. Dry your hair properly. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel to prevent frizz. Instead, squeeze excess moisture and pat hair dry gently using a microfiber towel and let it air dry (up to 80% dry) before blow drying.
3. Apply argan oil as a post-straightening treatment. By using argan oil on your hair after you flat iron, you can protect your strands from the heat, add moisture and shine to your hair, and reduce frizz all at the same time!
4. Divide your hair into sections. Instead of grabbing random clumps of hair, iron your hair one section at a time. Sections should be one to two inches thick so you can easily straighten your hair with fewer passes.
5. Hold the upper layer of hair using a clip and start working on the sections in the lower layer. Using a fluid and steady motion, glide the straightening iron from the roots to the ends. Iron one section at a time and place the straightener as close to the roots as possible.
6. Top it off with a good quality serum. Work a hair serum through your hair once you’re done to add shine and tame any errant flyaways.
By following these tips, you can achieve smooth, silky, and straight hair without sacrificing its thickness and shine. Remember to always use high-quality products like argan oil and heat protectants to keep your hair healthy, strong, and looking its best.
Other Ways To Incorporate Argan Oil Into Your Hair Care Routine
Aside from post-straightening treatments and pre-treatment preparation, there are other ways to incorporate argan oil into your hair care routine. One option is to use it as a nourishing conditioner. Argan oil is rich in vitamins and nutrients, making it a great ingredient for conditioning your hair. The combination of these nourishing ingredients leaves your hair softer, shinier, more manageable, and frizz-free.
Another way to use argan oil is as a protective spray. When using hot tools on your hair, it’s important to make sure that your hair is as protected as possible. Argan oil can be used as an ingredient in heat protection products because it’s very nourishing and conditioning for the hair. It provides great slip that makes styling easier, while also protecting your hair from damage.
You can also use argan oil as a hydrating hair mask. This is especially useful if you have damaged hair. The vitamin E in the oil helps smooth frayed hair shafts and seal split ends while the omega fatty acids work to strengthen your hair. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes to reap the oil’s full benefits.
Argan oil can also be used as a shine-inducing hair oil. High-quality oil-infused products are essential to maintaining shiny, healthy hair because hair oils are made to penetrate into your strands (as opposed to serums, which usually sit on the surface of the strands). Use this if your strands are seriously parched.
Finally, you can use argan oil as a relieving scalp treatment. Because argan oil is rich in antioxidants, it’s an effective scalp treatment. It can help reduce scalp inflammation that leads to dandruff, itchiness, and other scalp issues. To note though, it’s important not to leave any kind of oil on the scalp for a prolonged period of time, as the potency might lead to scalp sensitivity and inflammation over time. 20-30 minutes should be plenty of time to absorb the benefits.
