Bleaching your hair can be a fun way to switch up your look, but it can also leave your locks feeling dry, damaged, and in need of some serious TLC.
If you’re looking for a natural way to restore moisture and shine to your bleached hair, you may be wondering if argan oil is the answer.
The good news is that argan oil is packed with nourishing vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that can help repair and protect your hair from further damage.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using argan oil on bleached hair and share some tips for incorporating it into your hair care routine.
So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive in!
Can You Use Argan Oil On Bleached Hair?
Yes, you can definitely use argan oil on bleached hair. In fact, argan oil is one of the best oils for restoring moisture and repairing damage caused by bleaching.
When you bleach your hair, it strips away the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and hydrated. This can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, which can help to replenish the natural oils in your hair and restore its moisture balance.
Argan oil is also packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth. It contains vitamin E, which promotes hair growth and shields the hair shaft from further damage. Additionally, it prevents scalp infections and soothes irritated scalps.
One of the best things about argan oil is that it’s lightweight and non-greasy, so it won’t weigh down your hair or make it look oily. This makes it a great choice for all hair types, including fine or thin hair.
The Science Behind Bleached Hair Damage
When you bleach your hair, hydrogen peroxide is used to strip away the melanin and oxidize the protein components of hair keratin. This process breaks down the disulfide bond, which is the backbone of the hair’s mechanical strength. As a result, bleached hair becomes significantly damaged, porous, and weak, and can even break.
Furthermore, cystine, a sulfur-containing amino acid found in keratin, is oxidized to cystic acid during the bleaching process. This makes the hair more hydrophilic, which means that it can absorb more moisture and become frizzier.
Bleaching not only raises the outer cuticle of the hair but also damages the bonds inside the hair, including hydrogen, disulfide, and salt bonds. This damage weakens and breaks the bonds, making strands more likely to split and snap.
To combat this damage and strengthen existing bonds while reconnecting broken ones, it’s important to regularly apply treatments like bond-building products that contain Advanced Bond Rebuilding Technology. These ingredients work within the hair shaft to protect bonds from damage and leave bleached locks stronger and more resilient.
Additionally, bleaching raises the cuticles of your hair, which can cause strands to interlock and tangle easily. Using a good conditioner after every shampoo can help flatten the cuticle, seal in moisture, reduce knots, and add shine.
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It has been used for centuries in food and medicine to moisturize and soothe dry skin and hair. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth. It contains vitamin E, which promotes hair growth and shields the hair shaft from further damage. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties that can help soothe sensitive or itchy scalps. Compared to other hair oils, argan oil features a smaller molecule, which is why it absorbs more easily into the hair to hydrate and soften it. Argan oil can be used as a conditioner, protective spray, hydrating hair mask, shine-inducing hair oil, styling product, or relieving scalp treatment. It’s a versatile and effective ingredient for restoring moisture and repairing damage caused by bleaching or other harsh treatments.
How Argan Oil Benefits Bleached Hair
When you bleach your hair, it causes protein loss, which can lead to damage and breakage. However, applying argan oil treatments immediately after bleaching can help prevent this damage. A 2013 study found that argan oil’s hydrophobic properties helped to restore the hair cuticle and prevent breakage and overall protein loss.
Argan oil is also effective in restoring shine to damaged hair caused by bleaching. It features a smaller molecule compared to other hair oils, which makes it easier to absorb into the hair and hydrate and soften it. The unsaturated fats in argan oil can easily penetrate the hair strand, sealing gaps in the cuticle of damaged hair and creating a healthier appearance.
Argan oil is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects, which can help soothe sensitive or itchy scalps that may result from the harshness of the bleaching process. Additionally, it can preserve the color of bleached hair and prevent further damage from heat or sun exposure.
How To Use Argan Oil On Bleached Hair
If you have bleached hair that is dry, damaged, and in need of some TLC, you can use argan oil as an intensive repair treatment. Here’s how:
1. Start with clean, damp hair. You can also use argan oil on dry hair if you prefer.
2. Rub a few drops of argan oil between your palms to warm it up.
3. Apply the oil to your hair, focusing on the ends and any areas that are particularly dry or damaged. Be careful not to apply too much, as a little goes a long way.
4. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the oil evenly through your hair.
5. Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intensive treatment.
6. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water and shampoo as usual.
You can use argan oil as often as you like, depending on the condition of your hair. For severely damaged hair, it’s recommended to use it once a week for at least a month.
In addition to using argan oil, there are other things you can do to help repair and protect bleached hair. These include using sulfate-free products, avoiding heat styling tools as much as possible, and protecting your hair from the sun’s harsh UV rays. You can also try using a hydrating hair mask or adding a leave-in conditioner to your hair care routine. With the right care and attention, you can restore your bleached hair to its healthy, shiny best.
Other Natural Remedies For Bleached Hair Care
Apart from argan oil, there are several other natural remedies that can help care for bleached hair. Here are a few:
1. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is rich in nutrients such as monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and plant sterols. It can form a protective shield on the hair strands, protecting them from heat and other environmental factors. Coconut oil can also prevent infections, hair fall, and hair breakage.
2. Silk Pillowcase and Microfiber Towel: Investing in a silk pillowcase and microfiber towel can prevent unnecessary pulling, breaking, or stretching of the hair, especially around the hairline. These ultra-soft and absorbent materials maintain the natural texture of the hair without causing any further frizz or damage.
3. Shower Filter: Water often contains unwanted chemicals, grime, and minerals that cause brassiness, dehydration, and hair breakage. Using a shower filter can get rid of these substances from the water in a pinch.
4. Deep-Penetrating Hair Oils and Hair Masks: Your bleached hair needs moisture and hydration after every bleaching session. Massaging it with deep-penetrating oils such as argan oil, coconut oil, or almond oil can repair it from within. You can also go for a hair mask ritual to get healthy bleached blonde hair.
5. Purple Shampoo: Use a purple shampoo to eliminate brassy tones and brighten your blonde hair. However, it is recommended that you wait 2 weeks after bleaching your hair before you start using one. Then, you can use it once between every few washes.
By incorporating these natural remedies into your bleached hair care routine along with argan oil, you can restore your hair’s health and beauty.
Precautions And Side Effects Of Argan Oil Use On Bleached Hair
While argan oil is generally safe for use on bleached hair, there are some precautions and potential side effects to keep in mind.
Firstly, it’s important to store argan oil properly to ensure its efficacy and safety. The oil should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat, and should not be used if it has a rancid or bad smell.
Additionally, people with nut allergies should avoid using argan oil as it comes from tree nuts. It’s also possible for some individuals to experience contact dermatitis from using argan oil, which can cause symptoms such as rash, redness, and itchiness of the skin.
When using argan oil on bleached hair, it’s important to not overdo it. While the oil can help to restore moisture and repair damage, using too much can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. It’s best to start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed.
Finally, if you have recently bleached your hair, it’s important to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before washing it. This gives your hair time to seal in the new color. Additionally, be sure to alternate between moisture- and protein-rich shampoos and conditioners to maintain the health of your hair. And always remember to trim your hair within seven days of coloring to help seal the ends.
