Hair Oil Before or After Blow Drying: Which Is Best Option?

If you want to keep your hair shiny, smooth, and moisturized, you may be wondering whether you should apply hair oil before or after blow drying.

The answer is not so straightforward because different types of hair and hair oils may necessitate different methods.

In this article, we’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages of both options, as well as how to choose the best one for your hair type and goals.

Why Use Hair Oil?

Hair oil is a product that contains natural or synthetic oils that can nourish, protect, and improve the appearance of your hair. Hair oil can help with a variety of hair problems, including:

Dryness: Hair oil can moisturize your hair and keep it from losing moisture, which is especially important in dry or cold weather.
Frizz: Hair oil can smooth your hair cuticles and reduce static electricity, reducing frizz and flyaways.
Damage: Hair oil can coat your hair and form a protective barrier against the damaging effects of heat, chemicals, and environmental factors.
Shine: Hair oil can add a glossy finish to your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
Hair oil can stimulate blood circulation in your scalp, promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss and breakage.

How to Choose the Right Hair Oil?

Not all hair oils are the same. S

ome hair oils may work better for certain hair types and needs than others, depending on the ingredients, consistency, and quality. Here are some things to think about when selecting a hair oil:

Hair type
When it comes to hair oil, different hair types have different needs and preferences.

Lightweight oils that won’t weigh down or make your hair look greasy, such as argan oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil, may benefit fine or thin hair.

Thick or coarse hair, on the other hand, may require heavier oils that can penetrate deeper and provide more moisture, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.

Hair condition
The state of your hair also influences how it reacts to hair oil.

If your hair is dry or damaged, for example, you may require more hydrating and repairing oils, such as almond oil, shea butter, or castor oil.

If your hair is oily or prone to buildup, more cleansing and balancing oils, such as tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or lemon oil, may be required.

Hair goal
The purpose of using hair oil influences the type of oil that should be used.

For example, if you want to add shine to your hair, use more luminous oils like sunflower oil, rosehip oil, or camellia oil.

If you want to promote growth, use more stimulating oils like rosemary oil, lavender oil, or cedarwood oil.

Hair Oil Before or After Blow Drying?

Now that you know how to select the best hair oil for your hair type, condition, and goal, let’s discuss when to use it: before or after blow drying. Depending on the outcomes you seek, both options have advantages and disadvantages.

Hair Oil Before Blow Drying

Applying hair oil before blow drying can have several benefits:

Protect your hair from heat.
Frizz prevention by smoothing hair cuticles.
Keeping moisture in place to reduce static electricity.
Improved blowout with increased shine, volume, and bounce.

However, applying hair oil before blow drying also has some drawbacks:

If you use too much or the wrong type of oil, it can weigh down your hair or make it look greasy.
It can impede styling by making your hair too slippery or sticky for brushes or tools.
If you don’t wash it out thoroughly, it can cause buildup or residue on your scalp or hair.

To avoid these problems, here are some tips for applying hair oil before blow drying:

Apply a small amount of oil (a few drops or a dime-sized amount) to your damp (not wet) hair and distribute it evenly. Avoid putting it directly on your hair or scalp.
Choose a lightweight or heat-activated oil that won’t clog your hair or leave a greasy residue. Argan oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil are a few examples.
On top of the oil, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to boost its protective effect and prevent overheating.
Blow dry your hair on a low or medium heat setting and smooth it out with a round or paddle brush.
Finish with a cool air blast to seal in the moisture and shine.

Hair Oil After Blow Drying

Applying hair oil after blow drying can also have several benefits:

Moisturizes and restores lost natural oils.
Tames frizz and flyaways.
Adds shine and a polished look to hair

However, applying hair oil after blow drying also has some drawbacks:

If you use too much or the wrong type of oil, it can ruin your blowout by making your hair flat or limp.
If you don’t wash your hair on a regular basis, it can attract dirt and dust, making it look dull or dirty.
If you apply it to dry or brittle hair that has already been damaged by heat, it can cause split ends or breakage.

To avoid these problems, here are some tips for applying hair oil after blow drying:

Apply only a small amount of oil (a few drops or a pea-sized amount) to the ends or mid-lengths of your hair. Avoid touching your scalp or roots.
Select a nourishing or sealing oil that will hydrate and repair your hair without leaving it heavy or oily. Coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil are a few examples.
When your hair is completely dry and cool, apply the oil. If your hair is still warm or damp, the oil may not absorb properly, causing further damage.
Gently work the oil into your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Brushing or combing your hair vigorously may cause breakage or frizz.
Reapply the oil as needed throughout the day or week to maintain your hair’s moisture and shine.

Conclusion

There is no definitive answer as to whether hair oil should be applied before or after blow drying.

It is determined by your hair type, condition, goal, and personal preference.

Experimenting with different oils and methods to see how your hair reacts is the best way to figure out what works for you.

To avoid buildup or greasiness, always use a moderate amount of oil and thoroughly rinse it out. Hair oil can be a great ally for healthy and beautiful hair if used and cared for properly.