Should I Use Oil Before Or After Washing Hair? (Best Practice)
If you want to keep your hair healthy and shiny, you might be wondering whether you should use oil before or after washing it.
Oil is a natural moisturizer that can nourish your scalp and hair, but if you use too much or don’t wash it off properly, it can make your hair greasy and weigh it down.
Quick Answer: You can apply oil either before or after washing your hair to keep it healthy and shiny. Oiling before washing hair (recommended) protects against chemical damage, improves circulation, and adds shine. Oiling your hair after washing it hydrates it, prevents frizz, and adds shine. Experiment to find out what works best for you in terms of beautiful, healthy hair.
So, how should you apply oil to your hair? Here are some suggestions and advantages to oiling your hair before and after washing it.
Should I Use Oil Before Or After Washing Hair?
Oiling Your Hair Before Washing (Benefits)
Oiling your hair before washing is a traditional practice that has many benefits for your hair. Some of the advantages of oiling your hair before washing are:
- It shields your hair from the harsh chemicals found in shampoos and conditioners, which can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture.
- It aids in detangling and preventing breakage and split ends.
- It increases blood circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth.
- It adds shine and softness to your hair and makes styling easier.
How to Oil Your Hair Before Washing?
- Choose an oil that is appropriate for your hair type and needs. Use coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, almond oil, or any other natural oil you prefer.
- Warm the oil in a microwave or double boiler for a few seconds. If you overheat it, you risk burning your scalp or damaging your hair.
- Apply the oil to your scalp in circular motions using your fingertips. Massage your scalp gently for 10 minutes to improve blood flow and relax it.
- Apply the oil to the rest of your hair, working your way from the roots to the tips. Make certain that each strand is evenly coated.
- Allow the oil to sit on your skin for at least an hour before washing it off. You can also leave it on overnight for better results, but cover your hair with a shower cap or towel to avoid staining your pillowcase.
- Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove the oil. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water; hot water can dry out your hair.
Best Oil to Apply Before Washing Hair
- Coconut oil
- Avocado oil
- Castor oil
- Olive oil
- Macadamia oil
There are the best pre-wash oils because they can penetrate the hair and hydrate and protect it. These oils penetrate the hair shaft and condition the hair from within.
Read Also: Coconut Oil After Hair Shower (Benefits)
Oiling Your Hair After Washing
Some people prefer to oil their hair after washing it, particularly if their hair is dry or frizzy and requires extra moisture and shine.
After washing your hair, oil it to seal in moisture and prevent frizz and flyaways.
However, you should avoid using too much oil or applying it too close to your scalp, as this can cause your hair to look greasy and limp.
Some advantages of oiling your hair after washing include:
- It moisturizes and conditions your hair, leaving it smooth and silky.
- It gives your hair a natural shine and gloss while also enhancing its color.
- It shields your hair from environmental aggressors such as the sun, wind, dust, and pollution.
- It makes your hair more manageable by taming frizz and flyaways.
How to Oil Your Hair After Washing?
- Choose a light, non-greasy oil, such as argan oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or rosemary oil. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or a serum containing natural oils.
- Apply a few drops of oil to your palms and rub them together.
- Then, run your fingers through your damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the roots.
- Comb or brush your hair gently to distribute the oil evenly.
Best Oil to Apply After Washing Hair
| Name of Oil | Benefits for Hair |
|---|---|
| Organix Anti-Frizz Hydrating Kukui Oil | – Nourishes and hydrates hair |
| – Reduces frizz and adds bounce to curls | |
| L’Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Oil In Cream | – Moisturizes and softens hair |
| – Adds shine without being sticky | |
| – Contains a blend of 6 exotic oils | |
| Framesi Morphosis Sublimis Argan Oil | – Moisturizes and adds gloss to hair |
| – Contains vitamins and conditioners | |
| Purra Coldpressed Jojoba Carrier Oil | – Light and non-greasy, ideal for hydrating hair |
| Wella Professionals Oil Reflections Smoothing Oil | – Adds shine and smoothness to hair |
Conclusion
Oiling your hair is an excellent way to nourish and protect it against damage and dryness.
Whether you oil your hair before or after washing is a matter of personal preference, hair type, and needs. However, each method has advantages and disadvantages,
So you should experiment with different oils and timings to see what works best for you.
Remember to use natural oils that are appropriate for your hair and scalp, and avoid using too much or too frequently as this can be harmful to your hair’s health.
Regularly oiling your hair can help you achieve beautiful, healthy, and shiny hair that you will adore.
