Should You Put Oil in Hair Before Coloring? Pros, Cons and Tips

Introduction

Dying your hair can be transformative but also damaging if not done properly. Many wonder if applying oil before coloring helps or hurts the results. Oils create a barrier and can aid dye absorption for deeper color. But they can also hinder lightening or highlight effects. Understanding your hair goals, dye type, and prep techniques allows utilizing oil safely prior to coloring.

Goals of Applying Oil Before Dyeing

Oil serves several possible purposes pre-coloring, depending on hair needs:

Moisturizing

Oil seals in moisture, providing lubrication to counteract the drying effects of dye. Less porous, conditioned hair holds color better.

Protection

Coating strands in oil creates a barrier against cuticle damage from ammonia and peroxide in dye. Reduces likelihood of breakage.

Dye Absorption

Some oils help dye penetrate deeper into the hair shaft for richer, longer-lasting color.

Vibrancy

Certain oils add shine to amplify color vibrancy. Makes hues pop.

Scalp Health

Oils soothe and nourish the scalp prior to the stress of coloring. Prevents dryness and itching.

Choosing prep oils aligning with your specific hair goals allows maximizing benefits.

Considerations for Oil and Dye Interaction

While oil can enhance dye jobs in many cases, some factors require caution:

Lightening Difficulty

Pre-lightening oils make it harder for bleach to fully penetrate and lift color. Only use on mid-lengths and ends or do oil prep days before lightening.

Highlight Hindrance

Similarly, oil causes uneven highlight application by creating barriers. Use oil several days prior or avoid altogether.

Previous Dye Coating

Hair formerly coated in semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye may not take new color evenly over oily patches. Consider other prep options first.

Fine Hair Overload

Using oils on ultra-fine or limp hair could overload strands and make hair greasy or limper. Use sparingly or avoid oils.

Allergic Reactions

Ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients in the oil, as scalp contact is greater with oil pre-treatment.

Consider your individual hair needs and the planned dye process to determine if oil will hinder or help.

Best Oils for Pre-Coloring Hair

Certain oils best serve specific goals for pre-dye conditioning and protection:

Coconut Oil

Penetrates deeply to prevent protein loss and nourish strands.

Argan Oil

Repairs damage and seals cuticles for decreased dye absorption but added shine.

Avocado Oil

Heavy oil that adds lubrication to guard hair during coloring.

Grapeseed Oil

Lightweight oil great for fine hair to provide subtle conditioning without greasiness.

Olive Oil

Affordable option good for adding richness to dye results and avoiding brassiness.

Almond Oil

Absorbs well while smoothing hair and preventing breakage.

Jojoba Oil

Mimics natural sebum so is balancing and enhances dye uptake.

Experiment to find your optimal pre-color oil based on hair type and needs.

Technique for Applying Oil Before Dye

Proper technique when using pre-color oil maximizes benefits:

Several Days Before

Apply oil 3-5 days prior if lightening or highlighting to allow oil dissipation. Shampoo normally before dye session.

Night Before

Apply a medium amount of oil thoroughly across lengths the night before coloring for conditioning without barrier effect.

Few Hours Before

Lightly apply oil if seeking added dye brightness and depth. Focus just on midshaft and ends.

Immediately Before

Apply oil moments before dye if priority is cuticle protection and scalp soothing during process.

Avoid Roots

Keep oil application at least 1-2 inches from roots for even lifting and coloring.

Even Distribution

Ensure oil fully and evenly coats hair, avoiding heavy application that can block dye uptake.

Other Oils Simultaneously

Some stylists recommend using other oils like mineral or sage to prevent over-saturation from a single oil.

Your dye goals dictate ideal pre-color oil timing and distribution for best results.

How Hair Type Impacts Pre-Color Oiling

Hair attributes influence the benefits or risks of pre-dye oil use:

Dry or Damaged Hair

Stands to benefit most from added oil for conditioning and protection.

Color-Treated Hair

Oil helps prevent further damage but can inhibit even color application.

Fine or Thin Hair

Risks oil overloading strands. Opt for lighter oils applied sparingly if at all.

Thick or Textured Hair

Oil pre-treatment aids detangling, nourishes well, and boosts shine.

Curly Hair

Defines curls but excess oil may prevent color from setting evenly throughout curl pattern.

Oily Hair

Avoid oils completely prior as own sebum provides sufficient lubrication during coloring.

Virgin Hair

Healthy hair benefits from oils for added protection and brightness.

Consider hair attributes alongside your dye goals to guide pre-color oil use.

Dye Types Requiring Caution

Certain dye types demand care with pre-oiling techniques:

Bleach and Lighteners

Avoid oils immediately before lightening. Metallic salts in some oils also interact poorly.

Highlights

Erratic lightening from oil barrier leads to spotty, uneven highlights.

Semi-Permanent Dye

Tint washes off more easily over oil residues. Wait several shampoos post-oiling before use.

Temporary Dye

If seeking a subtle tint, oils cause greater dye deposit leaving saturated shade.

Virgin Application

Oils may interact oddly with first-time dyes. Opt for post-dye conditioning oils instead.

Sensitive Scalp Dye

Scalp oils could trigger allergic reaction. Perform strand test first.

Always exercise caution when attempting new oil techniques with permanent or delicate dyes.

Other Pre-Dye Conditioning Options

While oils nourish hair pre-coloring, additional conditioning aids exist:

Bond Building Treatments

Salon-grade bonding treatments reinforce hair during chemical processing like coloring.

Protein Fillers

DIY fillers deposit protein to strengthen strands before dye vulnerability.

Moisturizing Masks

Deeply hydrating hair masks boost moisture retention to counteract dye drying effects.

pH Balancers

pH-adjusting solutions help close cuticles for decreased dye absorption and even saturation.

Low-Level Lightener

Gentle lightening or decolorizing removes some underlying pigment allowing more uniform results.

Clarifying Shampoos

Strips away buildup for maximal dye contact with hair.

Hard Water Filters

Filtered shower water allows better dye penetration than mineral-heavy hard water.

Layer your pre-dye strategy with oils plus other conditioning treatments as needed.

Risks and Precautions When Pre-Oiling

While offering benefits, pre-dye oils pose some risks to beware of:

Patchy Color

Uneven oil distribution risks splotchy, inconsistent dye absorption.

Metallic Salt Reactions

Salts in some oils interact unfavorably with dyes, causing discoloration.

Allergic Reaction

Scalp contact with oils could trigger sensitivity or irritation.

Greasy Residue

Improperly washed out oil leaves hair limp, dull, and coated after dyeing.

Missed Highlights

An oil barrier causes highlights to skip resistant areas.

Reduced Lightening

Lighteners fail to fully lift pigment over occlusive oils.

Perform a patch test and strand test when using any new pre-dye oil to identify risks.

FAQs About Pre-Coloring Oils

Should I put coconut oil in my hair before coloring it?

Coconut oil is an excellent pre-dye choice for deep conditioning and cuticle smoothing. Apply several hours to a day before coloring is ideal.

Does oil help the dye absorb better?

Certain oils like jojoba, olive, and almond do help dye better penetrate the hair shaft for richer, longer-lasting color.

Can I put argan oil in my hair before coloring it?

Argan oil provides nutrients but can repel dye. Use a few days before color or apply only to midshaft and ends to avoid an uneven barrier at the roots.

Should I put oil in my hair before bleaching it?

Avoid putting oil in hair immediately before lightening or bleaching. The oil barrier will prevent full lifting. Apply oil several days prior instead.

Is it bad to put oil in your hair before dyeing it?

Oil before coloring is not inherently bad but requires caution. Improve results by only oiling lengths, applying lightly, and choosing oil type based on hair goals.

Achieving Dye Perfection

With smart oil prep adapted to your individual hair, desired colors, and dye types, you can achieve stunning results. Pre-color oil keeps hair strong and enhances color longevity when used properly. Follow these tips for nourished, vibrantly dyed hair that turns heads.

Just remember oils' conditioning benefits must be balanced thoughtfully with potential interference of certain dye processes. Finding your perfect routine and oil blend empowers you to color freely and beautifully.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.