Should You Apply Hair Oil Before or After Washing? The Complete Guide

 

Hair oiling is an ancient beauty practice that nourishes hair, stimulates growth, and improves overall hair health. However, a common question that puzzles many is whether it is better to apply hair oil before or after washing one's hair. 

Let's tackle this common hair care issue head-on and find a solution that works for everyone. 

Pre-Wash Hair Oiling: The Conventional Method. 

The practice of applying oil before washing, known as a pre-wash oil treatment or hair oiling, has been observed for centuries in various cultures worldwide. This technique entails applying oil to your scalp and hair before shampooing. 

Benefits of pre-wash oiling: 

• Safeguards hair during cleansing: Forms a shield that shields the hair from excessive moisture loss caused by shampoo. 
• The deep conditioning effect enables oils to penetrate the hair shaft when applied to dry hair. 
• Reduces hygral fatigue: minimizes the stress of hair swelling during washing, which can lead to damage to the cuticle over time. 
• Scalp care: provides essential nutrients to hair follicles and may aid in treating scalp conditions. 

To achieve the best results, apply oil to dry hair for a duration of 30 minutes to several hours before washing. Individuals with severely dry or damaged hair may find overnight pre-wash treatments beneficial. 

Post-Wash Hair Oiling: The Contemporary Technique. 

Using oil on recently washed, damp hair has become a popular choice as a convenient substitute for pre-wash oiling. 

Benefits of post-wash oiling:

• Seals in moisture: locks in the water from washing to prevent dehydration. 
• Applies: improves hair texture and reduces flyaways. 
• When applied sparingly, a lightweight finish prevents the heaviness that can result from pre-wash treatments. 
• Prevents heat damage: creates a protective shield against styling tools when applied to damp hair. 

To achieve optimal results after washing, it is important to use only a small amount of oil, typically a few drops, to prevent a greasy look. 

Selecting the optimal method for your hair texture. 

The frequency of oiling your hair depends on its specific characteristics: 

For fine, smooth, or wavy hair: 

• Pre-washing oiling is often recommended for individuals with coarse hair, as it provides more intensive conditioning. 
• Heavier oils such as coconut, olive, or castor oil can be used. 
• Could potentially gain from a combination of pre- and post-wash methods. 

For fine or oily hair:

• Pre-wash oiling is often ideal, as these hair types benefit from deeper conditioning
• Can use heavier oils like coconut, olive, or castor oil
• Might benefit from both pre- and post-wash approaches

For normal or combination hair: 

May alternate between both methods.

Can You Do Both?

Yes! Many hair care enthusiasts utilize both methods:

• Pre-wash treatments 1-2 times weekly for deep nourishment
• Light post-wash oil application for daily protection and styling

This combined approach often delivers the best of both worlds, especially for damaged or processed hair.