Can I Oil My Hair After Keratin Treatment? Guidelines

Medically reviewedby Dr. Bilal Khan M.B.B.S.
WrittenbyLuat Duong
Last updated

If you've recently had a keratin treatment, you may be wondering whether you can oil your hair. The answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind.

Can You Oil Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment?

Yes, you can oil your hair after a keratin treatment, but you must wait a few days before doing so. How long you need to wait depends on the type of oil you plan to use. For example, if you want to use a lightweight oil like argan oil or grapeseed oil, you can start using it 3 days after the treatment. If you want to use a heavier oil like coconut oil, you should wait at least a week, but preferably two weeks, before applying it to your hair.

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Benefits of Oiling Hair After a Keratin Treatment

Oiling hair after a keratin treatment can offer several benefits, but it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the best results without compromising the treatment’s effectiveness.

1. Enhanced Moisture and Hydration

Keratin treatments often leave hair feeling sleek and smooth, but they can also cause dryness over time. Oiling the hair adds deep hydration, helping to lock in moisture and prevent hair from becoming brittle or dry. Oils like argan oil or coconut oil provide essential fatty acids and vitamins, which can replenish lost moisture and keep the hair soft and shiny.

2. Improved Shine and Smoothness

Oils help to enhance the shine of your hair, making it appear healthier and more vibrant. Natural oils can also smooth the hair cuticle, giving your hair a polished, frizz-free look. This is especially beneficial after a keratin treatment, as the treatment may have reduced some natural shine and luster.

3. Maintains Hair Health

While keratin treatments focus on strengthening the hair, using oil can help maintain its overall health by nourishing the scalp and hair follicles. Ingredients like jojoba oil and castor oil provide vitamins and antioxidants, promoting hair health and reducing the risk of damage or breakage.

4. Preventing Split Ends

Regular oiling can help prevent split ends by keeping the hair hydrated and sealing the cuticle. This helps in maintaining the hair’s smooth appearance, even after keratin treatment, by preventing further damage and maintaining the integrity of the hair shaft.

5. Long-lasting Results

Oiling hair after a keratin treatment can help prolong the benefits of the treatment by maintaining its smoothness and reducing frizz. Oils can act as a protective barrier, safeguarding the hair from environmental damage like UV rays and pollution, allowing the keratin treatment to last longer.

Can Oiling Affect the Longevity of a Keratin Treatment?

Oiling your hair after a keratin treatment can have both positive and negative effects on its longevity, depending on how and when you apply the oil.

1. Potential Impact on Treatment Durability

While oiling helps to hydrate and nourish the hair, excessive use of oils, especially heavy oils like coconut or castor oil, can weigh down the hair and potentially strip away the keratin coating. Over time, this may lead to a reduced effect of the treatment, as oils can interact with the keratin, causing it to break down faster. This is more likely to happen if the oil is applied too soon after the treatment or used too frequently.

2. Hydration Without Compromising Keratin

When used sparingly, oils can help maintain hydration and shine without affecting the treatment's longevity. Light oils like argan oil or jojoba oil can enhance the hair's softness and manageability, preserving the smooth texture created by the keratin treatment without damaging the keratin layer. These oils can help maintain moisture without interfering with the treatment’s effects.

3. Timing and Application

The key to using oil after a keratin treatment is to wait for at least 3–4 days before applying any oil. This ensures that the keratin has had enough time to bond properly to the hair. After this period, you can apply a small amount of lightweight oil to the ends of your hair to maintain smoothness and hydration without compromising the treatment.

4. Protection and Prolonged Results

Used correctly, oils can protect the hair from environmental damage such as sun exposure, pollution, and heat styling, which could dull the effect of the keratin treatment. By preventing further stress on the hair, oiling can help prolong the smoothness and manageability of your hair.

What Are the Best Oils to Use After a Keratin Treatment?

The best oils to use after a keratin treatment are those that are lightweight and nourishing. Some of the best options include:

  • Organic argan oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Almond oil

These oils will help to moisturize and protect your hair without weighing it down or causing damage to the keratin treatment.

What Should You Avoid Doing After a Keratin Treatment?

After a keratin treatment, there are several things you should avoid doing to ensure that your hair stays healthy and the treatment lasts as long as possible. Some of the things you should avoid include:

  • Washing your hair for at least 72 hours after the treatment
  • Tying your hair up or using hair accessories for at least 72 hours after the treatment
  • Using any hair products that contain sulfates or harsh chemicals
  • Coloring your hair for at least 2 weeks after the treatment
  • Using any heat styling tools at high temperatures

By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that your keratin treatment lasts as long as possible and your hair stays healthy and strong.

Conclusion

Can you oil your hair after a keratin treatment? Yes, you can, but you must wait a few days and use a lightweight, nourishing oil. In addition to using the right oils, it's important to avoid certain things after a keratin treatment to keep your hair healthy and ensure that the treatment lasts as long as possible. By following these tips, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy hair after a keratin treatment.

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Luat Duong

Luat Duong is a Copenhagen-based writer and content strategist specializing in hair loss and health. His work has been featured in MyHealthGuide, The Right Hairstyles, and Woman's Era. He is a graduate of Vaasa University. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.