Can I Oil My Hair After Keratin Treatment
Keratin treatment is a chemical process that smooths the hair and reduces frizz. It works by coating the strands with a protein-based formula that seals the outer layer and makes hair appear straighter and shinier. Once the treatment is complete, your hair feels softer and is easier to manage. But this result does not last forever. To maintain the effect, you must follow specific care steps. Even common habits like oiling your hair need to be done differently.
Oiling is deeply rooted in many hair care routines. It adds moisture, reduces dryness, and helps with breakage. But after a keratin treatment, the timing, frequency, and method of applying oil must change. If you continue oiling the way you did before, the treatment may wear off faster or stop working altogether.
This blog explains when and how you can oil your hair after a keratin treatment without damaging the results.
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Why Timing Matters After Keratin
Right after the treatment, your hair is sealed with a protein layer. That coating is still fresh. It needs a few days to settle. Most stylists recommend waiting at least ten to fourteen days before you apply any oil or heavy product. During this period, you should avoid washing your hair, tying it up, or applying anything that may disrupt the treatment.
If you apply oil too soon, it can loosen the bond formed between the keratin and your hair. This weakens the effect and may cause uneven texture. In some cases, the frizz returns much earlier than expected. That’s why it is important to leave your hair untouched for at least two weeks.
When Can You Start Oiling Again?
Once the two-week period is over, you can start oiling again, but with a few adjustments. Keep the quantity small. Do not apply oil directly to the scalp unless it feels dry. Focus on the mid-length and ends, where the hair is more likely to feel dry or rough.
Before applying, take a few drops of oil in your palm, rub your hands together, and gently smooth it onto your hair. Do not over-apply. Leave the oil on for no more than one to two hours. After that, use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo to rinse it off.
Avoid overnight oiling. It is not helpful for keratin-treated hair. Long exposure to oil can lead to buildup and force you to wash your hair more often, which may reduce the treatment’s lifespan.
Also Read: Which Treatment Is Best for Dandruff?
Best Oils to Use After Keratin Treatment
Light oils are a better choice after a keratin treatment. They nourish the hair without adding too much weight. Thick or sticky oils are harder to remove and may require stronger shampoos, which are not ideal for treated hair.
Here are four oils that are considered safe:
Argan oil – Adds shine and reduces dryness
Almond oil – Improves softness and reduces split ends
Jojoba oil – Balances scalp moisture and helps with dryness
Macadamia oil – Repairs damaged areas without weighing hair down
Avoid coconut oil, mustard oil, or castor oil. These are harder to wash out and may strip the treatment when used regularly.
How Often Should You Oil?
Oiling should not be a daily or weekly routine after keratin treatment. Your hair already stays soft for weeks, so it does not need frequent oiling. Start with once every ten to twelve days. If your hair feels dry, you can oil once a week, but avoid doing it before every wash.
The goal is to support your hair’s health without forcing extra washes. Each time you wash, you slightly reduce the effect of the keratin layer. So the less you oil, the fewer washes you will need.
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What If You Don’t Oil at All?
Skipping oil is completely fine after a keratin treatment. Many people do not feel the need to oil their hair for the first few months. The treatment itself adds softness and shine. If your hair feels healthy, there is no need to oil.
Instead, protect your hair from heat, sun, and chemicals. Cover your head when going out in harsh weather. Use a silk pillowcase. Avoid tying your hair too tightly. Drink water and eat balanced food to keep your scalp and hair healthy from within.
Mistakes to Avoid
To keep the treatment results for longer, avoid the following oiling mistakes:
Do not apply oil in the first two weeks
Do not use thick oils that need strong shampoo to remove
Do not rub the scalp harshly while applying oil
Do not leave oil on overnight
Do not oil wet or damp hair
Do not oil too often
Stick to light oiling and gentle washing. That is enough to maintain healthy hair after treatment.
Other Tips for Better Aftercare
Oiling is just one part of the care routine. To maintain your results longer, follow these habits:
Use sulphate-free, gentle shampoo
Wash hair only when needed
Dry hair gently with a towel
Avoid direct heat styling
Do not overbrush
Comb using a wide-tooth comb
Do not swim in salt or chlorinated water without covering your hair
These steps help preserve the keratin and reduce the need for extra products.
Also Read: How To Use Castor Oil For Hair Growth And Thickness?
Conclusion
You can oil your hair after a keratin treatment, but not right away. Wait two full weeks. Then use a small amount of light oil. Apply only to the mid-length and ends. Leave it for a short time and rinse with gentle shampoo.
Avoid overdoing it. Let your hair guide you. If it feels dry, oil lightly. If it feels fine, leave it alone. Oiling is helpful when done with care. Follow a simple routine and your treated hair will stay smooth and healthy longer.