Can You Use Hair Oil on Colored or Treated Hair?

Yes — But Choose Wisely

Hair oiling can be incredibly beneficial for treated hair when done correctly. Oils not only nourish and hydrate damaged strands but also help restore the natural lipid layer that chemical treatments often strip away.

Coloring, perming, straightening, and other hair treatments can leave your locks looking fabulous—but they often come at a cost. Chemically treated hair tends to be drier, more porous, and prone to damage, which leads many to ask: Can you still use hair oil on colored or treated hair?

1. Deep Moisture and Repair

Coloring and chemical processes weaken hair bonds. Oils like argan, coconut, hibiscus, and jojoba deeply penetrate the shaft to hydrate, reduce frizz, and improve elasticity.

2. Protection from Breakage

Oils create a protective layer over the hair, reducing protein loss and shielding it from heat styling or environmental damage.

3. Color Longevity

Certain oils form a natural barrier that locks in color molecules, helping your color last longer while adding a natural shine.

Best Oils for Colored or Treated Hair

  1. Argan Oil: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, it’s lightweight and great for shine and repair.
  2. Coconut Oil: Penetrates deep into the hair shaft, minimizing protein loss. Use sparingly to avoid buildup.
  3. Hibiscus Oil: Especially good for strengthening roots and improving scalp health without fading color.
  4. Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics the scalp’s natural sebum and won’t interfere with color.

How to Use Hair Oil on Treated Hair

  1. Warm the oil slightly before use.
  2. Apply lightly from mid-length to ends (avoid heavy application on roots if hair is fine).
  3. Leave on for 30 minutes to overnight (use a silk cap or towel for overnight treatments).
  4. Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo to preserve color.

What to Avoid

  1. Mineral oil and synthetic blends can coat the hair but offer no real nourishment.
  2. Oils with added alcohol or strong fragrance may dry out or irritate color-treated hair.
  3. Avoid heavy oiling right after coloring, especially within the first 72 hours.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can and should use hair oil on colored or treated hair—but opt for natural, lightweight oils and always follow with a gentle wash. Done right, oiling can be a game-changer for keeping your treated hair soft, vibrant, and strong.