How Long To Leave Bleach In Hair: Bleaching Dos And Don'ts!

Table Of Content

• How should I apply the bleach mixture?
• Stage 7 – Pale Yellow
• Levels of Natural Hair
• Can You Leave The Bleach In Your Hair Too Long?

For at-home bleaching, 20 volume developer is the most popular choice. Above, we shared how bleach and developer work together to penetrate inside strands and lighten your hair color. It has to be mixed with a developer to give you the lighter hair color you want. To understand the difference between hair developer levels, we’ll start with the basics. The developer is a chemical that opens up your hair’s cuticle when mixed with hair color or bleach.

How should I apply the bleach mixture?

It’s always best to do your research, especially when it comes to bleach. Kandasamy also recommends making sure you use enough bleach mixture on your strands. Once the mixture has been applied, just pop on a shower cap or plastic bag and set your timer. Once all the necessary materials and prep have been done (and you’ve fully committed to going blonde) you’re ready to make the bleach mixture. Restore any lost shine and vibrancy with a glossing treatment.

Stage 7 – Pale Yellow

So to get your hair into a healthy state, it’s essential to use a good conditioner. Bleaching is a way to lighten your hair by eliminating the natural colors. You’ll get a lighter, tinted look with the first application. Many people love this look, so you can stop there or bleach again until you’re platinum. If you don’t let the bleach stay on your hair the recommended time, you might end up with discolored hair.

Levels of Natural Hair

When you bleach your hair, the processing time makes all of the difference. Rinsing bleach out too quickly will result in little change in your hair color. Hair bleach–whether applied in the salon or at home—always risks damaging your hair. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the chemicals involved in the bleaching process can strip the protective fibers and oils from the hair. When this happens, hair becomes weaker, thinner, and more vulnerable to dryness and damage.

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Most professional hairstylists do not recommend bleaching your hair at home, as it is very easy to make a mistake and damage your hair. But if you’ve done it before, or you know what you’re doing, you should already be familiar with common mistakes when bleaching hair at home. Avoid the below mistakes when bleaching your hair DIY-style. In this way, the results will be as close as what you want it to be, and to avoid unnecessary damage to your hair. You’re basically damaging your hair through this process, which is why you really need to prepare your hair before bleaching it. If your hair has been damaged from a previous treatment, it’s best to get your hair into a healthy state before bleaching.

Can You Leave The Bleach In Your Hair Too Long?

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Don't stop until it is really smooth and totally creamy, with developer and bleach fully blended. Add the developer to the powder bleach a little at a time, stirring as you do. This also means you have longer to work before the mixture turns dry.

Factor 4: The type of developer you’re using

You never should leave bleach on for longer than any bleach kit recommends. Always test out a strand to see how long it will take for your hair because we’re all different. So, you bleached your hair, and it didn’t arrive at the shade you wanted quite yet. You may want to bleach it again, but you should look over your hair first. If it feels brittle or breaks off, not a good idea to do more bleaching.

However, we recommend being patient with your hair and waiting at least 8-10 weeks before another bleaching treatment. Use this information to make the decision on whether it’s worth taking the risk of bleaching your hair again. If your hair feels smooth and soft to the touch again, it is probably safe to bleach it. No matter how unhappy you are with your hair dye, chances are, you’ll still like it more than being bald.

It’s not entirely strong and could use another application so don’t leave the hair in too long expecting better results. The strand test gives you the exact time you need to leave bleach in your hair and get the results you want. Moreover, the strand test also helps you discover whether you’re allergic to any of the products you’ll be using before you use them on your entire head. Bleach opens your hair’s cuticle and dissolves the melanin, which is what gives your hair its natural color. But bleach also destroys keratin, which is what keeps each strand healthy.

So imagine if the cuticle layer is chemically broken all over your head! After you finish bleaching and rinse the mixture out, your hair doesn’t just magically get restored to its pre-bleach state. The cuticle scales will stay partially lifted and it takes a couple of weeks for them to recover. The consequences of bleaching your hair again too soon are a lot worse than dealing with a color you don’t like for a couple of weeks. We’ve all seen videos where women end up bleaching their hair twice (or more!) in a single day. Usually, bleaching a second or third time is a desperate attempt to fix something that went wrong in the DIY lightening process the first time around.

Yes you can, but you need to be aware that depending on exactly what color you used in the past, the bleaching will be harder and will take longer. Hair processes faster there due to the heat from the scalp. Remember, if you are trying to get to ash or platinum blonde, you must lift all the way up to level 10.

If you use 20 volume developer to lighten your hair without bleach, it will lift your hair color by about 1 level. The finer your hair is, the less time it will take to process and lighten up to 2 color levels. You may find that your hair is fully lightened after 10 minutes of processing time with 20 volume developer if you have very fine (or blonde) hair.

How Long Should You Leave Bleach In Your Hair? Expert Tips For Every Hair Type

Table Of Content

• How Long to Leave Bleach in Hair? Plus Proper Steps
• Type of Developer
• READER FAVS
• How long should you leave 40 volume bleach in your hair?
• Bleach Application and Processing

But if you want a more subtle lift or highlights, a bleach bath is totally worth trying out. Bleaching at the salon can cost anywhere from $150 to $200. This number depends on the length of the hair, thickness, and current color. One study found that the hair was significantly weaker after bleaching.

How Long to Leave Bleach in Hair? Plus Proper Steps

Valles advises working your way up through different levels of blonde with enough time, ideally a few months, in between each bleaching to let your hair heal. No one should leave bleach in hair longer than the bleaching kit mentioned. Bleaching your hair can get complicated at times, especially if you try to lighten your hair at home.

Type of Developer

Consider these factors before slipping on your bleaching gloves and getting to work. Debra is a Nashville-based content creator and strategist. As the daughter of a long-time hair stylist and salon owner, she’s spent most of her life as a guinea pig for new color and cut techniques.

READER FAVS

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The truth is, after 45 minutes, your hair is as light as it’s going to get for that session. You need to rinse out the bleach before it starts frying your hair. Fortunately, there are ways to go lighter — and do it safely. You can also swap purple shampoo into your routine whenever you notice brassy tones emerging.

Factor #2: Your Starting Color

And honestly, if this is your first time bleaching and your hair is dark, I can’t stress it enough that you will thank me later if you go to a colorist. And if you want something more dramatic, you’re going to need it to stay on longer. This allows the bleach to lift out the pigments in your hair shaft to lighten it up. Bleach gets activated with heat, but once it starts to dry, which is usually after 45 minutes it gets deactivated.

Make sure you process the bleach mixture until you get to a level 9 or a level 10. If your first bleaching session was 30 minutes, the rest would have to be shorter by five minutes or more. This will protect your hair from further damage from bleaching. Because bleach makes your hair dry and brittle, you have to care for it properly. Even brushing your hair normally can cause bleached ends to break off, so you’ll need to be gentle. The longest you should leave bleach in your hair is 30 minutes.

Using only developer can cause minimal lightening or no visible change in color, depending on the hair type and condition. To bleach your hair, you will need a developer for the bleach to lighten your hair. The developer contains hydrogen peroxide, which opens up the cuticle of your hair, allowing the bleach to hold and strip the natural color away. You also need a developer if you use a hair dye to color your hair a different color.

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If you start at stage 1, this next stage is probably the color you’ll reach after your first bleaching. Knowing these stages helps you understand the realistic stages of lightening hair and how you may need to go through the process more than once. In our version, we also included the undertones or the underlying pigments so you’ll have an idea of how your hair will look after bleaching. After the black and brown pigments are gone, the bleach will dissolve the red and yellow pigments.

What supplies do you need to safely bleach your hair?

Instead of forcing the issue in just one session, you can do another lightening session if you want to go lighter. The opposite is true for low-porosity hair because the strands are more resistant to hair products. This stage is what you need to aim for if you want to have pastel-colored or silver hair.

These products give you additional purple toning and help keep the hair very white. If you want to do a quick and light color correction to remove existing color build up, then you can do what is called a bleach wash. They can be applied on wet hair which has been towel dried after bleaching.

You can achieve more lift (up to 2 levels) by mixing 20 vol developer with bleach. If you’re using 20 volume developer in your bleach mixture, you’ll get the most lift and best results when you time it properly. Determining how long to leave bleach in hair with 20 vol developer starts with taking a look at your hair’s color and characteristics. Bleach mixed with a 30-volume developer should be left on the hair for approximately minutes, depending on the desired results and hair type. It is advisable to apply the bleach to a strand and observe how long it takes to achieve your desired color.

Below, we’re sharing the answer to that question as well as what happens if you exceed the recommended time. The coarser your hair is, the more time it will take to lighten with 20 volume developer. You should start checking it at the 15 minute mark if you have medium or coarse hair. It may take up to 30 minutes to process fully if your hair is very coarse (or dark). You should be able to safely bleach your hair again in about 2 weeks.

Follow all of the directions, choose the right type of bleach for your hair, and do regular aftercare to rehydrate your hair after bleaching. Bleach naturally dries out your hair, and heat is also very drying, which can cause even more damage to hair that has lost its nutrients to bleaching products. As a general rule, the best way to mitigate damage with a do-it-yourself bleach kit is to read the instructions carefully, even if you’ve bleached your hair before. Unless you have bleached your hair before and know exactly how long it takes to get to your desired shade of blonde, don’t skip the strand test.

Argan Oil for Hair: Benefits, How to Use It & Where to Buy

Table Of Content

• How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life
• The 5 Benefits Of Argan Oil For Hair + How To Use It
• Argan oil for hair loss
• Does Argan Oil Help Protect Against Hair Loss?
• What to Look For in Argan Oil Products
• Possible argan oil for hair benefits

It's nearly impossible to get shiny hair without putting the health of your hair first. As mentioned above, argan oil contributes to shinier hair on a functional level by sealing the cuticle. But it can also provide a shine boost when used in your styling routine, too. “Finer hair textures should apply argan oil sparingly to avoid weighing the hair down and adding oil to the roots,” she reveals. "Even those with thin hair can benefit without it weighing down the hair too much," she adds. As goes with any hair oil, those with oily roots should stick with using it on the mid-lengths to ends of the hair to prevent a greasy look.

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

"Containing a blend of organ oil, rosehip oil, and coconut oil, this nourishing shampoo helps to soften and smooth the hair, while also reducing frizz and protecting the hair," Dr. Garshick attests. "It is especially good for those with frizzy, dry or damaged hair but can be used in color-treated, keratin-treated, chemically-treated and relaxed hair." Argan oil can moisturize your hair and scalp and protect your hair from everyday damage. By reducing breakage and split ends and keeping your scalp healthy, argan oil may help prevent hair loss for thicker, fuller hair. There is no research available on argan oil specifically for hair loss, but its proven benefits for hair and scalp health may prevent hair breakage and hair loss. Vitamin E — which argan oil has in abundance — was shown to improve hair growth in a small 2010 research study.

The 5 Benefits Of Argan Oil For Hair + How To Use It

Coconut oil, for example, has a thicker consistency and doesn’t absorb as easily, which Fitzsimons says can leave hair and scalp feeling greasy. He adds that coconut oil can cause buildup and leave hair feeling heavy when not rinsed properly. “Argan oil is suitable for people with all hair types, whereas coconut oil is more suitable for people with very dry or damaged hair,” he says.

Argan oil for hair loss

Use a light touch when applying argan oil and focus it on the ends of your hair and away from your scalp. It can be found in shampoo and conditioner (like the R+Co De Luxe Reparative Shampoo and Conditioner, $49 each), as well as serums (like the Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, $59) and sprays (like the Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray, $30). Ease in by using argan oil in your hair two to three times per week. From there, adjust based on how well your hair and scalp skin tolerate it. Oily hair types will likely want to be a bit more scarce, while damaged or dry hair types can be a bit more generous.

Does Argan Oil Help Protect Against Hair Loss?

For example, Engelman says it can be used on its own as an oil or in products such as a mask, hair serum, or shampoo. But the best argan oil product for you depends on what end result you’re looking for. When compared to castor oil or jojoba oil, Engelman says that argan oil is gentler on the scalp and provides deeper nourishment that lasts longer. Dr. Rebecca Marcus is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She has nearly two decades of experience and completed her residency along with a clinical research fellowship at Columbia University. Since then, in addition to practicing dermatology, she has founded her own skincare line, Maei MD.

Argan Oil For Hair: Main Benefits & Uses - GLAMOUR UK

Argan Oil For Hair: Main Benefits & Uses.

Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

While some hair oils like rosemary may stimulate hair growth, the data on argan oil doing the same just isn't present quite yet. However, this doesn't mean it can't contribute to overall healthy hair growth. While some hair oils can stimulate hair growth, like rosemary oil, for example, the data on argan oil doing the same just isn't present quite yet. Given how healthy argan oil can make hair look, many people wonder if the natural ingredient is also responsible for hair growth. “While argan oil can’t directly promote hair growth, it can help create a healthier environment for hair follicles to thrive, potentially supporting hair growth indirectly,” Reavey says. There are very few downsides to using argan oil on your hair and scalp.

Even with the many unique, multi-ingredient hair products on the market today, sometimes getting back to basics is what you need. Apart from shampoo and conditioner, a rich hair oil can serve many purposes. Here are our favorite argan oil hair products to add to your wish list. "Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo contains keratin proteins and fatty acids in addition to argan oil," says Dr. Marcus.

In short, argan oil makes hair look and feel healthier—and it doesn’t take very much of the rich ingredient to enjoy such results. "It has an amazing hold for even the most stubborn edges, is totally flake-free, and the argan oil provides so many nourishing benefits to the hair, so I feel good about using it on my clients." "I love Moroccanoil's Dry Texture Spray because there are so many ways to use it," says Hughes.

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See, when your hair is damaged or excessively dry or dull, your hair cuticle is open. In order to achieve shiny, healthy locks, you have to seal that cuticle—one way to do so is by using argan oil regularly, says hairstylist and technical education manager for Davines hair care Sunny Brewer. Together, these nutrients deeply nourish and protect the hair and scalp. “Argan oil’s moisturizing properties can help tame frizz and flyaways, leaving the hair smoother and more manageable. Plus, the antioxidants help protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals and environmental factors,” Reavey points out.

Sorry, all you bargain hunters—this isn't one of those times where you want to cheap out. The long and multistage process of getting that "liquid gold" from the seeds of the argan trees in Morocco and into your hands (and your hair) is why this hair oil is a pretty pricey one. If you’re ready to reap the benefits of argan oil for your hair, there are a few ways to do it. Little scientific research has been done on argan oil’s antifungal properties, though it may help treat dandruff. Sometimes dandruff is caused by a yeast-like fungus on your scalp. Argan oil has been shown to provide several health benefits when applied to the skin and many of those benefits extend to the hair.

"This weakens the healing properties and benefits of the oil." So how do you spot quality, authentic argan oil? It shouldn't have a strong, fragrant smell (but rather a "nutty" scent) and it needs to have a light amber tint. Argan oil is both a moisturizer and a sealant, which means it can penetrate the hair and also seal the strand on the surface (just add that to the long list of reasons why this hair oil is so cool). Hill points to a finding in a 2015 study by the International Journal of Trichology that says hair absorbs saturated and monosaturated oils (like argan oil) better than polyunsaturated oils (like sunflower oil).

These ultra-hydrating treatments are perfect for giving your hair that desperately needed TLC, and they'll leave your hair smelling fresh and clean to boot. In short, Dr. Garshick recommends argan oil for those who are "experiencing dryness or dullness of their hair." Celebrity hair stylist Dominick Pucciarello agrees, saying that argan oil is "better for enhancing manageability than other oils are." If you're curious to know who should use it, how you should use it, and what kind of argan oil you should be using, keep reading for all the answers below.

Argan oil is lauded for being a haircare wonder, but how can you tell if you've landed a quality one? With the pure oils, looking at color (should be a golden hue), scent (slightly nutty), and potency (labeled as 100 percent argan oil) will help you identify real versus fake, quality versus refined. When it comes to using the oil in shampoos, conditioners, and other hairstyling products, you'll know if argan is the star if it's listed as one of the first ingredients on the label. Paying attention to both your hair type and the order you apply it—argan oil is a great addition to most haircare routines. Just remember to buy an authentic argan oil to really reap the benefits, alright? IDK about you, but I plan on keeping my argan oil extra close this winter to prevent that inevitable dryness.

Argan oil can leave behind some residue, so it's essential to clean your hair at the end of the day. "All oils have the potential to be drying if they aren't used on the proper hair type and texture, or if they're used on hair fibers that are severely parched or dry," Hill says. It’s time to supplement your regular hair-care routine with argan oil-infused products. One of the most popular natural haircare ingredients, argan oil works to lock in moisture, detangle strands, prevent oxidative stress, and promote shine.

It's multi-use and can be applied anywhere you're lacking moisture. While hand-pressed argan oil will have some differentiators when it comes to smell, pure argan oil will almost always have a nutty scent. The GH Beauty Lab and dermatologists recommend trying the following products infused with argan oil. Check out our guides to the best conditioners for dry hair and the best curl creams for your money. K, I'm gonna go ahead and bet that you've at least heard of argan oil. The mainstream oil has been around for a minute, and just like castor oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, it's kinda a game changer for your hair routine.

How to Use Argan Oil for Hair in 2022 8 Best Argan Oil Products

Table Of Content

• Vogue Beauty
• Best Argan Oil Leave-In Treatments
• Improves scalp health
• Argan oil for hair loss
• Why Argan Oil Is Considered “The Liquid Gold” of Hair Care

Plus, it always leaves my curls light, hydrated, and bouncy after each use. Pucciarello says it's best to avoid "sulfates, mineral oil, parabens, denatured alcohols, synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde, and silicones." Hill says sleeping with the oil in your hair overnight is the ideal scenario to give it plenty of time to absorb (just make sure to protect your pillowcase with a hair bonnet or designate a specific pillowcase for pre-poo nights). "Argan oil is the pressed oil extracted from argan nuts, native to Morocco," explains clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consulting Krupa Koestline. This oil has been used for centuries in Morocco for its healing properties both topically and internally.

Vogue Beauty

Below, the experts break down just how beneficial argan oil is for your hair, the possible downsides, and how to use it the right way. Read on to see why everyone is obsessed with this hero ingredient. This lush and creamy shampoo features a mix of argan, rose-hip, and coconut oil meant to not only repair damage, but also keep tresses hydrated and strong. Pure argan oil for cosmetic use should have no smell to it whatsoever. Culinary argan oil smells nutty and poor quality argan oil may have a strong, rancid odor.

Best Argan Oil Leave-In Treatments

Argan oil is a natural hair-care ingredient found in many shampoos, conditioners, and hairstyling products thanks to its hydrating and shine-enhancing effects. Fitzsimons recommends opting for a hair mask with argan oil that can sit on the scalp if you’re dealing with dryness or wanting to prevent dandruff. “Allowing the oil to sit on your scalp for about 15 to 30 minutes (depending on how dry the scalp is) is a great way to add moisture back into your scalp and hydrate the hair follicles,” he explains. Argan oil can be used for any hair type, but Engelman says the way it is incorporated into your routine will be dependent on what type of hair texture you have. She says that those with thicker hair can use it daily, but those with finer hair will want to use it just once or twice a week to avoid weighing hair down.

Improves scalp health

"All types of hair can benefit from argan oil as it's very versatile and lightweight," Koestline says. "Fairtrade, sustainably produced argan oil is from argan fruits picked from the ground, which helps prevent over-harvesting and the threat of deforestation," Koestline adds. Hence, why it's important to know where your argan oil comes from when shopping for it. To come, experts explain why this oil is so beneficial for hair health and the best ways to use it. There are many ways to use argan oil as it is incorporated in a variety of products.

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She completed her undergraduate education at Emory University and attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine, where she graduated with Research Honors and Alpha Omega Alpha. As a medical student, Dr. Garshick was awarded the prestigious Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School, during which she performed dermatology clinical trials and research at Massachusetts General Hospital. She was also awarded the American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Award for graduating in the top of her class and the William Dameshek Award for Research Excellence. Dr. Garshick’s post-graduate training in dermatology began with an internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She completed her dermatology residency at Cornell’s New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident in Dermatology.

Argan oil is mostly used as a moisturizer for skin and hair because it is full of fatty acids, mainly oleic acid and linoleic acid. These oils have been shown to lubricate the hair shaft and help your hair maintain moisture. Here are some of the benefits of argan oil for hair that may help protect against hair loss. Argan oil is full of fatty acids and powerful antioxidants, such as vitamin E, that have been shown to have benefits for your scalp and hair. “However, individuals with extremely oily scalps may want to use it more sparingly to avoid weighing down their hair,” she admits.

The oil itself can be found in its pure form, and because of its slew of beauty benefits, it can be applied topically to the skin, nails, and hair to hydrate and nourish. For medium textured straight hair to thick, coarse straight hair, Hill suggests using argan oil as a sealant (think of it like reapplying hand cream after washing your hands). After cleansing your hair, smooth on a dollop of argan oil through mid-shaft to ends to ensure you are retaining and reinforcing the moisture bonds in the hair fiber. The medium-chain fatty acids in argan oil have a protective effect that can help prevent damage from washing and styling. Did you know your hair needs protection from environmental stressors, too? Just as you'd apply a vitamin C serum to your skin to fight off free radicals, you should apply antioxidant-rich oils to the hair for the same purpose—and argan oil is one great option.

Argan oil can generally be used on most hair types, however you may need to apply it differently or use a different type of argan oil depending on your needs. “Full strength argan oil is ideal on thick, curly or heavily colored hair,” says Blake. If you have fine hair or hair that tends to get oily, full strength argan oil can weigh your hair down if you don’t apply it sparingly. You can also look for products with argan oil instead of the pure oil. “A blended or light weight version is ideal on most types of hair,” he says.

Trichologist Anabel Kingsley tacks onto this, noting that since argan oil protects against oxidative stress, it helps reduce damage and breakage, which can make hair look and feel fuller overall. Made up of argan oil derived from the Mediterranean argan tree, this conditioner is chock full of strand-loving properties. Vitamin E and antioxidants are meant to smooth out hair while also giving it a protective barrier from future damage. Despite that, it has plenty of uses to help your hair look healthy, shiny and full of volume. Argan Oil is derived from the kernels of the argan tree, and can be used in the kitchen (as it typically is in Morocco, where its tree is native to) or for cosmetic reasons.

This is especially true if you're using it on the scalp regularly. She has also written about sexual wellness, fashion, culture, and politics both at Marie Claire and for publications like The New York Times, Bustle, and HuffPost Personal. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, including two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy. As a film school graduate, she loves all things media and can be found making art when she's not busy writing.

"On wet hair, it serves to protect hair from heat during blow-drying or styling. On dry hair, a few drops of argan oil can give your mane increased shine." Rooted in Moroccan culture, argan oil is extracted from the fruit kernels of the argan tree, a.k.a. argania spinosa. According to Dr. Li, it is often referred to today as "liquid gold." Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and oleic and linoleic acid, the ingredient is renowned for its moisturizing effects in both skincare and hair care.

Engelman just cautions against using it if you have tree nut allergies to prevent irritation. Fitzsimons adds that overusing argan oil can make hair look greasy, but you just need to know how to use it properly to avoid this. When I was 19 and starting to feel the fallout of chemically straightening my hair, the one thing that kept my strands from completely breaking off was argan oil.

If you tend to wash your hair daily, then you probably don't need more oil packed onto your roots. However, folks with dry scalp or dandruff may consider testing out an argan oil scalp treatment before washing their hair—next up, the how-to. Chambers-Harris notes that argan oil can even be able to ease dandruff for many. "Argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help decrease dry scalp," she explains. Applying a few drops of argan oil may provide all the hydration you need. Whether it's from pollution, inclement weather, dehydration, or damage from bleach or heat, we all need some intensive hydration now and again.

Along with coconut oil and castor oil, argan oil was one of the first hair oils I discovered when I started expanding my haircare routine beyond basic shampoos and conditioners. And when I tried my first argan oil-infused product, I instantly fell in love with its smooth feel, powdery scent, and the way it made my curls feel lightweight and bouncy. What I didn't yet realize was that argan oil was protecting my hair from everyday damage—like heat and pollution—nor did I know that argan oil products vary in type, potency, and quality. All the well-known hydrating oils that are comparable to argan oil have the same functions in our hair and skin routines. But there are subtle differences to be aware of so you can choose the right ingredient for you.