Coconut Oil & Your Hair Colour: The Truth

Many of us adore coconut oil for its incredible moisturising properties, especially when it comes to colour-treated hair. It's a go-to for achieving that deep hydration. However, a common question that arises is whether this natural wonder might be responsible for dimming your hair's vibrant hues. This is a perfectly valid concern, especially with the conflicting information circulating. Whether you're aiming to preserve your freshly dyed shade or are curious about ways to help it fade naturally, understanding coconut oil's interaction with hair colour is key.

Does Coconut Oil Actually Fade Hair Colour?

The overwhelming consensus among hair colour experts is a resounding no. Coconut oil does not possess any inherent colour-lifting or stripping capabilities. Therefore, it doesn't have a noticeable impact on the longevity or vibrancy of your hair dye. You might be wondering where this misconception comes from. Sometimes, people apply coconut oil to recently coloured hair and observe some colour loss. It's important to note that a slight fade within the first week of colouring is quite common, irrespective of whether coconut oil is used or not. The natural shedding of pigment during the initial washes is a normal part of the dyeing process.

Furthermore, when oil penetrates the hair shaft, it can temporarily make the hair appear less vibrant. However, this effect is transient and disappears once the oil is washed out. There are no active components within coconut oil that can directly cause hair colour to fade. The oil is primarily composed of fatty acids, none of which are known to interact with or alter hair dye pigments. In fact, some evidence suggests that coconut oil could potentially help your colour last longer. Well-moisturised hair is generally better at retaining dye compared to dry, porous hair.

How Coconut Oil Can Help Preserve Your Hair Colour

After undergoing chemical colour treatments, your hair naturally requires a significant boost in moisture. This is particularly true for processes involving frequent washing, bleaching, or the application of permanent dyes. Coconut oil is exceptionally good at penetrating the hair shaft, delivering much-needed moisture even to the driest strands. This improved hydration makes your hair more receptive to colour and more resilient against fading.

One of the most effective ways to leverage coconut oil for colour preservation is by using it as a pre-shampoo treatment, often referred to as a 'pre-poo'. By applying coconut oil to your hair before shampooing, you create a protective, moisturising barrier. When you wash your hair, this barrier helps to minimise the amount of colour pigment that gets washed away, thereby extending the life of your hair colour.

Factors That Actually Cause Hair Colour to Fade

Now that we've established that coconut oil is not the culprit behind fading hair colour, let's explore the real culprits. Aside from dedicated hair dye removers and bleach, several everyday factors can contribute to your hair colour losing its vibrancy.

Hot Water

Washing your hair with hot water can be detrimental to your hair colour. The elevated temperature causes your hair cuticles to lift and open up, allowing the colour pigments to escape more easily. If your goal is to fade your hair colour, washing with hot water can expedite this process. Conversely, to maintain your colour, opt for lukewarm or cool water when washing your hair.

Harsh Shampoos

The shampoo aisle is filled with countless options, ranging from gentle to intensely cleansing. Shampoos containing strong detergents, particularly sulfates, can strip your hair of its natural oils and, unfortunately, your hair dye too. To protect your colour, it's advisable to steer clear of shampoos that aren't specifically labelled as 'colour-safe'. Instead, choose sulfate-free shampoos that utilise gentler cleansing agents like cocamidopropyl betaine or decyl glucoside. These ingredients effectively remove dirt and impurities without stripping essential moisture or colour. For those looking to fade colour quickly, clarifying shampoos with stronger cleansing properties would be the preferred choice.

Heat Styling

Heat styling, including the use of hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons, is a significant contributor to hair colour fading. The intense heat can break down the hair's external structure, leading to cuticle damage and dryness. Compromised hair struggles to retain colour, resulting in a faster fade. While you might think heat styling could help fade colour, it's not the healthiest method. Prioritising hair health by limiting heat styling is crucial. When you do use heat, opt for the lowest effective temperature setting and always apply a heat protectant spray to minimise damage.

Frequent Washing

Every time you wash your hair, some degree of colour loss is inevitable. The process of wetting, shampooing, and rinsing naturally washes away a portion of the hair dye. Hair colour also fades over time with each wash cycle, typically lasting between 5 to 25 washes depending on the dye and hair type. Therefore, the more frequently you wash your hair, the quicker it will fade. If your hair tends to get oily between washes, using a dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil without the need for a full wash. However, washing your hair excessively can also lead to severe dryness, making it prone to split ends and breakage.

Chlorine Exposure

Chlorine, commonly found in swimming pools, is another notorious enemy of hair colour. Even a single swim in a chlorinated pool can cause noticeable fading. To protect your colour, wear a swim cap or, alternatively, saturate your hair with clean, fresh water before entering the pool. Hair that is already full of water has less capacity to absorb the chlorinated water.

Sun Exposure

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are known to fade hair colour. Many people venture out without adequate UV protection for their hair. While this can contribute to fading, it's important to remember that excessive sun exposure can also lead to dryness, brassiness, dullness, and even breakage. Therefore, protecting your hair from the sun is beneficial for everyone, regardless of their colour-fading intentions.

Drying Alcohols

Haircare products often contain two types of alcohols: drying alcohols and fatty alcohols. Fatty alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol, are beneficial as they provide moisture. Drying alcohols, however, can strip hair colour and dehydrate the hair. Be mindful of ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and benzyl alcohol in your hair products, as they can contribute to colour fade. Opting for products that avoid these drying alcohols will help maintain your hair colour's integrity.

Washing Immediately After Colouring

Your hair is particularly susceptible to colour fading in the days following a colouring session because the hair cuticles are still slightly open. If you dislike your new hair colour and wish for it to fade faster, washing it soon after dyeing can help. Conversely, to maximise the longevity of your new shade, experts recommend waiting at least three days before your first wash.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Health

Beyond its neutral effect on hair colour, coconut oil offers a wealth of benefits for overall hair health:

How to Use Coconut Oil on Your Hair

Using virgin or extra-virgin, organic coconut oil is recommended for hair treatments. Start with small amounts, especially if you have fine or oily hair, as too much can lead to greasiness. Warming a small amount in your palms before applying is often sufficient.

As a Conditioner:

Apply a small amount to the lengths and ends of your hair after shampooing, or use as an intensive treatment for an hour or overnight before washing. For dry or damaged hair, adding a drop of essential oil like sandalwood or geranium can enhance its effects.

For Hair Growth:

Massage a small amount into the scalp to improve circulation. Combining it with rosemary essential oil is thought to be particularly beneficial for stimulating growth.

For Dandruff:

Massage into the scalp, perhaps with essential oils like tea tree or lavender, and leave on for a period before washing. Regular application can help combat the fungal causes of dandruff.

For Styling:

Use a tiny amount to tame flyaways and frizz. It can also be used to disguise split ends.

As a Detangler:

Smooth a small amount through tangled hair to make combing easier and reduce breakage.

Conclusion

In summary, coconut oil is a fantastic natural product that nourishes and moisturises your hair without causing colour fade. In fact, by improving hair health and hydration, it may even help your colour last longer. Focus on avoiding the true culprits of colour fade, such as hot water, harsh shampoos, and excessive heat styling, to maintain your vibrant hair colour for as long as possible.

Key Takeaways:

• Coconut oil does not fade hair colour.
• Moisturised hair holds dye better.
• Hot water, harsh shampoos, and heat styling cause colour fade.
• Use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment to protect colour.