Does Coconut Oil Strip Hair Color? What You Need To Know

Coconut oil has become an increasingly popular oil for hair care in recent years. Known for its hydrating and nourishing properties, many people have started using coconut oil masks and treatments to improve the health of their hair.

However, there has been some debate around whether coconut oil can strip hair color and cause it to fade more quickly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the effects of coconut oil on colored hair and provide tips on how to use it safely.

How Hair Color Works

To understand if and how coconut oil impacts hair dye, it helps to first understand how hair color works in general.

• Hair color comes from melanin pigments produced in the hair follicles. Different melanin levels create different natural hair colors.

• Coloring products deposit artificial pigments inside the hair shaft to alter the natural hair color.

• These pigments are trapped inside the hair’s cuticle layer, giving the strands their new color.

• Over time, these pigments fade as the cuticles open and close with washing and exposure. Frequent washing and sun, in particular, accelerate fading.

• Permanent hair dyes create a bigger color change as the pigments penetrate deeper inside the hair shaft. Demi-permanent or semi-permanent dyes coat the outside and wash out faster.

Does Coconut Oil Strip Permanent Hair Color?

The good news is that coconut oil does not directly strip or remove permanent hair dye. Here’s why:

• Coconut oil cannot penetrate inside the hair shaft to reach permanent hair color pigments trapped in the cortex.

• It does not contain any bleaching agents or chemicals that break down artificial pigments.

• The fatty acids in coconut oil do not bind to hair dye molecules or draw color away while nourishing the strands.

So using coconut oil as part of your regular hair care routine will not cause permanent hair color to fade faster compared to not using it. It will hydrate and protect dyed hair while keeping color vibrant.

Does Coconut Oil Fade Semi-Permanent and Demi-Permanent Hair Color?

For semi-permanent, demi-permanent, or temporary hair dyes that coat the outside of hair, coconut oil can contribute to some fading. Here’s why:

• These dye types cannot penetrate the hair shaft and sit on the outside of the cuticles.

• Coconut oil coats the hair strands as well, sitting on top of the color.

• With washing, some of the dye molecules on the surface can detach along with the coconut oil and rinse away.

However, this fading effect is minimal, as coconut oil does not aggressively strip color. Using a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo prevents excessive fading. Overall, coconut oil is still safe for temporary, demi-permanent and semi-permanent dyed hair.

Tips To Prevent Coconut Oil From Fading Hair Color

While coconut oil itself does not remove hair pigments, there are a few best practices you can follow to keep dyed hair vibrant and prevent discoloration when using coconut oil:

1. Wait 3 Days Before First Wash After Coloring

• Give dyed hair time to fully set before introducing coconut oil or washing.

• Washing too soon can allow more dye to rinse away as cuticles have not sealed.

2. Apply Coconut Oil Before Washing, Not After

• Coconut oil protects hair from wash-out when applied before shampooing.

• Putting oils on freshly washed hair can block cuticles, trapping moisture and fading color.

3. Use Sulfate-Free, Gentle Shampoo

• Harsh sulfates strip color, so use a gentle cleanser without them.

• Look for moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and fatty alcohols.

4. Rinse With Cool Water

• Hot water opens cuticles, allowing more dye to escape. Rinse with cool water.

5. Limit Direct Heat Styling

• Heat damage from hot tools causes cuticles to lift, releasing color. Minimize hot styling.

6. Apply UV Protection Before Sun Exposure

• Sun exposure fades hair color quickly. Use a hat or protective spray.

By following these tips, you can safely use coconut oil for conditioned, hydrated hair without stripping away your beautiful hair color!

Are There Any Oils That Do Actively Strip Hair Color?

While coconut oil does not actively remove hair dye, there are some oils that can speed up fading and stripping, especially on temporary and semi-permanent colors. Oils to use with caution on dyed hair include:

• Clarifying oils: These are formulated to deep clean and can be too harsh on hair color. Examples are tea tree, lemongrass, and peppermint oils.

• Hot oil treatments: Oils heated to high temperatures can open cuticles and release dye, especially if left on too long.

• Essential oils: Citrus oils like lemon, grapefruit, and orange contain acids that can lighten some hair colors. Use sparingly and avoid direct sun after.

How To Do a Coconut Oil Hair Mask for Dyed Hair

Using coconut oil periodically as an intensive conditioning treatment is a great way to maintain vibrant, shiny color and hydrated strands. Here is a simple coconut oil hair mask routine to follow at home:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil, melted to liquid form if solid

• Optional: Few drops of lavender, vanilla, or peppermint essential oil for fragrance

Directions:

1. Brush hair to remove knots and tangles. Apply melted coconut oil from roots to ends.

2. For thicker hair, use more oil so all strands are saturated. For fine hair, use less to avoid greasiness.

3. Cover hair with a shower cap and wrap head in a warm towel. Let sit for minimum 20 minutes up to overnight.

4. Rinse out coconut oil thoroughly with cool water and sulfate-free shampoo. Condition as usual.

5. Use once a week for very dry, damaged hair. For normal hair, once every 2-4 weeks is sufficient.

The coconut oil penetrates into the hair fibers while the warmth helps to open cuticles temporarily to allow deep conditioning. Just be sure not to overdo oil masks and cause buildup.

5 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dyed Hair

Using coconut oil in your hair care routine provides a multitude of benefits for keeping color-treated hair healthy and vibrant:

• Adds hydration: Coconut oil prevents dryness and brittle hair prone to breakage and fading.

• Protects cuticles: Saturating hair with coconut oil seals and smooths cuticles to lock in color pigments.

• Boosts shine: The fatty acids replenish luster and give hair a glossy, glowing finish.

• Prevents protein loss: Coconut oil coats strands to reduce protein and moisture loss leading to damage.

• Prevents environmental damage: Creates a protective barrier against UV rays, chlorine, pollution, and heat styling.

Is Coconut Oil Safe for All Hair Types?

Coconut oil is generally safe to use on all hair types. However, those with finer hair may want to take extra precaution against greasiness and limp strands from overuse.

Here are a few tips for specific hair types using coconut oil:

• Thick, curly hair: Generously apply coconut oil masks and leave-ins to control frizz. Rinse thoroughly and use lighter oils like argan on lengths.

• Fine, straight hair: Use coconut oil sparingly on mid-lengths and ends only. Apply to damp, not dry hair. Rinse out fully.

• Oily hair and scalp: Avoid putting coconut oil directly on roots and scalp which can clog follicles and pores. Focus application only on mids to ends.

• Damaged, overprocessed hair: Coconut oil is extremely nourishing for broken bonds and dryness. Use as a daily leave-in treatment if hair is very compromised.

• Color-treated hair: Follow tips above to maximize hydration while preventing color stripping. Mix with lighter oils like grapeseed if too heavy.

Coconut Oil Hair Mix-Ins For Added Benefits

Plain coconut oil offers ample moisturizing benefits on its own. However, you can also blend it with other ingredients to target specific issues like dandruff, growth, and shine.

Some beneficial mix-in options include:

• Aloe vera gel to soothe dry, itchy scalp

• Honey to boost shine and softness

• Argan oil for silkiness and heat protection

• Rosemary to stimulate circulation for growth

• Tea tree oil to treat dandruff and inflammation

• Lavender oil to relax the mind and skin

Add several drops of your chosen mix-in after melting coconut oil to liquid form for easier blending. Test for allergic reaction before applying mixes to hair.

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