Should You Apply Oil To Wet Hair After Shower? Expert Advice (2025)

When it comes to keeping our hair looking fab, slathering on some oil to damp hair after a shower has some pretty neat perks. This simple ritual can really up our hair game, making it healthier and shinier.

Boosting Hair Flexibility

One cool thing about oiling wet hair is how it makes our hair more bendy and less likely to snap. Oils pump up the moisture in our hair, which means less breakage and easier combing. According to some research, putting oil on wet locks can actually make combing a breeze, cutting down on damage and giving us smoother hair (1).

Oils like argan and coconut are champs at this. Argan, in particular, is famous for making hair stretchier and is a superstar for keeping hair tough and healthy.

Cutting Down on Breakage and Splits

Nobody wants frazzled hair, right? Fighting off breakage and those pesky split ends is a must for nice-looking hair. Using oils on wet hair not only shields the strands but also locks in the moisture (1). This trick is great for knocking out frizz, especially for those with curly hair, keeping it damage-free.

Plus, oils give our hair a slick feel, making it easier to handle and less likely to break. One study even found that oiling can seriously cut down the chances of split ends popping up.

All in all, taking the time to oil our freshly washed hair can work wonders for how it feels and resists damage. Argan and coconut oils? They’re the MVPs for feeding and guarding our hair. To get the most out of your oil routine, check out our guide on best practices for oil application.

Types of Oils Recommended

When thinkin’ about what oils to put on our wet hair after a good wash, it’s argan oil and coconut oil that really shine. These oils have some pretty sweet perks that can make a big difference in how our hair looks and feels.

Argan Oil Benefits

Argan oil’s quite the superstar in the world of hair care. Packed with loads of vitamin E and good-for-you fatty acids, it brings a heap of benefits. Here’s why argan oil is our hair’s best friend:

1. Boosts Hair Stretchiness: Throw this on regularly, and our hair gets less snappy and more bouncy.
2. Keeps Hair Hydrated: Argan oil’s like a drink for our hair, keeping it from drying out like a desert.

Slipping some argan oil into our hair routine post-shower is a surefire way to step up our hair game. Want more on hair tips? Check out why plant-based shampoo is better for hair.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking up a storm; it’s a hair hero when applied wet. Here’s the lowdown on what makes coconut oil a must-have:

1. Seals In Goodness: It gets into the hair shaft and closes up the cuticles, keeping moisture right where it belongs.
2. Frizz Fighter: With its hydrating magic, it tames the frizz beast, giving us smoother, prettier hair.

Adding coconut oil to our post-shower regime can keep our hair’s moisture in check. It’s a little change that can lead to some real positive vibes for our locks. For more on stepping up our hair quality, see our piece on how to improve the quality of dry hair.

Both argan and coconut oils are top picks for keeping our hair looking and feeling great, especially when slapped on after a shower.

Best Practices for Oil Application

When we’re pampering our hair with oil after a shower, there are a few tricks to make it count without messing up those lovely locks.

Applying Oil on Wet Hair

Slathering oil on damp hair can make hair a bit more stretchy by giving it a moisture boost, which helps it stay strong and tangle-free. This is especially true for curly hair that’s always screaming for a bit of extra care to calm the frizz and soak in the goodness.

Here’s our oil lineup and what they do:

Before we dive in with the oil, it’s wise to pat our hair with a towel and get rid of that extra drippiness. This way, the oil does its job without getting watered down.

When applying, just pop a couple drops into your palms, rub them together, and spread it through from the middle to the ends of your hair. Keep it away from the roots unless you’re aiming for a greasy crown!

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Here’s a tip: skip the head-scratching oil massage on wet hair. Wet hair can get pretty snappy, and hardcore scrubbing won’t do it any favors. Instead, gently rake the oil through to smooth it out.

And remember, less is more. Going overboard with oil can make your hair look like an oil slick, so start small and only add more if you need.

By sidestepping these boo-boos and nailing the right techniques, our hair will thank us with that healthy glow. Looking for more hair wisdom? Check out our take on how often should you comb your hair and is benzyl alcohol bad for the hair.