No, oiling hair does not inherently change its color. While some anecdotal evidence suggests a slight alteration in shade, this is generally not a significant or reliable effect. The impact of oils on hair color depends greatly on factors like the type of oil used, the hair's existing color, and the type of hair dye employed.
The Science Behind the Claim
Some oils, like coconut oil, penetrate the hair shaft. This penetration can affect the appearance of hair color in a few limited ways:
- Perception of Color: The oil's refractive index can alter how light interacts with the hair, subtly affecting the perceived shade. This effect is usually minimal and temporary.
- Dye Removal: For certain hair dyes, particularly semi-permanent ones, penetrating oils might slightly loosen the dye molecules, potentially leading to faint color fading. This isn't a color change per se, but rather a loss of existing color. The degree of fading varies considerably.
- Highlighting Existing Undertones: Some oils with slight coloring, like certain varieties of coconut oil, might slightly enhance the underlying tones in your hair. This is usually only noticeable on very light hair or with repeated use.
Contradictory Evidence:
Several sources contradict the idea that oiling significantly changes hair color:
- Many accounts suggest that using oils like coconut oil actually protects hair color by maintaining hair health and reducing dryness-related breakage.
- Other sources report minimal color alteration, often attributing changes to factors unrelated to the oil itself.
Type of Oil Matters:
Not all oils are the same. While some may subtly affect the appearance of hair color, others show no such effect. Examples from the provided references suggest that:
- Coconut oil: Shows mixed results, with some reporting minimal color change and others citing color protection.
- Castor oil: Some anecdotal reports mention potential color changes but lack scientific backing.
- Other oils: The effect is often linked to the specific oil's properties and the way it interacts with hair and dye.
Conclusion:
The idea that oiling hair drastically changes its color is largely inaccurate. While minor, temporary alterations in perceived shade or very slight fading may occur in specific cases, this is not a reliable or significant way to change hair color. The effect is dependent on several factors, and generally remains subtle if present at all.
