Hairdressers recommend this plant oil to soften and smooth grey hair
Have you noticed that your grey hair seems harder to style, rougher to the touch, and that frizz has started appearing even on strands that used to lie flat? Hairdressers agree on one thing: a tailored routine built around hydration and a few drops of argan oil can genuinely transform the texture of your hair day to day.
What grey hair actually does to the hair fibre
Over time, the hair fibre does more than simply lose its colour. Its surface becomes more uneven, the cuticle retains moisture less effectively, and a persistent feeling of dryness sets in. As a result, strands look less supple, more unruly, and frizz appears even on naturally straight hair.
That said, this is not a universal experience. Hair texture, thickness, porosity, previous colour treatments and frequent heat exposure all influence how pronounced these changes become. Curly or chemically treated hair tends to be more affected. A one-size-fits-all routine, however well-intentioned, simply does not address the real needs of every head of hair.
Why hairdressers advise against relying solely on purple shampoo
Purple shampoo is often the first instinct when white hair starts showing yellow tones. It does its job of neutralising those warm hues, but it does nothing to preserve the suppleness of the hair fibre. What’s more, washing too frequently or using the wrong products can actually worsen dryness rather than correct it.
Professionals therefore recommend choosing a gentle shampoo followed by a hydrating conditioner applied to the lengths. The priority is to maintain moisture in the fibre before attempting to correct the colour. Without that foundation, no finishing treatment can deliver a lasting result.
Argan oil: the finishing touch hairdressers swear by
Rich in fatty acids, argan oil has a notable ability to soften the hair fibre and temporarily smooth its outer surface. It cannot rehydrate a dehydrated strand on its own, but it does help lock in moisture when applied after a hydrating treatment. Its main benefits lie in improving the feel, the shine and the manageability of the lengths, as hairdressers who specialise in white hair care consistently point out.
The amount used, however, is everything. Too much will weigh the hair down, reduce volume and leave it looking greasy. On fine or low-porosity hair, one to three drops is enough. It is always better to start with a small amount and add more only if needed.
The right way to apply argan oil and anti-frizz products
Technique matters just as much as the product itself. After shampooing, blot the hair with a soft towel rather than rubbing it vigorously. It is on this damp, towel-dried hair that a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz product should be applied first.
- Choose a gentle shampoo formulated for grey or white hair
- Apply a hydrating conditioner to the lengths after every wash
- Warm one to three drops of argan oil between your palms before distributing it through the mid-lengths and ends
- Use a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz product on damp hair, before drying
- Check whether your anti-frizz product offers heat protection before using a hair dryer
The argan oil comes next: warmed between the palms, then worked through the mid-lengths and ends. This combination pairs a hydrating treatment with a light protective film. Even distribution is key to avoiding overloaded sections and greasy roots.
Matching products to your texture: the other piece of advice from hairdressers
Serums, styling creams and leave-in treatments are not interchangeable. Some formulas are designed for fine hair, others for thick, curly or very dry hair. Choosing the right product for your actual texture is just as important as the way you apply it.
Beyond that, combining a conditioner, a mask and a protective treatment can make a lasting difference to the suppleness of your hair. If strands remain rough despite a consistent routine, hairdressers recommend seeing a professional to identify the precise cause. A personalised diagnosis remains the best way to tailor your care to the reality of your own hair.
