How to Use One ‘n Only Argan Oil Hair Color? | Salon Results at Home

Using One ‘n Only Argan Oil Permanent Color Cream requires mixing it with a developer at a precise 1:2 ratio, applying it away from the scalp on virgin hair, and processing for 30 minutes (or 45 for gray coverage).

Hair color fails for two reasons: bad technique or a bad product. This product is reliable, but the technique is where most DIY dye jobs go wrong. The difference between a muddy, uneven mess and a salon-smooth finish is knowing how the One ‘n Only Argan Oil system actually works — starting with the mixing ratio.

What You Need Before You Start

One ‘n Only Argan Oil Permanent Color Cream is a two-part system. The bottle you grab at the store is only the color cream. You also need a separate developer. The standard retail bottles hold 3 ounces of color, and you’ll need 6 ounces of developer to match the correct 1:2 ratio.

Choosing the Right Developer Volume

The developer volume controls how much lift (lightening) you get. Pick based on what your hair needs:

• 10 Volume: Deposit color only or lift 1 level. Best for covering gray on already-light hair.
• 20 Volume: 2 levels of lift. The standard choice for most users covering gray or going darker.
• 30 Volume: 3 levels of lift. For going lighter than your natural shade.
• 40 Volume: 4 levels of lift. Use carefully on natural hair only.

If you’re not sure, 20 volume is the safest starting point for most DIY applications.

How To Mix One ‘n Only Argan Oil Color Cream: The Exact 1:2 Ratio

This is the most common mistake. The ratio is 1 part color cream to 2 parts developer. For a standard 3oz bottle of color cream, pour the entire tube into an applicator bottle or tint bowl, then add 6oz of developer. Cap the bottle and shake gently until the mixture is a smooth, even consistency. Over-shaking creates unnecessary bubbles.

Application Steps for Virgin Hair (First-Time Color)

Follow this sequence exactly. Skipping steps creates uneven color.

1. Section and protect. Put on the plastic gloves included in the package. Divide dry, unwashed hair into four even sections — part ear to ear and down the center of the head. Clip each section out of the way.
2. Apply color cream to the shafts first. Take a ½-inch subsection from one section. Using a tint brush, apply the mixed color starting ½ inch away from the scalp, coating the entire shaft. Do NOT apply color closer to the scalp on this first pass. If the ends are porous or damaged, skip them entirely.
3. Complete all four sections. Work methodically through each section. The goal is even coverage, not speed.
4. Wait 15 minutes. After the entire head of shaft hair is covered, set a timer for 15 minutes.
5. Apply to the roots. After 15 minutes, apply the leftover mixture to the root area (the ½-inch band you left untouched).
6. Process another 15 minutes (standard) or 30 minutes (gray). For standard coverage, total processing time is 30 minutes. For maximum gray coverage, process for a total of 45 minutes from the moment you started step 4.

How To Use One ‘n Only Argan Oil For Touch-Ups And Retouch

Retouching roots is simpler but easy to rush. Apply the mixed color strictly to the re-growth area only. Process for 30 minutes (or 45 for heavy gray). If the ends look faded, work the remaining mixture through the ends for the last 5 minutes of processing — no more.

The Rinse And Aftercare

When the timer goes off, rinse the color out with warm water until the water runs completely clear. Follow with the included conditioner or a moisturizing shampoo. Do not vigorously brush wet hair — the hair is more fragile after coloring and brushing while wet can increase breakage. Squeeze it dry in a towel instead. Read about the best argan oil hair color products to see how this line compares to other options.

One major rule: wait one full week after a perm or chemical straightener before using this product. The chemicals can react badly, causing hair damage or color rejection.

Common Mistakes That Ruin The Result

• Wrong ratio. Using 3oz color with 3oz developer gives half the needed liquid, leading to patchy coverage and poor lift.
• Applying color to the scalp on virgin hair. This causes irritation and uneven blending at the root. That ½-inch gap matters.
• Ignoring porous ends. Porous ends absorb color faster and darker than the rest of the hair. The result: dark, muddy tips that don’t match.
• Over-processing. Leaving the color on beyond 45 minutes does not improve gray coverage. It just dries the hair out.

How The Product Works On Gray Hair

One ‘n Only Argan Oil uses advanced micro-pigments designed to penetrate gray-resistant strands. For hair that is more than 50% gray, use the maximum 45-minute processing time. The brand’s own promotional material highlights heavy gray coverage as a core strength of this line. If you have less than 50% gray, the standard 30 minutes is enough.

Mixing Calculator For Different Bottle Sizes

Not all One ‘n Only bottles come in the same size. If you have a different bottle size, use this simple rule: multiply the ounces of color cream by 2 to get the developer amount. A 2oz bottle needs 4oz of developer. A 1.5oz bottle needs 3oz of developer. If the bottle is marked in milliliters, double the ml value.

What To Do If It Goes Wrong

If the color comes out too dark or the ends look muddy, use a clarifying shampoo immediately — it will strip some of the excess pigment. If it’s patchy (usually from applying color to the scalp too early on virgin hair), wait at least 48 hours before applying a semi-permanent gloss to even it out. If you experience hair breakage or excessive shedding after use, stop immediately and switch to a bond-repairing treatment before attempting color again.

Safety Precautions

Always wear the provided plastic gloves — the micro-pigments stain skin. Perform a patch test 48 hours before application if you have sensitive skin or history of allergic reactions. Do not use on hair that was chemically relaxed within the last 7 days. The product is designed for healthy hair; damaged or over-processed hair may react unpredictably.