How To Do A Hot Oil Treatment for Natural Hair
If you’re part of the natural hair community or just beginning your hair care voyage, you’ve probably heard of the reviving benefits of a hot oil treatment.
This ritual not only provides a great level of self-care, but also delivers a wealth of benefits such as improved hair strength, increased moisture, and enhanced shine.
Like any natural hair regimen, the effectiveness of a hot oil treatment lies in the consistency of effectiveness of the oil being used. Below is a detailed guide to help you master the art of using a hot oil treatment, while creating a spa-like experience within the comfort of your own home.
What You Will Need:
- An oil that is cold pressed meaning when filtered, the nutrients in the oil are not all lost due to the use of high heat temperatures. (Great options include grapeseed, hemp seed, avocado, olive, almond, jojoba, or coconut oil). Click here for more on which oils are great for hair growth!
- A heat-safe bowl or a glass container for warming the oil
- A larger bowl for creating a water bath
- Hot water, just enough to submerge the smaller container halfway
- A plastic shower cap to lock in the heat
- Your regular shampoo and conditioner for washing out the oil
Step-by-Step Hot Oil Treatment:
Step 1: Prepare the Oil Blend
Pour a generous amount of your chosen oil blend into the heat-safe bowl or glass container. You want to be sure that you will have enough oil to cover your hair thickness and length adequately without using way too much. If the oil starts dripping down all over your face and back, you will know to scale back the amount for your next session.
Step 2: Warm Up The Oil
Place the bowl or applicator bottle containing the oil into the larger bowl filled with hot water. Allow it to sit for several minutes until the oil is pleasantly warm but not too hot to handle.
Step 3: Test The Oil Temperature
Before application, it is important to test the oil. Carefully place a small amount on your wrist or forearm. If the temperature is comfortable enough, it is ready for use.
Step 4: Prepare For Application
Rub your hands together with the oil to ensure that it’s evenly distributed over your palms and fingers. For a more targeted application, especially to the scalp, consider using a scalp application bottle if available.
Step 5: Massage It Into Your Scalp
Begin by massaging the oil into your scalp with gentle yet firm circular movements. This will promote blood flow and ensure your roots, where hair health begins, are thoroughly nourished.
Step 6: Distributing the Oil
After your scalp is coated, use a wide-tooth comb—or your fingers—to extend the oil from your roots down to the very ends of your hair, ensuring each strand is coated in oil.
Step 7: Heat Treatment
Cover your oiled hair with a plastic shower cap to trap the heat from your scalp or you can sit under a warm hooded dryer for faster uptake. Leave the oil to penetrate your hair fibers for approximately 15 to 30 minutes, letting nature’s nutrients do their work. Again, for best results consider sitting under a hooded dryer.
Step 8: Rinse Out The Oil
Finally, cleanse your hair with your preferred moisturizing shampoo, removing the oil without stripping too much natural moisture. Follow up with a conditioner to seal the cuticles and lock in the hydration.
Additional Tips and Tricks:
- For added therapeutic benefits, consider incorporating essential oils into your hot oil blend. Lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree are great options for improving scalp health and promoting hair growth.
- To maximize the absorption of nutrients, wrap a hot towel around your shower cap or sit in a steamy bathroom during the treatment.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different oil blends to find what works best for your hair type and needs. Some naturalistas swear by a mix of two or more oils for optimal results.
- If you have low porosity hair, consider using heat during the application process to aid in opening up the hair cuticle and allowing for better absorption of the oil.
- Make sure to protect your clothing and surroundings by wearing an old t-shirt or using a towel over your shoulders during the treatment. Oil can be messy, so take precautions to avoid any spills or stains.
- Don’t limit hot oil treatments to just your hair; you can also apply them to your eyebrows, eyelashes, and even nails for added nourishment and strength
Frequency and Timing:
The question of how frequently you should indulge in a hot oil treatment largely depends on your hair’s individual needs and its current condition. Generally speaking, once every two weeks is a good starting point for most hair types.
If your hair is particularly dry or damaged—perhaps due to chemical processes such as coloring or perming—you may benefit from increasing this frequency to once a week.
On the other hand, if your hair tends to be naturally oily or if you’re noticing that your hair feels weighed down after treatments, you may want to reduce the frequency to once a month.
The key is to observe how your hair responds after each treatment and adjust accordingly.
In terms of timing, consider scheduling your hot oil treatments during the weekend or on a day off when you can truly relax and not rush through the process.
This not only enhances the effectiveness of the treatment but also transforms it into a therapeutic ritual that rejuvenates not just your hair, but also your spirit.
Remember, patience and consistency are golden in achieving and maintaining the best results, so commit to a regular schedule that aligns with your hair care needs and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts on Using A Hot Oil Treatment:
You have now completed your hot oil treatment! With these tips on how to do a hot oil treatment, you’re now well-equipped to introduce a beneficial and nourishing ritual into your hair care routine.
By consistently incorporating hot oil treatments, you’ll notice improvements over time; strong, lustrous, and resilient hair that is less prone to split ends and breakage.
Remember, the path to healthy hair is a personal adventure with learning and discovery — patience and persistence will be key in your hair health journey.
