Hot oil treatment is a special procedure with heated oils for recovering hair after damages. Hot oil treatments soothe stiff locks back into silky smoothness by penetrating the hair shaft with hydrating, intense moisture which then protects the hair and makes it softer and more manageable.
Homemade hot oil treatments work wonders and are beyond easy to create. We’ve gathered some of the best DIY hot oil treatments that are definitely good for your hair.
What Does a Hot Oil Treatment Do
Let’s face it — dry hair is difficult to maintain and feels almost impossible to fix. Not only does it feel brittle and lifeless to the touch, but it’s also a sign that your hair is in need of some tender care and a new regime.
If you’ve never heard of hot oil treatment for natural hair, read this list of benefits (by the way, it works for damaged hair of all types and structures):
- Prevents split ends (helps to go longer in between trimming appointments).
- Moisturizers your locks from scalp to ends (perfect for extremely brittle and dry curly hair).
- Adds shine (because healthy hair can’t look dull).
- Stimulates blood circulation to scalp (which is great for hair growth).
- Helps to get rid of dandruff (and solve various dry scalp problems).
Choosing Best Oil for Hot Oil Treatments
There are a variety of oils and ingredients you can combine to create the perfect homemade treatment for your dry, undernourished hair and scalp. From our beloved and most popular coconut oil to argan oil, there are no shortages of treatments you can make in the comfort of your own home. Below, you can find out how each of these oils can benefit your hair and scalp.
1. Coconut Oil
This oil is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that are good for the human body. Coconut oil has components that keep hair strong, nourished and protected. It prevents hair loss, reduces previous hair damage and reduces protein loss. It’s also rich in lauric acid, which has an affinity for hair protein and magically penetrates the inside of the hair shaft. If that isn’t amazing enough, it has a moisture-retaining capacity that keeps hair soft and moist for long periods of time, thus preventing dreaded hair breakage.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the most affordable and effective treatments for your locks and it’s always available in the kitchen or nearest market. If you need to manage frizziness, add shine, cure dandruff and achieve extra softness, use this magic potion while preparing your next hot oil treatment mix. Yes, it can be slightly difficult to wash olive oil away (you may need to shampoo 2 or 3 times), but final result is totally worth it!
Photo Credit: @azeiteserraquechora
3. Jojoba Oil
This oil is a great natural moisturizer for dry and extremely damaged locks. Also, women use jojoba oil for hair growth and some of them have already understood it’s a perfect product for DIY hair masks. Actually, most of the ancient beauty recipes with jojoba oil already contain heating, so probably this nature’s gift was created especially for hot oil treatments!
Photo Credit: @jojomokacom
4. Lavender Oil
This oil can be used on any hair type. When massaged into the scalp, it can improve blood circulation, promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. It moisturizes the scalp and balances sebum production, which can reduce extra greasy and oily hair and acne near the hairline and forehead. Its extremely powerful antiseptic actions make it perfect for controlling excessive dandruff or bacterial infections.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
5. Almond Oil
Extract from raw almonds always helped to achieve beautiful hair, nails and skin. It contains vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium, zinc, proteins, and other extremely useful minerals and vitamins. Treat split ends, dandruff and itchy scalp, make your locks more shiny and healthy by adding almond oil to your regular at-home hot oil treatment recipe.
Photo Credit: @alikaynaturals
6. Argan Oil
Argan oil comes from the fruit of the Argan tree in Morocco. Inside of that fruit is a little nut from which the oil is produced. What makes this oil so beneficial is its copious amounts of vitamin A, C and E. It’s also loaded with omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid and lots of antioxidants. When applied to the hair, it can help boost cell production which can result in healthier locks. It’s a fantastic moisturizer that helps to eliminate dandruff and dry scalps. It also tames frizziness, flyaways and repairs split ends, which is all we could ever want from an essential oil.
Photo Credit: @herbalessencesuk
7. Avocado Oil
Today using avocado in all its forms is a panacea for Gwinett Paltrow’s fans and a huge marketing strategy for fashionable beauty brands, BUT they’re all right about the benefits of this magic product. And avocado oil miracles also work for hair care due to essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B-5, E, biotin, antioxidants and a set of minerals with superpowers. Mix avocado oil with virgin coconut oil to achieve better results and the most delicious smell for your DIY spa!
Photo Credit: @oming03
8. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil helps to normalize the pH levels of the scalp and works as natural dandruff, breakage, and hair loss treatment. At the same time, it is a decent moisturizer and conditioner, which makes grapeseed oil perfect for hot oil treatments at home. Enjoy the delicious smell and feel how your locks become stronger and healthier with each new procedure. It takes time to completely cure your mane, but you will notice the huge difference from the first use (be sure to use 100% natural grapeseed oil).
Photo Credit: @whollykitchen
9. Tea Tree Oil
This oil is one of the most popular essential oil for improving scalp health. Since it’s anti-fungal, it’s been successfully used to treat dandruff, itchiness, and greasiness. It also helps to slow down the process of hair loss and increase hair growth without inflammation. Put some tea tree oil in your recipe and feel the difference.
Photo Credit: @tazekaaromatherapy
10. Aloe Vera Oil
Aloe Vera is something we should all include in our hair care routine because it has a number of benefits like prevention of thinning, natural shampooing and conditioning and, of course, deep moisturizing. It is the best oil if you want to feel extremely clean after hot oil treatment and strengthen your mane, too. It’s pretty simple to use aloe vera oil in home remedies, so relax and enjoy!
Photo Credit: @alikaynaturals
11. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has that cooling effect we’re all familiar with. When applied to the scalp, it is very useful in rejuvenating hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth. Its cleansing agents help to open up clogged pores and encourage the flow of skin oils, making it ideal for people who suffer from dry scalps.
Photo Credit: @tazekaaromatherapy
How to Do Hot Oil Treatment for Hair
All you will need to create a DIY hot oil treatment is your oil of choice. You’ll need around 2-3 tablespoons, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. You will want to use this treatment over recently washed hair that is free of buildup and products, so it is recommended that you try this after a shower when your hair is almost dry but not completely.
Step 1: Mixing.
In a large saucepan, bring a cup of fresh water to a boil. Place 2-3 tablespoons of your preferred oil in a small bowl or mug and then place it into the boiling water (as an option, you can use a microwave). This will quickly simmer the oil without dispersing it into the water itself. Allow the bowl or mug to sit for a few minutes. You’ll want the oil warm and not steaming hot to the touch.
Step 2: Final preparations.
When the oil is warm, carefully remove the bowl (without burning yourself) and then let the oil sit for a few moments to cool down.
Step 3: Applying.
Once it is at the right temperature, massage the warm oil into your hair. Start at the scalp and coat the hair from root to tip.
Step 4: Wrapping.
When your hair is fully coated, wrap it in a towel or place a plastic cap over your hair for at least 30 minutes. Read a book or scroll through Instagram while you wait! For better results, leave overnight.
Step 4: Shampoo time.
After chosen period of time has passed, rinse the oil from your hair and rinse it thoroughly! You may need to wash it a time or two to fully remove the oils.
Your hair should now feel softer, cleaner and a step toward healthier. You can do this as often as once or twice a week or treat yourself to it once a month, depending on the level of damage. There is just something so soothing about a hot oil treatment, especially when you save money by doing at home.
These treatments do wonders for your hair and can totally revamp your scalp and reverse damage. It gives something vital to hair length, retention, growth and overall hair health. So, if your hair is feeling way too dry and unmanageable, opt for a homemade DIY hot oil treatment and start taking back your hair health one drop at a time!
