“What is a hot oil treatment?” This is the question I receive most often when people first learn about this hair routine. Hot oil treatment for waves is exactly what it sounds like – using heat on and oil to improve hair health. Hot oils are beneficial because they work deeply on the scalp, where your roots are located. The heat of the oil allows for deep penetration.
Hot oil treatments offer intense nourishment for the hair and scalp, utilizing heat and oils to make hair softer, smoother and shinier. Hot oils can hydrate dry hair and add luster and shine to hair. With regular application, hot oil treatments can strengthen the hair strands to prevent breakage; promote length retention; stimulate healthy growth
This is not only healthy but helpful in promoting hair growth and preventing or halting hair loss, which can be attributed to a number of causes such as stress, poor diet, hormone imbalance, etc.
Best Oils for Hot Oil Treatment
The best oils I find to use on my scalp and therefore my waves are coconut and castor oil because they tend to be thicker and more moisturizing than other oils such as olive oil.
Coconut oil is also great for promoting hair growth because it stimulates the scalp. Castor oil can aid in preventing or halting hair loss by coating each strand of the hair, helping to keep one’s own natural oils locked in and making the strands stronger and easier to comb out.
Personal experience: I have been using hot oils on my scalp for over four months now, applying them once or twice a week before bed because it is both time-consuming and difficult to rinse out.
After shampooing my hair in the morning, I apply a bit of coconut oil again to help tame frizzies before styling. I have noticed a definite improvement in my waves, their shine which has been amplified, stronger hair strands that are easier to comb out after washing, less breakage, and a more natural body.
Hot Oil Treatment Recipe and What to do
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (heat in microwave for about 20 seconds) 1 tbsp castor oil and add 3-4 drops lavender or chamomile essential oils, both of which have calming benefits that create a soothing experience for the mind and body.
Despite being called a “hot” oil treatment be sure to feel the mixture and only use it if it’s warm. Let it cool if it’s too hot. Needless to say, a burnt scalp is no fun and can be a serious problem.
I mix these all together to form a paste that resembles the consistency of soft butter, then apply generously to my scalp and gently massage it in.
A quick run with the comb ensures your entire head is covered.
Keep in for 15 to 30 minutes but you can leave it in for up to an hour if you have the time. Rinse afterward by taking a shower and apply a good moisturizer or brushing cream with a soft brush then put on your durag.
Best Oils and Their Benefits for Hot Oil Treatment
There are plenty of options when it comes to oils and keeping your waves looking good. Here is a list of some of the best:
– Extra Virgin Olive Oil
is high in Oleic acid, vitamins A and E (which are good antioxidants), minerals like iron and calcium and anti-inflammatory agents. Olive oil is a quick absorbing oil, which means it will condition hair pretty quickly.
– Sesame Seed Oil
contains Vitamin E, Omega 6 fatty acids and zinc, all of which are great for promoting hair growth and preventing breakage. It also helps to balance the pH levels on the scalp; this ensures that your hair gets the best possible moisture and nutrients.
Sesame seed oil is rich in antioxidants, which helps to protect against free radical damage (caused by exposure to chemicals, pollution and other factors). Sesame seed oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties; this means it can help relieve irritation and itching on the scalp. Sesame seed oil is a great choice for dry or damaged hair.
– Coconut Oil
has fatty acids and proteins that coat the hair and create an immune barrier, protecting it from bacteria and fungi. It also contains vitamin E and iron; these antioxidants strengthen the roots and repair damage at the same time.
Coconuts contain essential anti-fungal and antibacterial oils, which help to prevent scalp disorders, dandruff and hair loss. It also gives shine and volume to the hair, making it a perfect choice for those with thin or brittle hair.
– Sunflower Seed Oil
is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid that helps to moisturize dry hair and counter the effects of aging. It also contains high levels of antioxidants such as sunflower seed oil, which helps to protect hair from environmental damage.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant found in Sunflower Seed Oil; this vitamin conditions hair and reduces split ends. Sunflower seed oil revitalizes tired-looking skin and replenishes moisture to help your skin look radiantly healthy.
– Avocado Oil
is rich in proteins, which promote hair growth and prevent hair loss by stimulating blood supply to the scalp. Vitamin E moisturizes dry hair and has strong antioxidant properties that protect the hair against environmental damage.
The oleic acid content in Avocado oil helps to keep your hair soft and silky smooth.
– Almond Oil
is rich in vitamins A, B and E. Vitamin E strengthens hair from the roots to the tips and prevents damage caused by external factors such as pollution or UV radiation.
Almond oil conditions hair and stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which supports a healthy hair growth cycle. It also helps to prevent dryness and breakage that may result from chemical treatments such as perms and hair color.
– Grapeseed Oil
is high in linoleic acid (an omega 6 essential fatty acid) and antioxidants like Vitamin E, which help to moisturize dry hair and counter the effects of aging; this makes this one well suited for fine or oily hair.
It also contains antibacterial properties, which can help to prevent scalp disorders and dandruff. Grapeseed oil is a light oil that absorbs easily into the scalp, leaving no greasy residue behind.
What Should I Consider if I’m Going to Try A Hot Oil Treatment?
If you’ve never done a hot oil treatment before, consider keeping the first application limited to 10 minutes and gradually work your way up.
Also: make sure you choose an oil specifically designed for hair care (extra virgin olive and coconut oils are good options); avoid heating any product that contains essential oils (it increases the risk of spoilage); keep all treatments away from eyes and ears; if you have nut or seafood allergies, avoid any product containing those ingredients.
Final Words
Well, there you have it. Now that you’ve gotten a little more background on the types of oils and their benefits for hot oil treatments for waves. Armed with this knowledge you’ll have a great head of hair for a long time to come.
