Daily Glow recommends hot oil hair treatments as a way of nourishing and protecting hair that is excessively dry or routinely exposed to heat from blow dryers, curling irons, straighteners and other styling appliances. Jojoba oil, a waxy substance extracted from the seed of the jojoba shrub, is one of the more common essential oils used for hot oil treatments because the scalp can easily absorb it. It also prevents the accumulation of oils and treat dandruff according to "Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies."
Pure Oil Treatment
CareFair.com suggests using 100% jojoba oil, readily available at most drug and beauty stores, on its own as a weekly hot oil treatment for dry hair. To apply this treatment, submerge your closed jojoba oil bottle or tube into a sink full of very hot water while you shampoo and rinse your hair.
When your hair is clean and the oil is warm, take the bottle out of the water and work a generous handful of jojoba oil evenly through your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap for five minutes, then rinse the oil out of your hair with warm water. Immediately afterward, flush your hair with cooler water in order to contract your hair follicles, which will seal the oil inside.
Essential Oil Combination
Another treatment detailed on HairBoutique.com recommends mixing a combination of other essential oils, fragrances and essences with an equal volume of jojoba oil. Other oils, including olive oil, coconut oil, rosemary and lavender can also moisturize and protect your hair, and you can use these in your own personal combination to create a signature fragrance.
The oil mixture can be applied directly to wet or dry hair, as long as it is clean, and the hair should then be wrapped in a bun and covered with either a shower cap or plastic wrap. To heat the oil, wrap your plastic-covered hair with a hot towel straight out of the dryer and continuously change the towels as they cool. After the treatment has set for at least one hour, remove the towels and plastic, thoroughly wash out the oil with warm water and finish with a quick flush of cool water.
Afro-ethnic Hair Treatment
Afro-ethnic hair, which tends to be dark with naturally curved follicles, has a tendency toward dryness and several other characteristics not shared by all other hair types. Because of these differences, many hair treatments are tailored specifically to the distinct needs of Afro-ethnic hair, including the jojoba hot oil treatment described in "The Black Hair Revolution: A Simple Pocket Guide to Growing & Maintaining Healthy Natural & Permed Hair."
Use a wide-toothed comb to gently work any tangles out of clean, conditioned and dry hair. Combine two tablespoons of grape seed oil, one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of jojoba oil and two drops of sage oil, and work the mixture through your hair using your fingers. Be sure to massage it into your scalp, then cover your hair with a plastic hair conditioning cap or a plastic shopping bag.
If you're using a conditioning cap or a heat-safe covering, apply heat via an overhead dryer or hot towel for up to 20 minutes. If using ordinary plastic, let the oil set without heat for up to 30 minutes. Rinse the mixture out using lukewarm water only.
References
- Daily Glow: Hot-Oil Treatments
- "Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies"; Steven Foster, Varro E. Tyler; 1982
- CareFair.com: Jojoba Hair Care
- HairBoutique.com: Jojoba & Other Hair Oils
- "The Black Hair Revolution: A Simple Pocket Guide to Growing & Maintaining Healthy Natural & Permed Hair"; Yetunde Jude, Betsy Bearden; 2009
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