Hot oil treatments remedy dry, damaged hair. Whether your hair has been over-styled, over-processed or dyed to the point of no return, a natural hot oil treatment restores luster and sheen and provides your locks with temporary protection from further damage. The most natural oil to use for a home hot oil treatment is jojoba oil, which mimics the body's natural oils, sebum, as proven in a June 2009 study published in the "International Journal of Cosmetic Science." This oil can be used alone or in conjunction with other oils and herbal extracts for added benefits.
Jojoba Oil Only Treatment
Step 1
Place jojoba oil in a microwave-safe glass bowl. The amount you need is dependent upon the length of your hair--short hair may need only six tablespoons while long hair can require as much as 1/3 cup.
Step 2
Microwave the jojoba oil for approximately 30 seconds. Test a small drop of the oil for warmth by placing a dab on the inside of your wrist. If it isn't warm, heat the oil for another 30 seconds. If the mixture becomes too warm, allow it to cool. The mixture should not be so hot that it burns your scalp or skin.
Step 3
Comb the jojoba oil through your hair, concentrating the oil on the areas with the most damage. Apply extra oil to the ends of hair, which are naturally dry--the body's natural oil is produced at the scalp, leaving the ends considerably drier than the roots.
Step 4
Wrap your hair in a warm towel. Leave the oil on your hair for no less than 30 minutes and up to one hour. For extremely damaged hair, leave the oil on overnight under a plastic shower cap.
Step 5
Shampoo your hair to remove the oil. Use cool water to cause the scaly outer cuticles of the hairs to lay flat. Condition if necessary.
Additives to Jojoba Oil
Step 1
Consider adding another oil to jojoba oil for extra moisturizing benefits. Apricot kernel oil, olive oil, coconut oil and grapefruit seed oil are all viable options.
Step 2
Mix jojoba oil and the other oil of your choice in a 3:1 ratio.
Step 3
Add up to six drops of an essential oil for a hot oil treatment with a natural fragrance. Lavender is considered calming, while chamomile oil is purported to bring out naturally blonde highlights. Sage oil is invigorating and darkens brown and black locks, as noted in "The Herbal Body Book."
Step 4
Mix your oils thoroughly and heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments. Apply to your hair, concentrating on the driest, most damaged areas. Wrap your hair in a warm towel.
Step 5
Rinse the mixture from your hair after 30 minutes. Shampoo and use cool water to enhance shine. For extremely damaged hair, leave the oil on overnight under a plastic shower cap before shampooing.
Things You'll Need
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
- Essential oils
- Warm towel
- Shower cap
- Shampoo
- Glass bowl
- Microwave
- Comb
References
- "The Herbal Body Book" Jeanne Rose; 2004
- "Natural Beauty Recipe Book"; Gil Farrer-Halls; 2006
- Pubmed: International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Human Synthetic Sebum Formulation
- "Herbal Treatments for Healthy Hair"; Greta Breedlove; 1999
- "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 2002
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