Dry hair lacks adequate moisture, whether your hair is naturally dry or has been damaged by styling, chemicals or environmental exposure. Hot oil treatments can temporarily restore the moisture your hair is lacking. You can buy an oil treatment at a drugstore or salon or make your own at home.
Significance
Hot oil treatments add emollients and moisture to dry hair, making up for what it is naturally missing. Some oils, like coconut oil, may even help to reduce protein loss and future damage. Hot oil treatments help to smooth the shaft of the hair, making the hair softer and shinier, according to DailyGlow.com.
Types
When choosing a hot oil treatment, look for one with natural ingredients, like jojoba oil, recommends HairBoutique.com or make your own hot oil treatment by warming olive, jojoba or coconut oil. Add fragrance to your homemade hot oil treatment with rosemary, lavender or peppermint essential oils, suggests DailyGlow.com.
Function
Warm the hot oil treatment according to the manufacturer's instructions if store bought, or by placing a bowl of oil into a larger basin of hot water. The oil should be warm, but not painfully hot. Work the oil into damp, towel-dried or dry hair, applying it from roots to ends. Cover your hair with a hot towel or a plastic shower cap. Use an old fashioned hair dryer to keep the oil hot, if desired.
Considerations
Wash the oil from your hair using shampoo. Work the shampoo through the length of your hair to remove any oily residue. Rinse well, then follow with your regular conditioner. Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar for your final rinse, suggests DailyGlow.com. Make sure to wash hot oil treatments out over the sink, instead of in the shower.
Time Frame
Use a hot oil treatment weekly on your dry hair, in place of costly deep conditioners. If your hair is quite dry, consider leaving the treatment in overnight for the best result. If you wash your hair infrequently, you may want to try a hot oil treatment before each shampoo.
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