By supplying moisture and nutrients, a hot oil treatment can help improve the appearance and texture of dry, damaged hair. This treatment also helps remove shampoo and styling product buildup that may be weighing down your hair. Although several natural oils work well as oil treatment bases, avocado oil has qualities that make it suitable for use in hair oil treatments.
Properties of Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is rich in vitamins D, E, A and B and the mineral potassium as well as essential fatty acids and hair-strengthening protein. The hair shaft easily absorbs the vitamin E in avocado oil, notes the website Naturally Curly. The oil may also help filter out the sun's potentially damaging UVA and UVB rays. Avocado's oil long storage time makes it a favorite for hair and skin products.
Basic Recipe
Pour 1/2 cup, or 8 tbsp., avocado oil into a plastic container or bag. Add 8 drops each essential oil of sandalwood, lavender and geranium, recommend experts from the LongLocks website. Blend the oils thoroughly. Fill a larger container with hot water. Place the container with the oils in the water to warm the oils.
Variations
Create specialized blends for different hair conditions by adding other natural ingredients to the basic recipe. To make a thicker conditioner for very dry hair, add half a mashed raw avocado. Mix up a shine-boosting hot oil treatment by blending in one egg yolk. To treat dandruff or oily hair, add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil, clary sage or rosemary oil. For dry hair, try peppermint or myrrh oil.
Application
Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual. With your fingers, apply the oil to your hair starting from the roots and working down to the ends. Gently brush your hair with a wide-toothed comb to spread the oils. Wrap your hair in plastic wrap, then cover it with a shower cap, followed by a warm, moist towel. This holds in the heat and helps your hair absorb the oils. Leave the treatment on for five to 15 minutes. Rinse out out and shampoo.
Precautions
Before using any oil you've never tried before, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of the oil to the inside of your elbow and wait 48 hours to check for allergic reactions. If you've added egg yolk, keep an eye on the oil blend while heating it so the egg doesn't cook. Use caution when rinsing out hair oil in the shower. Oils can make the shower floor slippery.
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