Hot oil treatments energize dry, frizzy hair, acting as a nourishing conditioner to counteract the harmful effects of blow dryers, curling irons, and harsh styling products. When introduced as part of the hot oil treatment, the herb rosemary may deliver even more benefits, helping restore damaged hair to a healthy sheen. And best of all, a rosemary hot oil treatment can be made at home for little cost.
Benefits
A member of the mint family of herbs, rosemary provides a wide range of health benefits, including serving as an antifungal, an antibacterial, and an anti-inflammatory. According to OrganicFacts.net, rosemary also stimulates hair follicles and promotes longer, stronger hair. It invigorates the scalp, helping slow down premature hair loss and the onset of gray hairs. Regular massages with rosemary oil can even exfoliate and sooth the scalp, helping prevent dandruff.
Features
A rosemary hot oil treatment requires fresh rosemary leaves, olive oil, a strainer, a plastic bag, and a towel. The olive oil coats the head, working with the rosemary to nourish and moisturize the scalp and damaged hair follicles. On its own, olive oil replenishes damaged hair thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids. Combining olive oil with rosemary only enhances the healing properties of both ingredients.
Function
To prepare a rosemary hot oil treatment, mix 1/2 cup of fresh rosemary leaves and 1/2 cup of olive oil in a saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat. Once warmed, pour the oil and rosemary through a strainer to separate the rosemary leaves. Massage the oil into your scalp and hair, making sure to cover the hair from root to tip. Wrap your hair in a plastic bag and then cover with a towel. Allow the hot rosemary oil to remain in place for 30 minutes, letting the oil soak deep into the scalp and hair before rinsing it out with gentle shampoo and warm water. It may take two shampoo cycles to remove all the oil.
Types
Rosemary hot oil treatments may be purchased at a salon or as a packaged kit. However, your kitchen pantry may be the best source, with fresh rosemary and olive oil proving less expensive than the commercial alternatives. According to the beauty website DailyGlow.com, a basic hot oil treatment at a salon averages around $25 .
Considerations
Be careful when heating the oil. Always warm it over a low to medium heat to keep it from getting too hot. Always test the oil temperature to ensure its safety. The oil should be warm but not too hot to touch. Also, wrap the towel around your shoulders when applying the hot rosemary oil to protect your clothes from unwanted oil stains.
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