Hot oil treatments are a common home remedy for dry hair. According to Leanne Warrick, author of "Hair Trix for Cool Chix," your locks are porous and absorb moisture like a sponge. However, that quality can work against you during some seasons. Hair tends to lack moisture in the winter, when the dry air saps it. Hot oil treatments can help restore your strands, especially if they are applied on a regular basis.
Use
Hot oil treatments are most frequently used to treat dry hair. However, dryness may not always be signified by straw-like locks and a parched scalp. "The Green Beauty Guide" says that the hot oil can also provide a balancing effect to overly greasy scalps and cure dandruff issues. According Julie Gabriel, the book's author, your scalp tends to overproduce oil and get dandruff if it senses the skin is too dry. Applying oil treatments can restore your scalp's natural balance and slow its oil production.
Oil
You'll have to select a base oil for your hot oil treatment. Gill Farrer-Halls, author of "The Aromatherapy Bible," says that suitable and rejuvenating oils include jojoba oil, evening primrose oil and neem oil. Other options, such as olive oil or coconut oil, will also do the trick.
Extras
You may want to add some extra ingredients to your hot oil treatment, depending on the condition of your hair and scalp. For example, astringents like juniper, tea tree oil and apple cider can tone down overly greasy scalps. Lavender, aloe vera or sandalwood can help eliminate dandruff. Calendula flower and nettle leaf are both beneficial for dry scalps.
Creation
To make a homemade hot oil treatment, fill a large bowl about two-thirds of the way with boiling water. In a smaller bowl, pour 1 to 2 tsp. of your base oil into a smaller bowl and sprinkle in your essential oils and herbs. Nest the small bowl in the large bowl, making sure not to splash water into the oil. Let the oil heat in the small bowl for five to 10 minutes, or until it's warm to the touch. Strain the herbs from the oil, if needed.
Application
Starting at the root, apply the oil to your strands. Wrap your hair in an old towel and let the hot oil treatment soak in for 30 to 60 minutes. Rinse it out with warm water and shampoo. You should repeat this application at least once a week to make sure your scalp remains balanced. If the treatments don't work after several rounds, you may want to see your doctor for some prescription-strength help.
References
- "Hair Trix for Cool Chix"; Leanne Warrick; 2004
- "The Green Beauty Guide"; Julie Gabriel; 2008
- "The Aromatherapy Bible"; Gill Farrer-Halls; 2005
- "Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2008
- "Better Basics for the Home"; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1999
Member Comments