Remember when using hot oil treatments were considered the “deep conditioner” miracle for dry or damaged hair? Products like V05 were all the rave. The timeless popularity of the hot oil treatments everyone enjoys does not come without reason. Hot oil treatment is a hair and scalp treatment, using natural oils to treat damaged hair, protecting and strengthening it with vitamins and nutrients.
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If you put your hair through a lot of stress, such as teasing, coloring, or subjecting your hair to various degrees of temperature, then a hot oil treatment may be for you. They provide many more benefits, which we will cover later in the article. Hot oil treatments are very similar to pre-poo oil treatments; however, they differ in the stage of the washing cycle in which they are applied.
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Unlike pre-poo treatments, hot oil treatments tend to follow the shampoo stage rather than before it. However, many people are finding utility in applying hot oil treatment at the pre-shampoo stage as well. Hot oil treatments tend to include oils exclusively, whereas pre-shampoo treatments are varied.
Benefits
1. It Helps Moisturize Your Hair
If your hair is dry or brittle, try the hot oil treatment – in addition to heat – to bring your hair back to life. Hot oil treatments are commonly used during the colder months, but you can benefit from a hot oil treatment all year round. Hot oil treatments act as a spa for your hair, helping to strengthen your hair and prevent dry, brittle hair, split ends, and retain moisture.
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Hot oil treatments soothe hair into smoothness by penetrating the hair shaft with intense hydrating moisture, which then protects the hair and makes it softer and more manageable. Treat your hair with hot oils once a week (or as needed) to get the lost oil back into the hair follicles and to rejuvenate the strength. Hot oil treatments will help deposit oil back into your hair and prevent dryness that can contribute to breakage. It will also help dry hair regain suppleness, elasticity, flexibility, and softness.
2. Helps with Frizz and Split Ends
Frizzy hair can become a problem at any time of the year. A hot oil treatment moisturizes your hair from within and helps to prevent frizz and split ends.
3. Shields Your Hair From Sun Damage
The hot oil treatment for hair can create a protective shield that blocks the damage to your hair that excessive sun exposure can cause, such as discoloration and weakness. On days when you’ll be out in the sun for long periods, try coconut oil or Righteous Roots Oils (which has sun-protecting properties) to help shield your hair from the sun’s rays- work it into your curls and style as you usually would.
4. Add/Restore Shine
One of the perks of using hot oils to treat your hair is that they create shine.
5. Blood Circulation
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Blood is what supplies nutrients to various parts of the body, including your scalp. These nutrients are responsible for giving your hair follicles the life and strength they need. The hot oil treatment for hair stimulates blood flow to and from the scalp so that the required nutrients are supplied and, in turn, aids in healthy hair growth.
6. Fight The Flakes (Dandruff in winter)
Your scalp is drier and itchier than ever during the winter months because of the lack of moisture in the air, which can lead to issues like dandruff and irritated scalp. What most people don’t realize is that the dandruff problem can be manageable with the right care.
Applying a hot oil treatment is a simple method to curb the dandruff problem. Apply it thoroughly to the entire scalp and then massage it for a few minutes. Two great blends of oil for dandruff are Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil and As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Olive & Tea Tree Oil LeaveIn Conditioner.
7. Use it for Deep Conditioning.
Your hair needs all the moisture it can get during winter, making conditioning a vital part of your hair care routine. Using hair oils and a deep conditioner at least once a week can help maintain the health of your hair. Concentrate on the ends, as they are your hair’s oldest and most fragile parts.
How to apply:
- Scoop a small amount of oil into a small bowl. Place the small bowl in the bottom of another larger bowl.
- Fill the larger bowl with hot water, allowing the smaller one to be partially submerged. However, make sure it isn’t floating or taking on water.
- Once the oil has reached the right temperature and is completely melted, test the temperature of the oil on top of the back of your hand before applying it to your scalp/hair. Massage and work the oil in thoroughly.
- Wrap your hair in a small towel or shower cap and leave it for 30 minutes or longer.
- Wash and shampoo your hair to remove the oil.
The Most Commonly Used Oils For Hot Oil Treatments:
Almond, Alma, Argan, Avocado, Castor, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive, Shea butter, Righteous Roots Oils.
How do you plan to implement a hot oil treatment into your routine? Shop these amazing scalp care products from our curated gift guide.