With the lack of humidity and moisture in the air during these colder winter months in addition to a polar vortex, naturally kinky, curly and coily hair can become dry, rough and brittle. You may find that your natural hair may require a little more TLC during this time to prevent dry hair, which could eventually lead to breakage and unnecessary damage.
A hot oil treatment is a great way to add sheen, luster, moisture and life back to dry, dull and lifeless hair. There are several hot oil treatments available on the market however, you could also personalize your own hot oil treatment by mixing various oils and adding essential oils as boosters, or you could use a single oil such as extra virgin olive oil by itself and still achieve moisturized hair.
Depending on your hair needs, you can make the decision as to which oils you can add to your hot oil treatment that would most benefit your personal hair needs. If you’re suffering from hair breakage, choose strengthening oils or oils that contain proteins to fortify the hair follicle. If dandruff is an issue that you’ve been dealing with, choose oils that are antibacterial and help combat flaky scalp, such as tea tree oil.
Try to stay away from hot oil treatments that contain mineral oil and petroleum ingredients. The purpose of the hot oil treatment is to add and retain moisture to your natural strands however, these ingredients tend to form a barrier over the hair strand, preventing any moisture from further entering the hair shaft. Although your hair may feel soft and moisturized at first, you may notice usually within 24 hours that your hair has reverted back to feeling dry and brittle.
Read: 3 Best Oils For Natural Hair
Recommended Oils for Hot Oil Treatments:
Avocado Oil: penetrates the hair shaft, full of essential nutrients, vitamins and fatty acids. Also great for treating dandruff.
Coconut Oil: Contains protein, penetrates the hair shaft and strengthens the cuticle for stronger hair growth.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Mildly thick oil that penetrates the cortex of the hair and add moisture to dry, dull strands.
Castor Oil: Extremely thick oil that moisturizes and strengthens the hair and can give thinner hair the appearance of being fuller. (Castor oil is great for thinning hair.)
Hemp Oil: Filled with amino acids that help soften and moisturize the hair, also aides in the natural development of keratin.
Jojoba Oil: Contains a composition close to our natural skin and hair. The oil is moisturizing and almost weightless.
Recommended Essential Oils as “boosters” for your Hot Oil Treatment:
Geranium Essential Oil: Helps to strengthen the hair shaft.
Neem Oil: Powerful stimulating oil that helps dandruff, eczema and psoriasis, of the scalp. Also aids in preventing hair loss.
Peppermint Essential Oil (1-2 drops): Helps stimulate the scalp and promotes hair growth.
Rose Hips Seed Oil: Contains Vitamin A and is great for dry, lifeless, and damaged hair.
Tea Tree Oil (1-2 drops): Natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic oil that can fungus of the scalp fungus. Also stimulates the scalp to promote healthier hair growth.
Finding the perfect oil treatment blend all depends on your personal natural hair needs. If you are suffering from extremely dry or brittle hair, you could incorporate a hot oil treatment into your natural hair care routine at least once a week. If your hair is slightly dry or you just want to add a little moisture to your natural hair, you can try a hot oil treatment once a month as a pre-shampoo treatment, or you could apply a conditioning cap, leave on overnight and shampoo in the morning.
Photo credit: Etsy
I am going to try hot oil. My hair is fine and has been super dry lately. Can you mix some of these oils too? like neem, coconut, jojoba and tea tree?