Hot oil treatments are a great way to give your 4c natural hair some TLC. They can add moisture and shine to your 4c natural hair while reducing breakage and frizz. You can do a hot oil treatment on any hair type, but they are especially beneficial for those with 4c natural hair. This article will discuss the benefits of hot oil treatments, the best oils to use and give you step-by-step instructions on how to do one yourself. We will also provide a recipe for a hot oil treatment that you can use at home!
What is a hot oil treatment?
Don’t let the name fool you; hot oil treatments are not hot in that they will burn your scalp or hair.
Hot oil treatments are simply oils heated up and applied to the hair while warm.
The heat helps open the hair’s cuticle, allowing the oil to penetrate deep into the strands.
Their ability to soak into the strands makes hot oil treatments beneficial for the hair.
What are the benefits of a hot oil treatment?
There are many benefits to hot oil treatments, but here are a few of the most notable ones:
- Hot oil treatments can help to add moisture to the hair and scalp
- They can also help reduce split ends, breakage and frizz
- Hot oil treatments can make the hair shinier and healthier looking
- They are also great for detangling the hair
- Stimulate blood flow to the scalp, allowing follicles to receive more nutrients and thus lead to healthier hair growth
- Help fight dandruff by keeping the scalp moisturized
How does a hot oil treatment work?
The hair strand comprises three main parts – the cortex, medulla and cuticle.
- The cortex is the innermost layer of the hair, and it comprises keratin protein
- The medulla is the middle layer of the hair, and it consists of air pockets
- The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair, and it comprises overlapping scales
The cuticle is responsible for protecting the inner layers of the hair from damage. When the cuticle is damaged, it can lead to breakage, split ends and frizz.
Hot oil treatments work by penetrating deep into the hair shaft and cortex, where they help to add moisture and nutrients.
This treatment can help repair damage, reduce split ends and make the hair shinier and healthier-looking.
Pre-poo treatments vs. Hot oil treatments
A pre-shampoo treatment differs from a hot oil treatment as you typically apply it to the hair before shampooing.
A pre-shampoo treatment aims to help detangle the hair and protect it from the harshness of shampooing.
On the other hand, a hot oil treatment can be used both before and after shampooing. You can use it as a:
- Pre-poo treatment to help detangle the hair and protect it from shampoo
- Post-shampoo treatment to help add moisture back into the hair
When should I do a hot oil treatment?
It is best to do a hot oil treatment on freshly shampooed hair. Clean strands will help the oil to penetrate the hair shaft better.
You can also do a hot oil treatment on dry hair, but not recommended as some of the oil will coat instead of penetrating the strands.
Colder weather can be tough on our hair, so hot oil treatments are great for wintertime.
They can help add moisture to the hair, often stripped away by the cold weather and indoor heating.
Hot oil treatments are also great for dry and damaged hair. A few factors cause hair damage such as:
- Colour treatments
- Heat-styling
- Relaxers and texturizers
- Swimming in chlorinated water
- Extremely dry or cold weather
If your hair needs extra hydration, a hot oil treatment can be just what it needs.
Choosing the right oil for your hot oil treatment
The best oils for an effective hot oil treatment are oils that penetrate the hair shaft easily. These oils are typically lighter oils such as:
- Coconut oil:
Coconut oil deeply penetrates the hair shaft due to its small molecular structure.
It has a high concentration of lauric acid, which reduces protein loss from the hair.
Other vitamins and minerals, essential for healthy hair, comprise coconut oil’s structure.
It is best to use cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil (such as this one) for hot oil treatments.
- Olive oil
Olive oil is another popular choice for hot oil treatments. It is a heavier oil but can still penetrate the hair shaft due to its oleic acid content.
Oleic acid is an emollient, which means it helps to soften and moisturize the hair.
Olive oil is also a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities make it an excellent choice for reducing itchiness and fighting dandruff.
Like coconut oil, olive oil also comprises other vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair.
When choosing olive oil for your hot oil treatment, get a high-quality, cold-pressed virgin olive oil.
- Avocado oil:
Avocado oil is another good choice for hot oil treatments. It is a lighter oil typically easily absorbed into the hair shaft.
Avocado oil contains high monounsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for hair growth.
It also contains vitamins A, D, and E and biotin, which all help nourish and moisturize the hair.
- Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a lighter oil easily absorbed into the hair shaft.
It contains high levels of oleic acid, which makes it an excellent choice for those with dry or damaged hair.
Sweet almond oil is also a great source of vitamins E and A, essential for healthy hair.
Enhancing Hot Oil Treatments with Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to boost your hot oil treatment.
They can help improve the health of your scalp and hair and add a pleasant scent to your treatment.
When adding essential oils to your hot oil treatment, use a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. A carrier oil will help dilute the essential oil and prevent irritation.
Some great essential oils to add to your hot oil treatment include:
- Lavender oil: Lavender oil is an excellent choice for hot oil treatments as it can help improve circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth.
It is also very soothing and can help to reduce stress.
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is refreshing and can help improve circulation to the scalp.
It is also an excellent choice for those with an itchy scalp as it can help to soothe irritation.
- Rosemary oil: Rosemary oil is another excellent choice for hot oil treatments.
It can help improve circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. Rosemary oil is also very stimulating and can help improve mental clarity.
Carrier Oils
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil that dilutes essential oils before you can apply them to hair or skin.
It is important because essential oils are very concentrated and can cause irritation if applied directly to the skin.
Some common carrier oils include:
- Jojoba oil
- grapeseed oil
- sweet almond oil
- coconut oil
How to do a hot oil treatment
Now that we’ve gone over the benefits and best oils for hot oil treatments, it’s time to learn how to do one!
Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step One: Select oil for your treatment
As mentioned earlier, some good choices include coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or sweet almond oil.
You can also opt for ready-made hot oil treatments such as:
- Earth’s Enrichment Hot Oil Treatment
- Okay’s Black Jamaican Castor Oil Hot Oil Treatment
- Okay’s Argan Hot Oil Treatment
Step Two: Heat up your oil
If you use an oil solid at room temperature, like coconut oil, you will need to melt it before use.
Put the oil in a heat-safe container and place it in a pot of hot water. Using warm oil will help open up the hair’s cuticle and allow the oil to penetrate deep into the strands.
Avoid heating the oil in a microwave, as this can break down the oil or cause it to heat unevenly.
Step Three: Separate your hair into two to four sections
Section your hair into two to four sections using clips or hair ties.
Separating your hair will help make the process easier and ensure that all your strands get evenly coated.
The sections need not be perfect, but try to make them as even as possible.
Step Four: Apply the hot oil treatment
Start by applying the oil to your scalp using circular motions.
Be sure to massage the oil into your scalp for at least five minutes. Rubbing it in will help stimulate blood flow to the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
Next, apply the oil to your hair shafts. Start at the roots and work your way down to the tips of your hair.
Be sure to coat each strand of hair, from root to tip.
Step Five: Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or bag
Once you have applied the oil to your entire head, put on a shower cap and wrap your head in a towel.
This cover will help trap the heat and allow the oil to penetrate even deeper into your strands.
If you have the time, we recommend leaving the hot oil treatment in for an hour. An hour will give the oil ample time to work its magic on your strands.
Step Six: Shampoo and condition your hair
After an hour, remove the shower cap and towel. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove any excess oil.
Follow up with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. We recommend using a sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Step Seven: Style as usual
Once your hair is clean and conditioned, style it as usual. You should notice that your hair is softer, shinier, and more manageable.
Hot oil treatments are a great way to boost your hair’s moisture. We recommend doing one at least once a week, but you can do them more often if you feel like your hair needs it.
DIY Hot Oil Treatment Recipe
Here is a recipe for a hot oil treatment that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of olive oil
- ¼ cup of honey
- ½ cup of water
- ½ teaspoon of lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Place the mixture in a microwave-safe container and heat for 30 seconds to one minute or until warm.
- Apply the hot oil treatment to your hair and scalp and massage thoroughly.
- Cover your head with a shower cap or towel and allow the treatment to sit for 30 minutes to one hour.
- Rinse the hot oil treatment out of your hair with warm water and shampoo, and condition it as usual.
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- 16 Healthy Scalp Tips for Strong and Beautiful Hair
FAQs on Hot Oil Treatments
Can I leave a hot oil treatment in my hair overnight?
You can leave a hot oil treatment in your hair overnight, but it is not necessary. Typically, 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient.
If you choose to leave it in overnight, cover your pillow with a towel or old shirt to avoid staining.
Can hot oil treatments help with hair growth?
No scientific evidence suggests that hot oil treatments can help with hair growth.
However, some people find that hot oil treatments make their hair appear fuller and shinier, giving the illusion of thicker hair.
Additionally, hot oil treatments can help reduce breakage, leading to healthier hair and faster growth.
What is the best hot oil treatment for hair growth?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
Some people find that coconut oil hot oil treatments are helpful for hair growth, while others prefer olive oil or avocado oil.
Ultimately, it is up to you to experiment with different oils and see what works best for your hair.
Do you put hot oil treatment on dry or wet hair?
You can put hot oil treatments on both dry and wet hair.
However, if your hair is particularly dry or damaged, you may want to apply the hot oil treatment to freshly shampooed damp hair.
Shampooing hair before a hot oil treatment can help remove any build-up that may be weighing down your strands.
Clean hair will allow the hot oil treatment to penetrate your strands better and provide maximum benefits.
How often should you do hot oil treatments?
You can use hot oil treatments as often as once a week or even every few days if you feel your hair needs it. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much oil can weigh down the hair.
The frequency with which you do hot oil treatments will depend on your hair’s needs.
If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, you may want to do hot oil treatments more frequently.
On the other hand, if your hair is healthy and not in need of extra moisture, you can space them out further.
Is it better to do a hot oil treatment on wet or dry hair?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on your hair’s needs.
If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, you may want to apply the hot oil treatment to freshly shampooed damp hair.
Shampooing hair before a hot oil treatment can help remove any build-up that may be weighing down your strands.
Clean hair will allow the hot oil treatment to penetrate your strands better and provide maximum benefits.
If your hair is healthy and not in need of extra moisture, you can apply the hot oil treatment to dry hair.
Applying the hot oil treatment to dry hair may help seal moisture and prevent your hair from losing its natural oils during shampooing.
Ultimately, it is up to you to experiment and see what works best for your hair.
Conclusion
Hot oil treatments are a great way to add moisture and shine to natural hair.
They can also help reduce breakage and promote healthy hair growth.
You can use hot oil treatments as often as once a week or even every few days if you feel your hair needs it.
Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much oil can weigh down the hair.
Experiment with different oils to see what works best for your hair and enjoy the benefits of healthy, moisturized strands.