How To Do A DIY Hot Oil Treatment To Grow Your Hair

If there’s one hair treatment that I’ve always loved and have on rotation in my hair care routine, it’s a hot oil hair treatment.

There’s nothing more refreshing to a dry scalp than a hot oil treatment—the warmth of the oil seeping into your scalp and each strand.

It nourishes your hair from root to tip and leaves your hair with a luxurious shine.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been experimenting with different oils to get the best results with my hot oil treatments. The oils I always come back to are coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil, I also like to add essential oils like rosemary oil or peppermint oil.

Whether you want to revive your dry hair, refresh your dry or itchy scalp, or simply need a good deep conditioning then a hot oil hair treatment will do wonders for you.

What Is A Hot Oil Treatment?

While I know you all probably know what a hot oil treatment is, let me explain it to any newbie naturals we might have here today.

A hot oil hair treatment involves heating natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil, and then applying them to your scalp and hair strands.

The warm oil penetrates deep into your hair shaft and nourishes your scalp, providing much-needed nutrients.

For someone like me who’s been in the natural hair game since, well I was born, hot oil treatments are like an old friend – reliable and always there to rescue my hair. But hey, even if you’re new to your natural hair journey, don’t worry! It’s really simple to do, and you can’t possibly mess it up.

So, whether you’re battling a dry scalp or brittle hair, or just want to add some extra shine, a hot oil treatment might just be what your hair needs.

Plus, it’s a perfect excuse for some self-care time – who doesn’t love a little pampering?

Benefits of Hot Oil Hair Treatment:

I love hot oil treatments because they do wonders for my hair! Seriously, they’re like magic in a bottle. And guess what? They have so many benefits for all hair types and hair goals. Here are the benefits of hot oil treatments:

• Alleviates Dry Scalp and Dandruff: Say goodbye to that pesky itchy scalp and flakiness! Hot oil treatments work wonders for relieving your scalp and banishing dandruff.
• Increases Blood Circulation and Blood Flow to the Scalp: A little massage with warm oil, and voila, your scalp is alive with increased blood circulation, promoting healthier hair growth and nourishment right from the roots. It’s like giving your hair a little pep talk to grow stronger and shinier. Read more about how often you should be oiling your scalp here.
• Gives You Stronger Hair: Is your hair weak, do you have brittle strands? Not anymore! Hot oil treatments strengthen each hair strand with essential nutrients and proteins. So say hello to hair that’s stronger, bouncier, and ready to take on the world.
• Adds Shine to Your Hair: Who doesn’t want hair that shines brighter than a disco ball? Hot oil treatments lock in moisture and seal the hair cuticle, leaving your locks looking glossy and radiant. It’s like giving your hair its own personal spotlight wherever you go.
• Prevents Frizzy Hair After Wash Days: Tired of dealing with unruly frizzy hair post-wash day? Hot oil treatments will change that, you’ll see when you try it on your next wash day! By nourishing your hair and sealing in moisture, the hair oils help tame frizz and keep your hair looking sleek and smooth.
• Prevents Split Ends: Split ends? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Hot oil treatments help strengthen your hair from within, reducing the risk of split ends and breakage.
• It is a Great Pre-Poo Treatment: Prep your hair like a pro with a hot oil pre-poo treatment! It creates a protective barrier between your hair and harsh shampoos, minimizing moisture loss and ensuring your strands stay soft and manageable.
• Great for Detangling Hair: Knots and tangles, be gone! Hot oil treatments, work wonders for detangling hair, making the comb glide through with ease. I still like to add a deep conditioner over this to give me a bit more slip.
• Great for Sealing Moisture into Hair: Hot oil treatments help lock in moisture and hydration, preventing your hair from becoming dry and brittle, read more about sealing oils here.

With all these amazing benefits, it’s no wonder hot oil treatments are a staple in my hair care routine! And now they’ll be a staple in your hair care routine.

What Are the Best Oils for Hot Oil Treatments?

When choosing the right oils for hot oil treatments, the options are endless! Here are some of the best hair oils to use:

• Coconut Oil: Ah, coconut oil, the holy grail of hair care! Packed with fatty acids, this miracle oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft, moisturizing and nourishing from within. Plus, its antimicrobial properties make it great for soothing scalp issues like dandruff.

• Jojoba Oil: This lightweight oil mimics the natural oils produced by your scalp, making it a perfect match for all hair types. It’s great for moisturizing dry strands and promoting a healthy scalp.

• Argan Oil: Argan oil is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants. It helps repair damage, tame frizz, and add a luxurious shine to your locks. Plus, it’s lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your hair.

• Almond Oil: Almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E, which nourishes and strengthens the hair. It’s lightweight and easily absorbed, making it perfect for all hair types. Plus, it helps soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation.

• Avocado Oil: If your hair is in need of some serious moisture, look no further than avocado oil! This rich and creamy oil is packed with vitamins and minerals that help lock in moisture and repair dry, damaged hair. It’s like a superfood for your hair strands!

• Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is lightweight and non-greasy, making it perfect for hot oil treatments. It’s rich in antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids, which help nourish and strengthen the hair. Plus, it’s great for taming frizzy hair and adding shine.

• Jamaican Black Castor Oil: If you need a boost in hair growth and thickness? Jamaican black castor oil has got you covered! It’s rich in omega-6 fatty acids and ricinoleic acid, which promote healthy hair growth and strengthen the hair follicles. Plus, it’s great for soothing dry, itchy scalp.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Last but not least, we have extra virgin olive oil, a kitchen staple with amazing hair benefits! It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins E and K, which help moisturize and strengthen the hair. Plus, it’s great for adding shine and reducing frizz.

Essential oils you can add for more nourishment:

• Rosemary oil
• Lavender oil
• Peppermint oil
• Tea tree oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Ylang ylang oil
• Cedarwood oil
• Chamomile oil

If you need more information on which oils will work best for you, check out my blog post about the best oils for natural hair.

So, there you have it! These oils are sure to take your hot oil treatment to the next level, leaving your hair looking and feeling healthier than ever.

When Should You Do A Hot Oil Treatment?

So now that you’re convinced that you should try a hot oil hair treatment, you may wonder, when the best time to do a hot oil treatment is?

When it comes to reaping the maximum benefits from your hot oil treatment, there are a few factors to consider:

Clean Hair: It’s best to apply a hot oil treatment to clean hair. Why? Because clean hair allows the oil to penetrate more effectively, ensuring that your strands soak up all the nourishing goodness.

Damp Hair: While your hair doesn’t need to be soaking wet, it should be slightly damp before applying the hot oil treatment. This helps the oil spread more evenly and ensures better absorption into the hair shaft.

Before Protective Styling: Planning to tuck your hair away into a cute hairstyle? Apply your hot oil treatment before protective styling to give your hair that extra boost of hydration and shine.

As Needed: Listen to your hair! If your strands are feeling dry, brittle, or in need of some extra love, that’s your cue to whip out the hot oil treatment. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, adjust the frequency based on your hair’s needs and preferences.

Before Shampooing: I know I said to do your hot oil treatments on clean hair, but you can also occasionally do your hot oil treatment as a pre-shampoo treatment.

If your hair feels exceptionally dry, then pre-pooing with a hot oil treatment will help prevent breakage during wash days. This allows the oil to deeply nourish and protect your strands from the drying effects of shampoo.

So, there you have it! Apply your hot oil treatment to clean, damp hair before shampooing or styling, and as needed to keep your locks looking and feeling fabulous.

Can you tell I make any excuse to do a hot oil treatment?

How to Do a Hot Oil Treatment:

There are two main methods for doing a hot oil treatment:

Pre-Shampoo Treatment:

• Start by heating your chosen oil(s) in a heat-safe bowl or container. You can do this by placing the container in a bowl of hot water or microwaving it for a few seconds.
• Once the oil is warm (but not too hot), section your hair and apply the oil generously to your scalp and hair strands.
• Massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips, focusing on areas that need extra nourishment.
• After applying the oil, cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to trap in the heat and enhance penetration.
• Detangle your hair and put it away in sections.
• Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow it to work its magic.
• Rinse out the oil thoroughly with your regular shampoo, and follow up with a conditioner as needed.

As a Deep Conditioner on Clean Hair:

• Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup and ensure your hair is clean.
• While your hair is still damp, apply the heated oil(s) to your scalp and hair, focusing on the ends where dryness is most common.
• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair, ensuring every strand is coated.
• Once applied, cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to trap in heat and aid absorption.
• Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow it to deeply penetrate your hair shaft and nourish your scalp.
• After the designated time, rinse out the oil thoroughly with warm water and style your hair as usual.

Whether you choose to use the pre-shampoo method or apply the oil as a deep conditioner on clean hair, both methods will leave your hair feeling nourished, hydrated, and oh-so-soft!

FAQ About Hot Oil Hair Treatments

1. Do you do a hot oil treatment before or after you wash your hair? After shampooing. This allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft for maximum nourishment.
2. What can I mix with hot oil for my hair? Essential oils like rosemary oil or peppermint oil can be added to carrier oils for added benefits and fragrance.
3. How long to leave hot oil treatment in hair overnight? Ideally, leave the hot oil treatment in your hair overnight for best results. This allows for deep penetration and nourishment.
4. What essential oils are good for hot oil hair treatment? Essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree are excellent choices for hot oil treatments due to their stimulating and nourishing properties.
5. Is it better to put hot oil on wet or dry hair? It’s better to apply hot oil on wet hair as it helps with better absorption and distribution of the oil throughout the hair strands.
6. How often should I do a hot oil treatment on my natural hair? Once a week to once a month is recommended, depending on your hair’s needs and preferences.
7. How to do a hot oil treatment at home? Heat oil, apply to hair and scalp, massage, cover with a shower cap, wait for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then wash out with shampoo.
8. Can you leave hot oil treatment in your hair overnight? Yes, leaving the hot oil treatment in your hair overnight can provide deep nourishment and hydration.
9. How long do you leave oil treatment in your hair? Leave the oil treatment in your hair for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or overnight for maximum benefits.
10. What are the disadvantages of applying oil to your hair overnight? Disadvantages may include greasiness and staining of pillows or bedding.
11. Which oil is best for hair growth and thickness? Castor oil is often recommended for hair growth and thickness due to its nourishing and stimulating properties. Read more about it in my blog post on how to grow your hair with castor oil.
12. Do you wash out hot oil treatment? Yes, hot oil treatments should be washed out with shampoo to remove excess oil.
13. What oils promote hair growth? Oils such as castor, coconut, and rosemary are known to promote hair growth and strengthen hair strands.

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