Buzz
Proper hair care routines can help maintain healthy, shiny hair. Hot oil therapy will make your hair even more silky – and it’s incredibly easy to do! You can use everyday products you likely already have at home to enhance your beauty routine and give your hair an extra boost of radiance.
Follow these 9 simple steps to perform hot oil therapy at home.
Steps
Choose from coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil.
Select the right oil for your hair’s needs. Coconut and sunflower oils help nourish and promote healthy hair growth, making them great for all hair types. Olive oil helps maintain moisture and provides vitamins A and E, making it ideal for damaged hair. These oils can typically be found in the grocery store’s food section.
- Some experts even recommend adding a few drops of essential oils such as tea tree or rosemary. Essential oils can help nourish and hydrate both your scalp and hair.
- If you have sensitive skin, test a drop or two of the oil on the inside of your elbow and leave it for 24 hours. If no irritation or rash occurs, you can use that oil. If irritation happens, try a different one.
- If you don’t want to mix oils yourself, you can buy pre-made hot oil treatments at beauty stores.
Heat the oil using a double boiler method
Warming the oil will help open up the hair cuticles. Pour 2-3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) of the chosen oil into a heatproof bowl. Fill a larger pot with water and bring it to a boil on high heat. Place the bowl with the oil in the pot of water, ensuring it is balanced. Stir the oil for 2-3 minutes until it warms up.
- The double boiler method helps heat the oil gradually and evenly.
- If possible, avoid heating the oil in a microwave. The microwave's high temperature may cause the oil to degrade, and it may not heat evenly.
Divide your hair into 2 to 4 sections
If you have long hair, this step will make it easier to apply the oil. Comb your hair and part it down the middle to create two even sections on each side. If desired, you can further divide each section into two smaller parts. Leave one section down and clip the rest of your hair out of the way.
- You don’t have to clip the sections too neatly. You’ll be letting your hair down shortly.
Test a drop of the oil on your wrist before applying it to your hair
The oil will be very hot after heating! Before applying the oil to your scalp, dip your fingers into the oil and drop a small amount onto the inner part of your wrist. If it feels too hot, wait a few minutes for it to cool down before you begin applying it to your hair.
- It’s essential to test the oil on your skin before using it. Oil that is too hot could burn your scalp.
- If your wrist doesn’t feel too hot when you drop the oil on it, you can start applying the oil to your hair.
Apply the oil to the roots of your hair
Start from the top of your head and work your way down to the tips. Scoop a bit of oil into your hands and apply it to your scalp, gently massaging it into your hair. Lift your hair to apply the oil to the underside and try to cover the entire root area. Once you’ve finished one section of hair, let the rest of your hair down and repeat the process.
- Applying oil to the roots can also help with a dry scalp or dandruff.
Work the oil down to the ends of your hair
The ends of your hair also need moisturizing. Take more oil and apply it to the mid-lengths of your hair, then use your fingers to smooth it down to the tips. Continue doing this until you’ve covered your entire hair.
- Your hair may look wet and greasy, but that’s perfectly fine!
- Use a mirror to check the back of your head and make sure every strand is coated with oil.
- Smoothing the oil throughout your hair helps combat dryness and reduces split ends.
Cover your hair with a shower cap for 30 minutes
Cover your hair to prevent the oil from dripping everywhere. Use a shower cap or a plastic bag to fully wrap your hair during the waiting period. Let the oil sit for at least 30 minutes to allow your hair to absorb moisture and repair damage.
- If you prefer, you can leave the oil in overnight.
- For better hydration, wrap your hair in a warm towel for 20-30 minutes while the oil is still on your hair.
Shampoo and condition your hair
Simply rinsing with water won’t be enough to remove the oil from your hair. After allowing the oil to sit for the recommended time, step into the shower and lather your hair with shampoo. Use conditioner afterward to leave your hair shiny, soft, and healthy.
- Don’t worry if your hair still feels a bit greasy. If needed, you can wash it again with shampoo to completely remove the oil.
Use hot oil therapy once a week
Consistent use of hot oil therapy will help repair dry and damaged hair. If you have curly, bleached, or damaged hair, hot oil can help restore moisture and add shine to your hair every week. If you notice your hair becoming greasy or if the oil is building up, try skipping the treatment for a week to see how your hair reacts.
- If you can't remove the oil with your regular shampoo, you can use a deep-cleansing shampoo. It will remove the oil and prepare your hair to better absorb and retain moisture.
Tips
- Oil can stain your clothes. Be sure to wear clothing you don’t mind getting oil on when doing the hot oil therapy.
- Wait until after the hot oil treatment to wash your hair to prevent oil buildup.
Warnings
- If you're experiencing hair loss, do not use hot oil therapy. The heat from the oil could damage your hair further and increase shedding.
Items You Will Need
- Choice of oil
- Heatproof bowl
- Large pot
- Hair clips
- Shower cap or plastic bag
