Seems like we have to do a million and one things to keep our hair healthy, but it’s really worth it.  Amongst the co washing, the moisturizing, the deep conditioning, the protein treatments, the apple cider vinegar rinses and (Fill in the blank), hot oil treatments should be a part of your healthy natural hair regime.  It’s not something that needs to be done daily or even weekly.  Doing them 1x a month would be fabulous!  Hot Oil treatments should definitely be a part of your WINTER regimen if not any other time of the year.

You can buy a commercial hot oil treatment like VO5 or Pink.  Or you can just make your own.   Click HERE for an easy homemade Hot Oil Treatment.

Why Should I do Hot Oil Treatments?

Everyday environmental issues, including temperature changes, pollution and humidity, as well as regular brushing, and the use of hair products such as curlers, steamers, straighteners and dryers, can result in damaged hair.  Brittle or dry hair can result from environmental issues, over cleansing or product use; breakage or split ends can result from the use of hair products to achieve the desired style.  No one is immune – dry or damaged hair simply is a part of life.  But there are ways to prevent dry and damaged hair.

Benefits

• Maintains the moisture balance of the hair. Hair with the correct moisture balance will have more elasticity hence length retention, which in the long run leads to long luscious locks!
• Great treatment for dry scalp conditions and dandruff
• Adds incredible shine
• Adds body
• Softens and nourishes the hair
• Can Prevent Frizz
• Prevents breakage
• Prevents drying of the hair shaft
• Soft, moisturized scalp

How to Do a Hot Oil Treatment

Doing a hot oil treatment is simple as pie and is very affordable. Soak your hair with warm water. Apply warm oil. Cover with a plastic cap. Cover with a towel. Done!  For longer hair, working in sections is effective and will minimize on the mess.

If you want to increase the heat, go under a hooded dryer for 15-30 minutes. Make sure to keep your plastic cap on so the heat doesn’t dry the water out of your hair. The heat from the hooded dryer will open your hair cuticles and allow the oil to penetrate, versus just sealing off the hair.

If you want an even better experience, skip the plastic cap and go under a steamer! The intense heat from the steam not only raises the cuticle, but forces water (steam) in there too.

After you finish your hot oil treatment, shampoo and condition.  Yes, I said it, shampoo and condition. There is much debate about whether you are supposed to do a hot oil treatment before you shampoo or if you should do them after you shampoo. After speaking with several licensed cosmos, the consensus was, you do them before you shampoo.

Of course, you can do what works for you and I strongly believe that we all embark on our journeys and do what works best for us.

Which Oil(s) Do You Use for Your Hot Oil Treatments?

How Often Do You Do Hot Oil Treatments?

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