The profusion of different hair treatments available today can be quite confusing to the uninitiated. There seems to be a different suggested treatment for every possible type of hair. Apart from the standard treatments for natural, greasy and dry hair there are special shampoos, conditioners and oils for chemically treated hair, colored hair, damaged hair, frizzy hair – the list is endless. Amongst this profusion, hot oil treatment for natural hair is one form of treatment that is gaining adherents the world over. This form of natural hair care is excellent for promoting hair growth as well as treating all types of hair including damaged hair.
Hot oil treatment for hair provides nourishment to the scalp and also helps to condition the hair, restoring the sheen and life to hair that can otherwise get dull and damaged. It helps keep both the scalp and hair at optimum health using only natural oils that are free of chemicals that many other treatments possess. The treatment also allows for the use of essential oils and can be tailor-made at home to suit your hair type.
Hot oil treatment should be used on a weekly basis and combined with a head massage to help the essential oils penetrate deep into your scalp as well as stimulate blood circulation. Before deciding on the combination of oils most suitable to you, you must first be aware of your hair type.
For normal hair that has a smooth and glossy appearance, you can try hot oil treatment to maintain the appearance of your hair, keep it healthy and promote hair growth. Essential oils that may be used for normal hair, either singly or in combination include:
These essential oils can be mixed with carrier oils such as almond, coconut or jojoba oil.
For dry hair that appears dull and feels dry and rough, hot oil treatment can help to moisturize and nourish the hair, making it smooth and glossy. Dry hair may be frizzy and is prone to damage and may also lead to the development of dandruff. Such type of hair should not be subject to frequent shampooing and color treatments and responds well to hot oil treatment. Essential oils that may be used to treat dry, damaged or chemically treated hair hair include:
The carrier oils that may be used include sesame, almond, coconut or jojoba oil.
In case of dandruff, the essential oils that may be used include:
The carrier oils that may be used include olive, almond, coconut and jojoba oil.
Essential oils that may help to promote hair growth include:
These may be mixed with almond, coconut or jojoba oil.
The amount of oil required will of course depend on the length of your hair.
If you have short hair, mix about 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and 2 drops of essential oil. For those with medium length hair, 15 ml of carrier oil mixed with 3 drops of essential oil should suffice and those with long hair will require double that amount in the same proportion.
Pour the oils into a glass bowl, add the essential oils and mix well. Heat the mixture by placing it over a bowl of boiling water and test the temperature of the oil on your skin before applying. Do not heat the oil in a microwave or over the stove. You should also test the mixture on a small area of your skin to test for allergies before applying it to your hair.
Before applying the hot oil you should shampoo your hair. This will free the hair and scalp of all excess oil, dirt and dead skin and allow the oil to penetrate deep into the scalp. You may apply the oil and massage it into the scalp, leaving it on for at least half an hour before rinsing it off.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.