Hot Oil Treatment For Natural Hair – Everything You Need To Know

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Don’t we all love shiny and lustrous hair?

But then again, we torture our hair a lot more!

From heat applied to straighten and curling to using chemical dyes, we push through the limits of our hair.

Naturally, if you put chemicals on your hair or apply heat, your hair will be damaged. But there is a hack where you can do whatever you want and at the same time, have healthy hair.

The answer to this is HOT OIL TREATMENT For Natural Hair!

Yes, if you just do a good hot oil massage, then your hair will be shiny and lustrous and at the same time, you will feel relaxed.

If you have dry and damaged hair and looking for a regimen of personal care, then you might try this easy method. But this doesn’t entitle you to damage your hair intentionally!

In this article, we will cover the benefits of hot oil treatment and some DIY techniques to treat your damaged hair at home!

What Is A Hot Oil Treatment?

Before knowing about hot oil treatment for your hair, let us know some details about hair. The hair is composed of three parts

  • Cuticle
  • Cortex
  • Medulla

Of the three parts, the medulla is the portion that provides nutrient fluids and it imparts flexibility, sheen, and smoothness to your hair.

The cuticle is protected and lubricated by sebum. This sebum is very significant to nurture the nutrients to your hair.

Your hair is damaged by excessive applying of heat or blow-drying which abrupt cuticle and medulla, hence hair becomes dry brittle, and split ends appear gradually.

To rejuvenate the deepest layer of your hair, hot oil treatment is used frequently.

This treatment can be defined as the method where your hair and scalp are massaged with warm oils like coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, etc. which ensures restoration of sebum to protect the outermost layer of your hair, the cuticles.

If your cuticles are protected then there is less chance of your hair getting damaged.

There are several types of hot oil treatment. If you are too busy then you can just go to a salon or if you like to do things on your own then you can just follow our DIY hot oil treatment tutorial.

You can also look for ready-made hot oil products. To help you we got the 10 best hot oil treatments for natural hair. Check this article and grab your one.

If you have eczema or psoriasis then don’t forget to consult with your dermatologist before trying hot oil on your hair.

Is Hot Oil Treatment Right for You?

If you have a dry scalp demonstrated by frizzy, damaged hair then you have to apply warm oil to smoothen out the cuticles and moisturize your scalp.

This warm oil will lubricate your cuticles and facilitate the production of sebum. This will help you prevent breakage of your hair and gradually you might even get back the shiny hair you used to have once.

On the other hand, if you already have an oily scalp with a flexible curl pattern, bouncy and elastic when you pull a little and don’t get tangled often; then hot oil treatment is not desirable for you.

If you are still facing certain issues with your hair, you can try hair masks or hair packs but oil massage might not contribute to what you desire if you already have oily hair,

When to Apply? Wet and Dry Hair Considerations

Most of the time, we think that dry and unwashed hair is good for applying hot oil. But that is wrong on so many levels.

Applying oil on your dry scalp reduces the efficacy of this treatment by removing the oil and impeding the moisture your hair is supposed to receive.

If your hair is dirty and you apply warm oil, then the oil will float and not get absorbed in the cuticles.

After washing your hair, the scalp is clean and moisturized.

This is the perfect time to apply hot oil.

The best type of shampoo before using hot oil is a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse your hair effectively as if it is preparing for your hair to be massaged with warm oil.

These shampoos unclog the pores of your hair and open the damaged cuticles which need to be moisturized and lubricated.

Hence, for optimum benefits first, wash your hair and then apply the warm oil.

Effectiveness of The Inversion Method for Hair Growth

There is no research that proves the effectiveness of the inversion method of hair growth.

However, it won’t hurt if you just give it a try. It is said that inversion of hair elevates the transportation of blood flow through veins and blood carries nutrients.

So, there might be a study that suggests that if you invert your hair after an oil massage then your hair might attain functional nutrients to promote flexible and healthy hair.

But few studies could back this up. However, you can be sure that the inversion technique DOES NOT facilitate the growth of your hair by a few inches.

Always Look for “Paraben-free” in the Label

Since the 1920s, Methyl and Propyl parabens have been used as major preservatives in beauty and cosmetic products like conditioners, soaps, shampoo, oil, etc.

However, it has been proven that these preservatives are quite harmful to our bodies. Parabens imitate the activity of a certain hormone called estrogen.

This can affect the hormonal balance of your body thus interfering with pregnancy and menstruation.

The exposure of paraben to your skin can impart serious side effects by absorbing into the skin.

There is some allergenic response experienced by a few people when they use products with parabens. This includes- redness, itchy skin, hives, flakes.

There is also evidences that there is a risk of breast cancer if you use paraben preservatives.

For this reason, it is safe to use ‘paraben-free’ products. From now on when you go to buy shampoos and soaps don’t forget to check the label!

Good Hot Oil Treatment for Natural Hair

There are several types of oils that you can use to treat your frizzy and damaged hair. You need to know certain details about these types of oils and from that, you can match the type of your hair.

Not all oils are good for your hair. Check out the types of oils below and think about which type of oil you require the most-

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is very efficient and mostly used to treat and soothe the damaged hair. The protein loss of your hair can be eased by coconut oil. It stimulates the nutrients on your scalp and penetrates deep inside the follicles where it provides lubrication and transports the necessary elements to the medulla which as a result adds luster and shine to your hair.

Argan Oil

This type of oil is used nowadays and many have observed amazing results in the application of argan oil. This oil contains abundant antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids which provide flexibility, elasticity, and sheen. The best part about argan oil is that it has a deep moisturizing ability and the moisture is locked for a long time even after it is washed away. Argan oil penetrates to the deepest layer of the skin known as the cortex and then it passes the nutrients. So, the split ends, hair breakage, and damaged hair can be treated with an argan oil massage.

Almond Oil

Almond oil contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, and omega-3 fatty acids. This oil doesn’t only entail deep moisture to your hair, but also your dry scalp. By a deep massage of warm almond oil, you can restore the damaged hair, split ends, dandruff, itchy roots, and a very dry scalp. It is considered to be very effective for the removal of dandruff due to its emollient properties.

Olive Oil

Olive oil massage creates a suitable and desired environment for hair growth by allowing increased blood circulation and muscle relaxation. The hair shaft is nurtured by this oil which gets an abundant amount of oleic acid, squalene, and palmitic acid. These essential fatty acids ensure a deep moisture restore which can make your hair healthy and strong.

Jojoba Oil

Most of us are facing a dandruff problem especially this winter. If you are one of them, then you surely need a hot jojoba oil massage! Jojoba oil is the ultimate dandruff remedy as it contains vitamin E, B, C, zinc, and copper. It moisturizes the scalp but doesn’t weigh your hair. It also thickens your hair, reduce hair fall and help you win back your lost shine.

Castor Oil

The intense moisture imparting effect of castor oil has made it our favorite in the natural hair care community. It contains Ricinoleic acid which has anti-bacterial as well as anti-fungal properties. These ensure proper blood circulation and maintains the pH of the scalp.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains a protein called biotin which is considered to be the best protein for thickening the hair. It also contains vitamin B5 and vitamin E. This oil coats your hair strand and lubricates it to prevent damage and breakage resulting in healthy, lustrous, and shiny hair.

Rosemary Oil 

It is one of those rare essential oils which are effective treats a certain disease condition called androgenic alopecia. So, it is very evident that rosemary oil promotes hair growth and thickens hair. In addition to that it is very effective in fighting dandruff, treat dry scalp and dry roots by providing deep moisture.

DIY Hot Oil Treatment for Natural Hair

Do you want a salon-style hair treatment in your home?

Yes, you can have it and it is very much possible. You will need the following tools-

  • Comb with a wide-tooth
  • Applicator Bottle
  • Heat Source
  • Your desired essential oil
  • Pot

The above tools are easily available and I’m sure that you have most of them in your home right now. So, without any delay, let us jump into the process-

  1. Make sure to wash your hair: I have mentioned before why washed hair is more desired. Use a good quality sulfate-free shampoo, cleanse your hair and then pat it gently with a towel. When your hair is half dried, you’re good to go!
  2. Make numerous sections: You need to make multiple sections of your hair so the oil is distributed equally.
  3. Warm your Oil: You can use a single type of oil or combine a few types of oil and mix it in a pot and heat it in a microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. Don’t overheat the oil because it might damage your hair! You can pour 2 to 3 drops on your wrist to check if it is too hot and then apply.
  4. Time to massage: This the most relaxing yet the most critical part. You must massage your hair very gently with your hands and don’t use nails when you massage because your nails contain germs. This massage is an inevitable part of this treatment because it strengthens the hair, enhances blood circulation, and ensures a soothing effect on your hair, scalp, and also in your mind. You can run your hair through a brush to ensure the proper distribution of oil.
  5. Cover your hair: After you are done with the massage, cover your head with a soft fabric or a shower cap and leave it like that for 30 minutes.
  6. Rinse: After 30 minutes, rinse your hair and use a conditioner to enhance your luster and shine.

Benefits of Hot Oil Treatment for Natural Hair

There are various types of oils used for various types of benefits for your hair. Hot oil massage is very effective to enhance your blood circulation, restore hair damage and bring back your shine.

If your hair becomes healthy then you will find that the growth is elevated as well. Here are some benefits of hot oil treatment reading which will make you understand that it isn’t a bad idea to invest in oil massage-

Hair Growth

Hot oil massage enhances blood flow. If blood flow is increased, then the nutrients will be provided to the hair follicles. This will lock the cuticles and make your hair strand bouncy, elastic, and flexible.

The Moisture Boosts Your Hair Needs

If you have dry hair, then it is very evident that it is prone to damage. But don’t be scared. Hot oil treatment can reduce this effect by restoring deep moisture to your cuticles and increase sebum production which will eventually retain the moisture of your hair.

Nutrient Supply

Various types of oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, castor oil is jam-packed with nutrients and antioxidants which can nourish your hair if you suffer from a loss of functional nutrition on your hair. These nutrients will help your hair to grow and shine and are easy to manage. Even the eyelashes can be benefited.

To know more about the “best mascara for thin lash” check the linked article. If you are concerned about the “best under eye concealer for dry skin” then check this one too.

Soothes The Frizzy Hair

Curly hair is prone to be damaged and getting frizzy very early. So if you have frizzy hair, then you must massage your hair with hot oil at least twice a week. This treatment fights the frizz, prevents split ends, and treat breakage.

Relief From Dandruff and Dry Scalp

Dandruff is a common problem and you might be struggling with this as well. This will be increased if you haven’t sorted a routine yet. If you are suffering from very dry scalp and dandruff then use such oils that have anti-inflammatory properties and are abundant in fatty acids because these are potential agents to treat your dandruff.

Cost-effective

YES, hot oil treatment is very cheap! You might wonder if hot oil massage is worth the time or if you should run to a salon. Well, you can save your money because running to a salon might be expensive. You can just choose the type of oil you need, warm, and apply. This method is easy and very cheap. So, you can just give it a try.

Strengthen Hair

Hot oil treatment can provide such nourishment to your hair that it becomes very healthy, strong, lustrous, and shiny.

Damage That Can be Done by Hot Oil

There are certain factors which you need to consider or else, you might damage your hair

Firstly, don’t use excess hot oil. You don’t want to burn yourself by using excessive hot oil on your scalp. This will cause adverse effects on your scalp and hair growth will be reduced.

Secondly, if you massage very aggressively, then you might face hair loss which is something you don’t desire.

Thirdly, if you are a patient of eczema or psoriasis then don’t use this treatment without consulting your doctor. If you have oily skin and prone to having an acne breakout, then have limited hot oil massage because it might interfere with the breakouts and increase it.

Finally, if you have very sensitive skin then apply it and check for 24 hours for rashes. If you observe any rashes or allergenic response then either change the oil or stop the treatment.

Wrapping Up

So now you know all about the good hot oil treatment for natural hair.

If you are suffering from hair damage, dry scalp, hair loss due to this dry scalp, then hot oil treatment is a very good option for your natural hair.

This easy method will nourish your hair and make it healthier, prevent frizz and gradually you will get back that natural shiny hair you always opt for.

If you are treating your hair with hot oil and still can’t find any potential benefit then you must consult with your dermatologist ASAP and figure out what is wrong with you.

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