How to Do a Hot Oil Treatment On Natural Hair

Make sure dampened hair is evenly coated with oil.

If you have dry, damaged or brittle hair, a hot oil treatment can help to restore your hair's strength and sheen by adding moisture while smoothing and separating frizzy strands.The natural-looking luster of a hot oil treatment makes hair look healthy and young. Home hot oil treatments are relatively cheap and easy to perform. They can be purchased under multiple brand names at your local drug or beauty supply store, or you can make your own.

Things You'll Need

• Olive oil, 1/2 cup
• Shallow saucepan
• Paper funnel
• Plastic applicator bottle with pointed tip
• Wide-toothed comb
• Plastic wrap
• Shampoo

Instructions

1. Warm 1/2-cup olive oil in a shallow saucepan for five minutes--or until it bubbles--on the lowest heat setting. (You can personalize the treatment by adding four to five drops of your favorite essential oil to the simmering olive oil.) Remove from heat. Let the oil cool off for two minutes.

2. Use a funnel to pour the oil into your applicator bottle and screw the cap on. Apply a drop of oil to the underside of your forearm to test the temperature. If it too hot, wait a minute or two. Keep checking until it is lukewarm to the touch.

3. Comb out any tangles in your hair. Dampen it with warm water. Comb your hair straight back with a wide-toothed comb. Starting at the front-center of your hairline, squeeze the oil out of the applicator tip as you slowly move the bottle back to the nape of your neck.

4. Repeat step three two more times--first starting at the left side of your forehead, then the right. Rub and massage your head with your fingertips to spread the oil over your scalp and roots.

5. Apply oil to the ends of your hair. Rub it in thoroughly. Use up all of the oil so that you hair is evenly coated. Then, twist your hair up and cover it with clear plastic wrap. Leave the oil in for 10 minutes.

6. Wash the oil out with warm water for one minute.

7. Shampoo your hair as you normally would. Do not use a conditioner on your hair for the next 24 hours, as this can over moisturize the hair. If you encounter tangles when combing out your wet hair, use a detangling spray diluted with one part spray one part water.

Tips & Warnings

• Add an egg to the olive oil to give your hair extra protein. Crack the egg into a bowl then pour it into the applicator bottle after you've added the oil. Shake the bottle well.

References

• Sweet Additions: Natural Hot Oil Treatment For Hair