I have noticed as I age (40 next year, sigh) that my hair has begun to dry out rapidly and even salon hair products like specialty shampoos and deep conditioners are not really moisturizing it like I want them to. Since the past year has found me diving headfirst into essential oils and all things natural for DIY beauty products, I thought it would be best to seek out a less chemical-laden solution that would still be effective. Then I remembered evenings with my mom – laughing and wrapping towels around our shoulders as our little tubes of amber oil heated up in cups of hot water, hot oil treatments. Eureka, based on the memories alone, how could I not try it out? I was glad that I did, after a couple trial and error experiments I found a mixture that leaves your hair shiny, soft, and ultra moisturized. It also made a big difference in the health of my scalp. You can mix and match essential oils not only for aromatherapy benefits but for what they can do for your hair and scalp.
DIY Hot Oil Treatment for Hair
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 Tbsp. raw honey
- Choose one or more of the following essential oils depending on your need:
- 5 drops chamomile essential oil – soothes scalp, adds shine and softness
- 5 drops lavender essential oil – controls dandruff, conditions hair
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil – adds shine, stimulates hair growth, aids in circulation
- 5 drops sandalwood – moisturizes dry ends
- 5 drops cedarwood – thickens hair.
Directions:
Wrap a towel or cape around your shoulders to protect your clothing.
Start with damp, clean hair that is free of any styling products so that the treatment can absorb well.
Stir together olive oil, avocado oil, honey, chamomile essential oil, and lavender essential oil in a 4 oz. mason jar to combine well.
Heat 1 cup of water in a glass bowl for 1 minute, so that it is hot but not boiling.
Making sure water level is not higher than small mason jar containing oils set the jar gently into the hot water bath and let it sit for 1 minute.
Use a spoon with a deep bowl to scoop oil mixture from jar and smooth over hair, starting at the ends and working up wards.
Comb through with a large toothed comb.
Wrap hair in a towel or place a shower cap on your head, tucking all hair underneath for 20 minutes.
Wash and rinse hair out well. On the first day my hair is on the oily side, after the second wash it is normal, healthier and shiny.
Repeat once a month for nourished and conditioned hair.
More Natural Hair Tips
10 Natural Ways to Reduce Hair Loss
5 Essential Oils for Your Hair
5 Natural Hair Treatments You Can Make at Home
vanya says
after a hot oil treatment use the shampoo before the water. this helps the oil from adjering to the shaft. similiar to a pretreat with grease on clothing.