- Munachimso Ngozi-Olehi
- Mar 13, 2021
- 2 min read
In the previous hair wash day routine post, I mentioned the hot oil treatment on the scalp and hair mask. For a lot of people that read that post, it was the first time they heard of the hot oil treatment. The hot oil treatment is good for prepping the hair for shampooing. It is also a good layer for other pre-poo routines. Hot oil softens the hair, moisturizes the hair ends and roots, thus preventing it from completely drying out after being shampooed.
Hot oil treatment is basically a combination of heated oils. The oils used should be based on your hair porosity, to avoid clogged hair pores. For low porosity hair, oils like coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, basically oil with much less density and lighter weight, while high porosity hair should include heavy oils like castor oil.
To prepare the hot oil treatment:
Get a little bottle and add all your desired available oils into the bottle.
After putting all the oils into the bottle, shake the bottle to miss the oils.
In a separate bowl, put a good amount of hot water into the bowl.
Put your little bottle of oil (with the lid covered) into the bowl of hot water.
Leave the oil bottle in the hot water for about 5-10 minutes.
To apply:
Part your hair into sections ( about 4-6 sections)
One section at a time, gently but thoroughly massage the oil into your hair.
Work from roots to ends to ensure even spread.
Cover your hair with a plastic bag or shower cap for heat treatment (heat treatment is always essential for people with low porosity hair).
Leave the oil in your hair for about 10-20 minutes before adding extra pre-poo (rice water or onion juice treatment).
Advantages of Hot Oil Massage Treatment includes:
Fewer split ends. Oils prevent hair breakage which is caused mainly by split ends.
Improves hair growth. Massaging the hair nourishes the hair. Massages are important for hair growth and regrowth as it provides hair nutrients.
Reduces dryness of both the scalp and hair. Applying oils on the hair helps to lock in the moisture and prevent dryness of the hair.
Increased hair strength. Performing a head massage with hot oil strengthens the hair as well as stimulates the blood supply to the hair follicle, where the hair forms and grows.
Reduces frizz. Oils thicken the hair, giving it more density and retained moisture, hence lesser frizz.
