When I notice my hair is dry and flaky, I know what that means: a hot oil treatment. I’ve been getting them off and on my entire life. I’ve used VO5 a few times when I was younger but I have more fun doing a DIY version with a bunch of oils I got from the local beauty supply store. I notice my hair soaks up everything when I do the treatments. Once it’s rinsed out, my hair is shiny, smooth, and hydrated like nothing happened.

What is a hot oil treatment?

A hot oil treatment is the perfect option when your hair is dry and damaged because of the chemicals, heat tools, and the environment. The purpose of a hot oil treatment is to strengthen the hair and restore any moisture so it’s back to being healthy and shiny instead of lifeless and dull. The treatments are good for the scalp because it soaks up the oils and increase blood circulation to the follicles. Massaging the scalp with oils containing amla, brahmi, olive, and avocado oils is effective, especially for reducing hair shedding.

Other benefits of a hot oil treatment include: frizz prevention, moisturized hair shaft, eliminates scalp and dandruff issues, better elasticity, and length retention.

How to Make Your Own

Hot oil treatments are super easy to do and can be done in your bathroom or kitchen. Of course there’s the classic VO5 bottle, but there are alternatives to everything. Some great oil alternatives are:

1. Coconut-stimulates growth, softens hair and scalp, and eliminates dandruff
2. Olive-high in vitamins A and E for anti-aging and disinfectant; also moisturizes, soothes, and heals
3. Jamaican Black Castor Oil-adds strength and is great for those with thin hair that breaks easily.
4. Almond-helps condition, nourish, and softens hair while stimulating growth
5. Jojoba Oil-leaves hair light and soft

Depending on your hair’s needs, you can do them either weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Personally, I prefer doing them at least every couple months after I get my hair professionally done.

What do you use hot oil treatments for? How often do you use them?