Besides for how heavenly hot oil treatments sound, what actually is the objective and the benefits of such an enticing treatment? We’re about to give you a reason or two (or more) to indulge in, what could become, your next best guilty pleasure.
Hot oil treatments are one of the tip top treatments for dry locs and scalp. We say tip top because it’s both nourishing for your dry scalp and locs. With winter crawling its way back into the air, most and many of us begin to notice a little dryness here and there.
One of the very many beauties of hot oil treatment is that it’s not exclusive, meaning, you can dip and drip this nourishing treatment at any stage of the loc’ing journey. It’s recommended to treat yourself to a hot oil treatment about once a month, but everyone’s locs are different and some may need more while others may need less.
So, what exactly are the benefits?
As we mentioned above, treats dry scalp and locs
There is way less buildup when moisturizing with a hot oil treatment when compared to a conditioner
Adds shine to what could be dull locs (no shame, dullness can happen to anyone and mostly everyone)
Keeps breakage down to the minimum, especially with color treated locs
The Optimal Oil Options
Grapeseed oil- Contains high amounts of Linoleic Acid which is a fatty-acid that helps prevent a loss of moisture from our skin and scalp
Olive Oil- Olive oil is close to our hairs natural sebum levels, so its a great option, especially for those with a dry scalp and dry roots.
Jojoba Oil- This natural oil is great for a dry scalp since it doesn't throw off the natural pH levels of your scalp and can strengthen hair fibers from the inside out.
Coconut Oil- Helps locs maintain its natural moisture, but better to use on mature locs
Avocado Oil- This oil is loaded with Vitamins, protein, amino acids, iron, copper, and many other natural hair boosting agents that promotes healthy hair and cell growth, and of course, it adds a sweet shine.
Essential Oils- Slip in a few drops of lavender oil, rosemary oil, tea tree oil, chamomile or any other natural essential goodie of your preference for added pleasure.
The How to’s
Step One: Wash your locs as you normally would, with your natural shampoo that is. Rinse and (fiber) towel dry.
Step Two: Warm the oil(s) of your choice by putting it in a glass bottle and immersing the bottle in boiling water
Step Three: Check to make sure the oil is at a reasonable temperature and then add the oils beginning from your scalp and roots and then move down each loc one at a time. If you have sisterlocs or very thin locs try to section out your locs into four groups and apply oil treatment to each section at a time.
Step Four: Bring on the heat. You can either wrap your locs in a plastic hair wrap and let sit for 30 minutes or you can wrap your locs in a moist warm towel and sit under a hood dryer for 15 minutes.
Step Five: Rinse your locs well with cool water for a good 5 minutes.
Step Six: If the oil just won't budge (which it probably won’t) from your locs, do a second rinse with your natural shampoo.
Hint: Dr. Loc’s Yaya Oil is a great natural alternative loaded with the proper proportions of the healthy nourishing oils mentioned above and then some. Try this handmade mixture that’s filled to the brim rim with lots of oils and lots of family love.
