Daily blow-drying, backcombing and hair-color experimenting can leave your hair looking like that of the bride of Frankenstein. To soothe those stiff locks back into silky smoothness, try a homemade oil treatment made from a few kitchen staples and some heavenly scented herbs. Heating the oil works wonders, as it helps it to penetrate the hair shaft, adding both shine and manageability. Tame those thirsty strands with a super-hydrating hot oil, and watch those frankenlocks turn into glorious locks.
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with between 3 to 6 tablespoons of a pure oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, coconut, avocado or olive. The longer your hair is, the more oil you will need. If desired, you can also mix equal amounts of each oil so you get the benefits of all of them.
Add one to two drops of an essential oil to the bowl, if you want a scented treatment. Stir the oil mixture using a spoon. Some suggested scents are rosemary, lavender, rose or mint.
Place the bowl into the microwave and heat on high for 10 seconds. Remove the bowl and take it to a sink.
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Wrap a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing from the oil. If you prefer, you may apply the hot oil treatment while you're in the shower.
Brush your hair thoroughly to remove all knots and tangles before beginning the oil treatment.
Test a bit of oil on your wrist to make sure that it is not too hot.
Lean your head over the sink and slowly pour the oil over your scalp. As the oil starts to drip, set the bowl down and massage the oil into your scalp. Lean over the sink, and apply additional oil to the length of your hair until it is saturated.
Massage your scalp and hair for one to two minutes to work the oil in thoroughly.
Wrap your hair in a towel or a shower cap to prevent the oil from dripping.
Leave the oil on your hair for 30 minutes to allow it to thoroughly penetrate the hair shaft.
Remove the towel or shower cap, and wash your hair with a gentle shampoo. Rinse your hair with warm water to remove all shampoo residue and oil.
Apply a moisturizing conditioner to your hair from the roots to the tips, and then rinse it out with warm water.
Comb your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles. Allow your hair to air-dry.
Tip
Apply the hot oil treatment once per week to keep your hair properly moisturized.
Natural oils and essential oils are available at health food stores and places that sell aromatherapy supplies.
Warning
Do not overheat the oil, as serious skin burns can occur if it is too hot.
References
Writer Bio
Kimberly Johnson is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in various online publications including eHow, Suite101 and Examiner. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and began writing professionally in 2001.