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Hot oil treatments are an excellent way to moisturize and strengthen black hair. To get maximum benefit from your treatment, choose an oil that complements the texture of your locks – such as Jojoba oil for lightweight solutions that won’t weigh down locks.
Herbal remedies such as rosemary can also promote hair growth while providing antifungal protection.

Hot Oil Treatment For Black Hair
Beauty enthusiasts or hairstylists
Hot oil treatments are an ideal way to keep your strands healthy, transition back to natural or simply add texture and shine. While not exactly new on TikTok, hot oil treatments have long been practiced by African American women who wish to maintain healthier locks.
Finding an oil that fits your hair type is key, with popular choices including jojoba, olive and coconut oils as potential candidates. Jojoba oil in particular has proven useful because of its close resemblance to sebum produced naturally by your scalp; thus hydrating hair while preventing buildup.
Hot oil treatments work best on clean hair. This allows the oil to more effectively penetrate strands when not covered by dirt, sweat or product buildup.
After every hot oil treatment, shampoo your locks in order to avoid limp and greasy-looking strands; additionally it’s highly recommended that you follow up with moisturizing conditioner like Dove Coconut & Hydration Conditioner as this will seal in hydration afterward.
How to perform the treatment
At home hair treatments are cost-effective, simple and tailored specifically to meet the needs of black hair. Jojoba, coconut and olive oils are good choices as they penetrate easily. Be wary of products containing silicones which could create buildup instead of providing much-needed hydration for black hair strands.
First, ensure your hair is cleansed properly before beginning an oil treatment regimen. Cleansed locks work better with oil treatments because this opens the cuticle layers more freely so the oil can soak into them more effectively.
First, warm the oil by placing it in either a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once warm, apply small sections of this oil onto your scalp and hair strands, massaging to stimulate blood flow and hydrate them simultaneously.
Cover your head with a shower cap for 30 minutes after applying this oil; after which, rinse your hair out and shampoo to get rid of any residual residues.
Benefits
Hot oil treatments are an ideal way to add moisture back into your locks, providing essential hydration while simultaneously treating frizz, dryness, and breakage. Furthermore, this treatment strengthens strands for an overall healthier look.
When selecting the ideal hot oil treatment, natural oils are always best. Jojoba oil is an ideal option, since its composition resembles that of natural sebum produced by your scalp and can moisturize both the hair and scalp effectively without making them feel oily or greasy.
Coconut oil, with its wide array of essential vitamins and nutrients, is another viable choice to reviving and revitalizing hair growth. Coconut oil treatment should be particularly helpful to those suffering from very dry, brittle, color-treated or color-treated tresses as well as those experiencing dandruff issues; using hot oil treatments once or twice weekly will lead to healthier, stronger locks!

Side effects
Hot oil treatments may cause side effects like itching or flaking depending on their ingredients, often because yeast cultures feed off of the oils used. A clarifying shampoo or hydrating conditioner could provide relief, although a hair care specialist should always be consulted prior to taking drastic measures.
Bova suggests taking into account your hair texture when selecting oils for hot oil treatments. She advises using argan, jojoba and grape seed oils on fine hair as these have low molecular sizes that penetrate type 3 hair which tends towards dryness; coconut and castor oils work best on thicker coarse hair types because of their sealing capabilities.
To administer your own DIY hot oil treatment, combine your chosen oils in an informal or real double boiler and warm for several minutes until hot. Apply directly onto your hair and scalp, covering with a shower cap or plastic bag until the treatment has taken effect.
How Often Should You Do a Hot Oil Treatment on Black Hair
Hot oil treatments offer moisture and nourishment for black hair, combating dryness, frizz, breakage, and fostering healthier, growing hair. Treatment frequency aligns with hair texture and condition. Typically, aim for once a week or every other week, adapting to your hair’s needs.
Some opt for monthly, biweekly, or weekly treatments. If your hair is curly, dry, damaged, or colored, consider weekly treatments for growth and health. Apply after washing, avoiding dirty hair for better results.
What Are the Benefits of Hot Oil Treatments for Black Hair

Hot oil treatments offer valuable benefits for black hair, aiding moisture, nourishment, and overall health. Key advantages include:
- Moisturizing hair and scalp: Black hair’s susceptibility to dryness, worsened by harsh weather, finds relief through hot oil treatments. These treatments restore and retain moisture, preventing issues like breakage, split ends, and hair damage.
- Strengthening hair: Fortifying hair against split ends, brittleness, frizz, and breakage is another perk of hot oil treatments. The moisture they provide safeguards hair from damage.
- Fostering hair growth: Blood circulation stimulation during hot oil treatments promotes hair growth. Nutrient infusion supports both hair growth and health.
- Combating dandruff: Addressing common concerns like dandruff, dry scalp, and frizz, hot oil treatments deliver essential moisture.
- Enhancing hair shine: Hair gains vibrancy and a healthier appearance, courtesy of improved shine from hot oil treatments.
Frequency-wise, consider weekly or bi-weekly hot oil treatments, tailored to your hair’s needs. Some opt for monthly, biweekly, or weekly sessions.
For curly, dry, damaged, or colored hair, weekly hot oil treatments are suggested for growth and health. Apply treatments after hair wash for optimal results; application on dirty hair may hinder benefits.
What Oils Are Best for Hot Oil Treatments on Black Hair
Various oils work well for hot oil treatments on black hair. Here are some top options:
- Coconut oil: Penetrates, not just coats, hair. Moisturizing, with Vitamin E and fatty acids reducing frizz and enhancing elasticity.
- Olive oil: Rich in vitamins E, A, and polyphenols, offering antifungal properties and split end reduction.
- Black castor oil: Promotes growth, thickening with fatty acids and vitamin E for moisturizing and strengthening.
- Grapeseed oil: Lightweight, absorbed easily. Provides thermal protection, smoothing, and shine enhancement.
- Jojoba oil: Lightweight, mimics scalp’s natural oils. Regulates sebum production, preventing dryness and breakage.
- Almond oil: Vitamin E-rich, moisturizes, strengthens, and aids hair growth while reducing loss.
- Argan oil: Lightweight, antioxidant, and Vitamin E-rich. Moisturizes, strengthens, reduces frizz, adds shine.
- Marula oil: Lightweight, packed with antioxidants and fatty acids. Moisturizes, strengthens, reduces frizz, adds shine.
- Tea tree oil: Natural antifungal, antibacterial properties. Reduces dandruff, promotes scalp health, strengthens, moisturizes.
Remember, each oil offers unique benefits. Use single or combinations based on your hair’s needs during hot oil treatments.