Oiling your hair can be a time-consuming process, and you don’t want your hair to look oily and sticky, so you don’t do it. But did you know that a hot oil massage can aid hair loss prevention? Yes, you can use this traditional technique to improve and protect your tresses.
Ignoring this age-old practice could leave your hair exposed to a variety of issues. A hot oil massage is beneficial and relaxing to your hair and scalp’s health. This article will discuss how a hot oil massage for hair is beneficial and how to go about it. Keep reading!
In This Article
1. Why You Should Apply Hot Oil To Your Hair
2. What Are The Benefits Of A Hot Oil Hair Massage Treatment?
3. How To Do A Hot Oil Treatment For Hair At Home
4. What Is The Best Oil For Your Hair?
5. Tips To Keep In Mind
6. Infographic: Top 6 Benefits Of Hot Oil Hair Massage Therapy
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Key Takeaways
9. Illustration: How To Pamper Your Hair With A Hot Oil Massage To Prevent Hair Loss
Why You Should Apply Hot Oil To Your Hair
Everyone can benefit from applying hot oil to their hair, no matter their hair type. However, certain hair types can benefit more. Women with straight hair can oil their hair once every one or two weeks. Their hair texture allows the natural oils from their scalp to distribute evenly down the length of their hair.
This may not be the case with ladies with curly or kinky hair. The kinks and curls could act as obstacles and prevent the natural scalp oils from traveling down the length of their hair. Hence, women with this hair type can use a hot oil hair treatment twice or thrice a week.
Apart from conditioning your hair, a hot oil hair massage could have other benefits too.
What Are The Benefits Of A Hot Oil Hair Massage Treatment?
Incorporating hot oil massages into your regular hair care routine can benefit your hair in many ways. There are various reasons this treatment has stood the test of time.
- Promotes Hair Growth: Massaging your scalp with hot oil stimulates blood circulation in that area, leading to better distribution of nutrients to your hair folliclesi . This nourishment may lead to hair strengthening and aid faster hair growth.
- A study was conducted in 2019 with a total of 340 (17.9%) participants experiencing hair loss and alopecia to measure the benefit of scalp massage. About 327 (17.2%) participants performed 11–20 minutes of scalp massage daily for 6.6 months. 68.9% reported stabilization of hair loss or hair regrowth. These changes were noticed after 36.3 hours of scalp massage. However, such improvements were less for participants who had frontal/temporal or vertex thinning.
- Increases Hair Thickness: A study showed that massaging the scalp results in a significant increase in hair thickness. This is due to the direct stimulation of force on the dermal papilla cellsi (1).
- Nourishes Hair Tissues: Hot oil penetrates the skin of your scalp the way a shampoo or a conditioner never can (2). Thus, it gets absorbed deep into your scalp and nourishes your hair follicles and tissues from within.
- Prevents Dandruff: Dandruff occurs in people who have dry skin on their scalp, which causes dead skin cells to flake off in clumps. A study showed that oils from different sources can help reduce dandruff (3).
- Protects From Sun Damage: Applying hot oil to your hair forms a protective sheath over it that prevents the harmful UV rays from damaging your hair (2).
- Reduces Frizz: Hot oil treatment moisturizes your hair from within, which helps reduce flyaway and frizz.
- Adds Shine: Regularly treating your hair to a hot oil massage prevents dryness and split ends, which ultimately leads to shinier and more lustrous hair.
- Reduces Hair Breakage: Regular application of oil lubricates the hair shafti , coating it with a film that protects hair from breakage. It also prevents split ends (2).
How To Do A Hot Oil Treatment For Hair At Home
A hot oil treatment is a nourishing hair treatment that helps moisturize and strengthen the hair, improve its texture, and promote growth. You can easily do a hot oil treatment at home using natural oils. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
What You’ll Need:
Oil of your choice: Coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, almond oil, or a mix of these.
Towel or shower cap
Hot water (for heating the oil)
Comb (optional)
Shampoo and conditioner
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Choose Your Oil
Pick an oil that suits your hair type or problem. For example:
Coconut oil is great for deep hydration.
Olive oil is good for dry and damaged hair.
Jojoba oil mimics your scalp’s natural oils and is excellent for regulating oil production.
Argan oil helps to smooth and repair split ends. - Heat the Oil
Measure out the oil: 2-4 tablespoons should be enough, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
Heat the oil: Put the oil in a heat-safe bowl, then place it in a pot of hot water for a few minutes to warm it. The oil should be warm but not too hot—test a drop on your wrist first.
Avoid microwaving the oil, as this can destroy some of its beneficial properties. - Prepare Your Hair
Start with dry or slightly damp hair.
Comb your hair to remove any tangles and divide it into sections for easier application. - Apply the Oil
Massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips in circular motions to improve blood circulation.
Work the oil through the rest of your hair, focusing on the ends, as they tend to be drier and more damaged.
Be sure to coat each strand, but don’t drench your hair in oil—it should feel lightly coated, not greasy. - Cover Your Hair
After applying the oil, cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a towel. This helps retain heat and allows the oil to penetrate more deeply.
You can leave the oil in your hair for 30 minutes to 1 hour for a deep treatment. For very dry or damaged hair, you can leave it on overnight. - Rinse and Shampoo
Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo to remove the oil. You may need to shampoo twice if the oil doesn’t rinse out completely.
Follow up with your regular conditioner to lock in moisture. - Dry and Style
Let your hair air dry or gently blow dry it.
Style as usual. You should notice smoother, shinier, and more hydrated hair.
How Often Should You Do a Hot Oil Treatment?
For dry or damaged hair, you can do a hot oil treatment once a week.
For normal to oily hair, once every 2-3 weeks should be sufficient.
Tips:
You can also add essential oils like lavender or rosemary to your hot oil treatment for additional scalp care benefits.
Avoid using too much oil, as it can be hard to wash out and may leave your hair feeling greasy.
A hot oil treatment is a wonderful self-care routine that leaves your hair feeling nourished and healthy!
What Is The Best Oil For Your Hair?
There are plenty of oils that can promote hair maintenance and health. A few of them, however, are known widely for the same. Let us take a look at them.
- Coconut Oil
One major benefit of coconut oil is its ability to reduce hair loss. It achieves this by easily penetrating the hair shafts (4).
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help reduce and prevent dandruff (5). Penetration of the hair shaft by virgin coconut oil helps destroy any fungi cells (6). The oil improves hair hydration as it has moisture-locking properties that may treat split ends and prevent hair damage (3).
2. Almond Oil
If you are on the lookout for a light and aromatic hair oil, you may include almond oil in your hair routine. While there isn’t much scientific evidence supporting almond oil’s case in hair growth, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence. Almond oil contains lipids (monounsaturated fatty acids), proteins, and vitamins (7). These may help improve the overall quality of hair.
The presence of vitamin E and fatty acids suggests that the oil improves hair moisture and may treat split ends. Vitamin E is also known for its antioxidant properties that can help keep scalp infections away (8). Moreover, almond oil has anti-inflammatory properties (9). These could help soothe scalp inflammation.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent hair conditioner and is also known to reduce hair damage and split ends (3). The oil also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties (10) (11).
The following graph from a 2020 study published in Antioxidants noted the minimum and maximum concentrations of the key antioxidants present in extra virgin olive oil. The oil samples were taken from various regions in Italy. As shown in the graph, the main components that contribute to olive oil’s antioxidant activity are phenolic compounds called secoiridoids and tocopherols (vitamin E).
Concentration Of The Main Antioxidants In Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Hence, it could be used as a hair cleanser. Animal studies suggest that oleuropein, a component of olive oil, could stimulate hair growth (12). Olive oil can also penetrate the hair shaft (13). Hence, it could work well in treating dry or damaged hair.
4. Castor Oil
The omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil could help make hair thicker and longer while providing natural hair care too. The oil also can treat split ends and dandruff (3). Some believe it also treats scalp infections, though more research is warranted.
5. Jojoba Oil
Clogged hair follicles can lead to immense hair loss. Jojoba oil is a natural wax ester that may condition the hair and is often used in conditioners and shampoos (14). Jojoba also has anti-inflammatory properties (15). Hence, it may help treat dandruff and other inflammatory infections and improve scalp health.
6. 6. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a storehouse of fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins A, D, E, and B6. These nutrients work to stimulate hair nutrition and growth, moisturize the scalp, and reduce split ends (8), (3).
7. Argan Oil
Argan oil (also known as Moroccan oil) is often used to treat scabiesi and prevent hair loss and rejuvenate dry hair (16). It is packed with unsaturated fatty acids, and some claim the oil can help treat dry hair (17). It is a good source of antioxidants that are needed for hair; it also keeps hair moisturized (2).
You can pair these carrier oils with essential oils for hair growth such as peppermint, lavender, and rosemary oils. You can also buy hair products made with these oils to boost mane health like serums and hair vitamin capsules.
8. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a versatile elixir for promoting healthy hair. Rich in fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, it nourishes your hair from root to tip. It contains antioxidants, sesamolin and sesamin, that protect your hair from oxidative damage, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the scalp. Sesame oil also acts as a natural shield against UV-induced damage, ensuring your hair remains damage-free and radiant. Its antibacterial effects keep your scalp healthy and free from infections. Plus, this oil is a good moisturizer, preventing dryness and enhancing hair growth. It may also help reduce grays and maintain lustrous, beautiful hair by improving blood circulation in the scalp (18).
You can try out a range of different oils until you find the one that suits your hair the best. But before you proceed with your hot oil treatment, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Tips To Keep In Mind
- Hot oil treatments work best when your hair and scalp are clean. Hence, wash your hair a day before you oil it.
- Always try to get virgin and organic oils for your hot oil treatments as the chemicals in processed oils can damage your hair.
- Indulge in a hot oil treatment at least once a week to deep condition your hair.
- Always do a patch test with the oil on the inside of your forearm before applying it to your head. This is to make sure you are not allergic to the oil.
- Make sure the oil is not scalding hot when applying it to your scalp and hair. Too much heat can burn the scalp and damage the hair.
Infographic: Top 6 Benefits Of Hot Oil Hair Massage Therapy
Hot oil hair massage therapy is a popular technique that involves the application of warm oil to the scalp and hair, followed by a gentle and relaxing massage. This therapy boosts hair growth and prevents split ends and dandruff. Check out the infographic below to learn about the several benefits of including hot oil massage in your hair care routine.
Applying hot oil to your hair, irrespective of your hair type, has numerous benefits, such as increased blood flow that may stimulate hair regrowth. Simple hot oil hair massage techniques, like deep strokes, kneading and circular frictions can increase hair thickness, prevent dandruff, curb frizz, nourish hair follicles from within, protect the hair from UV damage, decrease hair breakage, and increase hair shine. But before you run off to oil your hair, remember to pick an oil that suits your hair type. Also, you don’t want to burn your scalp, so warm up the oil only a little bit and make sure it is not scalding hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is hot oil treatment done on wet or dry hair?
The treatment must be carried out on only dry hair.
2. Do you need to wash your hair before a hot oil treatment?
It is best to wash your hair a day before a hot oil treatment. This ensures your scalp and hair are clean.
3. Do you need to wash your hair after a hot oil treatment?
Though you can leave the oil overnight, it is best to wash your hair before you head outdoors. This is because the oil can make dust and dirt cling to your hair.
4. How often should you do a hot oil treatment on your hair?
You can do a hot oil treatment on your hair once a week.
5. How long should you keep in the hot oil treatment?
You can keep the hot oil in from 30 minutes to overnight.
6. Can you do deep conditioning after a hot oil treatment?
Yes, you can do deep conditioning treatment after a hot oil treatment to reduce friction and nourish your hair. You can use simple ingredients from your kitchen like honey to condition your hair
7. Do massages stop balding?
Yes, massages may stop balding to a great extent as it helps enhance scalp health and increase hair growth and thickness .
Key Takeaways
- Hot oil massage may promote hair growth as it stimulates blood circulation.
- The massage prevents hair breakage, mends damaged hair, and moisturizes the scalp.
- The oil may form a protective sheath over the hair and protect it from UV rays.
- For deep conditioning, hot oil massage can be performed once per week.
