Hot oil treatments are one of my most beloved hair care activities. It’s something about the feel of hot oil lathering against my strands, and the added shine afterwards that is exhilarating. Every week I would douse my hair from root to end with a blend of avocado oil, almond oil, castor oil, lavender essential oil, and whichever other oil I felt like using. Not only was I strengthening and deep conditioning my hair with carrier oils, I was creating a harmonious environment for the healthy microbes on my scalp. Essential oils have various anti-microbial properties that support healthy skin. In addition, the soothing aroma therapeutic benefits made for a calm spa night at home.
For the past two years I slacked on my hot oil treatments. Being a busy mom doesn’t allot much time for hours playing in my natural hair, or so that’s what I’ve been telling myself. I ceased with that false narrative, actually, it doesn’t take much time to pop some oil in the microwave for 30 seconds, apply to hair, let sit for about an hour, and then shampoo. I wonder what it is about the small things in life that sometimes makes us feel like we can’t accomplish them. So anyway, I’m back to my weekly hot oil treatments. My most recent strand bath consisted of the oil combination listed above, with a few variations – I added lemongrass essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and geranium essential oil. OMG! It felt amazing on my hair, but it also felt good to execute my pre-partum hair care routine. I strongly believe that the hot oil treatments are what kept my natural hair in good health before I began to neglect it and then permed it. Yes I got a perm, but that’s another story – stay tuned.