7 Best Hot Oil Treatments for Dry Damaged Hair
Written by Tina Moretti
Updated on
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Hot oil treatments can heal and rejuvenate dry and damaged hair by using heat to improve the absorption of vital nutrients from the oils into the hair shaft. The process starts with gently warming the oil, which is then evenly distributed throughout the hair and scalp. The warmth stimulates the hair cuticles to open, allowing the nourishing oils to penetrate deeper and deliver restorative elements directly to the damaged areas of each hair strand.
Dry and damaged hair can occur for various reasons, like chemical treatments, heat styling, overwashing, sun exposure, and even medical conditions that can leave the hair difficult to manage and style.
In such cases, hot oil treatments can be a saving grace, enhancing the hair’s softness, manageability, and overall appearance.
Regular hot oil hair treatments can result in visible improvements, transforming your hair to look healthier. However, the choice of product is crucial to ensure the maximum benefits of these treatments. It’s best to opt for high-quality products that do not contain synthetic ingredients and can cater specifically to your hair type.
We’ve handpicked the best hot oil treatments to help you in your battle against dry and damaged hair, promising excellent results with consistent use.
Check out the list below:
1. VO5 Hot Oil Therapy Treatment
The Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Therapy Treatment is a tried and true classic in hot oil treatments. It rejuvenates the hair with a powerful blend of vitamins and proteins to help it recover from damage.
VO5’s unique formula, rich in vitamin C, vitamin B5, vitamin B3, and rosemary oil, moisturizes and conditions the hair from roots to ends. These ingredients nourish, restore hair health, and leave strands noticeably softer and visibly shinier.
What sets the VO5 Hot Oil Therapy Treatment apart is its ability to restore moisture balance and reduce hair breakage. By penetrating deep into the hair shaft, this product aids in repairing and sealing hair cuticles that have been damaged due to heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors.
The product comes in a convenient pre-measured vial, making application easy and mess-free.
The VO5 Hot Oil Therapy Treatment provides an affordable, accessible, and effective solution for revitalizing dry, damaged hair. Its vitamin-packed formula promises a noticeable transformation, resulting in healthier, stronger, and more manageable hair.
How to use it:
- Warm the Oil: Unopened, place the tube in a cup of warm water for about a minute to heat the oil.
- Wet your Hair: Wet your hair thoroughly. Make sure it’s damp before applying the oil.
- Apply the Oil: Open the tube and apply the entire content to your hair. Spread it evenly, concentrating more on the ends of your hair and less on the roots or scalp.
- Massage: Gently massage the oil into your hair and scalp to distribute the product evenly and ensure it penetrates the shaft.
- Wait: Leave the treatment in your hair for at least 1 minute. You can leave it in for longer but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for an even deeper treatment.
- Rinse: Rinse the oil out thoroughly with warm water.
- Shampoo and condition: Follow up with your regular shampoo to ensure all the oil is out. Then, condition your hair as you usually would. VO5 Hot Oil Therapy Treatment is a pre-shampoo treatment.
- Style as usual: After the treatment, you can style your hair.
Use once a week. If you have extremely dry hair, you may use it more than once weekly.
2. OKAY Coconut Hot Oil Treatment
The OKAY Coconut Hot Oil Treatment is a deeply nourishing, all-natural solution formulated to address the challenges associated with dry, damaged hair. Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, this diy hot oil treatment restores moisture, reduces frizz, enhances shine, and promotes healthy hair growth.
The science behind warm oil treatment is heat facilitating deeper penetration of the viscous liquid into the hair shaft, leading to better moisturization and conditioning. When applied warm and left on for a specific period, the heat opens up the hair’s cuticle, which allows the oils to penetrate the hair and provide deeper hydration and nourishment.
The key ingredient in OKAY’s Coconut Hot Oil Treatment is pure coconut oil, widely known for its profound benefits for hair health. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a fatty acid with a high affinity for hair proteins. As a result, it penetrates inside the hair shaft more efficiently than other hair oils, significantly reducing protein loss and helping to repair damaged hair.
Coconut oil creates a barrier around the hair, preventing moisture loss and protecting it from environmental stressors. Its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also help to maintain scalp health, which can help promote hair growth.
The treatment also includes other ingredients such as:
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps repair and build tissue. It reduces inflammation, thereby promoting hair growth and a healthy scalp.
- Argan oil: Argan oil helps soften and strengthen hair, boost shine, and tame frizz.
- Shea Butter: High in fatty acids, shea butter is an excellent moisturizer providing a protective barrier for the hair.
How to use it:
- Pour the desired amount of oil into a heat-safe bowl.
- Place the bowl into hot water and let it sit for a few minutes until the oil warms up.
- Test the oil temperature before applying.
- Apply it to freshly washed, damp hair.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the oil sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
3. Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum Self-Heating Packs
Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum Self-Heating Packs are an innovative, deeply moisturizing hot oil treatment designed to revitalize dry, damaged hair. These packs harness the power of plant-based oils in a heat-activated formula to deliver a deeply nourishing hair treatment that can be used right at home.
The pattern self-heating packs have been specifically developed for thick, textured hair, with superstar Tracee Eliss Ross being the name behind the brand. Having tight curls herself, Tracee wanted to find a product to give her locks shine, bounce, and elasticity; hence, Pattern was launched.
These self-heating packs feature jojoba oil, lavender oil, and safflower oil that moisturize the hair, soothe dry scalp problems, and help with scalp blood circulation. The serum penetrates the hair follicles, moisturizing from within and thus effectively reducing dryness and breakage. This makes it a great option for all hair types, especially low-porosity hair.
Moreover, its ease of use makes Pattern’s self-heating packs the ultimate fast-acting hot oil treatment that can be done at home within minutes.
How to use it:
- Pull the label off the pack to air-activate its heating technology.
- Allow it to heat for 3 minutes.
- The heat indicator symbol on the pack will turn from gray to white.
- Apply the oil to the palm of your hands and massage thoroughly into your hair.
- Let it sit for 20 – 30 minutes.
- Rinse out.
4. OKAY Argan Hot Oil Treatment
The OKAY Argan Hot Oil Treatment is a rejuvenating designed to combat dry, damaged hair. This product is formulated to restore shine, improve elasticity, and nourish the hair from root to tip.
The treatment operates on the principle of using heat to allow for deeper penetration of oils into the hair shaft. When the oil is warmed and applied to the hair, the cuticles can open and absorb it, resulting in thorough hydration and conditioning.
The star ingredient in OKAY Argan Hot Oil Treatment is argan oil, also known as “liquid gold,” due to its extensive benefits for hair health. Argan oil contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. This potent combination enables it to deeply hydrate, nourish, and protect the hair.
Argan oil’s high antioxidant concentration helps heal hair damage from free radicals and environmental stressors. The oil’s essential fatty acids increase hair’s elasticity and consistently restore shine to dull, lifeless hair. Its high vitamin E content is known for its hair-repairing properties, strengthening hair follicles and promoting healthier hair.
Other notable ingredients in this product are:
- Shea Butter: This ingredient is a powerful moisturizer and provides a protective barrier for the hair, preventing moisture loss.
- Olive Oil: Known for its intense moisturizing properties, olive oil helps smooth the hair cuticles and bring shine to the hair.
How to use it:
- Gently heat the oil.
- Apply to freshly washed, damp hair.
- Cover your hair with a heat cap or plastic bag for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse.
5. Difeel Biotin Growth & Curl Hot Oil Treatment
Difeel Biotin Growth & Curl Hot Oil Treatment is a potent blend of natural ingredients and essential nutrients designed to invigorate and restore dry, damaged hair.
At the core of this treatment’s efficacy is the thermogenic property of hot oil treatments. As the oil is warmed and applied to the hair, the hair cuticle – the outermost layer – is prompted to open, which paves the way for the oil to seep deep into the hair strands. The heated oil provides much-needed nourishment and moisturization from the inside out, effectively conditioning the hair.
The spotlight ingredient in Difeel Biotin Growth & Curl Hot Oil Treatment is biotin, also known as Vitamin B7. Biotin is integral for hair health, as it is vital in producing keratin, the primary protein that makes up the hair. By strengthening the keratin structure, biotin improves the hair’s resilience, decreases breakage, and contributes to thicker, stronger hair.
Moreover, biotin stimulates hair growth, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow their hair or deal with hair thinning issues. It’s particularly beneficial in hot oil treatments, as the heat allows for optimal absorption of this nutrient.
The treatment also contains castor oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
How to use it:
- Warm the oil gently.
- Apply to freshly washed, damp hair.
- Wrap your hair with a towel or use a heat cap.
- Allow the treatment to sit for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
6. Dabur Vatika Naturals Nourishment Hot Oil Treatment
The Dabur Vatika Naturals Nourishment Hot Oil Treatment, with its creamy consistency courtesy of honey and eggs, permeates deep into the roots when applied to the hair. The formulation allows the nutrient-rich blend to reach the hair follicles directly, offering a truly nourishing experience.
This comprehensive treatment targets the entire hair strand, from root to tip. The natural oils moisturize the hair, while honey offers humectant properties, drawing moisture from the environment to further hydrate the hair. Including eggs provide a rich source of protein, essential for hair strength and structure.
You can expect revitalized, resilient hair that boasts a radiant shine upon consistent use. The deep conditioning of the Dabur Vatika Naturals Nourishment Hot Oil Treatment not only revives dull, lifeless hair but also aids in combating common hair woes like split ends, breakage, hair loss, and frizz, paving the way to overall hair health and beauty.
How to use it:
- Warm the creamy oil.
- Distribute through clean hair from root to tip.
- Use a heat cap or a warm towel to wrap your hair.
- Allow treatment to sit for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
7. CHI Luxury Black Seed Intense Repair Hot Oil Treatment
The CHI Luxury Black Seed Intense Repair Hot Oil Treatment fuses modern technology with age-old natural ingredients; it offers a unique remedy that deeply penetrates the hair strands, providing unmatched nourishment and rejuvenation.
The defining ingredient of CHI Luxury Black Seed Intense Repair Hot Oil Treatment is black seed oil, a historic natural remedy renowned for its hair-strengthening properties. Black seed oil, rich in antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids, replenishes hair’s natural strength and elasticity, making it more damage-resistant. It also hydrates the hair shafts, adds shine, and soothes the scalp.
How to use it:
- Warm the oil by putting the ampoule in a glass of hot water.
- Apply the warm oil to clean, damp hair.
- Massage it into the scalp and work it down to the ends of the hair.
- Wrap your hair in a warm towel or heat cap to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.
- Let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
- Rinse.
How Does Hot Oil Treatment Work?
Hot oil treatment works by applying heated oil to the hair and scalp. This process stimulates the hair cuticles to open, facilitating the oil’s penetration deep into the hair shafts. The profound absorption facilitates optimum conditioning and hydration, as the active ingredients are able to access the areas of damage directly, promoting healing and repair.
The treatment is left in the hair for 15 – 30 minutes, ideally wrapped with a warm towel or heat cap to enhance its efficacy. Afterward, the hot oil is rinsed thoroughly, leaving the hair feeling soft and rejuvenated.
Consistency is crucial when it comes to hot oil treatments. It’s important to understand that visible hair health and texture improvements are typically achieved over an extended period of regular use. The transformative benefits of these treatments are not instant but accumulate with consistent application, leading to significantly healthier, shinier, and stronger hair over time.
How Does Hot Oil Repair Damaged Hair?
Hot oil treatment repairs damaged hair through a 2-step process:
- Penetration: When oil is heated and applied to the hair and scalp, the warmth stimulates the hair cuticles (the outer layer of the hair strand) to open up. Such a process allows the oil to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. Certain oils, such as coconut oil, are particularly good at this and can penetrate right into the core of the hair strand.
- Conditioning: Once inside the hair shaft, the oil replenishes the hair’s natural oils, providing intense hydration and nourishment. It helps to repair hair damage, and improve texture, strength, and elasticity.
The oil also forms a protective layer around the hair shaft, reducing further damage by acting as a barrier against harmful elements. Over time, regular application of heated oil can help restore the hair’s health and vitality.
Can Hot Oil Damage Your Hair?
Overheating and overusing hot oils can damage your hair.
- Overheating: The oil should be warm, not hot. If the oil is too hot, it could burn your scalp or damage your hair.
- Overuse: While regular hot oil treatments can be beneficial, using them too frequently or leaving the oil on the hair for too long can lead to product buildup and heavy, greasy, and oily hair that requires frequent washing.
Always test the oil’s temperature before applying it to your scalp and hair. And make sure to follow the usage instructions correctly to avoid oversaturating your hair.
How to Do a Hot Oil Treatment at Home
Here is a step-by-step guide to do a hot oil treatment at home:
- Choose the right oil for your hair type and needs.
- Start with clean, damp hair: Wash your hair and leave it damp.
- Heat the oil:
Hot Water: Place the oil in a heat-safe container and then place that container in a larger bowl of hot water.
Microwave: pour the desired amount of oil into a microwave-safe dish and heat for 15 seconds. - Caution: Avoid overheating, as the oil can get hot very quickly in the microwave.
- Test the oil on your wrist before applying it to your scalp to ensure it’s a comfortable temperature.
- Apply the oil: Start at the scalp and work your way down to the ends of your hair. Use your fingers or a brush to ensure even distribution.
- Cover your hair: Wrap your hair with a warm towel or a heat cap.
- Let it sit for 15- 20 minutes: Allow the treatment to process.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly.
Cautions:
- When heating the oil in a microwave – do it in 10 – 15 seconds cycles and check.
- Always patch test a small amount of oil on your skin to check for any allergic reaction.
- Be careful not to use too much oil, as it can be difficult to wash out and can leave your hair greasy.
Useful Tips:
- Comb your hair before applying the oil to detangle any knots and make application easier.
- If your hair is particularly dry, consider leaving the oil in overnight (just be sure to cover your pillow with a towel).
- Consider adding essential oils, like rosemary or lavender, to your hot oil treatment for added benefits.
- Regularly apply hot oil treatments (weekly or bi-weekly) for consistent and long-term results.
- Use a heat cap or plastic cap to get maximum benefits from the treatment.
Should You Apply Hot Oil to Wet or Dry Hair?
Apply hot oil treatment to clean, damp hair after shampooing for best results. When the hair is damp, the cuticles are slightly open, which helps the oil penetrate more deeply into the hair shaft. Damp hair is also easier to section and manage, which may enable more even oil distribution throughout your hair.
And finally, when the hair is freshly washed, there is less chance of buildup interfering with the oil treatment.
Read more: Hot oil treatment on wet or dry hair? An in-depth discussion.How Often Should Your Do a Hot Oil Treatment?
Do a hot oil treatment once a week. If your hair is extremely dry or damaged, you may need to use it more often. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a professional if you’re unsure.
About the Author
Tina MorettiTina Moretti, a passionate hair care enthusiast with over a decade of expertise, dedicates herself to empowering women with proven hair care advice. Recognized for her hands-on experience and trusted guidance, Tina turns every strand into a statement of beauty and confidence.