This Old School DIY Will Rescue Your Dry, Damaged Hair

DIY

hot oil hair treatment Source: Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

With salons closed (or bound by strict limitations) for the foreseeable future, it’s time to take haircare into your own hands. Without regular trims and in-salon treatments, split ends and damaged hair may seem inevitable but actually, social distancing is the perfect time to strengthen and replenish your locks. For starters, your excessive washing and heat styling routine is no longer necessary and better yet, you have plenty of time to mask and show your hair love with at-home treatments.

To keep your locks looking their best, we wanted to pass on an insanely nourishing treatment recommended to us by celebrity hairstylist Irinel De León, whose clientele roster includes Kendall Jenner, Camila Coelho, Chrissy Teigen, and Hailey Beiber. Use this treatment as often as you can during quarantine, and your hair will be slaying – just saying!

Why Irinel LOVES This Hot Oil Treatment

According to Irinel, this treatment “Used to be all the rave back in the day and it doesn’t come without a reason.” If you’re wondering what a hot oil treatment is, Irinel says it’s “a hair and scalp regimen that uses warm, natural oils to protect and strengthen damaged hair with vitamins and nutrients.”

“We put our hair through so many stresses on a daily basis (if you’re like most of us) by coloring, being in different temperatures, etc. [not to mention styling]. ” Irinel also says it’s so important to mask and treat your hair RN because “This is also a great alternative to help prolong getting a haircut since it’s a bit more difficult to do these days.”

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As soon as Irinel recommended this treatment, we knew it was the real deal – especially if her gorgeous curls are anything to go by! Each oil she recommends for her hot oil blend is bursting with omegas, fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that’ll not only seal in moisture and boost shine but strengthen the hair follicle and stimulate growth. These beauty benefits are enhanced by the warmth of the oil, which helps the oil to penetrate the hair shaft more efficiently.

Irinel initially suggested this treatment for curly hair to help seal in moisture for a more defined curl pattern, but if you have straight, wavy, or fine hair, you can still use this treatment, just apply less oil to your scalp and shampoo thoroughly after.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Oz of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (hella-moisturizing)
  • 1 Oz of Castor Oil (boosts growth)
  • 1 Oz of Sweet Almond Oil (seals the cuticle and boosts shine)
  • 1 Oz of Jojoba Oil (promotes thickness)
  • 1 Oz of Virgin Coconut Oil (super hydrating)
  • 20 drops of Argan Oil (strengthens hair cuticle)
  • 10 drops of Peppermint Oil (detox and cleanse)

Supplies:

  • Spray bottle
  • Plastic cap

Directions:

Irinel begins, “Mix the oils together in a large bowl, then transfer into the applicator bottle. Next, boil some water and place it into a separate bowl. Place the applicator bottle inside the bowl so the oil warms up.” If your applicator bottle is plastic do not use boiling hot water, and if you’re using glass, be careful not to burn your hands.

Irinel suggests to “Avoid placing oil in the microwave as this can kill off a number of the benefits within the oil. While the oil is heating up, part hair into four workable sections.”

“Now, test the oil on the outside of your hand to ensure the temperature is to your liking. Place a towel over your shoulders to protect your skin and clothing, then spray the first section with a little warm water and apply the oil from the roots to ends, making sure the strands and scalp are fully saturated. Massage into scalp for several minutes, going in circular and vertical motions.”

“Place your hair cap on and let it sit for 20 mins, feel free to apply heat to your head to add to the effect. Rinse and follow with shampoo and conditioner. For extremely dry and damaged hair, you can follow this routine every few days, otherwise, doing this one a month will help give your hair added moisture,” says Irinel.

For more amazing at-home treatments, check out our fave beauty DIYs here.