Winter weather can be harsh on your hair. The dry, cold air can leave you with a flaky scalp, broken hair, and a lot of frizz. Oil treatments are a great way to keep your hair hydrated and healthy through the colder months, but before you rush out to the store to buy the latest and greatest hair oils that promise sleek, shiny hair, look in your pantry first!
Oil treatments in the beauty aisle tend to have ingredient lists that are miles long, and it’s not uncommon for the oil to be last on the list! Instead of slathering more chemicals and preservatives in your hair, go the natural route and use oils such as olive or coconut.
If you’re anything like me, your pantry is full of cooking oils. Most of them can double as a hair treatment. Deciding which oil to use on your hair depends on what type of hair you have.
If You Have Thick Hair: Coconut Oil
Thick hair can get very frizzy and hard to manage in the winter months. Using thicker oil like coconut is just what you need to deep condition your locks and moisturize your scalp.
If You Have Wavy Hair: Walnut or Almond Oil
Nut oils are very high in healthy fats and vitamins A, B, and E. These vitamins will nourish your dry, brittle locks and add shine. Like coconut oil, nut oils are a bit thicker. so they are much better suited for thick hair.
If You Have Thin Hair: Tea Tree Oil
You probably won’t find this oil in your pantry, but it is a great hair treatment for thin hair. Tea tree oil works to strengthen and moisturize your scalp, which will help prevent hair loss and get rid of flaky skin. Tea tree oil is an essential oil, so only a small amount is needed for it to work it’s magic on your hair. Just mix 2 or 3 drops into olive oil and rub it into your hair.
If You Have Fine Hair: Olive Oil
If you have fine hair, it probably starts to look dull in the winter and may even begin to break. Olive oil is the perfect treatment. It’s thick enough to moisturize your locks but won’t leave your hair overly greasy once you wash it out. Olive oil is high in omega 3, which helps to make your hair healthy and shiny, and may even make it feel thicker.
How to Do an at Home Oil Treatment
Once you figure out which oil to use for your treatment, just follow these simple steps to treat your hair:
1. Heat about 2 tablespoons (depending on how much hair you have) of oil for about 20 seconds on the stove until it is just warm to the touch. Remember, if you’re using tea tree oil, which is an essential oil (not a carrier oil), use less, just a few drops, mixed in with olive oil 2. Transfer the oil to a bowl and use your fingertips to work it into your scalp. If you have dry, split ends, then make sure to work the oil all the way down to the tips of your hair. 3. Leave the oil in for 15 to 20 minutes; you may want to cover your hair with a shower cap while you wait so the oil doesn’t drip. (For really damaged hair, you can leave the oil in overnight, but it can be a bit messy to do this!) 4. Shampoo your hair as you normally would to wash out the oil, and then condition. 5. Towel dry and enjoy your new, healthy locks!