Hot Oil to Substitute Sebum?

Each follicle contains a sebaceous gland that produces an oily substance called sebum. Sebum helps to remove dead skin cells, lubricate the scalp, and condition the hair. The curlier the hair, the harder it is for this substance to reach the ends of the strands thus leading to dry hair. Can hot oil treatments be the answer? Well, many of us with coilier strands find sufficient moisture in the topical application of a butter or glycerin. However, it couldn't hurt to give a hot oil treatment a try. Below are some recipes OR you can experiment with your own favorite oils. If you are pregnant or have a disorder, please consult your doctor before using essential oils:

In a few weeks, I will give a review of one of the treatments as well.

RECIPE #1: ROSEMARY HOT OIL TREATMENT
Rosemary oil is thought to help fight dry scalp, dandruff, and alopecia.

Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup of dried rosemary leaves
* 1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:
Combine ingredients then heat up until warm. Strain. Coat the entire scalp and ends of hair with the oil mixture. Wrap hair in saran wrap and a towel over that, leave on for 15 minutes. Wash hair twice to remove the oil. Use this treament twice a month or when your needs a deep conditioning. Leaves your hair shiny and rehydrated.

Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/hotoiltreat.html
VIDEO TUTORIAL (using soybean oil)

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RECIPE #2: HOT OIL CONDITIONER
Olive oil contains antioxidants and is loaded with fatty acids. Some consider it a great moisturizer.

Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/2 cup boiling water

Directions:
Combine ingredients then warm on low heat. Massage mixture into the scalp and hair. Wrap hair in a hot towel for 15 minutes. Shampoo & rinse out.

Source: http://styles101.homestead.com/nathairrec.html#anchor_35838

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RECIPE #3: CASTOR-SOYBEAN HOT OIL TREATMENT
Castor oil is an emollient and humectant. Soybean oil and castor oil are loaded with fatty acids.

Ingredients:
* 1 teaspoon soybean oil
* 2 teaspoons castor oil

Directions:
Combine ingredients then warm on low heat. Massage mixture into the scalp and hair. Wrap hair in a hot towel for 15 minutes. Shampoo & rinse out.

Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/hotoiltreat.html

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RECIPE #4: JOJOBA HOT OIL TREATMENT
Jojoba oil is said to be similar to our own sebum and collagen. It is also a humectant and feels non-greasy compared to other oils.

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons jojoba oil
1 teaspoon soybean oil

Directions:
Combine ingredients then warm gently on low heat. Test temperature on inside of forearm. Massage mixture into hair.Wrap hair in a hot towel or cover with shower cap or plastic wrap for 15 minutes. Shampoo & rinse out. Reciped may be doubled for very long hair.

Source: http://www.longlocks.com/hair-care-recipes-cookbook.htm#cond3

FOR MORE RECIPES, click the following:
Lavender Rosemary Oil Treatment
Hot Oil Treatment for Damaged Hair
Super Deep Hot Oil Conditioner
Hair Regrowth Hot Oil Conditioner
Coconut Honey Deep Conditioner

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Other sources:
ESSENTIAL OILS DESCRIPTION #1
ESSENTIAL OILS DESCRIPTION #2
CARRIER OILS DESCRIPTION
SEBUM
SEBUM & KINKY HAIR