Tag Archives: Oils for natural hair

Overnight DIY Hot Oil/Pre-Poo Treatment

15 Replies

Hey Maicurlies,

So today I have a two tutorials to share and both are all about a Hot Oil mix which can be used as:

  • a pre-poo  – applied before using a shampoo/cleanser to avoid the hair feeling completely stripped.
  • an overnight hot oil mix – after which you would co-wash or shampoo your hair (you don’t have to warm up the oil)
DIY Hot Oil Mix

DIY Hot Oil Mix

Personally I like using it as an overnight hot oil mix so I shall delve a little more into that aspect but like I stated above you do not have to warm up the oil before application since your body heat (your scalp) and a shower cap (which you should use) helps to keep the oils warm. I prefer warming up the oil because it feels awesome applying it while lightly warm and my hair seems to soak up the oils when it is warm. 

Recipe:

Mixing Instructions:

All you need to do is to combine all the oils together. If you opt to make it a hot oil treatment then you place the bowl with the oil in a pot of hot water (no longer on the stove) for 3 – 5 minutes. Once the oils are a little warm you can add the essential oil and you are done.

NOTE: Do not let the water mix with the oil especially if you plan on storing the remaining oil for future use. And remember to never place the oil in direct heat e.g. in the microwave or directly in a pot on a stove! You run the risk of not only zapping away the nutrients of the oil but will cause the oil to burn your hair and scalp and might accidentally cause a fire! 

Application Process:

Before I apply the warm oil I like to spray my hair with a little plain water. I find this step necessary because 1. it means I am re-hydrating my hair with moisture 2. it makes the application process a little easier and 3. if you have dry hair then applying the oil onto dry hair means you are “trapping in” the dryness versus trapping in moisture if you apply water first.

I like to apply the oil while warm (NOT HOT) going from my roots to my ends. I work in the oil really well and usually do a quick detangle with my fingers. I cover up with a shower cap and scarf for the night and then proceed to wash my hair with shikakai or a co-wash depending on what my hair needs. 

Benefits:

  • Helps to stop cleansers from stripping the hair.
  • Provides shine.
  • Softens the hair.
  • Eases detangling.
  • Fights against dry hair
  • Soothes a flaky/itchy scalp.

The results afterwards and even during the hot oil treatment is really quite evident immediately! In the video you can see how my old, dry and tangled hair quickly becomes soft, detangled, shiny, smooth and all round happy! 

I would love to hear if you do hot oil treatments and how? Do you do overnight treatments, what oils do you use? Do you apply water first? Tell me all about it! 

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY Neem Infused Coconut Oil (Recipe 5)

21 Replies

Hi Maicurlies,

This is my second to last Infused Oil (I promise)

Infusing Neem Leaves

Infusing Neem Leaves

I already wrote about Neem and the benefits of Neem Infused Oil over here. To summarize:

  • It contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
  • Eases skin irritations, rashes, itchiness and is said to help ease eczema (I am not a doctor nor a dermatologist therefore always check with a professional).
  • Reduces the appearance of light burns and scars
  • Helps reduce hair shedding & breakage
  • Known to help slow down premature graying & the appearance of grey hairs
  • Naturally and gradually darkens the hair
  • Provides the hair with shine & luster
  • Promotes hair growth.

Ingredients/tools:

  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Container
  • Sieve
  • 1.5 cups of dried Neem Leaves (you can use powder e.g. 1/4 cup*)
  • 2 cups of Virgin Coconut Oil (you can use any oil of choice)
  • 8 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional – you can use any oil of choice but if you are pregnant do not use any essential oil).

*If you use the powder I would recommend putting it in a coffee filter or cheese cloth to help keep the oil and powder separate.

Mixing Process:

 I have a video up on my process:

NOTE: I am not a dermatologist nor a doctor. I provide this for informational purposes only so please consult with a professional before you apply anything new to your skin or hair. Should you be taking medication or creams from a medical professional please do not replace that with my DIY recipe – consult your medical professional first! If you are allergic to any of the ingredients I use do not use them. Do a small patch test on the inside of your arm when trying anything new before applying it all over your hair/skin. Always ensure to dilute the Essential Oils (EO) in a carrier oil as they can cause skin irritations if used undiluted. If you are pregnant you should NOT use any EO.

If you try this please let me know how it turns out. If you make your own Infused Neem Oil I would love to hear from you!

Maicurls

Maicurls