Dear Pennies & Pens,
Since going natural over 15 years ago, I have been on a quest to create the perfect hair care routine. It’s taken me years to learn to love my natural hair but now I love it more than anything and would never relax or straighten my hair again. In fact, I honestly haven’t straightened my hair since going natural. Read all about my natural hair journey here: AfroPen.
My current weekly routine includes shampooing and conditioning then doing a hot oil treatment. After I put the hot oil in my hair, I then braid it into platts and wrap it in a scarf. This keeps my hair fresh and moisturized throughout the week. I like the shampoo and conditioner I use but I really feel like it’s the hot oil treatment that is really helping my hair grow and stay hydrated.
That said, I wanted to share the types of oils that I use, how much I use and where to get these oils. Currently, I use Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil, Castor oil, Coconut oil, Lavender oil, Eucalyptus oil and Argan oil. I buy all of my essential oils from Whole Foods.
Below, I have included a recipe for how to combine the oils, how to heat the oils and how to apply the oils. Please note, you may need to add additional oil (if you have more hair than Penny) and this recipe only works for one use so you will have to remake it unless you double up.
The Ultimate Hot Oil Treatment
- 2 teaspoons of Grapeseed oil
- 2 teaspoons of Jojoba oil
- 3 teaspoons of Castor oil
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 8 drops of Lavender oil
- 8 drops of Eucalyptus oil
- 8 drops of Argan oil
Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl
Step 2: Cover and heat in the microwave for 1 minute
Step 3: Section and part hair with a comb
Step 4: Apply hot oil to hair (Be careful little baby, remember it’s hot oil)
Step 5: Comb hair (with the oils in your hair, you’ll find it’s easy to comb)
Step 6: Braid hair
Step 7: Wrap hair in a headscarf (the oils will drip so the head scarf helps prevent that and keeps your hair moisturized). I put the headscarf on right after I do the hot oil treatment, then I take it off during the day so my hair can breathe and I put it back on at night so my hair-ink doesn’t mess up my pillows.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Wash and condition your hair BEFORE doing a hot oil treatment. This treatment works best on so fresh and so clean hair. For anyone who doesn’t have curly hair, I would recommend adjusting the recipe to use less oil since your hair doesn’t need as much oil to be hydrated.
Like this post? Share it on social media! Also, if you try this recipe comment down below and let me know how it worked for you!
And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping real never goes wrong.
