My DIY Hot Oil Treatment for Softer, More Manageable Hair

If your hair feels dry, rough, dull, or just needs a little extra softness before wash day, a hot oil treatment can be a simple way to add nourishment without overcomplicating your routine.

This is the blend I personally use at home as part of my pre-shampoo routine. I usually do it about twice a week, often after my Epres Bond Repair Treatment, and I adjust the blend depending on what my hair needs.

The goal is not to soak the hair in oil. A light, even coating is usually enough.

What You’ll Need

Standard Batch

Best for short, fine, or medium-density hair

  • 2 tsp coconut oil

  • 2 tsp olive oil

  • 2 tsp sweet almond oil

  • 1 tsp jojoba oil

  • 1 tsp castor oil

  • 1 tsp argan oil — add after warming

Double Batch

Best for long, thick, or high-density hair

  • 4 tsp coconut oil

  • 4 tsp olive oil

  • 4 tsp sweet almond oil

  • 2 tsp jojoba oil

  • 2 tsp castor oil

  • 2 tsp argan oil — add after warming

How to Customize the Blend

For very fine or easily weighed-down hair
Reduce castor oil to ½ tsp and increase jojoba or argan oil instead.

For fine or oily-prone hair
Use less total oil, reduce castor oil, and focus mostly on the mids + ends rather than heavily coating the scalp.

For dry, coarse, or textured hair
Add another teaspoon of coconut or olive oil.

For very porous or chemically stressed hair
You can add ½ tsp honey to the blend for extra conditioning support. Use a small amount and shampoo thoroughly afterward.

How I Use It

  1. Combine all oils except the argan oil in a heat-safe bowl.

  2. Warm gently in short intervals until comfortably warm — never hot.

  3. Test the temperature on your wrist before applying.

  4. Add the argan oil after warming.

  5. Divide damp hair into 2–4 sections.

  6. Apply the oil through the mids + ends, then lightly massage through the scalp if desired.

  7. Cover with a shower cap.

  8. Leave on for about 20–30 minutes.

  9. Shampoo thoroughly — I usually shampoo twice.

  10. Follow with conditioner or a moisturizing mask.

How I Pair It With Epres

This is how I personally use it most often:

I apply my Epres Bond Repair Treatment to dry hair first and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then I layer the warm oil blend over top and leave both on for another 20 minutes before shampooing twice and conditioning.

That routine has become one of my favorite ways to give my hair extra care.

Gina’s Tip

More oil is not better. Start with less than you think you need and focus on coating the hair lightly rather than saturating it. Fine hair especially can get weighed down quickly.

Important Note

Hot oil treatments are meant to support softness, lubrication, and manageability. They are not a replacement for professional repair treatments when the hair is structurally compromised.

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate and Walmart Creator, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no additional cost to you.

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