Hot oil treatments are a way to infuse your hair with much-needed moisture to reduce the appearance of frizz, split ends and fly-aways. While hot oil treatment is definitely not for everyday use, people with dry or frizzy hair can benefit from one as often as once a week.

Hot oil treatments are available at pharmacies and discount stores, and most stores offer a few brands to choose from. You can also make your own hot oil treatments at home. This has become increasingly popular thanks to increased interest in natural and organic beauty treatments. Doing your own hot oil treatments can save you money and create less waste from commercial packaging.

The first thing to consider when you're doing an at-home hot oil treatment of ANY kind is safety. If you're using a packaged brand, follow the manufacturer's heating directions. If you're making your own treatment, take precautions. Oil can heat up very quickly and can cause serious burns if it ends up on your skin. It's probably best to ignore the "hot" in "hot oil" and replace it with "warm". Oil should be comfortable to the touch or it should not be put on your head.

Heating with the microwave might be quicker, but it's not a safe method for warming oil. Microwaves tend to heat unevenly, and might leave one part of your oil tepid and another part scalding. Stick to the stovetop, and a small shallow saucepan. Don't leave the heating oil unattended. Heat it slowly on a lower setting and don't let it get hotter than you need it. Another method is putting the oil into a plastic bag and placing it in hot water for a couple of minutes.