Function of the Hot Towel

• There's only so much a store-bought conditioner can do for damaged or dry hair, and that's where a hot towel treatment comes to the rescue. The heat from a hot, moist towel helps open follicles in the hair, resulting in better absorption and integration of the oils, herbal infusions, or other ingredients you apply. In addition, a hot towel retains heat for several minutes, and your hair and scalp have time to rest in a warm, nourishing environment before rinsing.
  
  

How to Make a Hot Towel

• Make sure your towel is damp and warm all the way through.Microfiber Towel - Rolled image by MrGreenBug from Fotolia.com
  
  One way to prepare your towel for your haircare treatment is turn on the hot water and let it run until it steams. Soak your towel in the hot water. Being very careful not to burn your hands, remove the towel, wring it out over the sink, and wrap the towel around your head. An alternative to soaking the towel in hot water is simply wetting the towel until damp in lukewarm water. Wring the towel out until there are no drips, and fold it into quarters. Place the damp towel in a microwave and heat for a minute or until the towel is warm to the touch, but not so hot it will burn the skin.
  
  

Hot Towel Treatment Tips

• Wrap the towel around your head.young beautiful girl with towel on head image by Laser from Fotolia.com
  
  Get all the benefits from the hot towel without the added water dilution by putting on a shower cap before wrapping the towel around your head. If you don't have a shower cap, try wrapping a bit of plastic wrap over your hair, ending just at the hairline.
  
  The wetter the towel, the more likely it will drip uncomfortably down your neck and shoulders. Make sure your towel is damp, but not dripping, before applying it to the hair.
  
  When applying the towel, wrap it just as you would after you dry your hair, starting with the long edge at the back of your hair, raising up the ends to meet each other, and then twisting tightly to stay on top of your head.
  
  

Hot Oil Treatments

• Possibly the most popular hot towel recipes are hot oil hair masks. There are many, many to choose from, and you'll want to pick one that works with your hair's condition.
  
  This particular recipe works with just about any type of hair: Mix 1 tbsp. jojoba oil with 3 tsp. castor oil in a small bowl. Place the bowl in a glass of hot (not boiling) water until the oil is warm. Massage the oil deeply into dry hair. Apply the hot towel to your hair and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the towel and shampoo your hair as usual.
  
  

Other Hot Towel Treatment Ideas

• You can even use eggs with your hot towel hair treatments.egg image by poGosha from Fotolia.com
  
  According to WholeLiving.com, one effective hair recipe involves whisking together 1 egg, 2 tbsp. coconut oil, and 2 tbsp. sesame oil. Apply the mixture to dry hair, and wrap your head with your hot towel. Leave the towel on for up to 10 minutes, and then shampoo and condition as you normally would. This adds luster and vibrancy to otherwise dull hair.
  
  Other ingredients to try with your hot towel hair treatment: honey, essential oils like lavender or rosemary, and even yogurt.