How To Do a Hot Emu Oil Treatment For Hair & Scalp

When Your Scalp Needs a Little Extra Love 💧

If your scalp is dry, itchy, flaky, patchy or just having a bit of a moment, a warm emu oil hair treatment can be a beautiful little reset. IN this article we'll tell you why, when, how and what to do to get the most from this

Go To Instructions

It is simple, messy in the best way, and surprisingly satisfying. You warm a small amount of emu oil, massage it into your scalp and hair, leave it to soak in, then wash it out. That is basically it - all you need is some emu oil and a little time for healthy hair and scalp.

What Does a Hot Emu Oil Treatment Help With?

A warm emu oil treatment can be helpful for everything from simply wanting softer, shinier hair, through to dry hair, scalp discomfort, flakes and more stubborn scalp irritation.

It can be used on both the hair and scalp, which makes it a good option when your hair feels dry or rough, but the skin underneath also needs some extra care.

Hair issues

• Dry, frizzy or unmanageable hair
• Brittle hair and rough-feeling ends
• Split ends and dry ends
• Hair that looks dull, flat or straw-like
• Coarse, wiry or hard-to-soften hair
• Dry hair after colouring, swimming, sun exposure or heat styling
• Curly or textured hair that needs extra moisture and softness
• Beards, moustaches and facial hair that feel coarse, dry or scratchy

Scalp issues

• Dry, itchy or flaky scalp
• Dandruff-prone scalp
• Patchy, scaly or rough areas on the scalp
• Tight or uncomfortable-feeling scalp
• Dryness around the hairline, behind the ears or under facial hair
• Cradle cap
• Scalp dryness or irritation associated with eczema-prone or psoriasis-prone skin

If you have severely broken skin, infection, bleeding, weeping or ongoing discomfort, please check with your doctor or dermatologist before trying this, or any any new scalp treatment.

Why Use Emu Oil Over Oils?

You can use other types of oils like olive oil, coconut oil, Jojoba oil and Castor Oil for hot oil treatments. However, Emu oil is head and shoulders above these more common oils for a number of reasons.

Absorbs deeply into the scalp

Emu oil is transdermal, meaning it absorbs deeply into the skin rather than just sitting heavily on top. That makes it especially useful when your main issue is not just dry hair, but a dry or irritated scalp underneath.

Concentrated goodness for hair and scalp

OzWellness Emu Oil is rich in naturally occurring fatty acids, including omegas 3, 6 and 9. These fatty acids help support the skin barrier and can help reduce the feeling of dryness by locking moisture in. Emu oil may also contain fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E and K2, adding to its natural goodness for dry hair, rough ends and scalps that need a little extra care.

Not too sticky or clogging

One of the big reasons people love emu oil is that it is non-comedogenic, so it feels deeply nourishing without being overly sticky or pore-clogging. It can help soften dry patches, calm the feel of tight or rough skin, and leave hair looking shinier and smoother after washing.

100% natural and gentle

It is also a simple, natural option. No weird perfume cloud. No long list of mystery ingredients. Just pure emu oil doing its thing. For this reason it can be used on sensitive skin, infants and and all hair and skin types.

Can be used on 'sensitive' areas 

Because of the above, emu oil is ideal to use on very sensitive areas of skin. If using near intimate areas or pubic hair, keep it external only, use a small amount, and avoid broken or irritated skin. If you are prone to reactions, patch test first.

Step-By-Step Instructions To Do a Hot Oil Treatment

What You Need

• Emu Oil (buy our emu oil)
• A small heat-safe glass, ceramic or metal bowl
• A kettle or stove and saucepan with water
• A spoon or clean fingers
• A hairbrush or comb (silicone scalp massage brush recommended)
• A shower cap or towel, optional
• Shampoo and conditioner

How Much Emu Oil Do You Need?

It depends on your hair length and thickness, but start small. You can always add more.

• Short hair: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Medium hair: 1 tablespoon
• Long hair: 1 to 2 tablespoons
• Very thick, curly or dry hair: 2 tablespoons or a little more if needed
• Beard or moustache: a few drops to 1 teaspoon

You want enough to coat the scalp and work through the hair. It will look and feel oily, but it shouldn't be dripping down your face or neck so you look like you fell head-first into a chip fryer.

Step 1: Warm the Emu Oil

You can warm the emu oil using either the kettle method or saucepan method.

Kettle method: Boil a kettle, then pour the hot water into a heat-safe bowl or mug. Place the emu oil in a small glass, ceramic or metal container, then sit that container in the hot water for a few minutes.

Saucepan method: Warm a small amount of water in a saucepan over the stove, then turn the heat down or off. Place the emu oil in a small glass, ceramic or metal container, then sit that container in or over the warm water for a few minutes.

• Make sure no water gets into the actual emu oil while warming it.
• You just want the oil warm, softer and runnier, not hot or cooked. A good guide is body temperature to slightly warm, around 37°C to 40°C, or 98°F to 104°F. If you do not have a thermometer, test a tiny amount on the inside of your wrist. It should feel comfortably warm.
• It is best not to microwave the oil, as it can heat unevenly and may reduce some of its natural goodness. Avoid plastic if you can.
• Do not let it bubble, smoke or boil. This is haircare, not deep frying.

Step 2: Apply to the Roots and Scalp

Dip clean fingertips into the warm oil, or pour directly on to hair, and start applying it directly to the roots of your hair. Work section by section if you can, especially if your hair is thick.

Massage the oil into the scalp using slow circular movements. Focus on dry, itchy, flaky or patchy areas. If using a silicone scalp massage brush, use gentle circular motions to help spread the oil and lift loose flakes.

Try to get the oil right down to the scalp rather than just coating the top of your hair. The scalp is where the magic starts.

Step 3: Brush Through the Lengths

Once your scalp is covered, brush or comb the oil through the lengths of your hair. Make sure the brush reaches the scalp so the oil keeps spreading from roots to ends.

If your ends are very dry, add a little extra oil just to the ends and smooth it through with your fingers.

For curly hair, textured hair or hair that does not love brushing when dry, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb instead.

Pro Tip 👍

A silicone scalp massage brush is especially useful if you have dry, flaky or patchy areas. The soft silicone bristles help move the oil through the roots, massage the scalp and gently loosen flakes without scratching. Do not attack your scalp like you are scrubbing a BBQ plate. Gentle circles are enough.

Step 4: Leave It In

Leave the oil in for at least 20 minutes.

For a deeper treatment, you can leave it in for a few hours or even overnight. This can be especially helpful if your scalp is very dry or flaky, or if your hair is brittle, frizzy or rough through the ends.

If leaving it in for longer, pop on a shower cap or wrap your hair in an old towel or cling wrap. Use a pillowcase you do not mind getting a little oily, just in case.

Step 5: Wash It Out

After your chosen treatment time, shampoo your hair thoroughly. A double shampoo usually works best.

The first shampoo helps loosen and remove the oil. The second shampoo actually cleans the hair and scalp properly.

We’re obviously a little biased, but this is where our OzWellness Emu Oil Shampoo shines. It pairs beautifully with the treatment and helps wash out the oil without leaving your hair feeling stripped.

Follow with your usual conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends unless your scalp likes a little extra love too.

Step 6: Hello Happy Hair and Scalp

Once your hair is dry, it should feel softer, smoother and a whole lot happier. If your scalp was feeling dry or irritated, you should feel a sense of relief.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Do a Hot Oil Treatment?

For dry hair or scalp, once a week is a good starting point.

For very dry, brittle or frizzy hair, you may like to do it weekly for a month, then drop back to every two to four weeks for maintenance.

For oily hair, try once every two to four weeks and make sure you double shampoo afterwards.

For beards or moustaches, once a week or fortnightly is usually plenty.

Can I Microwave the Emu Oil?

You can, but we do not recommend it.

Microwaves can heat unevenly and create hot spots, even after a short time. This can make the oil too hot for your scalp and may damage some of the natural nutrients and goodness in the emu oil if it overheats.

Can I Just Heat the Emu Oil In The Sun Instead?

If you live somewhere hot and your emu oil is already loose and runny, you may not need to warm it at all. You can simply leave the bottle in a sunny warm spot for 10 to 15 minutes so it becomes more pliable. Just do not leave it baking in full sun for ages.

Can I Add Other Oils or Essential Oils?

You can, but be careful.

Essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, lavender and chamomile are very concentrated and can irritate sensitive scalps. Because emu oil absorbs so well, be mindful of what you mix into it.

Use a very low dilution, patch test first, and avoid essential oils for babies, young children, pets, pregnancy, broken skin, active flare-ups or very sensitive skin unless advised by a qualified health professional.

Can I Use Emu Oil on Babies/Infants - E.g. Cradle Cap?

Yes, emu oil can be used very gently to help soften cradle cap scales before washing.

Use only a tiny amount. Massage it gently into the crusty areas, let it sit for a short time, then wash with a mild baby shampoo. You can use a soft baby brush or soft cloth to gently loosen softened flakes.

Do not pick, scratch or force the scales off, as this can irritate the skin. If the area looks red, swollen, infected, cracked, weepy or your baby seems uncomfortable, check with your GP, pharmacist or child health nurse.

More information on using emu oil for babies and children

Can I Use It If I Have Oily Hair?

Yes, you can still use it.

Oily hair and a dry or flaky scalp can happen at the same time. Annoying, but true.

The trick is to use less oil, focus mainly on the scalp, leave it for 20 minutes rather than overnight, and double shampoo thoroughly afterwards.

Can I Use It on My Dog or Cat?

Yes, definitely, it is perfectly safe and effective on all types of animals.

Emu oil is perfect for dry skin, rough patches or dull coats. Use a very small amount, avoid eyes and broken skin, and do not add essential oils. Many essential oils are not suitable for pets, especially cats.

View our info page on using emu oil for pets

Will Emu Oil Make My Hair Shiny?

Yes, it can definitely help hair look shinier. When dry hair is nourished and smoothed, it reflects light better. That is where the gloss comes from.

It can also help reduce the look of frizz and make hair feel softer through the ends.

Can I Use Cold Emu Oil instead of Warming It?

Yes, you can use emu oil cold or at room temperature for hair and scalp.

It will still work beautifully as a hair and scalp oil. Warming it just makes it softer, runnier and easier to massage through the scalp, roots and hair, especially if you are working it into dry, flaky or patchy areas.

Just keep it warm, not hot. If it feels too hot on your wrist, it is too hot for your scalp.

Can It Help Hair Growth?

A healthy scalp is a better environment for healthy-looking hair. Emu oil can help support scalp comfort, reduce dryness and keep the scalp feeling nourished.

We do not recommend thinking of it as a miracle hair growth cure, because nothing is that simple. But if your scalp is dry, flaky, tight or irritated, supporting the scalp barrier is a sensible place to start.

You can also read our blog on emu oil and hair growth for more information.

Final Tips Before You Start

• Warm, not hot, is the rule.
• Patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
• Use less oil than you think, then add more if needed.
• Use a silicone scalp massage brush if your scalp is flaky or patchy.
• Double shampoo to remove the oil properly.
• Do not use essential oils on babies, pets or very sensitive skin.
• For serious scalp issues, use this as supportive care, not a replacement for medical advice.

A warm emu oil hair and scalp treatment is one of those simple little rituals that feels good while you are doing it and even better afterwards. It is earthy, easy, nourishing and very doable at home.

No salon appointment. No complicated routine. Just warm emu oil, a scalp massage, a decent shampoo afterwards, and hopefully hair that feels a whole lot happier.