I remember when using a hot oil treatments was considered the   'deep conditioner' that was supposedly the miracle remedy for dry or damaged hair.  But do they really work?

First let's break down and examine the process of using a Hot Oil Treatment.  First we wash our hair and then the hot oil treatment is applied.  According to the chemistry of oil, by nature it does not mix with water.  As a matter of fact, oil repels water.  The molecular structure of oil which is just too big to penetrate into your hair shaft have similar chemical make-up which affects their physical behavior.  They are  made up of long and large molecules but what is important to note here is that oil is not capable of 'hydrogen bonding' which is really what is causing the water and oil to repel one another.  So the oil can not get into the hair because the oil is being repelled by the water and the oil is literally just sitting on the surface of some of your hair.

To further complicate the matter, we put a plastic cap on our hair after we apply the oil which further draws out moisture. To understand this concept, think about when you go into an enclosed steam room. The steam makes us sweat, drawing out "moisture" from our bodies, much like that plastic cap is doing when the moisture inside the cap heats up.  Some of this moisture converts to a gas state not benefiting our hair at all. While a bit of the oil mixture may adheres to the hair, most of it gets rinsed down the drain.

Hair would not be dry if we gave it what our natural hair texture really craves which is MOISTURE to flourish.  Ever notice how much easier your hair is to comb while it is wet?  Moisture lubricates and hydrates our hair strands.  Since we cannot walk around with water spray bottles, an excellent alternative is a professional conditioner with moisture retention properties that has a good balance of protein (important for strength and elasticity) and preferably of food grade quality. Your hair will stay moisturized longer and be more manageable.

Oil's true place in our hair care regime is to use it as a styling aid to maintain control and sheen on the hair only (not the scalp) rather than as a conditioner. But be cautioned here because oil can buildup on the hair causing dehydration if not shampooed and clarified off of the hair regularly.  Oil can be a good complement to your natural hair management system if used sparingly and only AFTER a moisture treatment.