I don't use hot oil, but I use oil. I shouldn't be surprised to find you here! I usually use a petroleum product free massage oil that doesn't have too much olive oil. I just don't like how sticky olive oil is. I personally prefer Coconut oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, carrot oil, grapeseed oil, and some others.

My MO is to work it through all of my hair and braid it and leave it alone for a day or three before my next wash. And, as a bonus, if you take it out after a day and wear it loose it's very like... like this: www.hisashiotsuka.com/otsuka_...tumn.htm . I love his work, btw. I love when he paints women and kimonos, but I imagine his Kabuki and Ronin series might resonate for you also.

You've seen how shiny my hair is, I credit the oil treatments. I suppose it's a slow oil treatment rather than a hot oil treatment.

And I know a Bunch of long haired women (knee to ankle and beyond) who daily just work 1-3 drops btwn their palms and them smooth their hands through their hair, focussing mostly on the dryer ends. Favored oils for this technique are jojoba and coconut and shea butter.

was about to reply to your post, but decided to check your photos first. Quite a surprise to see someone I knew.

ta,
rosered

Dream length=Below ass
Actual length= Upper Hip
Realistic= I'd be happy if my mane of black hair looked fuller near the last few inches...the underside is quite thin and drives me nuts...seems realistic

I stopped blow-drying about a year ago, and only flat-iron every few months....that makes ALL the difference in reducing split ends...and i don't "over-wash" or wear it loose much anymore