This is a classic. Nothing can beat coconut oil when it comes to a lot of consistent and effective benefits. And when I say a lot I mean: it would take me all day to list them down. From overall body health, skin, and even dietary health, coconut oil is your best friend.
When it comes to hair however, it is a completely different tier. Coconut oil is the crowning jewel of hair health. It is the pinnacle of success for long, short, straight, and curly locks—the key to all your hair problems.
Well… almost.
There are always dos and dont’s when it comes to all things body care. When used strategically, coconut oil can soften, add shine, and help repair dry hair. Read on for nine ways to use coconut oil in your hair routine.
It’s your protective layer
For you curly and dry-haired folks, here’s a tip: coat your dry hair with a glob of coconut oil (but avoid the scalp) for an hour or so before hitting the shower. The oil protects each strand from drying out while you shampoo, as chemicals can be harsh on your locks. Rinse the oil from your hair and apply a conditioner as normal. (If you have thin hair, the oil might be too much for you.)
Your shine sister
Instead of dumping a bunch of chemical-induced products on your hair, stick to your all-natural coconut oil. It would probably be better to put it in a spray bottle and spritz it on your locks for a natural shine. It’s the perfect ingredient for picture-perfect hair.
Coconut oil + conditioner = a magic potion
After conditioning your hair, apply a thin layer of coconut oil on top. This will condition your strands even further. The oil being occlusive will trap your conditioner’s hydrating ingredients, allowing it to penetrate even further and last longer on your hair.
The ultimate swim cap
Worried about what seawater will do to your hair? Or the chlorine in your pool? We’ve got good news. Coconut oil can stand as the protective layer between your hair and harsh pool chemicals. Before you head to the pool or beach, cover your hair with coconut oil. It will act as a barrier between your strands and the water, to a certain degree. And you don’t have to wear those swim caps anymore.
Knots no more
Hair gets all tangled up when water gets into the hair shaft, causing it to swell, look uneven, and tangle into each other. Coconut oil stops the hair from absorbing water, especially in humid climates, which can help prevent this hairtastrophe.
Natural lice destroyer
Medicated lice treatments can be tough, and so are lice. You really can’t stop them once they’ve plagued your scalp. Coconut oil is an effective alternative to harsh medical treatments and shampoos. The Cut says that in a 2002 study, 940 children who were administered a hair cocktail of coconut oil, anise oil, and ylang ylang oil. The mixture was applied to each child’s hair three times a day for five days. The coconut-oil combination was successful for 92.3 percent of the lice cases, faring slightly better than the medicated control group, which saw a success rate of 92.2 percent.
Coconut oil is the hair savior, but don’t be fooled. There are some cases when it’s bad for you—especially for dandruff. The oil might actually trigger more flakes, so this one is a no-go. If used on your scalp, it can clog your pores and prevent your hair follicles from “breathing.” This dehydrates your scalp, and can make a case of dandruff more pronounced. You might actually have to try medicated shampoos instead.
But aside from that, give the coconuts a go. They are real life saviors for your precious crowns.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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