After many years of using hair cosmetics from the top shop-shelves, many of us, including myself, have noticed negative side effects, resulting from many aggressive and harmful synthetic compounds. Excessive drying, split ends, irritations of the scalp - to name a few.
We all want hair that is naturally shiny, smooth and soft, especially if you prefer long hair. Natural oils are becoming more popular, and among them, coconut oil stands out with many of its benefits, as I discovered.
The Use and Positive Side Effects of Coconut Oil for Your Hair
The use of coconut oil, in a self-applied way, can bring positively surprising effects. You can use it as shampoo, conditioner and mask. It can bring excellent care effects especially for the kind of hair that is weak, dry or grey.
Coconut oil properties work in many different combinations, ensuring excellent nutrition, including the necessary vitamin E that also acts as anti-aging protection, and retaining proper hydration of both - your hair and skin.
To increase the effects of coconut oil, you can combine it with other natural oils - almond oil, castor oil, sesame oil or linseed oil, and a few drops of essential oils. All those ingredients applied to your hair bring an intensively refreshing aroma, and this has a positive side effect - elevating the mood and improving the sense of well-being.
How to Choose and Use Coconut Oil on Hair?
First, remember to choose virgin and organic coconut oil, from a respected source. I have acted a little bit reckless after reading some of the reports on coconut oil, went to the shop and bought one. Luckily, I did not apply it until I kept reading further. It occured that what I bought can only be applied to my frying pan or leather shoes!
Ways to Use Coconut Oil to Improve Your Hair Health:
Shampoo: For this purpose, you need to mix one teaspoon of warmed-over coconut oil, to get it to the liquid level. Add a few drops of organic apple cider vinegar. Wash as usual and rinse. This really strengthens your hair and gives a wonderful cleansing and soothing effect. If you have short or thin hair, you may need half a teaspoon of coconut oil.
Conditioner: Wash your hair as usual, then run your fingers moistened with coconut oil, through your hair, from mid to tip. You can also try to rub coconut oil into your hair before washing it.
Hair mask: Mix coconut oil with other natural oils you have available, in 1:1 proportion. Add 4-6 drops of essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus. Rub the mixture into your hair and wrap with a clean, fresh towel. Leave it on for at least one hour, and rinse. You may use gentle shampoo if your hair is too greasy.
Styling agent: After shampooing, rub a few bits of coconut oil onto your hair and style it as usual. This will also help for long hair to make brushing-out a lot easier.
Scalp treatment: If you have itchy, dry skin, and suffer from dandruff, this can be a helpful treatment to re-establish proper hydration and nutrition, while getting rid of the bacteria causing the skin problems. Before going to bed, massage a small amount of coconut oil into the scalp. Put a towel on your pillow, if you are afraid to stain it, although this should not be a problem. Leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning with a gentle shampoo.
You can use these techniques on a regular basis or occasionally, depending on your needs and time. I use it once a week and thanks to this, I have beautiful, healthy and shiny long hair. All problems with extensive hair loss have also disappeared after a few weeks.
Of course, the amount of coconut oil you need depends on the length and type of your hair. Most people use just enough to gently moisturize them, avoiding making them too greasy. You can still try and use coconut oil if you have greasy hair - many people suggest it will still balance the pH of your head skin. The best approach is to start with the smaller quantity, and gradually increase it when needed.
If you want to know more about tried and tested uses of coconut oil, you may be interested in my book:
