How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair

How to Use Coconut Oil for Beautiful, Healthy Hair

Coconut oil has become a popular solution for resolving many hair woes. With its stellar combination of fatty acids, antioxidants and nutrients, coconut oil can transform lackluster locks. But how exactly should you use coconut oil for hair to get the most benefits? Follow this guide to properly incorporate it into your routine.

Choosing the Right Coconut Oil

With coconut oil’s rise in popularity, there are now many options on store shelves. But not all coconut oils are created equal when it comes to hair care. Always select unrefined, virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil. Refined versions processed with heat or chemicals lose nutritional content.

Check that the oil smells tropical and coconutty, not rancid or artificial. Organic, sustainably harvested oils are best. Store your coconut oil tightly sealed in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage. Limit contact between fingers and oil to keep it clean.

Using Coconut Oil as an Overnight Treatment

One of the most intensive ways to condition hair with coconut oil is applying it as an overnight masque. Scoop out around 2-3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Distribute from roots to ends, massaging oil thoroughly into hair and scalp. Cover hair in a shower cap or towel. Leave oil on a minimum of 2 hours or ideally overnight. Rinse out in the morning with a sulfate-free shampoo. Limit to 1-2 times per week to avoid greasiness.

Adding to Shampoo and Conditioner

For convenient daily use, add a teaspoon or two of coconut oil into your usual shampoo or conditioner right before use. The oils mix with the product and coat strands with each wash for added hydration and shine boosting. This helps stretch your coconut oil out further too. Just ensure your hair products are free of sulfates and silicones so they don’t interact negatively with the oil.

Using as a Post-Shower Lock in Sealant

After shampooing and conditioning while hair is still damp, smooth a nickel to quarter sized amount of coconut oil through the mid-lengths and ends. Focus on the driest areas. This seals in moisture, prevents frizz and protects hair from heat stylers. For fine or oily hair, concentrate coconut oil only on ends.

Incorporating into Homemade Masks and Treatments

Mix melted coconut oil into your favorite DIY hair masks and treatments to supercharge them. Blend it into masks with nourishing ingredients like avocado, banana, olive oil, eggs, honey and yogurt. Add a spoonful into any hair conditioning recipe for extra moisture and slip. Apply homemade coconut oil masks 1-2 times per week after shampooing.

Using as a Protective Pre-Wash

Coconut oil makes an excellent protective layer before swimming or using chlorinated hot tubs. Apply thoroughly from roots to tips before getting hair wet. The oil seals strands, blocking absorption of drying chlorine and minerals. After swimming, shampoo once to remove chlorine then condition as usual. Limit pre-swim oiling to once a week.

Applying as a Frizz- Fighting Serum on Dry Hair

To tame frizz and flyaways on dry hair, warm a dime-size amount of solid coconut oil in hands until melted. Smooth over frizzy areas like ends, flyaways and strands around the hairline. This instantly smoothes and softens, preventing static and frizz even in humidity. Start with only 1-2 drops for fine hair to avoid greasiness.

Things to Keep in Mind

•  Patch test oil on skin first to check for allergies
•  Use sparingly on oily hair and scalp to avoid greasiness
•  Pair with shampoos free of sulfates and silicones for best results
•  Avoid applying right before heat styling as oil and heat can burn
•  Rinse out fully with shampoo after pre-pooing before chlorine swimming

So give your locks some serious TLC with the versatility of coconut oil. Use it strategically as a intensive masque, daily conditioned booster, frizz fighter and swim protector. Your hair will have that enviable, beachy texture and shine in no time.