I’ve been itching to write about this for some reason, but I’m just getting to it. Anyway, now I’m here. I heard about coconut oil about a few months ago, and so I started looking for it. I found some a few weeks ago and I am off the roof about my acquisition. Coconut oil is a natural oil filled with vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that are great not only for your skin, but also for your hair. For thousands of years, women in coastal regions have used coconut oil as hair oil and have seen amazing results. Coconut oil is a stable oil which can be cold-pressed from the nut, just like olive oil or avocado oil. Coconut oil has a high affinity for proteins and since it is small and has a straight line structure, it slips into the hair easily; penetrating into the strands and doing its magic. So here are the different ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your hair care routine.
1. As a pre-wash treatment. This is by far the most effective use for coconut oil. Because of its penetrating power, coconut oil should be applied to the hair before it is shampooed. The whole shampooing process causing a whole lot of damage to the hair, so the coconut oil serves as a protective layer from the water and from your hands. Also, pre-wash involves combing and detangling; the coconut oil provides friction and slip thus reduces knots and breakage. To apply, just heat up the oil slightly; so as not to destroy the molecular bonds, I would recommend placing a small amount of the oil in a bowl of hot water. Smooth unto the hair and leave on overnight. You can wash and condition as usual.
2. As a conditioner. I said earlier that coconut oil has an affinity for protein; let me explain. Coconut oil contains about 45% of the fatty acid known as lauric acid. This acid prevents the loss of proteins in the hair, leading to less breakage and cuticle damage. This in turn reduces frizz and split ends. Section your hair and carefully smooth coconut oil unto it, paying attention to your tips which are the oldest and most stressed parts of the hair. Cover with a plastic cap and leave to sit for about 30 minutes or more. Rinse off with cold water.
3. As a moisturizer. Coconut oil can be used as a daily moisturiser for hair. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your hair, especially your tips, every day to retain moisture. You can also mix it with other natural oils such as olive oil and shea oil for an added shine.
4. As an anti-fugal treatment. Coconut oil has an anti-fungal property, therefore it can be used as an anti-fugal remedy. If you have a severe dandruff problem, apply the warm oil to your scalp and leave overnight; you can also use a mix that includes castor oil and sesame oil. Wash it out in the morning with a conditioner. Coconut oil can also treat scalp boils and is useful as a soothing relief for those with lice.
5. As a hair sealer. Sealing is a very important step in the hair care routine. It helps prevent the evaporation of water from the hair. Using an oil is the best way to keep the moisture in for longer; it doesn’t stop it from escaping entirely, it only delays the process. After applying your moisturiser, smooth coconut oil all over the hair to seal in the moisture.
If I go on, I will use up all my data; coconut oil is really a miracle oil. The only snag is that it is expensive. 500ml of this wonder product costs N1000. I have a N200 supply which I am hoarding at the moment. I mange it by mixing with olive oil and melted shea butter. If you need some, get at me I can help you out ;).
So try out coconut oil, and let me know what you think in the comment section.