Deep conditioning can add moisture, shine and vitality to your dry hair. Coconut oil is a natural alternative to commercially available conditioners and is especially well suited for very dry, curly hair types, including African-American hair. Applied generously, coconut oil is ideal for an intense conditioning treatment; however, you can also use it with a much lighter hand as a styling aid and daily conditioner.
History
The Polynesian cultures have used coconut oil as a hair and scalp treatment for centuries, according to Healthy-Oil-Planet.com. Traditional methods vary, depending upon the culture and the hair type, but they have used coconut oil to soften and condition hair, encourage length, treat dandruff or scalp conditions and as a styling aid. Modern science is showing the benefits of this natural treatment to help treat and heal dry or damaged hair, notes Healthy-Oil-Planet.com.
Function
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and can, unlike many other oils, penetrate the shaft of the hair. A 2003 study in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" by A.S. Rele and R.B. Mohile from Marico Industries Ltd. in Mumbai, India, showed that coconut oil reduced protein loss in both healthy and damaged hair. Coconut oil also reduces combing damage and breakage when used as both a pre-shampoo treatment or a styling aid.
Types
While you can purchase hair products and conditioners made with coconut oil, pure unrefined, virgin coconut oil is ideal for your hair and is also less expensive. You can find unrefined coconut oil in health food stores. At room temperature, coconut oil is a thick, white, solid fat that liquefies at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Unrefined coconut oil may be used for hair care and can also be used for cooking or skin care.
Considerations
Most hair types will benefit from coconut oil as a pre-shampoo oil treatment. Warm coconut oil between your palms, then apply to your hair, focusing on the ends of the hair. Put on a plastic shower cap, and wait one hour. Leave the oil on your hair overnight for a more intensive conditioning treatment. Shampoo and condition normally to remove oily residue. Use an oil treatment like this weekly to deep condition your hair, recommends beauty website Daily Glow.
Features
Unrefined coconut oil may also be used as a shine enhancer, leave-in conditioner and styling aid. Rub a small amount of coconut oil between your palms. Apply to dry hair, focusing on the ends of the hair and the shaft. Avoid applying oil near the roots to prevent a greasy look, according to Candida-Cure-Recipes.com. This treatment is especially helpful for very dry or curly hair.
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