Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, which nourish and moisturize the scalp and hair. Polynesian cultures historically have and still do use coconut oil as a beauty oil, according to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, Hawaii. A study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" in 1999, found that coconut oil applied to the hair reduced hair breakage and damage. You can replace expensive deep conditioning salon treatments, by using coconut oil as a hair conditioner at home.
Step 1
Pour 1 cup of hot water into a small bowl.
Step 2
Scoop 2 tsp. coconut oil out of the jar, using a clean spoon, and put it into a glass cup.
Step 3
Place the cup of coconut oil into the bowl of warm water. Leave the cup in the bowl until the coconut oil melts. Pure coconut oil is solid at cold temperatures but melts quickly at 76 degrees F or above.
Step 4
Massage the coconut oil onto your scalp and throughout your hair. If your hair is long, you may need to use additional coconut oil. You can apply the coconut oil to dry or damp hair, whichever you prefer. The oil spreads more easily through damp hair.
Step 5
Comb your hair to distribute the coconut oil evenly through your hair.
Step 6
Put a shower cap on your head and tuck all of your hair inside of it. Leave the coconut oil on your hair for one hour or overnight. The longer you leave the coconut oil on, the more it will condition your hair.
Step 7
Shampoo your hair twice to remove the coconut oil completely.
Step 8
Melt a pea-sized amount of coconut oil in the palms of your hands, by rubbing your hands together and apply it lightly throughout your hair for extra conditioning, concentrating on the ends of your hair. Skip this step if your hair does not need extra conditioning.
Step 9
Style your hair as normal.
Tips and Warnings
- Purchase pure, unrefined coconut oil for best results. Pure, unrefined coconut oil is processed without chemicals. Chemical processing destroys the oil's valuable nutrients. Unrefined coconut oil is sold in health foods stores. You can purchase pure, unrefined coconut oil that is sold for cosmetic use or for food use. Mix one drop of your favorite essential oil into the coconut oil before putting it into your hair, to give the oil a pleasant scent. Jasmine oil and honeysuckle oil work well with coconut oil.
Things You'll Need
- Glass cup
- Small bowl
- Shower cap
- Comb
References
- Polynesian Cultural Center: Marquesas Traditional Medicine
- Journal of Cosmetic Science; Effect of Coconut Oil on Prevention of Hair Damage, Part 1; A.S. Rele , R.B. Mohile; vol. 50, no. 6, pp. 327-339; 1990
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