As one of the most nourishing deep conditioners you can get your hands on, coconut oil is a natural and fairly inexpensive way to pamper your hair, and one of my favourite products to help give your hair hydration and shine overnight.
Coconut oil works to hydrate and nurture dry or tired hair, transforming dull locks into thick, swishy, shiny hair to be proud of! It’s suitable for all hair types and skin types too as it’s so gentle – just remember, a little goes a long way.
The best kind of coconut oil to use is pure, extra virgin raw coconut oil, as this is totally natural and will be super gentle on your hair and scalp. But there are plenty of products on the market that use the natural goodness of coconut oil in a way that makes them easy to apply (coconut oil can get a little messy!). Kiehls’ do a fabulous Amino Acid shampoo and conditioner which uses coconut oil, and at the cheaper end of the market, I really like Ogx Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist for a really lightweight way to add coconut oil into the haircare routine.
So, how should you be using it? If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, using the oil as an overnight mask is a great way to rehydrate the strands and give your hair a makeover. Warm a few tablespoons of oil in the microwave and then apply through the hair, paying particular attention to the mid-lengths and ends. Then pop on a shower cap and head off to bed – you’ll wake with unbelievably soft hair. Just be sure to use a deep-cleansing shampoo in the morning to rinse out the residue.
I also like to use coconut oil for a stimulating head massage; not only does it de-stress and unwind your mind after a long day, but it can also help to boost hair growth, as it promotes circulation to the scalp, meaning that more oxygen and nutrients will be directed to your hair follicles. Warm a few tablespoons of oil and then apply to the scalp, massaging into the roots and smoothing the excess down into the lengths. Spend at least ten minutes massaging the oil in for a healthy scalp and glossy hair.
There are so many benefits to using coconut oil on your hair - in fact, I really think it is a bit of a wonder ingredient! Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for the hair and helps it to look super lustrous and shiny, but the fatty acids within also help to protect hair from breaking, making it stronger and therefore longer. The oil is also loaded with nutrients and antibacterial properties, which can help to eradicate dandruff and keep the hair and scalp healthy and hydrated.
The only thing to be aware of is using too much; coconut oil is naturally a heavy product so you should be careful with the amount that you use. Too much will weigh down the hair and make it look greasy. Long, thick or coarse hair can withstand up to three tablespoons of oil, but finer or shorter hair should only use around a tablespoon to avoid overloading the hair.