Coconut oil is really a ‘wonder’ oil for your whole body. It can be used to clean and moisturize your face, soften cuticles, and nourish dry skin. My personal favorite is to use it for a deep conditioning hair and scalp treatment.
Coconut oil is known to be more beneficial for your hair than regular store-bought conditioner. It’s also known to nourish and treat your scalp better than any dandruff shampoo due to its various fatty acids and lack of harsh chemicals (like ammonium laureth sulfate, magnesium aluminum silicate, and selenium sulfide).
Quite recently, I incorporated a coconut oil hair mask into my weekly routine after discovering that it was a good natural at-home remedy for a dry scalp and dry ends, which I suffer from at times. I thought I’d share my process with you, along with some of the many benefits of coconut oil for your hair and scalp!
Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair & Scalp
Coconut oil contains vitamins and essential fatty acids that can help keep your hair and scalp healthy. It actually penetrates deeper and faster than other conditioners. Here’s a quick list of the benefits of regularly using a coconut oil hair mask on your hair and scalp:
- moisturizes the scalp, and kills fungus, viruses, and bacteria that could also be causing flakes
- removes sebum build-up from your hair follicles
- supports healthy hair growth by improving the overall health of the hair and increasing blood circulation when massaged into the scalp
- penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes hair with vitamins, minerals and fatty acids
- prevents damage and breakage from brushing by reducing your hair’s protein loss
- repairs split ends
- adds volume and shine
Coconut Oil Hair Treatment How-To
What you’ll need:
- jar of organic virgin coconut oil
- small bowl
- shower cap or small towel to wrap your hair in (or just a simple hair clip)
Step 1
Prep your hair – Make sure your hair is dry, and then comb it through to eliminate tangles (this makes it easier to distribute the coconut oil through your hair without getting your fingers caught/pulling out hairs in the process – we don’t want that!).
Step 2
Open the jar of coconut oil and scoop out a 2-3 spoonfuls into a small bowl. (I have pretty long hair and it only takes 2 tablespoons to completely coat it).
Step 3
Pick up a small amount of the coconut oil, and then rub it between your fingers to melt it. Then, use your fingers to gently massage the oil into your scalp for 5-10 minutes. After the little scalp massage, start distributing the coconut oil through your hair using your fingers or a comb.
You’ll find that coconut oil is surprisingly easy to work through your hair, unlike thicker oils like olive oil. Oh, and don’t worry about using too much – it’s all going to wash out when you shampoo!
Step 4
After you’ve finished applying the oil, pile your hair onto of you head and then cover it with a shower cap, plastic wrap, or a small towel (which I personally like use). Allow your coconut oil hair mask soak in for 30+ minutes, or overnight for best results.
Step 5
Once you’ve let the coconut oil hair mask do its wonders, wash your hair out a few times with your usual shampoo. You may want to wash and rinse 2-3 times to completely remove all of the oil (and don’t forgot to really lather those ends – they’re an easy spot to miss!).
This coconut oil hair treatment can be repeated every couple of days to nourish and restore your hair and scalp. If you suffer from serious damage or dandruff, it may take a few treatments before you start to see an improvement.
Also, make sure to always look for unrefined, cold pressed coconut oil, which are additive-free and contain all the natural compounds that make the oil healthy for your hair and skin!
Have you tried a coconut oil hair mask?
What’s your favorite at-home hair treatment?
Sources: Organicfacts, Dr. Axe
