In the pursuit of the perfect looking locks, we put our hair through the ringer and then have no idea how to deal with the fallout. Hairdryers, flat irons, and curling irons have become an everyday part of our lives. Add to that the gels, mousses and sprays we use to keep these styles in place, and the result is often brittle, dry hair and an itchy scalp. Of course, we then spend hundreds of dollars on damage control. The solution can actually be surprisingly simple: a coconut oil hair treatment.
Coconut Oil: Organic, Healthy and Fuss-Free
It stands to reason that applying chemical treatments to your hair might do more harm than good. You inherently know not to fight fire with fire, so the same logic should apply to your hair care routine. The alcohol, silicone, and unpronounceable chemicals found in most hair care products can be harsh on your scalp and should probably be avoided if you can help it. Most dermatologists agree that healthy hair stems from a healthy scalp; and if you take the time to think about it, it makes sense. Too many women focus on keeping their facial and bodily skin in top condition, without considering their scalp, which is just as important.
Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp needs oxygen, moisture and nutrients in order to thrive. Coconut oil contains just the right amount of these important nutrients without turning your head into a greasy mess. Using a coconut oil scalp treatment once a week will greatly improve the health of your locks. This natural oil contains lauric acid, capric acid, and vitamin E, all of which are proven to increase the overall health of your scalp while simultaneously strengthening each strand of your gorgeous tresses.
Coconut oil is actually a common ingredient in beauty products like conditioners and hair oils, because it penetrates the hair shaft better than other oils. That means it’s super-hydrating, but you’re still likely to do better by getting the organic, virgin (unrefined) coconut oil (try this one from Nutiva).
Here are some of the purposes for coconut oil scalp treatments, for which we’ll tell you the best DIY way to achieve each one:
- Deep conditioner/detangler
- dry scalp and dandruff treatment
- oily scalp treatment
Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning and Detangling Treatment
Is your hair dry, brittle, and tangle easily? Do you have trouble brushing it out? Coconut oil can help!
How: You can create a simple coconut oil deep conditioning treatment by placing a tablespoon or so of the product in a small, heat-proof container and warming it up for a few seconds until it is completely melted. (How to best melt coconut oil.) Make sure that it is not uncomfortably hot (lukewarm is best) and massage the oil into your scalp. Take the time to comb the oil through your hair, from root to tip, and then allow it to sit for a few hours. Choose an afternoon or evening where you have enough free time on your hands so that you can soak in a movie while the coconut oil does its thing. Finish off the treatment by shampooing your hair as you normally would. Want to condition even more? After applying the oil, wrap up your locks in a towel or shower cap before bed and wash it in the morning.
Combating Dry Scalp and Dandruff with a Coconut Oil Scalp Treatment
Nothing is quite as annoying as a dry, itchy scalp prone to dandruff or acne. It’s almost debilitating to deal with this type of scalp condition. Trying to find a store-brand product that covers these issues may leave you at your wits end. Instead of spending hours in your local beauty store or pharmacy, it may be in your best interests to whip up a treatment at home.
- Recipe: Mix about 5 tablespoons of organic, extra-virgin coconut oil with four drops of tea tree oil
and four drops of organic, therapeutic-grade rosemary oil
or pure, therapeutic-grade eucalyptus oil
. Massage this mixture into your scalp once or twice a week and you should see promising results.
Coconut Oil to Battle an Oily Scalp
On the flip side of the coin, there are more than a few women who struggle to deal with an oily scalp and greasy hair. Here’s a mixture you can use in lieu of your regular conditioner, once or twice a week, and you are bound to enjoy a lighter, healthier feeling scalp. As always, apply the treatment to your scalp first, and then spend a few minutes working it through from root to tip. Try to allow the mixture to sit for at least five minutes before rinsing it out.
- Recipe: Mix five tablespoons of pure coconut oil with a couple tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and an equal amount of fresh grapefruit juice.
Tips to Remember when Using Coconut Oil for Hair
When using coconut oil on your hair, remember that it tends to solidify when it cools. If you struggle to rinse the oil out of your hair, try turning up the heat a little when you shampoo your hair and the treatment should wash right out. If you have particularly greasy locks, try adding a small amount of baking soda to your shampoo as this will help to lift the grease without damaging your hair.
More: Coconut Oil Hair Mask Recipes
  As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner, 16 OunceThis is a coconut-oil based cowash mainly, but not only, used with wonderful results by women looking to go natural or maintain natural kinky curls. |
  Hair Chemist Coconut Oil Deep Repair MasqueThis is a deep hair repair masque that includes coconut oil as well as other oils and natural butters in its ingredients. It has great reviews on Amazon at the link above. It’s available on Amazon at the link above or at Sally’s Beauty Supply stores. |
  (OGX) Organix Coconut Milk Anti-breakage Serum 4ozThis product is a coconut oil-based hair serum from the same company as above. You can use to lightly dress your still-wet hair before drying and styling it. |
  Coconut Big Set (Coconut Lotion, Coconut Hand Cream, Coconut Body Scrub, Coconut Shower Gel, Coconut Shampoo, Coconut Conditioner) |
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