Oh, yes, yet another use for coconut oil!

I’ve been using it quite unsparingly for everything on the planet—my favorites being: oil pulling to keep my teeth, gums and immunity strong, and as an all over body moisturizer, especially after sun exposure.

The other day, I planned on doing my usual hair and scalp treatment using olive oil, then decided that I would try coconut instead. Coconut oil is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial—great for anyone treating any kind of scalp issue, and contains vitamins K and E.

My partner said that my hair had never looked fuller, and indeed he was right, my curls were positively shiny and bouncy. I spend a lot of time in the sun and wind, so my hair dries out, and it really does not matter how much water I drink (lots), the elements are harsh on hair.

“Blog it up!” My lover suggested, knowing that I like to share groovy tidbits from my life. So here goes. It’s incredibly simple. Combine with a home-made mask and you’ll be naturally beautiful.

Moisture Treatment

1.Very gently heat some coconut oil in a small pot. Try to avoid the microwave, because it denatures protein molecules as it heats. You can put the coconut oil in a jar that has been set in some hot water.

Coconut oil melts quickly. It does not have to be hot, just warm. Warm oil helps to open up the hair cuticle which is what we want for deep moisturizing.

The amount of oil will vary with how much hair you have but I start with 1 or 2 Tablespoons and add more as needed.

2. If you wish, you can add essential oils to the coconut oil. This is not optional but offers added benefits. You can add one or all, as you please. A drop will do for a one time treatment. Essential oils that are especially useful for hair health include:

>>> Rosemary: invigorating, treats dry scalp, broken hair shaft
>>> Lavender: increases blood circulation, soothing scent alleviates stress
>>> Peppermint: invigorating, tingling sensation on scalp, increased circulation
>>> Chamomile: dandruff, psoriasis, and even lice.

Please use the best quality essential oils you can find, as many are synthetic essences and are not suitable for use on the skin. I use Young Living Oils, which can be sourced on the internet.

3. Massage gently into the scalp, using firm strokes, and into hair, as needed. Comb through with a wide tooth comb then wrap a damp, hot towel around your hair for increased hair shaft penetration.

Leave on for 30 minutes or overnight.

This is when I usually apply a mask, and depending on what my skin needs, it will range from ground coffee and honey (invigorating), to avocado and honey (moisturizing), to yogurt and honey (also moisturizing).

Why all the honey? It’s antibacterial and full of anti-oxidants and enzymes, darling!

If I’m doing an overnight treatment, I lay a thick towel over my pillow for protection and unwrap my hair then go to sleep.

4. When ready, wash hair with a gentle shampoo. Rinse well.

By the way, men love this scalp/hair treatment too. But a word to the wise, he’s going to ask you for a scalp massage if you treat him to this. I’d negotiate terms before-hand.

~

Source: The Aromatherapy Studio by Lucy Bareham

 

Relephant: 

11 Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Skin, Hair & Health.

44 Genius Benefits of Coconut Oil.

“I recently started using coconut oil, and this is exactly how I feel.”

Another thing coconut oil is useful for: 

 

Author: Monika Carless

Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo: jdwestcott/Pixabay