In their quest for perfection, modern women are ready to use various cosmetics for hair care, but lately they have been giving preference to natural ingredients that can work real miracles. They also paid attention to coconut oil, which contains a lot of useful substances necessary to improve the condition of the skin and hair.
This plant extract, as well as masks prepared on its basis, can make your curls healthy and truly luxurious. The main thing is to follow the recipe and not violate the rules of application.
The healing properties of coconut oil for hair
Natural coconut oil is distinguished by its unique composition, which includes vitamins, saturated fatty acids and other substances that have a complex effect on the hair structure and scalp. The use of such a tool helps solve the following problems:
- split ends, dry and brittle hair;
- dull and lifeless strands;
- damaged hair (after dyeing and perm);
- excessive hair loss;
- premature appearance of gray hair;
- appearance of dandruff, itching.
The main feature of the oil is that, due to its dense consistency, it is perfectly absorbed into the hair structure and envelops it with an invisible protective film , thereby protecting it from various negative factors.
It is worth noting that you can find two types of oil on sale - liquid (refined) and solid (unrefined). The former is best for the scalp and hair, however it will provide slightly less benefits as some of the valuable elements are destroyed during the cleansing of the product.
Coconut milk benefits. Nutritional value of coconut milk
What is coconut milk and how is it made?
Coconut milk is not actually a dairy product at all in the sense that you usually think of milk. This liquid is naturally found in mature coconuts (Cocos nucifera), which belong to the palm family (Arecaceae). Coconut cream, another way to describe full-fat coconut milk, is stored in the white, hard coconut “meat,” which is the pulp. And when coconut cream and coconut water are combined, you get smooth coconut milk.
How to apply masks correctly?
Many people are accustomed to the fact that hair masks are usually applied for about 30 minutes, but there are products that can act for 8 hours while a person sleeps, because during this time the body is restored. So why not use this time for extra care? When deciding to apply a mask overnight, you should follow a number of the following rules and recommendations:
- You should not apply a completely new, untested composition for a long time due to the risk of adverse reactions. Initially, you need to conduct a simple test by smearing the product on a small area of skin (wrist). If redness or itching occurs, you must immediately rinse everything off with plenty of water and stop using the mixture;
- It is strictly forbidden to apply masks for a long period of time that contain aggressive components (mustard, hot pepper), otherwise you can get a skin burn;
- for oily hair types, oil is applied to the roots in smaller quantities;
- It is best to use the products 30 minutes before going to bed, when the body is already relaxed and ready to absorb nutrients;
- you need to take into account the fact that coconut oil must be washed off thoroughly, so you will have to wake up early to be on time for work, etc.
IMPORTANT: hair mask recipes often indicate the amount of ingredients calculated for medium-length strands. For short curls, you need to reduce the volume, and for long curls, increase it.
Before use, coconut oil must be heated in a water bath to a temperature no higher than 30-40 degrees. In addition, it heats up easily in your hands - just rub it between your palms. To preserve all the beneficial components included in the oil, do not heat it in the microwave.
Experts advise applying coconut extract mainly to the ends and middle of your hair. Do not rub a copious amount of product into the scalp and roots, otherwise it will be difficult to wash off and the strands will become heavy. To distribute evenly, you can use a wide-toothed comb or soft bristles, and rub in the oil using hand massage movements for 20 minutes. At the very end of the procedure, the strands are braided, and the head is necessarily wrapped in a plastic bag, after which it is wrapped in a terry towel or insulated with a special warming cap.
IMPORTANT: when starting therapeutic and preventive procedures, try to avoid getting oil on clothes, since stains from it are almost impossible to wash off.
Coconut oil is applied before washing your hair - on dry hair 1-2 times a week and only occasionally on wet hair; moreover, it can have a beneficial effect on any type of hair.
To treat brittle and dry curls with split ends, it is recommended to apply an oily substance to the entire length daily. The best effect can be achieved by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the product. This will make the hair structure elastic. If the problem does not affect the entire length of the strands, then rub a small amount of coconut oil only into the ends. The procedure is done after washing your hair, on wet or dry hair, before going to bed.
People with mixed hair types should use the oil especially carefully. To improve the condition of such hair, the product is applied according to the following scheme:
- on the ends - generously and regularly (every day);
- on the scalp and roots - less abundantly, 1 time per week.
Considering the fact that natural coconut oil has a greasy consistency, it must be washed off properly. You should not try to rinse your hair with water right away, otherwise the task will become much more complicated. Initially, shampoo is poured into the palm of your hand and gently foamed on the hair, after which everything is rinsed with warm water. Then you need to do the procedure again, applying shampoo to wet hair.
For reference: after using oil, it is better not to use conditioner so as not to weigh down your hair.
Coconut oil improves the condition of hair and treats it, but most often it is mixed with other ingredients to enhance the effect. It combines well with foods, essential oils and even herbal ingredients. In order not to harm your hair and not be disappointed in the results, cosmetologists advise not to violate the recipe when preparing mixtures.
It is worth noting that masks are made only in glass or enamel containers. They do not last long, so it is better not to mix a large number of components.
Contraindications
Even the healthiest product can cause a severe allergic reaction in some people, and coconut oil is no exception. Therefore, before the first use, it is necessary to conduct a fairly simple test for sensitivity and individual intolerance to the substance: apply the oil to the wrist or area near the ear. It is recommended to evaluate the result within 24 hours. A contraindication to the use of coconut oil is the occurrence of an adverse reaction, expressed in the form of a rash on the skin.
To maintain youth and firmness of your skin, it is not at all necessary to spend a lot of money on purchasing expensive cosmetics; sometimes, to achieve a stunning effect, it is enough just to use natural products. Coconut oil is such an inexpensive healing alternative.
Hair strengthening recipe
For the remedy you will need the following kit:
- coconut oil – 15 ml;
- honey – 5 ml;
- ylang-ylang oil – 2-3 drops.
The main component is heated to the required temperature and mixed with the other ingredients until a homogeneous consistency. The resulting mass is distributed over the scalp and the entire length of the hair, and is washed off no earlier than after 30 minutes. The procedure is done once a week.
You can also beat 20 ml of coconut oil with 1 egg yolk and apply everything to dry strands. This mask is washed off after 2 hours only with cool water!
To add shine
The coconut product is used in combination with other ingredients to revitalize dull hair, give it a healthy shine, restore elasticity and silkiness.
With glycerin, protein and vinegar
Add glycerin and apple cider vinegar to the egg white, whipped to a strong foam, 1 tsp each. and two larger volumes of melted coconut product. Mix the mixture until it has a uniform consistency and then apply it to your hair, leaving it on for one hour until washed off.
Nourishing mask
Weakened hair can be pampered with a nourishing mask made from the following products:
- melted coconut oil – 100 g;
- dried hibiscus flowers – 15 g.
All components are mixed and applied to the strands daily. You can also use 2 tbsp. l. oil add 1 overripe banana or avocado (previously crushed to puree). The mixture is spread on wet hair and distributed over the entire length using a comb. The product is washed off after 40 minutes. Multiplicity of application of the nourishing mask:
- dry hair type - 2-3 times a week;
- normal and oily hair – once a week.
To eliminate brittleness
In order to restore elasticity to fragile brittle strands with split ends, special recipes are selected, which, along with coconut oil, which has a wide range of beneficial characteristics, include other components that enhance the regenerating effect.
With myrrh oil
Unrefined coconut oil, which you will need 2 tsp, after heating, is mixed with 10 drops of myrrh oil. Using a soft brush, generously moisten the ends of your hair in the evening. It is recommended to stand until the morning.
With banana and sour cream
Banana pulp is pureed using a blender. With active kneading, add 1 tbsp. l. fresh homemade sour cream and twice as much warmed coconut oil. The entire length of the strands should be coated with a homogeneous paste. Wash off after 1.5 hours.
How to use coconut oil in combination with other oils?
Proper and effective hair care involves the competent use of a variety of natural products containing substances necessary for health. And in order to apply as many beneficial components as possible to the skin and strands at the same time, cosmetologists advise combining coconut oil with other types of oils. It is important to first familiarize yourself with the beneficial properties of each product and monitor the body’s reaction.
Thus, combinations with citrus essential oils (grapefruit, lemon, orange) will enhance hair growth, and a few drops of tea tree will help get rid of unpleasant itching and dandruff. An additional ingredient such as olive oil can enhance the moisturizing effect. Adding unrefined almond oil will help restore the natural vitality of your hair, while castor oil will prevent hair loss, activate growth, and is also ideal for oily hair. It goes well with coconut and burdock oil, which will restore the deep layers of strands of any type.
Knowing how to properly use natural coconut oil at home, you can achieve incredible success in an extremely short time and become the owner of thick and healthy hair.
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Who are the procedures recommended for?
Nutritious coconut mixtures are used for medicinal and preventive purposes. They are ideal for common hair problems caused by :
- frequent staining with chemical compounds;
- washing with hard chlorinated water;
- insufficient protection from environmental influences;
- inadequate external care and unbalanced nutrition;
- frequent aggressive modeling of hair: drying with a hot hairdryer, using curling irons, straighteners, varnishes, gels, metal combs.
A course of therapeutic masks with coconut oil is recommended for the following problems:
Symptoms | How coconut oil can help |
Dehydrated, brittle hair with split ends | It will restore the water balance of the hair, soften and revitalize the curls. The cross-section of the ends will decrease, the hair will acquire an attractive, healthy appearance. |
Skin irritation, dandruff, seborrhea, dryness, flaking, itching | Softens, moisturizes, has an antimicrobial effect |
Increased greasiness of the skin and root part | Regulates and normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, which leads to a decrease in the secretion of fatty lubricant |
Naturally thin, curly, fluffy and unruly hair | Smoothes curls, makes styling and combing easier, creates a lamination effect |
Excessive hair loss, slow growth, thin strands | Nourishes and saturates root follicles with microelements. Hair loss is reduced |
Coconut oil is equally beneficial for normal, dry or oil-prone hair.
Ready-made products from the mass market
The medicinal properties of coconut oil are actively used by manufacturers of finished cosmetic products for hair.
The undoubted advantages of finished cosmetic products include ease of use:
- all compositions are hypoallergenic;
- the mixtures are easy to apply and wash off;
- do not require prolonged exposure (usually 5-15 minutes is enough).
Feedback from women who have already tried products from different brands and companies will help you navigate your choice.
Hair Treatment Wax
A hair mask with coconut oil, Hair Treatment Wax (manufactured by Jena), will make unruly, coarse curls obedient and soft.
The nutritional mixture contains a protective complex that protects curls from the ultraviolet radiation of the aggressive sun. It contains no sulfates or dyes.
Rigenerante Olio di Cocco
The Rigenerante Olio di Cocco mask (manufactured by Genera) does not weigh down the hair. After applying the composition, hair becomes glossy and vibrant.
The nourishing mixture was liked by girls who often dye their hair. The mask moisturizes strands that have been overdried by chemical dyes, restoring their flexibility and silkiness.
Regular use of this product can reduce hair loss and accelerate growth.
Maschera Energetica Al Cocco
An energy mask with coconut (manufactured by ORising) will help girls with curly, thin, unruly hair. The hydrating and nourishing effect of the mask makes the hair smooth and manageable. Hair acquires a healthy shine and well-groomed appearance.
Where can I buy?
- The product can be found in health food stores as well as large supermarkets. The price starts from 150 rubles and above.
- I always order a 100 ml jar from Spivak, it lasts a long time, my hair is nourished and soft after the mask.
- The Ozone online store has a product for every budget. Promo code OZONJ23216 will give you 300 points for your first order.
Tips for purchasing and storing
Edible coconut oils are sold in any supermarket today. Special cosmetic products can be purchased at pharmacies or specialty stores.
For the first masks, a refined product is recommended as less allergenic. In the future, the nutritional mixture can be prepared in two versions: for the roots - with refined oil, for the rest of the hair length - with a cold-pressed product.
Coconut oil is stored in the refrigerator. It is not recommended to constantly heat and cool the entire volume of the product (this will quickly lose its beneficial properties).
Important! For the mask, measure and melt only the required amount of oil.
Let's understand the myths: when advantages turn into harm
- Myth No. 1 - the best thermal protection.
A common misconception. Due to its high heat resistance, many people think that coconut holds the heat well on the hair and protects against split ends. But this is not entirely true.
The batter really holds up to high temperatures well. But very dense in texture. It simply clogs the scales, preventing moisture and other substances from penetrating. As a result, its thoughtless application simply blocks the flow of water and air.
The only exception when it makes sense to use a natural product is as a natural thermal protection when drying with a hairdryer and to prevent moisture loss from salt water.
We make the base ingredient ourselves
If desired, you can obtain the oil yourself from coconut using the following instructions:
- The pulp of the peeled coconut is crushed with a grater or blender.
- Pour boiled warm water (a small amount just to hide the crushed fruit).
- After a few hours, the pulp is filtered through cheesecloth.
- The resulting coconut milk is cooled in the refrigerator.
- A fatty layer of oil hardens on its surface, which is removed with a spoon and used for cosmetic purposes.