Our hair is porous - the outer cuticle is arranged in layers like the shingles on a roof.
When the cuticle is damaged by blowdrying, bleaching, coloring, perming, hard brushing or too much water or sun exposure, we see the damage as split ends, and coarse, brittle, dry hair that breaks easily.
Split ends mean the cuticle has worn away and that the inner portion of hair, called the cortex, is exposed, and frayed.
How to use coconut oil for hair conditioner:
The best way to apply coconut oil to your hair is immediately after a shower or bath, when the hair is still wet. It should not still be dripping wet, but more than slightly damp.
It doesn't matter whether the coconut oil is liquid or solid (pure coconut oil solidifies at less than 76 degrees F, but it's still perfectly good).
Take a small amount (about a half teaspoon for long hair, less for shorter hair) and put it in your palm. Rub your hands together and begin the application at the ends of your wet hair, using your oily fingers to distribute it evenly and lightly.
The trick is to use just enough so that the oil will penetrate the hair, without leaving an oily or greasy look. Use more at the ends, less in the middle and very little, if any at the roots.
Don’t use any oil near the roots if you want to avoid the greasy look.
Although the molecular structure of coconut oil is perfect for penetrating inside the hair shaft, and works beautifully with the natural hair proteins, its still easy to go overboard with the application, and end up with oily hair.
If you’ve applied enough to make the hair look oily, the only way to remove it is to re-wash the hair.
Coconut oil is also a great treatment for dandruff.
Whether the flakes are caused by dry scalp, or a fungal/yeast condition like seborrheic dermatitis, coconut oil will help, because it's a great moisturizer, and it's anti-fungal. Again, do scalp treatments when you don't have to go out in public, try overnight treatments (protect your pillow with a plastic bag covered with an old towel).
The first time you try coconut oil for hair conditioning, pick a day when you can hang out at home.
It can take a bit of experimentation until you find the right dose for your particular hair, and the important thing is to be able to leave the oil in your hair once you have applied it.
Why aren’t there tons of brands of
coconut oil for hair in the store if it's really this good?”
Good question! It's all about marketing, really.
Coconut oil is a natural substance, one that can’t be patented or trademarked, which means that no one company can get an edge over someone else marketing the same thing. That’s why there are hundreds of different products out there, all with their special formula, their patented ingredient, etc.
The truth is, you don’t really need any of that stuff. Though it is nice to go to a good salon now and then for a treat, or to spend a little fun money on a special product now and then.
When you're in the mood to do things for yourself, try using pure coconut oil for your hair conditioning, skin moisturizing, cooking and, of course, for its therapeutic uses for candida as well.
Using coconut oil for hair conditioner is one of the discoveries for the many, many uses of this amazing oil.
6 comments:
I love coconut oil! As you stated, it is great to use on hair that is kinda wet. It always leaves my hair feeling and looking so soft!
As Salaamu alaikum,
I also love 100% pure coconut oil, and it's on every market or store shelf here b/c many cook with it, so it is very inexpensive for a huge bottle and is soo good for the hair and skin. I use daily in my regimen mixed (3 parts coconut oil & 1 part honey in an old jar) and I always apply to my hair after it drips damp a bit or just after a steaming applied on each twist. Great post as usual and thanks for the break down on hair cuticles that has helped me to understand my hair more.
I love using coconut oil on my locs, but I have to do it when it's dry because when my hair is wet it makes my locs slip and I only use a small amount. But it soaks it right up.
Anonymous : I glad to know you have such success with coconut oil. I have heard so much about the greatness of coconut oil , I cant wait to try it. thank you for stopping by please do so often.
Kumina : I have yet to try either way , But I must keep that in mind that it may be a little oily. Thanks so much for stopping by , hope to hear from you often.
Slipstitches : As salaamu alaikum , yes I've heard that coconut oil can be purchased in the markets or health food store I will surely be checking to see where I can buy some. I love your recipe I must try this way also , plus I love honey for my hair. Shukrn ( thank you) ukhti ( my sister) for stopping by.
As Salaamu Alaikum:
I love coconut oil also. I love to put it in my hair oil mixtures and I use it to boost conditioners. I don't really apply it directly to my hair too often because it can get to be a bit too much but I still love it. Happy Growing!!
Walaikum salaam 103 hotdegrees : yes , i've heard soooo much about this oil i just had to post on it, cant wait to pick some up this weekend , insha allah ( Allah willing). Thanks for the tip adding some to conditioners , must try that . Thanks for stoping by , you are always welcomed here. Take care. As salaamu alaikum ( smiles)
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