How to use coconut oil on hair.
In my experience, as a salon owner that happens to be addicted to natural oils, I find that my clients are not using coconut oil properly. Firstly, I prefer virgin coconut oil and use it as a pre-wash, your hair will not be oily and this treatment allows for the best result. Coconut oil is extremely affordable, attainable, and has both antibacterial and moisturizing benefits for the scalp and hair. Coconut oil is the ultimate hair moisturizer and it is a penetrating oil, thus applying to dry hair will allow it to penetrate into the hair shaft and help heal a fractured hair cuticle. If applied when wet, you have watered down it’s potency.
How to pre-wash?
On “dry” hair, massage a small amount of virgin coconut oil to hair starting from the bottom to the scalp. I do not overload the scalp with coconut oil, but a little bit massaged into scalp will help keep your hair free of bacteria and fungus. You need to play with the amount of coconut oil you apply, it is best to just coat the strands. I then use a wide tooth comb to distribute the oil evenly.
How long to keep it in?
This varies based on the thickness of your hair, the health of your hair, and time restraints. Some prefer to leave in 10 minutes, 2 hours and overnight. The dryer the hair, the longer the coconut oil can stay in.
Heat or no heat?
Every so often on dry hair, after applying the virgin coconut oil, wrap a damp hot towel around your head. This will allow the porosity of your hair to equalize and allow better oil penetration. I love moist heat over dry heat, and it will keep your hair supple.
How often?
There is such thing as too much of a good thing, coconut oil contains triglycerides which can not only clog the heart’s arteries, but also your hair cuticle. Using a coconut oil pre-wash too often, may cause your hair to become brittle having the opposite effect on what you are trying to achieve.
How often really depends on the state of your hair. I suggest one pre-wash per week on extremely dry, damaged and over processed hair. Bi-weekly or monthly on healthier hair.
How to wash after pre-wash?
Now that your hair is moisturized, it is senseless to shampoo more than once or use a volumizing shampoo that strips the hair cuticle. Instead, use a hydrating shampoo, dilute your shampoo with water or just condition. This will vary based on the thickness of your hair.
Some do not suggest using a pre-wash before coloring your hair, I find that it can help the integrity of the hair. I most certainly suggest using a pre-wash before chemical relaxing and straightening except for keratin treatments.
Hydrated hair leads to shiny and healthy hair. So next time you feel compelled to just dump coconut oil in your shampoo, try this technique, your hair will LOVE you for it!
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