How to use coconut oil on hair
One study showed that using coconut oil on hair treats damage and moisturizes.
Edited and resized image by João Pedro Ritter, available on Unsplash
Using coconut oil on hair and skin is not contraindicated. In these cases, there are only studies showing the benefits of this type of application, unlike conventional cosmetic products, which present a series of health risks. To understand more about this topic, take a look at the article: "Substances to avoid in cosmetics and hygiene products".
Coconut oil is famous for providing many health benefits. It is reputed to be good for hair, skin, teeth, brain, circulatory system, among others. However, with regard to the benefits that come from ingestion, as in the case of improving cholesterol levels, there is controversy. Although some studies conclude that coconut oil should be used to treat and prevent diseases, the Brazilian Association of Nutrology is against these recommendations. To understand more about this topic, read the article: "Coconut oil: benefits, what it is for and how to use it".
coconut oil for hair
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A study published by Society Cosmetic Chemists showed that coconut oil can be used to treat damage in different types of hair. Hair damage caused by combing, chemically bleaching and burns caused by the heat of hot water - from showers, flat irons, hair dryers and curlers - can be reversed by applying coconut oil. This is because, according to the study, when using coconut oil on the hair, a lubricating film is obtained that helps to prevent the loss of proteins and water, forming a real protective layer for the hair.
How to use coconut oil on hair
For each hair type there is a different application.
Coconut oil on curly hair
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Curly hair, in general, has strands with a circular shape from the root. This circular shape makes the hair itself a barrier for the flow of natural oils from the scalp to the hair. Thus, coconut oil can be a great ally to hydrate the frizzy hair.
no rinse
To perform the application without rinsing, put a small amount of coconut oil on your hands and spread along the hairs without applying to the root. As there are many types of frizzy hair, it is necessary to test different amounts and ways of applying coconut oil. Some frizzy hair may require coconut oil only at the ends. Either way, the dry parts will look shiny and darker, with a moisturizing look. But, remember: as it is an oil, it is necessary to apply a small amount and keep testing, so as not to leave the hair with an oily appearance.
wetting
Wetting is also a great way to get the benefits of coconut oil. To do this, spread a large amount of coconut oil on your hair without washing, separating strand by strand and leave for one to six hours. Then wash normally with shampoo and conditioner. The hair will look silky, shiny and soft.
Pre-wash
Sodium lauryl sulfate present in conventional shampoo has the potential to damage the scalp, harming hair health (to understand more about this topic read the article: "Substances to avoid in cosmetics and hygiene products"). To prevent this type of damage, apply coconut oil to the scalp before washing your hair; or choose options at the and low poo, which do not destroy the curls of the hair . Learn more about this topic in the article: "No Poo and Low Poo: what it is and how to do it".
Straight, curly or wavy hair
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Straight or wavy hair has more open circles along the strand. In some cases, the hair doesn't even have circles. This allows the oil to drain down to the middle or end of the hair. In general, the smoother, the oilier the hair.
Therefore, this type of hair does not require so much finishing with coconut oil without rinsing. But in cases where the strands are very dry, you can apply a small amount of coconut oil on your hands, spread on the dry ends and do not rinse. The ideal is to test.
wetting
As with curly hair, dampening straight, wavy or curly hair should be applied strand by strand. After application, it is necessary to leave one to six hours. And then wash normally with shampoo and conditioner.
Pre-wash
As with curly hair, conventional shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate remove the protective oil layer present on the scalp - which can damage the strand. To avoid this type of damage, apply coconut oil to the scalp before conventional washing; or choose options at the and low poo, which do not destroy the curls of the hair . Learn more about this topic in the article: "No Poo and Low Poo: what it is and how to do it".