Coconut oil has been used as a hair treatment for centuries. It is one of the only few oils, or product for that matter, that’s molecule is small enough to penetrate deep into your hair shaft to nourish and moisturize your hair. Antient Indian tradition believed that leaving the coconut oil in their hair for up to 14 hours for best results and coconut oil absorption. Research was then done in 2012 that showed that in an hour of coconut oil in your hair, your hair will absorb 15% of the oil and in 6 hours it will absorb 20-25% of the oil.
So, how the heck do you use this stuff?
First and foremost, get your coconut oil from the cooking aisle. I like using refined coconut oil because it is much smoother. There is also the option of virgin coconut oil and liquid coconut oil.
Shampoo
Shampoo your hair two times - double cleanse - to make sure all dirt and build up is removed. No conditioner. Why? I feel as though, since conditioner closes the cuticle, it will just make it harder for the coconut oil to penetrate.
Towel Dry
Towel dry your hair and make sure it is damp, not dripping wet , and comb through with a wide tooth comb or a wet brush (your hair is weakest while wet so you want to be gentle brushing wet hair).
Coconut Oil
Scoop out a tablespoon size of coconut oil, I just use my hands. I like to section my hair roughly in three parts - nape, middle and top. Rub the oil in your palms to melt it and then massage it through your scalp and hair. You can use your judgement to what feels like enough or too much.
A Little Extra
After my head is a good saturation of oil, I like to take a little extra and work it through the ends of my hair since that is mainly where the dead, split ends are.
Wrap it Up
Use your wide tooth comb or wet brush and slick back into a ballerina bun, braids or whatever it easiest for you too keep your hair contained and out of the way.
Now wait
Most of the time, I will do a coconut oil treatment at night or midday, sleep with it in and shampoo it out in the morning. Then there are some days where I will leave it in for more than a day, about 2 or 3 days, and shampoo it out when I am ready to wash and style my hair again.
Shampoo
To shampoo the oil out - it is not as bad as you think it is. Once again, double cleanse, shampoo your hair two times. Then condition. And voila. Style as usual and you will see your hair will feel smoother, shinier, and not greasy.