9 ways to use coconut oil on your hair and enjoy its benefits

It has been a while since coconut oil has become a “darling product” when it comes to health or beauty. A lot of research has still been done in order to discover the real benefits that the consumption of this oil offers for health, however, there is no longer any doubt about the advantages it offers for the skin and hair.

Marcela Lippi, hair stylist at Studio Tez / Spa for Hair, specialist in hair therapy by the Brazilian Academy of Trichology, explains that, in the hair, coconut oil helps to restore the lipid layer of the thread. “That is, to maintain the natural hydration of the threads, since it has lipids in its composition and creates a protective film”, she says.

It is not by chance that coconut oil is increasingly present in shampoo and conditioner formulas and, above all, it has been used in many homemade recipes, in order to make hair healthier and, naturally, beautiful.

But, do you know exactly how to use coconut oil on hair? Check out the tips below so you can use the product correctly at home and thus really enjoy the benefits it offers.

1. In a traditional wetting

One of the most well-known and recommended ways to use coconut oil on hair is wetting it. Marcela explains that the oil, in this case, helps to restore the lipid layer of the hair – which makes it moist, nourished, soft and shiny. “It even helps improve texture, especially curly hair and afros,” she says.

Step by step: coconut oil should be used on dry hair. “Do not use a heat source (no hairdryer or hot oil). Apply to length. Take a break, on average, of 4 hours”, guides Marcela.

“When washing, use conditioner with a low Ph, between 3.5 and 4.5, before shampoo. This helps to detach the oil from the strands. No excess shampoo, which can have a rebound effect”, adds the hair stylist.

2. In an overnight wetting

Marcela explains that, due to its density, the absorption of coconut oil by the hair is slow. So, in some cases, it can be used in a “night wetting”. That is, staying longer in the hair.

Step by step: the procedure is the same. You should apply the oil to the length of dry hair. “The difference is that you will let the product act overnight, sleeping using a plastic cap to avoid greasy bedding”, he says. The next day, the tip is to use conditioner with a low Ph, between 3.5 and 4.5, before shampoo.

“But, it is worth remembering that some types of hair, especially blonde ones, can have their color changed if you stay with the product for a long time on the wires, after all, the oil oxidizes and, therefore, you can make this color change”, he guides. a hair stylist.

3. Alone in a hydration

Marcela explains that coconut oil, as it is an oil, gives back some of the shine to dry and dry hair and also moisturizes. “When it’s opaque natural hair, it also has a lot of results,” she says.

Step by step: apply coconut oil directly to the length of the hair, let it act for a few minutes and then wash normally.

4. With your hydrating or nourishing mask

Marcela points out that coconut oil can also be used with a mask of your choice.

Step by step: the hair stylist recommends mixing an amount of mask equivalent to the size of a mask walnut with 1 teaspoon of oil. Then just apply it to your hair before washing and wait a few minutes. Then wash normally.

5. To enhance your traditional hydration

In some cases, coconut oil can be used especially to enhance the hydration mask, thus being applied after washing the hair. In this case, it is important to use a small amount of the oil to prevent the strands from becoming oily.

Step by step: put a few drops of coconut oil directly in the amount of mask you will use. Apply the mixture to previously shampooed (and still damp) hair, let it act as a traditional moisturizer, and then rinse the hair.

6. In an oil blend

According to Marcela, it is also possible to mix coconut oil with other oils, such as avocado or grape seed oil.

Step by step: the procedure is the same. Mix a sufficient amount (without exaggeration) of each oil to pass along the length of the hair (always avoiding the root). Let it act for a few minutes and then wash your hair normally.

7. In homemade masks

Marcela points out that oil can be one of the ingredients in masks made with natural products.

Step by step: you can mix coconut oil with avocado or aloe pulp (which is also moisturizing) and apply to the hair with a break. Then wash normally.

But beware of exaggeration! “You should use little coconut oil. Excess is harmful, as it creates a film around the hair and does not let the hair be hydrated afterwards”, adds the hair stylist.

8. To control the volume

In some hair types, coconut oil can, among other benefits, help control volume. “In wetting curly and afro hair, it helps to form the curl well and, with that, minimizes the volume”, explains Marcela.

Step by step: the procedure is the same as a traditional or overnight wetting. Just apply the oil to the entire length of dry hair, let it act for a few hours, and then wash it off.

9. To treat the ends of the hair

Coconut oil can also be used as a special care for the ends of the hair, which are normally drier.

Step-by-step: the procedure is basically a “minimumectation”. Apply about ½ tablespoon of the oil only to the ends of the buds. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes before showering. Then just wash normally.

Now you already know that coconut oil is really a great ally when it comes to hair beauty! But its use also requires care because, if used improperly or exaggeratedly, it can change the color of the strands (especially the blonde ones), leave the hair excessively oily or even create a film around the strands and not let them be hydrated later.

For all these reasons, to make the most of the benefits that coconut oil can offer your hair, consult a professional you trust before starting to use it.