Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair
There is a basic difference between a commercial grade refined coconut oil and virgin coconut oil. Refined coconut oil is extracted from the dried kernel of the coconut whereas virgin coconut oil is obtained from fresh coconut meat. Moreover, as virgin coconut oil is not refined further using any high heating methods or any chemicals, the natural ingredients of the oil remain intact. For this reason, the shelf life of this oil is much longer. Using virgin coconut oil for hair growth is a traditional method of hair treatment in various parts of the world.
Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair and Skin Care
When used topically on skin and hair, extra virgin coconut oil gives us a lot of naturally occurring nutrients. Problems like hair loss arises as a result of action of various forms of microbes on the scalp. Lauric acid and capric acid present in coconut oil acts as antimicrobial agents and provide protection to the hair. It is rich in vitamin E which makes the scalp skin healthy and promote hair growth. Regular head massage with coconut oil will keep the scalp free from dandruff, head lice, etc. Its protein content and moisturizing properties can nourish damaged hair. Thus it acts as an excellent hair conditioner.
Virgin coconut oil can be used as a massage oil for the skin. It is an excellent moisturizer and is suitable for all skin types. The best part of this oil is that it does not have any adverse side effect on the skin. When used on dry skin it can prevent it from getting flaky. It can treat various skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis. It has antioxidant properties which are effective in preventing premature signs of aging like wrinkles, skin sagging, etc.
Virgin Coconut Oil Treatment
For virgin coconut oil hair treatment, you have to buy a good quality oil which can be found in various health food stores. Then follow the step by step instructions given below.
Step1: Virgin coconut oil tends to become solid in cold climate. In that case, you have to scoop out some coconut oil with a spatula in a bowl and melt it by placing the bowl in a container with warm water. Even if the oil is in liquid state, you should make it warm in the same manner.
Step2: Add a few drops of essential oil into the warm coconut oil. You can use lavender oil for this purpose as it has a soothing effect on the nerves and hence, can make you stress free. Alternatively, you can use other oils like rosemary oil, tea tree oil, cedarwood essential oil, etc.
Step3: Brush your hair properly to remove all the entangled hair. Pour a little coconut oil on your palms and massage your scalp gently with tips of your fingers. Move your fingers all over the scalp in small circular motions for few minutes. Then apply the remaining coconut oil on the hair so that a thick coat is formed on it.
Step4: Cover your head with a shower cap and let the oil get absorbed into the hair thoroughly. If you have dry hair, then you should allow the oil to sit on your hair throughout the night. But for normal or oily hair condition, 2-3 hours of the treatment will be enough.
Step5: Finally, rinse off the oil from the hair by using a shampoo which is suitable for your hair type. You may have to shampoo the hair twice in order to remove the oil completely from the hair. You do not have to apply any hair conditioner after this treatment.
This is a very simple treatment and is fun to do. If you treat your hair like this daily for 2 weeks, you will find hair breakage has reduced to a great extent. This hair care treatment will even improve the texture of your hair.
