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How to Use Coconut Oil to Fix Your Dry, Brittle Hair

Throughout the summer, it’s easy to wear your hair out. Between swimming, sunbathing, and styling for the endless nights out, it’s fair to say that your hair is high-demand all season long. While there’s nothing quite as nice as taking a dip in the ocean or pool and drying out in the sun, it’s not exactly the best thing for your hair. Constant swimming and washing can eventually lead to dull, damaged hair; so it’s important to take extra care during the summer.

By keeping your hair hydrated throughout the season, you can still enjoy all the usual summer activities without worrying about long-term damage. Shampooing after swimming is a great place to start, but making sure your hair stays moisturized will be the saving grace. Thankfully, there is an easy household ingredient just waiting to be used in your pantry. 

Not just for baking anymore, coconut oil makes a perfect conditioner for dry strands. According to a 2005 study from the Journal of Cosmetic Science, coconut oil is actually more effective at penetrating the hair follicle than the mineral oils that typically make up conditioners. Not only is it something you likely have on hand, but it’s also relatively cheap and multi-purpose. Actress Zoe Kravitz also gives credit to coconut oil for helping maintain her healthy hair.

How to Use Coconut Oil in Hair

There are a number of ways to use coconut oil in your hair, depending on what you want and what works best with your current hair routine. One option is to use it as a leave-in conditioner. Gently rub a small amount of coconut oil between your palms until it liquifies and distribute it amongst the dry ends of your hair, staying away from roots to avoid greasiness. It can also be used as a texturising spray, by mixing it with water in a spray bottle and spritzing throughout the day. If you need maximum hydration, try using coconut oil as a hair mask. Once again, rub the oil between your palms to liquify it, then spread it evenly from root to end. When all the hair is evenly coated, put on a shower cap and wait 45 minutes before showering it off with shampoo and warm water. 

Things to Keep In Mind

For best results, it’s recommended to use coconut oil in the hair two to three times per week, according to Verywell Health. While taking the time to do a full hair mask multiple times per week might sound too time-consuming, even using it as a leave-in conditioner on split ends will work wonders. Before long, your hair will be healthier, stronger and more hydrated with regular application.

When choosing which coconut oil to use in your hair, it’s best to opt for an organic version. Anything processed might not yield the same results, and additional preservatives might actually lead to further damage. To see if the coconut oil sitting in your pantry is an adequate choice, just have a quick scan of the ingredients list. As long as it’s simply made up of coconut oil and nothing else, this is a safe bet for your hair.