Confused about using coconut oil despite posts here...

Myrna · 07-10-2012, 06:01 PM

So: are you using it BEFORE you shampoo, then shampoo, then condition; or, are you using it some other way? and what, exactly, does it do?

I dont know if anyone else remembers Breck creme rinse, but it had "the secret of coconut oil". I think it was Breck, but if I cant remember, it must be my age...

curry curls · 07-10-2012, 07:20 PM

For me, I'm using coconut oil for a scalp condition. I put it on my scalp and hair and sleep in it. I can easily co-wash it out. I am not a shampoo girl. I have also used it for scrunching out the crunch.

Devushka · 07-10-2012, 07:38 PM

At this point I use it primarily as a pre-poo, but from time to time I also oil rinse with, and have used it as a sealer (on wet hair, and even on dry hair after a really light application of a water-based LI).

If I remember the articles I read about it, coconut oil really penetrates the hair shaft so well because of the size of its molecules or something. I just know from experience that coconut oil doesn't just sit ON my hair like other oils I've tried (but then again I haven't tried that many different oils). It really does seem to sink in.

Jas76 · 07-10-2012, 07:57 PM

I use it MANY ways -
As I pre-poo, like you described, sometimes even overnight before a wash.

Sometimes in the winter I'll put a little on my ends and underneath to help keep my hair from drying out overnight.

I add it to DT's sometimes, and always to PT's. (it helps prevent protein loss.)

I sometimes add a bit to my LI - it helps with clumping. (more often in the winter.)

I'll use a small amount for smoothing frizz sometimes on dry hair.

I'll sometimes mix it with some LOOB for a refresher.

It's very versatile! It's also great for skin!!

Myrna · 07-10-2012, 08:06 PM

So if you use it to seal, you use it AFTER you condition? and how much do you use? and is there a diff between the refined and unrefined stuff?

Devushka · 07-10-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrna

So if you use it to seal, you use it AFTER you condition? and how much do you use? and is there a diff between the refined and unrefined stuff?

I guess people experiment to decide the order that works best for them, but for me, when I use coconut oil to seal, I apply it after my LI (i.e. after wash/co-wash; RO, and LI).

The difference that I know of is that refined coconut oil doesn't have the coconut scent (it's just odorless). Not sure if there's any other big difference. I like the scent of coconut, but I like using refined coconut oil so that I can sometimes add different fragrances to it.

lcl0706 · 07-11-2012, 08:46 AM

Refined has been processed, something to do with being able to cook with it better... that's about all I know. I picked up some unrefined yesterday. I love the smell of coconut. Tried to do a pre-poo with it but was so scared of oil I barely used any at all and didn't notice a bit of difference.

I added 3 drops of it to the FSG I made yesterday, that's a separate post though lol. Off topic!

wavymom · 07-11-2012, 01:56 PM

I love coconut oil. I usually use it as a pre-poo / DT. I smear some through dry hair until it's nice and oily looking, then wait a couple of hours (or even overnight), then shower and use a low-poo followed by conditioner and then regular styling. It is a really nice hit of moisture for my hair without overconditioning it or leaving it feeling gunky. The excess washes away easily from my hair. Coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft rather than just sitting on top of it.

Because it is absorbed into the hair, I have heard it's not that great of a sealer, b/c it soaks into your hair during the day. (Sealers are typically supposed to provide a barrier between your LI and your stylers, but if your oil is soaking into your hair, that 'barrier' won't be there once it does.) It is still worth trying though, you never know what will or won't work for you until you try.

lcl - no big difference is good, right?! As in, at least it wasn't hard for you to remove from you hair. Next time try more and let us know what happens.

Myrna · 07-11-2012, 02:05 PM

I dont want to get stuck with a honkin' big jar of another product, if it doesnt work. I dont see coconut oil in small jars, they are BIG.

Rimi · 07-11-2012, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrna

I dont want to get stuck with a honkin' big jar of another product, if it doesnt work. I dont see coconut oil in small jars, they are BIG.

It works great as a body oil if your hair doesn't like it!

Myrna · 07-11-2012, 03:03 PM

I cant stand anything oily on my body. Ok, I'm weird.

: )

Devushka · 07-11-2012, 08:12 PM

There reportedly are health benefits to coconut oil (There's a guy on Youtube with lots of videos espousing its health benefits). If you get it and it doesn't work for you, you can use it in recipes.

princesspie · 07-12-2012, 03:58 AM

Yep... I use one or two drops as a sealant as well (after my LI). I also rub a few drops on my scalp before I wash my hair if my scalp is really dry.

Myrna · 07-12-2012, 06:39 AM

Going to Whole Foods today and will look for it.

Lucky Charm · 07-12-2012, 08:45 AM

I use it to pre-poo, or pre-cowash for that matter. I find it is great at helping me detangle before I step in the shower. I've also done overnight treatments and added a blob to my rinse out. My hair does well with oils and butters though, I know not everyone is the same way. As always, its YMMV!

2b or not 2b · 07-12-2012, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrna

Going to Whole Foods today and will look for it.

Come for a nice half hour ride north and I'll hook you up with a bit of it! We use it for all sorts of things at our house.

As a lotion, it really doesnt get all that greasy. well, it goes on a bit greasy but doesnt stay that way for long at all. I mix it with shea butter for my daughter's eczema ridden skin and I use it as a face cream too. Add a lil zinc oxide and you've got sunscreen... okay, now I'm sounding a lil too hippee to not actually live in Madison

But seriously, if you dont want a ton, let me know and I could even send you a lil container of it or something.

Myrna · 07-12-2012, 01:52 PM

oh, Thanks, Vicki, that is so nice of you to offer. As you may see from another post, I am just undecided - you'd think it was a major purchase, like a car! I may take you up on your offer!

2b or not 2b · 07-12-2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrna

oh, Thanks, Vicki, that is so nice of you to offer. As you may see from another post, I am just undecided - you'd think it was a major purchase, like a car! I may take you up on your offer!

maybe you should consult a therapist about this giant purchase

oh wait!
or maybe an investment banker...

you do sound like you might have quite a stash of products though so i can totally see your point.
you could probalby order a small container online otherwise. similar prices in my experience. I like the Now brand. its food grade (and smells so yummy) so you'd be able to find a use for it somewhere. or I've seen inexpensive yet raved about Coconut oil on amazon...tropical traditions maybe? they seem to have deals on it once in a while even.

Myrna · 07-12-2012, 04:37 PM

Wait! I AM a therapist!

2b or not 2b · 07-12-2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrna

Wait! I AM a therapist!

I know

...that's the only reason I "attempted" written humor/sarcasm.

I hope you do try coconut oil though. I would say since you're a mousse user rather than gel, I'm guessing you might feel like its weighing your hair down if you use it without rinsing it out though. try an overnight treatment and then wash in the morning as usual.

A friend of mine from Hawaii told me about it a while back and apparently its just another thing everyone does there for moisture and shine.