You’ve heard rave reviews. Your favorite YouTuber swears by it. Even your mom is using coconut oil. So you go to the store, pick up a jar, and add it to your product arsenal.
Now what?
Here are eight ways to use this Holy Grail oil on your hair. In time you may find you don’t need all of those products under your bathroom sink anymore!
MORE: Coconut Oil Infographic
1. Dandruff treatment
Raise your hand if you drink enough water and moisturize your hair well but still have a pesky, annoying dandruff problem. Never fear, help is here.
Tip:
Apply coconut oil directly to your scalp and allow it to sit for at least ten minutes before rinsing or shampooing to say bye-bye to the flakes.
MORE: Mineral Oil vs. Coconut Oil: Which is better?
2. Shine enhancer
Dull curls can be a major bummer and detract from the precious efforts you’ve put into making your hair look as healthy as it really is. Coconut oil helps to return some luster back to your ‘do.
Tip:
Before you apply, make sure the basics are covered meaning your hair is clean and free of build-up.
3. Deep conditioner
Sometimes our hair needs a little extra tender loving care beyond what we normally do. There’s no doubt that moisturizing is already a part of your regular routine, but allowing coconut oil to sit on your hair for a lengthy time will do wonders for issues with dryness.
Tip:
Massage it into clean, damp hair and let it stay on for at least 30 min.
4. Detangler
When your hair is difficult to detangle, the idea of chopping it all off or finding a way to get around it altogether can be tempting, but don’t fret. Coconut oil helps with the process.
Tip:
Always start with completely wet hair and add some oil to help comb through those kinks and coils without the teeth-gritting frustration.
5. Frizz fighter
Got a case of the frizz? Hair will not look silky if you are not taking care of it. There are lots of ways to combat frizz, but coconut oil helps by penetrating your curls and smoothing out the irritating flyaways and fuzzies.
Tip:
Dab some on your fingers and lightly apply to your hair for a quick fix.
MORE: DIY Coconut Oil Curl Mask
6. Styling aid
Perfect your roller set or any other style that takes a minute to look just right with coconut oil. It assists in maintaining moisture and also helps to hold your hair so that you don’t lose your look.
Tip:
Make sure hair is wet before styling and skip the curl-hardening hairspray in favor of a softer, silkier option.
7. Sealant
Get on the road to fixing your unsightly split ends with a little of this miracle oil. You’ll create a protective barrier between your curls and the elements to further reduce any raggedy ends. It may be time for a trim, but the coconut oil will help if you’re in a pinch.
Tip:
Rub a little coconut oil between your fingers and lightly apply it directly to your trouble areas.
MORE: 3 Hair Oils for Healthy Hair
8. Moisturizer
If you haven’t gotten on the train yet — what are you waiting for? Aside from potential porosity issues, coconut oil is recognized as one of the best moisturizers for many hair types. Add this to your hair regimen and watch it do wonders for your curls.
Does your hair like coconut oil? How do you use it?
This article was originally published in March 2014 and has been updated for clarity and grammar.
