If you have dry or damaged hair, the struggle to style can be exhausting. Your biggest challenge is to hide your brittle hair. And in most cases, women opt for a bun or a braid and hope the hair will bounce back.
What if we tell you that there is a way to improve and restore the texture of your hair? And you can do it naturally with a coconut oil mask?
The biggest misconception is that coconut oil will leave your hair feeling slick and greasy. But the reality is that the mask washes out well and your hair is soft and silky. Now isn’t that something you would like?
Chapter Overview
How does coconut oil help?
Why should you use coconut oil, and not some over the counter products? Or other natural oils, like olive oil? For the record, we also support olive oil, but today, we are talking about how coconut oil helps.
Most of the benefits of coconut oil come from the fatty acid it contains. One of the most beneficial is lauric acid, which can penetrate deep into your hair shaft and replenish nutrients.
Coconut oil also helps with hair dryness, which is most commonly caused by protein loss. Bleaching and processing your hair on a regular basis will dry your hair.
Your hair strands will become brittle, dry, and rough. Coconut oil contains some protein that will restore the texture and the shine of your hair. In the same time, coconut oil prevents protein loss.
But most importantly, coconut oil locks moisture, and hydrates your hair. We all know hydration is key to a healthy and shiny hair. Well, coconut oil will help you hydrate and nourish your hair in the same time.
And most importantly, a coconut oil hair mask is a 100% natural solution. If you like a more potent mask, you can always add other ingredients for more nutrition and shine.
How to apply coconut oil to your hair?
If you are using only coconut oil, slather it on a dry hair at night. Make sure to warm up the oil beforehand for maximum results.
Apply to the ends, and go lighter on the roots. Comb the oil through the strands to distribute it evenly, and then wrap your hair in a fabric shower cap.
When you combine coconut oil with other ingredients, you do not have to leave the oil overnight. Instead, 10 to 20 minutes of the hair mask is more than enough. With that in mind, here are a couple of masks you can try.
Coconut oil hair mask for anti-breakage
You need to combine coconut oil and apple cider vinegar, as the latter will improve the strength of your hair. Coconut oil, on the other hand, will replenish the lost protein.
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Mix the two ingredients in a bowl
- Coat your hair evenly. You can apply the mask on both damp and dry hair
- Leave it to stay for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it out
- Follow up with shampoo and conditioner as usual
Coconut oil mask for hair growth
Using coconut oil and aloe vera is one of the most effective natural ways to grow your hair. Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties and soothes your inflamed skin.
In the same time, the gel of aloe vera will control any scalp infections that can diminish your natural hair growth. Last, but not least, it nourishes your hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Use pure aloe vera gel.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
Instructions:
- Start by mixing aloe vera and coconut oil to get a smooth mixture
- Add the few drops of rosemary essential oil, and mix again
- Apply the mask on your hair using a clean hair dye brush. Focus on the roots to promote hair growth
- Cover the rest of your hair, going from the roots to the tips. Leave the mask to stay on your hair for 15 minutes
- Rinse with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Repeat once per week
Coconut oil hair mask for moisturizing
We said previously that coconut oil is a great ingredient for adding moisture to your hair. Combine it with avocado oil, another beneficial oil, and you’ve got an even more potent hair mask.
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
Instructions:
- Melt the coconut oil in your hands, and then add it to a bowl. Mix with the avocado oil
- Coat your hair evenly. Apply on either damp or dry hair. Leave the mask to work its magic for 20 minutes
- Shampoo your hair as usual. If you have oily hair, use a bit more shampoo to make sure there is not any oil left
Overnight coconut mask
As mentioned previously, if you use only coconut oil, you need to leave your mask overnight. Coconut oil will strengthen your hair, promote hair growth, and add natural moisture to your hair.
Great for damaged and over-processed hair.
You’ll need just 2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil (if you have longer hair, add more).
Instructions:
- Coat your hair evenly. Apply only on dry hair
- Leave it to stay for 7 to 8 hours (best overnight)
- In the morning, shampoo and condition as usually
Coconut oil mask for hair shine
As mentioned previously, coconut oil works with many other ingredients. One of the more common masks is with coconut oil and egg. We know eggs are rich in protein, and coconut provides moisture, which is a perfect recipe for hair shine.
You’ll need:
- 1 egg, whisked
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Instructions:
- Whisk the egg in a bowl, and then add coconut oil
- Mix the ingredients, and then apply to your damp hair. Leave it to stay for 15 minutes
- Rinse and then apply shampoo as usually
Coconut and banana mask for deep conditioning
This mask has all that you want and need. You have a banana, which is rich in potassium and other minerals, which will help moisturize your hair and return its natural elasticity.
Then you have honey, which is a strong antibacterial agent and can help you get rid of any scalp infections and dandruff. And of course, coconut oil.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons of raw honey
- 2 tablespoons of coconut milk
Instructions:
- Mash the ripe banana in a bowl using a fork. After that, add the other ingredients
- Whisk and mix the mask, and then apply it on your hair
- Roll up your hair put on a shower cap. Leave the mask between 30 minutes and 2 hours on your head
- Wash using a mild shampoo and rinse with lukewarm water
3 in 1 coconut oil hair mask
When you want to take things to the next level, you add more than one ingredient in your hair mask. This is that type of a mask. Reap all of the hair benefits of eggs, coconut oil, and avocado.
You’ll need:
- 1 egg
- ½ ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Instructions:
- Start by whisking the egg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe avocado. Combine the ingredients, add coconut oil, and mix well
- Coat your hair evenly. Apply on damp hair. Leave it to stay for 20 minutes, and then rinse out
- Apply shampoo and conditioner
Coconut oil hair mask for dandruff problems
Yes, coconut oil can help you get rid of dandruff as well. You will need the help of lemons, but that is about it. Lemon contains vitamin C to nourish your scalp, and help you clear off those dead and flaky skin cells.
In the same time, lemon will fight off any fungal infections causing dandruff.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Half a lemon
Instructions:
- Squeeze the lemon in a bowl, and then add the coconut oil. Mix the two ingredients
- Whisk and apply the mask on your hair. Leave it to stay for 15 minutes, and then wash off with lukewarm water
- Use a towel to soak up the excess moisture, and then let your hair air dry
- Apply once per week to solve your dandruff problem