When it comes to hair and skin care there is no product that I can recommend more seriously and wholeheartedly than a big jar of virgin, organic coconut oil. I would say that half of the people I recommend this to look at me like I’m crazy. But trust me, this stuff qualifies as borderline magic.
Anyone who has used coconut oil to tame their hair or moisturize their skin knows how beneficial it can be. It helps protect your skin from the sun with tons of fatty acids. The same principle applies to your hair. Putting a small amount in your hair everyday can help it grow stronger and faster. It also protects from heat damage and split ends. I’ve heard countless miracle stories from friends how using coconut oil cured their dry skin, acne, damaged hair and heal nasty scars. On a completely separate note, it’s great for cooking, offering a healthy alternative to butter or margarine (1 cup to 1 cup ratio).
There are so many fantastic benefits to using coconut oil so I have decided to outline a few here, in hopes that these tips enlighten your beauty process and promote a healthy and lively lifestyle.
Deep Condition Your Hair:
When I first moved to Arizona I noticed that the heat was drying out my hair, making it coarse and causing split ends. After much research and experimentation I have found that the best way to keep your hair hydrated and healthy is by doing weekly or monthly deep conditioning treatments with coconut oil.
Heat up about 3 tablespoons (give or take depending on hair length and thickness) on the stove, never microwave! After you’ve used your fingers to coat all of your hair with the oil, wrap you hair in a towel, t-shirt, or hair wrap. The oil can stay in for as little as 2 hours to as long as overnight. I find that you receive best results if you leave it in overnight while you sleep and wash it out in the morning.
Styling & Taming:
If you’re on the run and need to quickly lay down some fly aways in a ponytail, or transform frizz to a sleek style that holds, try a little coconut oil. A drop that’s half the size of a pea should be plenty to tame curls or straight hair or any other ‘doo you can dream up. Be aware that using too much can cause your hair to look a little greasy. Just add it to your dry (a little damp is ok as well) hair and work it into the strands with your fingers.
Knots:
If your hair is knotted use as much coconut oil as needed to detangle. You can work it in before the shower (or during as well if needed) and brush out the knots using a comb in the shower as you wash the oil out. Added bonus, your hair will smell like coconuts all day and have a nice soft touch to it!
Dry Skin:
If you’ve ever suffered from dry skin you know that so many lotions and skin care products can end up making things worse rather than better with so many added chemicals and perfumes. Next time skip the Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods and opt for some coconut oil that can be applied to the affected areas. Your skin will glow and it won’t dry you out down the road like other lotions might.
Shaving:
Yes, you can even use coconut oil to replace your shaving cream which is ridden with chemicals. Allow the coconut oil to work for you and pamper your skin.
Face Wash:
Use coconut oil 2-4 times a week to wash your face to help heal acne, scars, dryness, or just to add an all around glow to your skin. The oil will also help protect your skin from sun damage so applying it to your face can keep you protected.
Chapped Lips:
Ditch the chapstick that continues to dry out your lips forcing you to go back and slather on yet again more waxy chapstick. Instead use a dab of coconut oil to combat cracked lips and even cold sores as the crisp fall begins to settle in.
Make Up Remover:
Amazingly coconut oil can even act as a safe way to remove your make up. Just add a small amount to a cotton ball and gently rub away make up. Follow this up by washing your face with warm water.
Go forth and try these remedies for yourself! They have helped me a lot over the years and I hope they bring you the same luck and good health.
