Coconut Oil for Relaxed Hair: Benefits and How to Use It

Coconut oil has been the "it" oil for a few years now. It's found in multiple hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers. There are even hair serums made up mostly of coconut oil. But when it comes to using coconut oil for hair care, one of the best ways is to use it in its "pure" form. Straight from the jar.

I started using coconut oil early in my hair journey, and it became a staple in my relaxed hair regimen. I used it multiple ways at multiple stages of my hair care. I found that when I used it consistently, I saw improvements in my hair, including increased shine and manageability. Let's dig in and see why I did.

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About coconut oil

Coconut oil is made by pressing the insides of a coconut. This is also referred to as fresh coconut meat. It can also be made from dried coconut called copra. There are three different types of coconut oil

• Virgin coconut oil, also called unrefined coconut oil
• And refined coconut oil

Virgin or unrefined coconut oil is made from fresh coconut and doesn't go through any type of processing outside of the extraction of the oil from the coconut. One thing to watch out for in virgin coconut oil is that some will say extra virgin. Unlike olive oil, there really isn't a difference between virgin and extra virgin. Virgin/unrefined coconut oil is best for hair use.

Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut and copra. It goes through additional processing besides extraction. This is the type of coconut oil that is best for cooking. 

Related read: 5 Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil On Relaxed Hair

The benefits of using coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the few natural oils that can penetrate the hair shaft instead of simply coating it. It can help reduce protein loss, improve moisture retention when used as a pre-poo, and add softness and shine to relaxed hair when used correctly.

What makes coconut oil a penetrating oil is its low molecular weight. It also contains saturated fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are beneficial for relaxed and natural hair. 

Some of the benefits of using coconut oil on relaxed hair include:

1. Moisture retention

Coconut oil is hydrophobic, so it repels water, reducing the amount of water that enters the hair strand. This makes it an excellent pre-poo treatment and for sealing in moisture after applying a moisturizer.

Now, coconut oil doesn't add moisture by itself. Instead, it helps reduce moisture loss and can help minimize protein loss when applied before washing. For best results, use it after applying water or a water-based conditioner, or as part of a pre-poo treatment.

2. Reduces frizz and adds shine

Coconut oil helps seal in moisture. Basically because it helps smooth down the outer hair cuticle, keeping out humidity and also adding shine.  

3. Protein restoration

Coconut oil helps reinforce the hair fiber. It does this by penetrating deep into each hair and helping to bind the hair's natural protein structure.

4. Helps with dry scalp

Coconut oil may help soothe a dry scalp for some people because it adds moisture and repairs the top layer of skin. Do be careful, though, if you have dry scalp and dandruff. Coconut oil can make the dandruff worse.

5. Can be mixed with other oils

In addition to being a penetrating oil, coconut oil is also considered a carrier oil. This means it can be used to dilute essential oils, which helps to carry the essential oils onto the hair and scalp.

Related read: Why & How To Use Tea Tree Oil On Relaxed Hair

How to use coconut oil on your hair

My favorite way to use coconut oil on my relaxed hair is as a pre-poo before wash day. I'll apply it to my dry hair, let it sit while I get everything else ready, and then shampoo as usual. Sometimes I'd leave it on overnight the night before wash day. To enhance the oil, I'd add a small amount to hot oil treatments, especially when my ends feel particularly dry.

Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate coconut oil into your hair regimen, whether your hair is relaxed, colored, or natural:

As a detangler

Saturate your hair with coconut oil and use your fingers to slowly remove knots starting from the bottom and moving upwards.

A hot oil treatment

You can heat the coconut oil up and use it on its own or mix it with other oils such as olive oil or grapeseed oil. If my scalp has been feeling really dry, I make sure to apply the hot oil to my scalp and spend some time massaging it into my scalp.

As a sealant

After applying a water-based moisturizer or leave-in conditioner, you can apply coconut oil to your ends to seal in the hydration from the moisturizer.

In a hair mask or treatment

You can mix coconut oil with other ingredients found in your kitchen or bathroom. Ingredients like avocado, moisturizing rinse-out conditioners, or other natural oils. You can also mix coconut oil in with your deep conditioner to give it a little extra oomph.

As a pre-poo

Before shampooing your hair, you can apply coconut oil right out of the jar to your dry hair and let it sit for at least 10 minutes, or you can use it as an overnight pre-poo.

Related read: 6 Ways To Use Coconut Oil On Your Relaxed Hair

When not to use coconut oil on your hair

While coconut oil does have several benefits, it’s not for everyone. I’ve seen several women share in relaxed hair Facebook groups that it doesn’t make their hair feel good, it irritates their scalp, or they don’t like the smell. 

You have fine hair

Coconut oil isn’t a very heavy oil, but it’s not light either. If you use too much or you have fine hair, it can easily weigh your hair down

You're sensitive to coconut oil

Some people have a sensitivity to coconut oil that can cause irritation, making it a not-so-good hair regimen product.

Have you tried using coconut oil on your hair?

   
References: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/18/coconut-oil-improve-hair-health.aspx