Coconut Oil for Natural Hair

Coconut oil is a very special oil which makes it very popular in the natural hair community.  This oil has been used for centuries and it is one of the few oils that actually penetrates into the hair follicle due to its high lauric acid and vitamin E content.

The best time to apply coconut  oil to your hair is when you are able to leave it in to soak for many hours, at least half a day is best.  This gives the oil a chance to really penetrate and to activate its magical healing powers.

Ok, the healing powers are not so magical as they are actually scientific.  Studies have been done that also suggest that coconut oil should be used as a pre-wash treatment to protect the hair from shampooing and conditioning.  This is another reason it’s best to apply it at night.  You can wash it out in the morning and see if you notice a difference.

Coconut  oil makes a  terrific deep conditioner for natural hair.  When your hair is damp but not  sopping wet, simply melt the oil on your stovetop and when it’s warm enough to handle but not  cool, apply it to your hair in sections.  This is the one time that heat is really good for your hair!  If you can sit under a hood dryer on a low setting for about a half an hour, this is ideal.

There are other benefits to using coconut oil in your hair.  Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which can stave off itchiness, dandruff, psoriasis and shedding scales from your scalp.M Rubbing this oil on your scalp will nourish it, promoting faster growth and stronger hair.

Coconut oil is a star when it comes to reversing damage, so for all of you ladies that are  still perming your hair, straightening it with heat or if you use hair dye, coconut oil is surely a great choice for you.