THE NATURAL WAY TO THICKER & HEALTHIER HAIR
Part 1 – Coconut Oil.
Among the many, there are two 100% natural, everyday products that your hair is going to love! Coconut Oil & Garlic! We know you’ve probably heard it all before and to be honest you may even be somewhat skeptical but… We will not only tell you what these natural products are but why they are so good and how best to use them for maximum results.
THE WHAT…
Organic Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is derived from cold-pressed coconut kernels with a melting point of about 24 degrees celsius which means it is a white solid at room temperature. It melts extremely quickly and when fully melted it becomes a clear liquid. It generally comes in a jar like this…
THE WHY…
Now Coconut Oil one is a favourite of mine, let me tell you why.
First of all its 100% natural which means it is free of alcohol, silicone and other chemicals that can irritate your skin and damage your hair.
Not only is coconut oil great for the skin, eyes, teeth and digestive system with many health benefits and beauty treatments for your whole body. It is also great for your hair!
Organic Coconut Oil is one of the only oils with a molecular structure that’s small enough to penetrate the cuticle layer of the hair strand.
This means that it can get into your hair and not just sit on top. This re-enforces your hair’s protein structure making the hair stronger and less likely to break.
Coconut oil is not only rich in protein but is also the richest natural source of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs), especially high in C12, Lauric Acid. These MCFA’s give the oil it’s Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Microbial and Anti-viral properties making it a great oil for scalp massage as these organisms can often be found on the scalp. And you know what the experts say: A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair! It is the presence of Vitamin E, Capric acid and Lauric acid that help to restructure the hair, helping to repair damage, strengthen and add shine.
THE HOW…
Coconut oil is widely used in the treatment of conditions affecting the scalp and hair and if used correctly will produce surprising results. So here’s how to get the best results out of yours
1. Hair Mask
Coconut oil is used as a hydration balancing agent and so it is perfect to use as a deep conditioning treatment hair mask that will repair damaged hair, increase hair growth, thicken thinning hair, reduce frizz and add shine.
Method: Warm 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and cover your hair with the oil starting from the roots and working your way down the hair shaft. Don’t forget your scalp but concentrate more on the drier areas such as the ends of your hair. Massage your scalp gently and cover hair with a shower cap. Heat further using a hooded dryer or hot towel. Leave the oil in for 30 min to an hour or for a deeper condition, leave in overnight. In the morning wash out and condition your hair using your usual shampoo/conditioning products.
If your hair is very thick or coarse it is possible that you already have high protein levels and the use of too much coconut oil might then become counterproductive so don’t overdo it.
2. Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a difficult condition to treat but coconut oil can be helpful in some cases.
Method: Heat half a cup of coconut oil a little and then add ten drops of tea tree oil and five drops of peppermint oil. Mix together for at least two minutes, make sure the oils are well combined.
Take off the heat and place in the fridge overnight. Each day, apply the coconut oil cream to your scalp psoriasis scales. You will feel almost immediate relief. It is recommended that you continue this every day for at least two weeks in order to decrease the symptoms and eliminate pain.
3. Dandruff / Cradle Cap
Contrary to popular opinion dandruff is not caused by dry skin or washing hair too often. It is actually caused by a harmless yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. The simplest remedy is to use coconut oil due to its anti-fungal properties.
Method: Wash your hair, without conditioner and dry. Rub 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil into the scalp and leave overnight and wash out in the morning. Repeat daily for a minimum of 7 days. Ensure you wash your hair regularly. Not washing your hair enough may in fact worsen your dandruff condition.
4. Head Lice
Coconut is also great for the treatment of lice. According to studies published in the European Journal of Paediatrics, Coconut and Anise have been effective in the treatment of head lice. Studies also show that a coconut emulsion shampoo had positive results on the control of lice too.
Method: Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and about 12 drops of tea tree oil, or anise oil. Apply the coconut oil lotion all over and cover the head with a shower cap. Leave the coconut oil and anise solution on the scalp and hair overnight. With cap still on, blow-dry your hair or sit in the sun. Shampoo the hair and replace the shower cap for another 30 mins then rinse hair thoroughly. Use a lice comb and starting at the name, remove the lice. Repeat the procedure within 7-9 days.
THE WHERE…
Where to buy!
Coconut oil can be purchased from your local grocery store, health store, hair shop or online. A small jar will cost you, on average, between £3.99 (Amazon) and £6.99 (Tesco) and your hair will thank you for it later! Check the ingredients though to make sure you are in fact getting 100% organic oil…there should only be ONE ingredient! That one ingredient will help you achieve happy healthy hair growth.