I’ve been making my own face serum for several years, using the wonder ingredient, coconut oil. I add vitamin E oil and Calendula oil for a lightweight yet rich blend that leaves my skin moisturized and nourished. I love the simplicity and ritual of creating my own care products. I had yet to try conditioning my hair with coconut oil…until tonight.
I’ve had long hair most of my life. And in spite of my age, and the fact that my hair has been slowly turning silver since I was 21 years old, I still like my locks long. I’ve been called a hippie, and honestly, that doesn’t bother me one bit!
I take good care of my hair. Yet I’ve never had a hot oil treatment. Coconut oil is a great choice for several reasons. It is naturally anti-bacterial and rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The oil contains lauric acid, which has a high affinity for hair protein, and easily penetrates inside the hair shaft, due to its low molecular weight. And it deeply moisturizes, protecting the strands of hair from damage and from becoming too dry.
A treatment with coconut oil was so simple. I added a tablespoon of the oil, which is in a solid state when cool, to a small jar and took it into the shower with me. The hot steamy environment melted the oil so that it was ready to use when I finished shampooing and rinsing my hair. I did not add my regular conditioner this evening.
After towel drying my hair and combing out tangles, I poured a small amount of the liquified coconut oil into the palm of my hand and rubbing my hands together, I worked it through my hair, a section at a time. I avoided the scalp area and especially concentrated on the ends of my hair.
I slid a wide toothed comb through my hair, to evenly distribute the oil. And then the whole damp, oiled mass was wrapped up snugly in a towel. For a couple of hours I did other things, letting my scalp provide warmth while the coconut oil did its work.
At last it was time to return to the shower, to shampoo out the coconut oil and rinse well. After once again combing through my hair, I used a blow dryer for a few minutes, so I could better gauge the results. I loved the way my hair felt…smooth, silky, strong. I didn’t dry it completely, preferring to let it air dry rather than subject it to heat.
I’m convinced. Coconut oil is not only great for my skin and face, it nourishes my silver mane as well. I’ll be doing this deep conditioning once a month.
