Coconut Oil for Dry Hair, Split Ends and Shine
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 11:35PM Lizzy Since my last post about major issues related to DHEA, and dry hair from hypothyroidism, I found some good info from the ladies on the Grow Hair Group on Yahoo. Namely a few people suggested Coconut Oil to help with dry hair. Naturally, being an over-eager experimenter, I ran out to Whole Foods, bought organic Coconut Oil, oiled my hair every day for a week, and now smell faintly like a piña colada. Certainly I can think of worse smells.
I must say the Coconut Oil has been amazing for my hair's dry split ends! Almost miraculous in one treatment. And I've found I don't really need another styling product or hair spray. So it's way cheaper than all the expensive hair care products I have in my bathroom. Used with my Chi Flat Iron (a good flat iron is a must have), my hair looks shiny again, instead of dry and brittle. (Insert cheer!)
Here are a few methods I've tried....
• Apply Coconut Oil to dry hair at night before bed. It's really not as oily as you would think. Sleep on it, and the next day wash/condition hair as usual.
• Wash/condition hair, dry but leave a little damp. No need for other products. Rub Coconut Oil on hands and work into the dry ends. A little goes a long way so I start slow, and avoid the roots, then flat iron for super shine.
• I am also experimenting with washing my hair less frequently to let the natural oils work. At first it seemed kind of icky, but the coconut oil does something so my hair doesn't really feel dirty. Very interesting.
• After reading a lot about shampoos, I've learned how harsh the detergents are on our hair. So I am just using baby shampoo which does seem to clean the hair nicely. Conditioners apparently are okay.
A word of caution: If you try Coconut Oil on your hair, avoid doing it for the first time before a big event or when you are in a rush. Your hair might turn out too oily, and then you'd have to shower/shampoo to wash it out. It's a little tricky finding the right amount which is why before bed is a great time to experiment.
Happy hair everyone!
xxoo
Lizzy
