Coconut oil has a long list of celebrity and hairstylist fans — including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and the Kardashian family — and though the ingredient itself may not be new, new ways to use it appear all the time.
The benefits seem endless – and experts agree, when used correctly, coconut oil is fantastic for your hair. Miriam Quevedo, hair stylist and owner of the scalp care brand of the same name, is one of the superfans of coconut oil. “I like to use virgin coconut oil, which is pure oil obtained without chemical refining processes,” says Quevedo. “Coconut oil stores all its nutrients, vitamins and minerals and has a preserved content of biologically active and beneficial substances.” She further says that coconut oil not only has excellent moisturizing powers but also has antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which are less known to those of us who thought that it only works to moisturize the hair .
Feeling inspired, we talked to experts on different ways to harness the power of coconut oil for your hair. This is what we learned.
To tame frizz and control frizzy hair
According to head of training Alberto Sanguino, this trick is not suitable for thin hair that tends to be sticky, but it does work on thick or curly hair that tends to get tangled. longuerasand David Lesure, Training Director David KunzleSanguino recommends applying it to clean, damp hair to the mid-lengths and ends “as if it were a mousse or gel.”
Pre-treatment for hair and scalp
Quevedo explains that since coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and is perfect for moisturizing and softening the scalp, it can be a great pre-treatment for the hair and scalp. You can leave it on for 8 hours before washing it off and then wash your hair as normal. She adds, “All the vitamins and fatty acids present in coconut oil are very nourishing for the hair.”
A quick hair mask
hair stylist moncho moreno It is recommended to use coconut oil as a quick version of viral hair oiling treatment (or, in other words, treat your hair by dipping it in the oil before washing). It involves something very simple like whenever you wash your hair dry or wet (including during holidays) apply coconut oil from mid-lengths to ends and leave it on for about 5 minutes before washing it off.
as a styling wax and to create a wet effect
The wet-look loved by the Kardashians, Hadid, and others is all about making hair look wet — but the point is, hair doesn’t have to actually be wet. Use a small amount on dry hair and style to get the look.
Intensive Repair Treatment (Long Version)
Alberto Sanguino gives us a step-by-step guide: Wash your hair with detoxifying shampoo, then apply oil from mid-lengths to ends. Gather your hair into a bun, protect it with a clear film or shower cap, and apply heat for 2 or 3 minutes 2 or 3 times at 15-minute intervals. Then, rinse and rinse your hair. Although you can leave it on for at least an hour after doing heat treatments, if you leave it on all day or sleep with your hair covered in oil, the hydration will be even more intense.
massage therapy
“Coconut oil is known to be antibacterial as well as deeply nourishing the skin,” says Jean-Louis David. “This may help eliminate dryness or flaking.” Wrap fingertips in warm coconut oil and apply to scalp, using it as a slip for massage.
