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Coconut oil is an exceptional natural remedy to make your hair and skin soft, glowing, and healthy. Sourced naturally and free from harmful chemicals, coconut oil can replace conditioners, under-eye creams, or body lotions. A jar of coconut oil serves as a versatile moisturizer suitable for all skin and hair types. Read the article below to discover the most effective ways to use coconut oil for your skin and hair.
Steps
Moisturizing Hair
Put on an old shirt or wrap a towel around yourself. Coconut oil can drip, so wearing an old shirt or towel will prevent it from staining your clothes. It’s best to start applying the oil in the bathroom, but while waiting for it to soak into your hair for a few hours, you can move around and do other tasks.
Use a shower cap. You can use a shower cap, plastic wrap, or an old t-shirt to wrap around your hair. Choose something that can stay in place to let the treatment sit for a few hours or even overnight.
Measure 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil into a bowl, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Use 5 tablespoons if your hair is long and thick; 3-4 tablespoons if it’s shorter and thinner.
- Opt for unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil (not refined or solvent-extracted). Refined coconut oil contains additives and has been processed, which removes some of the natural compounds that benefit skin and hair. Pure coconut oil retains its natural properties and is more effective. Similarly, solvent-extracted coconut oil often contains harmful hexane solvents.
- Avoid using too much coconut oil; focus on applying it mainly to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Overuse, especially near the scalp, can make your hair greasy even after washing. The scalp naturally produces its own oils.
Warm the coconut oil. Avoid using a microwave to prevent destroying its bioactive properties.
- You can melt the coconut oil with your hands. Scoop a tablespoon into your palm and rub your hands together. The oil will melt with just a little heat.
- Heat a small pan or bowl on the stove. Turn off the heat and add the coconut oil to the bowl. Let it sit for a moment to melt.
- You can also heat the coconut oil directly on the stove. Place it in a small pan and warm it over low heat until melted.
- Alternatively, you can warm the coconut oil by placing the jar in hot water for a few seconds.
Apply the coconut oil to your hair. Spread the oil around the crown of your head, working it through your hair, but avoid the scalp and roots unless your hair is extremely dry. Use your fingers to massage the oil down to the ends. Continue massaging until the oil is fully absorbed.
- You can use a comb to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair. Comb from the roots to the tips.
- You may only want to moisturize the ends of your hair. If so, apply the oil to the tips instead of the scalp. Gently massage the oil into your hair.
- If your hair is very fine, focus on applying the oil only to the ends.
Wrap your hair up neatly and secure it. Place the shower cap, plastic wrap, or old t-shirt over your head, covering all of your hair.
- You can also secure your hair with a loose headband.
- Use a face towel to wipe away any coconut oil that drips onto your face during the treatment.
Leave the coconut oil in your hair for 2 hours or overnight to allow it to penetrate deeply. The longer you leave it in, the more effective the moisturizing results will be. Be patient for the best outcome.
Remove the shower cap and rinse thoroughly. Use your favorite shampoo to wash out the coconut oil. Shampoo 2 to 3 times until your hair no longer feels greasy.
Courtney Foster
Cosmetology Expert
Cosmetology Expert
You must rinse out the coconut oil completely. While coconut oil is a great moisturizer, it solidifies at room temperature and can harden on your hair strands. If not washed out properly, it can lead to breakage.
Dry your hair. Let it air dry or use a blow dryer to reveal the moisturizing effects. Your hair will feel soft, shiny, and smooth.
Moisturizing Facial Skin
Follow your regular face-washing routine. Whether you splash water on your face, use a brush to exfoliate, or apply cleansing oil, proceed as usual. Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel, avoiding harsh rubbing as facial skin is delicate.
Apply a small amount of coconut oil around the eye area. Coconut oil is an excellent under-eye and eyelid moisturizer. It hydrates the delicate skin, reduces dark circles, and minimizes wrinkles. Use a tiny amount around the eyes, focusing on areas with fine lines.
- Use only a pea-sized amount for each eye. Avoid overapplying.
- Be careful not to let the oil get into your eyes. It can create a film that temporarily blurs your vision!
You can also use coconut oil on other dry areas. If the skin between your eyebrows, temples, or any other area feels dry, apply a moderate amount in circular motions.
Apply coconut oil to your lips. Pure coconut oil softens and hydrates chapped lips. Since it’s edible, there’s no need to worry if you accidentally lick it off. In fact, consuming coconut oil is beneficial for your health.
Use coconut oil as a facial moisturizer. Apply it to your face after showering or washing, letting it absorb for about 10 minutes before applying makeup. You only need a coin-sized amount for your entire face.
- Some people experience breakouts when using coconut oil on their entire face. Test it on a small area for a few days first. If it works well and doesn’t cause irritation, you can use it on your whole face.
- You can also use coconut oil as a makeup remover. Be cautious if your pores are prone to clogging. Consider using lavender oil if you’re concerned that coconut oil might be too rich for your skin.
Moisturizing the Entire Body
Apply coconut oil all over your body right after showering. It absorbs best when your skin is still warm and soft from the shower.
Use a tablespoon of coconut oil to moisturize your arms. Spread a tablespoon on one arm and use your other hand to massage it evenly across the skin. Gently rub until the oil is fully absorbed. Repeat the process for the other arm.
Use 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to moisturize your legs. Pour 2 tablespoons onto your thighs, knees, calves, and feet, then massage until the oil melts and absorbs into your skin. Repeat for the other leg.
Moisturize your torso. Apply coconut oil to your back, buttocks, stomach, chest, and any other areas you want to hydrate. You can use coconut oil just like any other body lotion.
Let the coconut oil fully absorb into your skin for about 15 minutes. During this time, you can relax in the bathroom or wear a robe to prevent the oil from staining your clothes or furniture.
Take a coconut oil bath. Add about 28 grams (a small cup) of coconut oil to a hot bath and let it dissolve. Soak in the bath for a while. Repeat 1-2 times a week for several weeks until your skin feels less dry.
Other Uses for Coconut Oil
Use coconut oil as a massage oil. Mix it with a few drops of lavender or rose essential oil, then apply it all over your body for a luxurious, homemade massage oil.
Use coconut oil to tame flyaway hair. Rub a pea-sized amount of coconut oil between your palms and gently smooth it over your hair to eliminate frizz and unruly strands.
Use coconut oil to fade scars. Apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to the scarred area twice daily. Over time, you’ll notice the scars becoming smaller and less visible.
Use coconut oil to treat eczema. Apply it to dry, inflamed skin to soothe itching and provide deep hydration.
Use coconut oil to condition your hair. Place a small amount in a bowl, warm it up, and let it cool.
- Take a little into your palms.
- Apply it to your hair, massaging it in, then tie your hair up.
- Leave it overnight and rinse it out the next morning. Your hair will feel stronger and shinier.
Use coconut oil to moisturize your skin. Wash your hands with soap and water, then take a pea-sized amount of coconut oil and massage it into your hands in circular motions until fully absorbed.
Mix coconut oil with dried curry leaves, neem leaves, and hibiscus flowers. Heat the coconut oil along with these ingredients. Let it cool to room temperature, then apply it to your hair. Gently massage and leave it overnight. Rinse it off the next morning for shiny, soft, and healthy hair.
Use coconut oil as a makeup remover. Treat coconut oil like a regular cream; apply it to your skin, leave it for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a cotton pad and wash your face as usual. Sometimes, coconut oil can remove stubborn eyeliner and mascara better than regular removers.
Tips
- 90% of cases using coconut oil to eliminate lice are effective.
- Regular use of coconut oil promotes healthier, faster-growing hair.
- Coconut oil can reduce hair damage from chemicals when dyeing your hair at home by providing moisture. Add a few drops of coconut oil to your dye bottle and mix well before use.
- Do not leave coconut oil on your hair for more than a day, as it can cause an unpleasant smell and greasiness.
- A small amount of coconut oil goes a long way. Avoid using too much.
- Do not heat coconut oil in a microwave, as it can destroy its moisturizing properties. Instead, warm it in hot water.
- Mix coconut oil with sugar to create a natural scrub for normal to dry skin.
- Apply coconut oil to freshly shaved thighs for smooth, glowing skin.
- Use coconut oil on your hair 2-3 times a week and rinse thoroughly. Your hair will become softer, smoother, and shinier.
- Avoid getting coconut oil on clothes, as it can leave yellow stains.
Warnings
- Using warm coconut oil is beneficial, but avoid overheating it as it can cause burns on your skin.
