Coconut and Olive Oil Mask- Dry Damaged Hair

Today I thought I would share with you a coconut and olive oil hair mask, with summer here our hair is more prone to drying out. I love making my own DIY hair masks as its all natural with no nasty chemicals in sight. My hair is naturally very fine, so I struggle to keep it in tip top condition. Using regular shampoo and with all the sun and wind exposure my ends can get pretty dry and damaged, no need for hot irons to do that lol. Using a hair mask once or twice a week is a great way to nourish your hair so that is it stays healthier, softer and shinier.

Coconut oil

Coconut is great as it is a light weight oil that penetrates deep in to the hair shaft conditioning the hair. It also contains antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties which keeps the hair strong and healthy. With regular use, it can reduce dandruff (which is caused by having a dry scalp) and can potentially reduce the chances of hair loss.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, E and antioxidants, helping to protect the keratin in hair and seals in moisture. Olive oil could add softness and strengthen hair by penetrating hair strands and retaining moisture. Like coconut oil, it has antifungal and antibacterial qualities which could help in reducing dandruff on the scalp. It acts as a natural conditioner that nourishes and moisturises the scalp leaving the hair healthier and smoother.

Both oils cleanse the scalp to get rid of dust and dirt. Massaging the mixture on to the scalp will help improve blood and oxygen circulation, which stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair strands. Using this mask is a great way to protect your hair from harsh weather and keep it in good condition, as it coats the hair like a protective barrier. Olive oil has a thicker consistency, so I only use 1 part olive oil to 2 parts coconut oil.

What you will need:

2 Tbsp. Coconut oil

1 Tbsp. Olive oil

 Directions:

• Mix together both coconut and olive oil in a bowl. This mixture can be adjusted depending on the thickness and length of the hair. I personally like to heat my mixture for about 10 seconds, so it is warm. I advise not to put oil that is too hot on the hair as it will do more harm than good.

• Apply on to the hair, concentrating on the ends as this is usually where the damage is greatest.

• Tie hair up and put on a shower cap or even a plastic carrier bag to lock in moisture. This step is optional, but I do think it makes a difference. Leave on for 2-3 hours or overnight if your hair is really quite dry.

• Rinse out in the shower and wash with regular shampoo and conditioner. Your hair should feel softer and smoother and more manageable. This can be used as a once a week treatment to soften frazzled hair.

Enjoy!

xSx

Coconut Oil for Strong Healthy Hair

I am always on a mission to find the best beauty buys for my skin and hair that is organic and cruelty free.

My number 1 beauty staple that I always rely on is coconut oil. It's a god send! The best type to use is extra virgin cold pressed, as this does not contain any nasty's and is just pure coconut oil.  I use it in my food and I love using it on my hair as a hot oil treatment once a week. It can also be applied on the skin as a conditioner, but I personally do not do this as I have very oily skin and causes break outs. I have done a little break down on the benefits of coconut oil and how I apply it on my hair. Enjoy!

Benefits of Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids like lauric acid and linoleic acid, it can provide many benefits for hair. Some of the benefits of coconut oil are:

1.  It has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties which keeps the hair strong and healthy

2.  The antimicrobial properties found in coconut oil are excellent natural treatments for various scalp infections

 3. The natural antioxidants and nutrients (vitamin E, vitamin K and iron) found in coconut oil boosts hair growth and regrowth

 4. Coconut oil is known to mimic sebum, which is the body’s own natural oil that helps keep the scalp from drying out and also coats hair roots to protect them from damage. Doing this regularly can potentially reduce the chances of hair loss.

 5. The various fatty acids present in coconut oil serve as very good anti-dandruff agents. It seeps deeper into the hair shaft, providing lasting conditioning without the harsh reactions of chemicals found in other conditioning treatments. Regular application of coconut oil can help reduce dandruff long term.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair:

Step 1: Heat a tbs for 30 seconds in the microwave. More oil can be used if you have longer thicker hair (my hair is quite fine and medium in length, so this is enough for me). Don't use it straight away as it may be too hot.

Step 2: When the temperature is warm apply it all over the hair concentrating on the ends, as this is where most of the damage occurs.

Step 3: Massage the coconut oil in to the scalp in small circular motions. When massaging the scalp with coconut oil it improves the blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, which helps hair follicles to absorb the valuable nutrients in the oil necessary for hair re-growth.

Step 4: Once the hair is saturated with oil, cover the hair with a plastic bag or a shower cap for up to 5 hours. It can be left in over night for a longer treatment and washed out in the morning. Using a cap produces heat which is trapped, allowing the hair shafts to open for the coconut oil to deeply penetrate through and moisturise the hair.

Step 5: Once the 5 hours is up it is time to wash out the oil. Regular shampoo and conditioner can be used. Sometimes there may be some oil residue left, so the hair may need to be washed twice. One the hair is dry,  it should look softer and more manageable.

Hope this post was informative enough. If you have any questions please ask. :) xSx