DIY Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Coconut oil can be used for a whole array of things. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, remove eye makeup, moisturize your skin, be used as shaving cream, it can prevent stretch marks and much much more. So, if you're trying to stay on a budget and save some mullah, you can kill like 18 birds with this one coconut stone. Seriously. And I got it at the grocery for only 6 bucks! Think about how money you spend on all of the different products coconut oil can replace for only $6! Wow, I'm starting to sound like I'm a salesman...

Anyway, you can read all about the full benefits here but today, I'm using it as a hair mask. I've tried olive oil because I had heard it was really good but it just made my hair greasy and it strips your hair color. We don't want that! The coconut oil conditions but it is weightless and it will not alter the color of your hair. So DO NOT get olive oil. 

Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Uses: condition, de-frizz and improve your hair's overall health

My hair was in dire need of some help. I haven't had my hair cut in 3 years; not even a trim. Yes, you read that right; 3 years! Plus I have terrible grey hair (yeah, I'm real lucky like that) and I color it every 4-6 weeks. So my hair was definitely in trouble and this mask alone brought my hair back from the dead! For this mask you really only need the coconut oil.  I also use:

a microwave safe container of some sort 

a large clip (or ponytail holder) 

a wide tooth comb 

and a shower cap (optional)
**BONUS for added shine, mix 1 tbsp of honey with your coconut oil

1.)   Coconut oil isn't a liquid like other oils. 76º and below, it is a solid so you have to put it in the microwave. There is no scientific measurements here, I just use a heaping spoonful like in the picture above. I throw it in the microwave in a reusable plastic container for 10 seconds and stir. It won't be perfectly smooth; it will have some chunks in it and that's ok. 

2.)   I divide my hair into 2 sections and literally just start slathering (that's a technical term) it onto my dry hair. DO NOT PUT IT ALL THE WAY TO YOUR ROOTS! I made this mistake the first time and when I blow dried my hair, it was gorgeous and gleaming but the next morning (I shower at night) it looked as if I hadn't showered in a week! Now, I always start at the mid-line and work my way down to my ends. 

3.)   Next, I run a wide tooth comb through my hair just to distribute the oil evenly and then I clip it up on top of my head to set.


Here's where the optional shower cap comes in:
You can use heat to speed up the process. If you don't want to use heat, you're done. Just leave it to set for 30 minutes. If you're feeling impatient or are in a hurry, you can use a shower cap and blow dryer to speed your wait time to only 15 minutes. This step will open your hair follicles for the oil to absorb more quickly. I personally don't like to use the heat because heat damages your hair and it just seems counter productive to me but that's up to you.


 4.)   Once you're time is up, wet your hair and lather with your shampoo. Heard the phrase "like oil and water"? You will have to use shampoo to efficiently break up the oil. Whether you finish with conditioner, however, is your choice. Others say they follow with shampoo only but I still use my conditioner after I've washed because my shampoo in itself can be drying. Again, it's up you. 

That's it! Stand back and admire your gorgeous hair! This really does help the condition of your hair. Yes, it moisturizes But, it really does improve your hair's overall health so the benefits are long term. I used this mask before every shower for about a week to get my hair's health back to where it should be but now I just use as needed when I think my hair could use a boost.

Give it a try! You have nothing to lose! If you have any questions just leave me a comment and I'll be happy to answer. And if you try it out, let me know how it goes!