DIY Coconut Oil Hair Masks

DIY Coconut Oil Hair Masks Coconut oil is one of the most effective natural skin and hair remedies. It’s a good moisturiser that prevents dehydration. To make the most of its useful properties, you should know how to combine coconut oil with other natural ingredients that will complement and enhance its effect. Here are 5 DIY coconut oil hair masks that will help to make your hair strong, healthy and beautiful.

Coconut oil, also known as copra oil, is extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts. It is renowned for its high saturated fat content, which makes it resistant to rancidification. Coconut oil contains over 40% lauric acid, about 15% myristic acid, and up to 10% palmitic, caprilic and decanoic acid. It also contains small amounts of oleic monounsaturated acid and polyunsaturated fats. Coconut oil is rich in natural antioxidants, including tocopherol (vitamin E), which make it slow to oxidise.

Coconut oil has long been used in hair care. In many Asian countries, it still remains one of the most popular hair care products among local women. This oil is renowned for its nourishing, moisturising, softening and restorative properties. Besides, coconut oil helps to protect skin and hair from harmful environmental factors, including UV rays.

To use coconut oil for hair care properly, you need to take into account your hair type as well as the goals you want to achieve. Coconut oil is most often used to nourish and moisturise dry and weak hair. It can also be used to prevent excessive hair loss and split end, combat oily scalp, treat dull and weak hair.

Pure coconut oil can be used as an effective home-made hair mask. All you need to do is melt the required amount of oil (the melting point of virgin and refined, bleached and deodorized coconut oil is 24 °C, while hydrogenated coconut oil melts at 36–40 °C). Apply the oil to hair roots and slightly massage the scalp. Then spread the oil along the entire length of your hair and leave for 20 to 40 minutes. Afterwards wash the hair thoroughly with your favourite shampoo.

You can enhance the effect of coconut oil by mixing it with other natural ingredients such as other carrier oils, essential oils, herbal extracts, honey, eggs, dairy products, etc. That’s why DIY hair masks with coconut oil are very popular. Here are 5 home-made coconut oil masks that will help to keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

Coconut Oil Mask for Damaged Hair

Mix 2 tsp coconut oil with 2 tsp sweet almond oil. Add 2 drops of tea tree essential oil. In order to mix the oils better, warm them up a little in the microwave. While the mixture is still warm, apply it to hair roots and then spread along the entire length. Leave for 1 hour, wash the hair with shampoo.

Coconut Oil Mask for Hair Growth

Take 1 ripe banana and 30–40 ml coconut oil. Mash the banana, add the oil, about 1 tsp sour cream, 5 drops of vitamin A and 5 drops of vitamin E. Mix well. Apply the mask to clean and slightly damp hair, massaging the scalp slightly. Leave for 40–50 minutes, then wash the hair with shampoo.

Coconut Oil Mask for Oily Hair

Mix 2 tbsp coconut oil with 2 tbsp sea salt (for example, All Purpose Bath Salt with Dead Sea Salt by Green Pharmacy). Warm the mixture up in the microwave until the salt dissolves completely. Apply to hair, wrap with plastic and leave for 40–60 minutes. Wash the hair with shampoo.

Strengthening Coconut Oil Mask

You’ll need 2 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tsp honey. Mix the ingredients and warm them up in the microwave. Apply the mask to hair while it is still warm, spread along the entire length. Leave for 30–40 minutes, rinse thoroughly. You can enrich the mask with several drops of any essential oil.

Coconut Oil Mask for Shiny Hair

Take 30 to 50 ml coconut oil, depending on your hair length. Melt the oil and add 2 drops of rose essential oils and 2 drops of rosemary essential oil. Apply the mask to dry hair and wrap with plastic. Leave for 60–90 minutes. Wash the hair thoroughly with shampoo.