It’s a no-brainer that coconut oil is a health and beauty staple. It’s used to moisturize hair and skin, remove eye make up, and even act as a beauty highlighter. But did you know it also makes for a great heat protectant?
As it’s a natural and relatively cheap product rich in saturated fats, coconut oil is exceptionally good at protecting hair during styling. There are a few things to keep in mind before we delve into how to use coconut oil as a heat protectant, however.
Who Should Try Coconut Oil As Heat Treatment?
Coconut oil’s ability to effectively moisturize and penetrate your hair is dependent on the porosity of your hair. If your hair is of high porosity, use coconut oil as a heat protectant and you’ll see great results. Low porosity hair (there are tests out there for discovering your hair’s porosity) won’t find coconut oil effective and will likely deal with build-up.
Discovering which type of hair you have will determine coconut oil’s effectiveness. Adding it to the wrong hair type will only leave it feeling brittle and dry the exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve!
If you love using heat styling tools, applying coconut oil beforehand can protect your hair from the high temps and minimize damage. No more fried locks!
Note: Many people are allergic to coconut oil, or find it too heavy for their hair. To test if you’re one of them, try applying a tiny bit of coconut oil to your skin or a small section of your hair and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction. If everything’s all good, go ahead and enjoy the amazing benefits of coconut oil as a heat treatment!
Why Choose Coconut Oil
Now that you’re certain that coconut oil will work for your hair type, why choose it over other heat-protectant alternatives? For starters, coconut oil is natural and extremely enriching for hair.
Comprised of many fatty acids like lauric acid, coconut oil can penetrate all layers of the hair shaft and strengthen it by bonding to proteins.
In terms of styling, coconut oil is great because of its high smoke point. A smoke point is the heat to which oil can be burned safely before it starts emitting free radicals, which can be harmful to your health. At 350 F, coconut oil is ideal for curling and straightening.
Benefits of Using Coconut Oil Before Coloring Hair
How To Use Coconut Oil As Heat Protectant
Apply Directly on the Hair
One quick and easy way to use coconut oil as a heat protectant is to take a few drops, warm them in your hands, and apply them directly to your strands.
Some find coconut oil to be a little greasy and messy for that, so only consider it if you have thick hair and the time and space to apply in a clean manner.
Create Your Own Spray
Another great alternative to lock-in that enriching oil is with your own spray. First, heat 2-3 tbs of coconut oil. In a spray bottle, add 3/4 cup of water. Add the warmed oil to the water and shake vigorously for a few minutes.
Spritz onto clean, damp hair. Let your hair air dry, or if you don’t have time, dry gently on the cool setting. Now you’re ready to heat style.
With this method, be sure to avoid your scalp so things don’t get too greasy.
Try a Pre Poo
Another way to strengthen and enrich your strands is to use coconut oil as a pre-poo treatment. First, wet your hair and then apply a small amount of coconut oil and comb through with a wide-tooth comb.
Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before you rinse out. Shampoo and condition as normal. You’ll likely find that your hair is stronger, shinier, and less prone to breakage when styling.
Seek Out Products
Leave-ins and heat protectants containing coconut oil are a great option for the easy, go-to gal. We love the Coconut Hair Defrizzer that acts as a two-in-one for curly babes because it’s known to protect as well as wake up curls in the morning.
Protect From the Inside Out
If you’re one of those people that may not benefit from coconut oil being applied directly to hair, you can still receive nourishment from this source. Beauty and health start from the inside out, so consuming coconut oil as a part of your diet can be very beneficial.
Additionally, coconut oil is great to cook with as it does have a high smoke point. You can add coconut oil to a healthy smoothie or use it as a base for your next dish. Either way, the healthy fats from this oil can still make your hair grow healthy and strong.
The next time you reach for a heat protectant before styling your hair, consider coconut oil. There are a variety of ways this natural product can enrich your life and your hair!
Related Topics
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- How Long Can I Leave Coconut Oil on My Hair?
- How Long to Keep Coconut Oil in Bleached Hair?
- How Often to Use Coconut Oil on My Hair?
- Can I Put Coconut Oil After A Keratin Treatment?