Coconut Oil is All the Rage…but Does It Really Work?
Does coconut oil in fact really help the health of your hair?
Yes, indeed it does. "Coconut oil will definitely help your hair grow healthier, thicker, and longer," Brown confirms. "The vitamins and fatty acids in coconut oil help nourish your scalp and penetrates the cuticle of the hair.
Does Coconut Oil Really Speed Up Hair Growth?
According to Shari Marchbein, MD, coconut oil doesn't directly affect hair growth, though it might provide benefits that improve the health of your hair overall. "We've all heard about how good coconut oil is for our health, hair, and skin. But can it actually be useful for growing hair? The answer is both yes and no," she says. "There are no credible studies at this point linking the use of coconut oil to faster hair growth."
How should I apply coconut oil? Here are some step-by-step instructions:
Warm the coconut oil. Coconut oil is naturally harder than other oils, so if it’s solidified or not in liquid form when you first open the jar, don't worry. You can melt it by taking a small amount of coconut oil in your hands and rubbing them together, or by scooping a spoonful into a pan and heating it until it starts to melt. To avoid product buildup, start with no more than a teaspoon.
Apply the coconut oil to dry hair. Use a wide-tooth comb–like this detangling R + CO Comb to distribute the coconut oil through your hair. Start at the midsection of your hair, around where your ears are, and continuing to the ends of your hair for all-over moisturizing. If you're concerned about hair loss or want to boost hair growth, you can also take a small amount in your fingertips and massage it on your scalp first before applying it to the midsection of your hair. You can also experiment by blending your oil with other ingredients, such as yogurt, honey, or lemon juice.
Leave on for 30 minutes–or overnight. For a quick deep conditioning hair treatment, apply your coconut oil before shampooing and conditioning your hair like you normally would. Simply leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash your hair like normal. Or, for an extra-hydrating hair mask, leave your coconut oil hair treatment in overnight–simply wrap your hair up in a shower cap before sleeping to make sure you don't get it all over your pillow. Then, shower and shampoo when you wake up. You might have to rinse a few times to get all of the coconut oil out, but when you do, you'll be left with silky, soft hair.
Don’t have time to do a full on treatment?
Warm the coconut oil. Since you'll be using less coconut oil than you would be if you were using it as an all-over hair treatment, try taking just a small amount of coconut oil between your palms and rubbing until it's soft and malleable. Of course, you can also heat it up over the stove for a more liquid consistency.
Apply the coconut oil to the ends of your hair. After showering, run the coconut oil through the ends of your hair, or take it up slightly higher (to the midsection of your hair) to use as a moisturizing detangler. Avoid your roots or scalp area to avoid excess oil or grease.
Comb through and style as usual. After you've applied your coconut oil to the ends of your hair, comb through and dry as you normally would. If you're using a blow dryer, we recommend applying your heat protectant (CityGRL Amethyst Oil) like normal on top of the coconut oil, to make sure none of the moisture is lost while you style.
Some reasons you shouldn’t depend on coconut oil.
Some things are just masking the issues. People often use hair oils to moisten their hair, but I often say that when hair needs moisture, it is thirsty and needs a drink. In fact, oil and water don't mix. Oil actually repels water and either pushes it out of the hair or stops it from getting into the hair. Thus, Instead of using oils to fight frizz, always use low PH products on your hair. This will keep the cuticle flatter, meaning less tangles. Tangled hair is often the cuticle scales of your hair interlocking with each other.
Use moisturising masks on a regular basis as an alternative to oils to really penetrate dry, damaged hair and begin a long-term treatment process to healthy, strong hair.
Wait for a Stylist
If you have tried this coconut rage and nothing has come of it. Wait for your stylist. If it has seemed to help, YAY I am so happy for you. This could be a temporary feeling though, so let a stylist take a look. I know this hasn’t been or wont be easy, but really its best to wait if you can for a stylist. We are professionals. You haven’t always colored your hair. You haven’t permed or straightened hair.
I understand that you are in front of people. Hell I am too, every single day. Honestly, people are here for you not your hair. If your hair defines you let your smiles define you more.
You all matter more to me that you realize, so if you need me I am just a call away. Just relax and breathe. All of this willl work itself out, just be thankful we are all still healthy and happy.
If you are in desperate need of fixing the ugly…call me. Or schedule here.
I suggest using CityGRL DIY kits custom created for you. This will ensure you get the professional haircare you need and it will be the color you’d like.
