Coconut Oil Pre Shampoo Treatment


This quick and easy hair treatment has crept its way into my regular routine all by itself because of 2 things:

  • the phenomenal way it makes my hair feel and behave
  • how ridiculously easy it is to do

There are nothing but bonuses to be had from applying virgin coconut oil to hair. It doesn't matter whether your hair is dry, greasy, or normal, kinky, curly, or straight as a board – coconut oil loves hair – all kinds.

If you want details about why it's so fab, please visit this post about the benefits of coconut oil.

Meantime, let's jump straight to this easy peasy hair treatment.

You will need

Hair
Coconut oil (virgin or refined)


Method 

The amount of oil will depend on your hair type  – thick long curly hair obviously needs more than short fine hair. My hair is short and fine, and I use approx a tablespoon.

  • Apply to dry hair and work through to tips, being sure to reach all of the hair. 
  • Massage scalp lightly.
  • Apply shampoo (no need to wet hair first). 
  • Lather and rinse.
  • Dry, set and style as usual.

I usually do this once a week, applying the oil about 15 minutes before I hit the shower, but if your hair is very dry, you may find it helpful 2 times a week. The longer the oil is in the hair, the more conditioning power.

Enjoy!


Do Tell

If you decide to try this (or already do it), please feel free to share your thoughts, reactions and experiences with it!

Comments

Jana said…
I've been using coconut oil for quite some time now and it's just amazing!The best thing you can put on your hair, i absolutely love it :)
Unknown said…
I have used coconut oil on my hair too it is amazing, but I always wetted it first, will not do this, this time. This may be why it takes a fair few washes to get the the oil out.
LisaLise said…
Hi Jana - Great to hear! Your cleansing bar recipes are coming up very soon.. promise!

Kelly- Interesting that you wet your hair first.. I'm curious as to where you read to do this..?
Anonymous said…
i've read that coconut oil is not good for all types of hair - it depends on hair porosity etc.

in general the success of any oil treatment depends on fatty acids - some hair prefer monounsaturated fats when others - polyunsaturated fats.

i always apply conditioner before shampoo on 'oiled' hair - it's easier to wash them because conditioner emulsify the oil:)
LisaLise said…
Hi Foster - great input! I've never come across any information about oils/porosity and coconut oil. I will now have to research this a bit!

Your tip about conditioner on oiled hair is a good one. I've done this myself many times. :)
Olivia J said…
I have done this and love it! I have also done it with red palm oil which is great also.
LisaLise said…
Thanks Olivia! :)
Does it matter if it is virgin coconut oil or not?
LisaLise said…
Hi Silkworm yarn shop - I've never tried this with anything but virgin coconut oil. If you want all of the goodies (and max effect) , I would suggest using virgin coconut oil.
Anonymous said…
I have found that my hair doesn't like coconut oil. They become dry and brittle. I didn't know why this was happening to me but after doing a little bit of research it seems low porous hair don't do well with coconut oil. A few days back I tried peanut oil which made my hair super soft and smooth and I was able to comb my hair without any trouble. I am looking forward to experiment with other oils.By the way, I love your blog. :-)
LisaLise said…
Hey there Anon- thanks for your kind words about my blog! Not everyone's hair does well with coconut oil, as you have discovered. I'm glad you have found something that works for you. Peanut oil is also good for skin, so you can use it for 'double duty' :)