This Healthy Kitchen Staple Makes The Best Hair Mask Ever

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Though it has existed as a part of Indian Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years and is a favorite for those rocking natural hair looks, coconut oil has exploded in the supermarket scene as the all-natural ingredient of choice for all things cooking, baking, weight loss, and heart health. This simple alternative can be used for so much more than just a substitute to butter. Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for your skin as well as an awesome hair mask whose effects go so much farther than just another over the counter product filled with chemicals. Check out all the reasons coconut oil rocks and why you need to go buy some for your beauty routine ASAP.

Coconut Oil Basics

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If you have ever eaten a coconut, you know that when one is cracked open it’s filled with lots of delicious milk and fleshy “meat.” The actual oil is derived from this fleshy part of the coconut, otherwise known as the kernel. There are many ways of extracting the oil to determine how many nutrients are in it and how good it actually is for you, such as “cold-pressing” or “direct micro expelling.” Try and buy coconut oil that is labeled as “raw,” “organic” and unrefined, preferably made through cold pressing that allows it to contain all the natural antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin E, vitamin K, and iron (which promote hair growth).

It’s Worth The Investment

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Coconut oil is filled with tons of antioxidants, antifungal and antibacterial properties that you just can’t get in other chemical-based hair products that can leave it flat and dried out. Another bonus is that you only have to buy this one product for so many benefits, as coconut oil is incredibly versatile. A tub of coconut oil can cost anywhere between $5 to upwards of $20, depending on the type you buy. However, this stuff lasts a long time and can end up replacing all the various products you use to help get your money’s worth.

Uses For Hair

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Coconut oil adds a beautiful luster and shine to your hair that keeps it thick and hydrated in the toughest of conditions. When used right, it can be a simple deep-conditioner, a daily detangler, kill lice, stimulate hair growth, prevent split ends and protect it from the sun.

DIY Options

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Some individuals prefer to leave it in for a half hour before shampooing while others use coconut oil after showering to clean up loose ends. However, one foolproof way of using coconut oil as an overnight mask is to gently massage it throughout recently washed and brushed hair. If you have naturally oily hair, it is best to avoid the scalp, but every hair type is different. Wrap your hair up in a towel or cap so it doesn’t get all over your pillows and wash it out upon waking the next morning. If you need a last minute pick me up, doing the same process for about 30 minutes should produce solid results. For more inspiration, check out these five variations of coconut oil hair masks that treat every problem.

Next time you contemplating your next beauty purchase, try the natural route and make yourself a coconut oil hair mask. The results will be well worth it.

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