In this article, Lucky Curl demonstrates how to use coconut oil for hair straightening. This guide can also make you realize and appreciate the versatility of coconut oil.
To prevent heat damage to hair while straightening, coconut oil should be used before and after treatment. It contains properties that prevent frizz and damage once it penetrates the hair shaft.
Many popular hair products these days contain coconut oil. This is because coconut oil contains beneficial nutrients and moisturizing properties.
In addition to providing hair with essential acids, coconut oil also conditions the hair and protects it from outside damage.
That said, there’s no reason why you can’t use it when straightening hair!
Different Ways to Use Coconut Oil When Hair Straightening
As Conditioner
Conditioning your hair with coconut oil the night before or a few hours before straightening is the best way to prepare your hair. Also known as a pre-poo treatment. This creates a protective barrier around your hair strands, which helps preserve the shine.
Instructions:
- Condition your hair with coconut oil before wrapping it with the deep conditioning cap.
- Let it sit for a couple of hours or overnight if necessary.
- Remove the cap and gently shampoo your hair. Wash your hair properly to get rid of greasiness.
By incorporating coconut oil into your routine in this way, you should notice a difference in the appearance and condition of your hair.
As Heat Protectant
Using coconut oil right before straightening offers heat protection to your hair. In addition to moisturizing your hair, the oil will prevent split ends and damage.
Instructions:
- Distribute evenly throughout your hair with a few drops at a time.
- For best results, wait a few minutes before applying the heating tool.
In other words, applying coconut oil to your hair before using any hot styling tool can shield your strand from heat damage and will result in a shinier finish.
Benefits of Using Coconut Oil
Moisturizes Hair
The natural properties of coconut oil work as an effective moisturizer. It contains fatty acids like lauric acid and oleic acid that are absorbed by the hair quickly.
Once these fatty acids penetrate your hair, it moisturizes your strands resulting in a healthier hair and scalp. Also, it can tame frizz and heal breakage.
Provides a Barrier
Coconut oil can naturally block bacteria and irritants to prevent damage to your hair and scalp.
Be careful not to overdo it to avoid blocking your hair follicles. Use a small amount as needed to reap the maximum benefits of coconut oil.
Chemical-Free
Coconut oil is sourced naturally. For that reason, it is used as an ingredient in many hair care products.
Also, you can use it to make DIY hair care treatments such as the coconut oil mask for deep conditioning your hair.
What to Avoid
There’s no doubt coconut oil is effective for straightening hair. However, it may not be for some people with an allergic reaction to it in the past.
So, if you don’t respond with hair care products containing coconut oil, it is best to try different hair oil instead. (I have listed some good recommendations for you in the succeeding section.)
In addition, if you have protein-sensitive hair or if you don’t need more protein on your hair, do not use coconut oil too.
Other Alternatives
When looking for alternatives to coconut oil, you should choose hair oils that contain similar properties as coconut oil. These are some good alternatives that are worth considering:
- Argan-oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Avocado oil
It is important to note that oils like mineral or sunflower oil do not penetrate the hair like coconut oil. It leaves a thicker layer of oil on the scalp resulting in unwashed or greasy-looking hair.
Summary
Coconut oil offers numerous benefits to your hair. It moisturizes your hair as it is quickly absorbed into your strands.
You can apply coconut oil before straightening hair as it’s an effective heat protector! And use it after straightening for a smoother finish.
However, you shouldn’t overdo it to avoid creating problems for your hair and scalp.
Of course, look for other hair oils if your hair isn’t responding well to coconut oil. Check out this article about hair straightening oil for the best recommendations!
