How to Use Virgin Coconut Oil on Relaxed Hair

Relaxed hair is generally dry and brittle after chemical treatment. African American natural hair is especially susceptible to breakage after a hair relaxing treatment because the texture is naturally dry. Virgin coconut oil is a natural hair product suitable for moisturizing relaxed hair. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, virgin coconut oil has a high affinity to hair proteins and is able to penetrate deep into hair strand shafts. Virgin coconut oil can be used for deep conditioning as well as for daily use on relaxed hair.

Things You'll Need

• Virgin coconut oil (purchased at a health food store)
• Hair pick
• Shower cap
• Boar hair brush
• Shampoo formulated for dry and damaged hair
• Conditioner formulated for chemically treated hair

Instructions

Deep Conditioning

1. Wash the relaxed hair with a shampoo that is specific for dry and damaged hair. Apply the shampoo to hair per the instructions found on the bottle.

2. Apply the coconut oil to hair strands, only. Avoid putting coconut oil near the hair roots. Hair roots can become greasy or clogged from an overabundance of oils. Continue putting virgin coconut oil onto strands until all your hair is thoroughly saturated.

3. Gently brush your hair with a wide-toothed hair pick to prevent tangles from forming.

4. Gather long hair into a loose high ponytail with your hand and place strands on top of your head. Place a shower cap over hair and ensure that it is secure on top of your head.

5. Allow the virgin coconut oil to sit for at least 25 to 45 minutes. Rewash hair with the special formulated shampoo. Apply the conditioner for chemical treated hair per the instructions on the bottle.

Daily Use

1. Apply a dime sized amount of coconut oil into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, then gently rub them through your hair strands in a downward motion on dry hair.

2. Avoid getting the oil near the hair roots. Concentrate 2 to 3 inches from the roots down the hair strands.

3. Brush your hair with the boar hair brush. Brush your hair for a few minutes to ensure the virgin coconut oil is evenly distributed through hair strands.

4. Style your hair as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Use virgin coconut oil, rather than generic coconut oils that have been processed.

• Use the oil weekly for deep conditioning to help prevent hair breakage and split ends.

• Use an old pillowcase until you determine if oils will excrete from your hair strands while you are sleeping. Coconut oils might leave permanent soil marks on fabrics.

References

• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• CareFair.com: The Deal With Relaxers and Perms - Part I