Coconut oil... drying?

Mar 1, 2016

Lara R.

Hello! I've been using cold-pressed raw coconut oil for a couple of weeks as hair mask and instead of feeling my hair soft and skilky, it's getting dry! :( isn't supposed to be the other way around? Have you had a similar experience?

Note: I don't use heat at all and the rest of my hair products are the same.

Mar 1, 2016

Roz X.

How often are you using it? Certain types of hair respond differently to various oils. What you could be seeing is an excess..a build up of proteins since Coconut Oil prevents protein loss during shampooing. That's quite a bit of usage.
I'd stop using it for now and instead, get moisture back into your hair with a mix of raw honey and olive oil. Keep water cool when rinsing hair. If you aren't using a leave - in conditioner, I'd start. It should help if you switch to a hydrating shampoo that is free of sulfates and reduce shampooing. This will let natural oils from your scalp accumulate. You can brush hair gently with a "Wet Brush" to carry that natural oil through the shaft. I love this spritz. It adds moisture to hair and detangles.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6480416&skuId=2223260&_requestid=554053

Good luck!

Mar 1, 2016

Lara R.

I use sulfate free products and I have to wash it everyday since my hair gets dirty (I have to walk everyday through a big construction zone) and I go to the gym.

I'm using it 2-3x per week, as I used to do with almond oil. I'll stop using it for now and see if there's a difference :) I will also try the mix of honey and olive oil (how much of each is needed? must be applied hot or at room temperature? For how long?)

Thank you so much!

Mar 1, 2016

Christina R.

I jumped on the coconut oil band wagon and to be honest it didn't work so well as a hair mask for me. My hair came out super dry and the ends were all brittle.

Mar 1, 2016

Roz X.

That's far far more than I would deep condition my own hair as I'm leery of build up.
You may have Coconut Oil sensitive hair. It could also be that since oil needs extra shampooing & product to wash it completely out of hair, that you are simply drying out your hair when trying to rinse away Coconut Oil frequently. But for now, we really want to give your hair a surge of beneficial moisture! I exercise wearing my hair up completely and walk quite a bit in the polluted city, but using dry shampoo and hair perfume reduces the need for daily washing.
(Merely a suggestion to give your hair a break temporarily.) This comes down to personal choice and comfort level, which I understand.

I'd recommend the Raw Honey and Olive oil mask once a week for now and see how your hair responds. You can try adding a bit of Sweet Almond Oil to the mixture if you like as well! I love organic almond oil myself; it is a staple in my skin and hair health.
I leave this mixture on my hair for one hour; some people prefer differing times.
No need to heat the ingredients. Heating the oil and honey often removes beneficial properties.
Raw honey and Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil (and Almond) work beautifully together. :)

Here's instructions with photos.
http://makeupandbeauty.com/honey-olive-oil-homemade-hair-mask/

Again, use cooler water when rinsing your hair. As cool as you can stand it. Sulfate free is great, but I'd add a hydrating shampoo formula and a leave-in moisturizing mist (like the one I linked to). This is going to add needed moisture and help hair retain moisture. It's pretty spectacular!
Remember, you can overdo anything..including masques and deep conditioning ..including (and sometimes especially) with natural products.
I hope it works nicely for you.  

Mar 1, 2016

Kathy K.

Thanks for all the great information rozberry. very helpful.

Mar 1, 2016

Lara R.

Thank you so much! I will try to make some changes and see if there's a positive effect :)

Mar 1, 2016

Rose M.

Coconut is actually bad for your hair people think it's good but the oils are to big and just push your dead hair down making it seem like it's making it better but it's actually not

Mar 2, 2016

Lara R.

Rose, that seems be true :/ maybe I'll try Jojoba oil instead.

Mar 2, 2016

Romie L.

I have had the same problem... The only time it worked for me was when I just bleached my hair and it needed protein. Now not so much anymore... it gets dry and overall just a weird feeling. Your one of the many people where coconut oil just won't work on. BUT there are many other options. For me pure argan oil works really well. I still have to try olive oil. Goodluck!

Mar 3, 2016

Lara R.

Romie, do you buy from a specific brand or just pure argan oil?