We've all heard the buzz. Coconut oil is the new trendy beauty treatment with all the magical powers. But what can it actually do for you and is it actually effective? Don't worry we've done the work for you! We tested and tried every tip, trick, and method the beauty world is talking about and laid everything out for you here. Here are 10 real ways coconut oil will change your life and why the oil should become a daily essential in your beauty routine:
1. Your Skin Will Be Baby Soft
Skip the fake fragrances and chemicals--try swapping your usual lotion for some all-natural coconut oil. Surprisingly it doesn't leave you feeling greasy or shiny like you'd think it would. Coconut oil absorbs fast into the skin, soothing any dryness, flakiness, or redness. We like to apply the oil after a hot shower in the winter time to lock in that moisture or right before hitting the beach in that new bikini (or just all the time).
2. Hair Frizz Be Gone
Next time you need to tame those annoying flyaways or frizzy hairs, instead of reaching for a serum full of harsh chemicals, coconut oil is an amazing alternative. Taking a tiny bit of oil on your hands, smooth down your hair to evenly apply the coconut oil to your mane after styling. The oil will prevent frizz and lock in that shine. And no, it won't make your hair feel all oily either - just make sure to avoid your scalp area and not apply too much. Say goodbye to bad hair days and bring on the weather!
P.S. Coconut oil is just as effective on Luxy Hair extensions as it is your natural hair. We love using coconut oil as a healthy deep conditioner or all-natural styling treatment for our extensions!
3. Your Hair Will Shine
Do this once a week and we dare you not to shake your head like you're in a shampoo commercial all the time:
Coconut Oil Hair Mask:
-Melt ¼ cup of coconut oil in the microwave
-Massage the coconut oil in its liquid form all over your hair starting from the bottom up until your tips to roots are evenly coated
-Make sure to apply the oil to dry hair because water tends to act as a barrier to oil preventing the oil from really soaking in to work its magic
-Wrap your hair up in a towel or shower cap leaving the oil in for 15-25 minutes.
-Thoroughly rinse out the mask by washing your hair out normally in the shower using a gentle shampoo
Coconut oil used as a hair mask or deep conditioner is super effective because it's so rich in fatty acids that nourish and moisturize your hair. You can also mix coconut oil with other natural ingredients like honey or yogurt for twice the smoothness! For other great hair mask recipes and ideas, be sure to check out this blog post.
4. It Super-Boosts Your Health
Incorporating coconut oil into your diet has a great impact on your health. Many studies show that coconut oil when consumed reduces inflammation, aids digestion, and prevents diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and high blood pressure.
One of our favourite ways to eat coconut oil is to use it as a cooking oil for stirfrys and eggs. You can also add it to salad dressings or swap traditional butter for coconut oil in baking. Personally, I love adding a spoonful to my morning smoothie or coffee!
5. It Prevents and Repairs Pesky Split Ends
Coconut oil has a ton of protein inside its molecular structure and protein helps repair tissue. That means buh-bye breakage and split ends. Using a little coconut oil daily on your tips is an easy way to keep your hair healthy all the time. I like doing this over night so your hair has a chance to fully absorb the oil and repair itself while you sleep. If that won't impress your hairdresser, then we don't know what will! For more on preventing split ends, check out our helpful tips here.
6. Your Energy Levels Will Be Sky High
Feeling tired? Got a bad case of the mid afternoon slump?
Coconut oil’s got your back again! Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (AKA body fuel) that produces longer sustained energy. Many athletes use coconut oil as fuel before exercising. If the thought of stomaching a spoonful of oil makes you queasy, we’ve got the perfect energy fusion recipe you can make at home when you need a little pick me up. Just mix 1 tablespoon each of coconut oil, raw honey, and chia seeds together. Eat that raw or feel free to dip some whole grain crackers or apple slices in the mix.
7. You Can Use It As a Natural Detangler
If you've got long or curly hair, coconut oil is your new best friend. Trust us, we know your struggle. Save the pain and prevent breakage while brushing your hair by gently massaging melted coconut oil into your hair. Remember this isn’t a hair mask so don’t use too much. Once your strands are lightly coated, you can you can easily work out the tangles with a comb or soft bristle brush. No need to wash out after either! Psst. Coconut oil isn’t the only thing you can do to avoid a tangled mess.
8. Your Teeth Will Be Whiter
With its antibacterial properties, coconut oil has been used for centuries as a way to cleanse the mouth of bacteria. Bacteria and plaque are one of the biggest culprits to yellowing teeth (ew) and coconut oil fights just that by removing the bacteria. Try what’s known as “oil pulling” by swishing coconut oil around your mouth 3 times a week for 15-20 minutes in the morning. After a few weeks, you should not only notice a brighter smile, but fresher breath, and healthier gums too!
9. Coconut Oil = Makeup Remover
Miranda Kerr and Emma Stone swear by this so we’re definitely listening! Coconut oil can be a great gentle makeup remover that actually leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft after. Most makeup removers bought from the store are really drying on your skin. Rather than having to slap on a ton of face cream on after to counteract this, coconut oil is already super moisturizing. Coconut oil also loosens makeup super easily meaning you won’t have to struggle to harshly rub your makeup off either.
10. It Lengthens Your Lashes
Softer fuller lashes? Yes please!
Much like your hair, coconut oil can be just as good to your lashes. Mascara can be extra drying and harsh on your lashes so it’s important to nourish them back to life. Using coconut oil as a conditioner for your eyelashes overnight actually stimulates growth and thickness. The nutrients of the coconut oil also also strengthens the hair follicles preventing lash fall out and breakage.
Coconut oil has now officially become an everyday staple in our beauty routines. From the food we eat to our number one hair product, you can say we’re a little more than obsessed with the ingredient! Have you used coconut oil before? Let us know what your favourite coconut oil beauty tip is in the comments below!
Blog post author: Istiana Bestari
