5 Ways to Use Coconut Oil This Winter

Coconut oil is probably one of the most popular moisture sealants among naturals. However, given that, by nature, coconut oil solidifies as it cools, it may not be best used in this way during the winter. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite oil when the temperatures drop!

But first just in case, you’re wonder where to buy coconut oil. You can buy organic extra virgin coconut oil from most grocery store. This is my favorite brand, Nature’s Way Coconut Oil.

Here are 5 ways you can still use coconut oil during the winter…

As a Pre-Poo Treatment

While coconut oil isn’t super heavy as, say, olive or castor oil, it amazingly still provides a good amount of slip needed to detangle and treat the hair prior to shampooing. It penetrates and also provides a nice coating to the strands that will prevent the hair from being completely stripped of moisture. I LOVE using it as a pre-poo.

To Deep Condition

Being naturally rich in fatty acids, coconut oil not only penetrates the hair but provides it with a nice shine. The Vitamin E contained in this oil helps to nourish the hair from the inside out, rebuilding protein to make it stronger. Apply to the hair from root to tip, just as you would any other conditioner, cover with a plastic cap and either wrap with a towel, sit under your hair steamer or hooded dryer for about thirty minutes. Rinse.

Directly On Your Scalp

Coconut oil is still quite effective when used to “grease” the scalp, penetrating the skin to get those nutrients mentioned above right to the source. The result will be healthy-looking, strong hair. You can also heat up your coconut oil and use for your scalp massages. The act of massaging alone stimulates blood flow to the scalp. Add the benefits of coconut and your hair will thank you!

In a Moisturizing Spray

Winter is a big season for protective styles. An easy way to make sure you’re keeping up with moisturizing is to create a nourishing mixture that you can easily spray on your scalp and hair. In a spray bottle, mix a few tablespoons of coconut oil with water, your favorite leave-in and maybe a couple growth-stimulating essential oils like rosemary or tea tree and use daily or as needed. See 5 Quick & Moisturizing Sprays that You Can Do Yourself

With Other Oils

If you still wanna use your coconut oil to seal during the winter months, creating an oil blend is a great option. Using it along with other emollients like avocado, jojoba or olive oils can “break up” the freezing effect coconut oil alone can have on the hair when it hits the cold. I love to mix my coconut oil with olive oil.  Here are 3 ways I use this oil blend. Simply mix your oils in a color applicator bottle with a nozzle (found at your local beauty supply store) for easy application. This is also the perfect way to do an Oil Rinse on your hair.

Bonus:  Have you heard of Oil Pulling? This is great way to use coconut oil in your oral hygiene. You can read about Oil Pulling here.

In what other ways have you used coconut oil during the winter?