Coconuts are rich in vitamins and minerals and are highly nutritious. As beauty treatments too, they are beneficial for both skin and hair. Another advantage is that, unlike other oils, coconut oil does not become rancid.
Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils for the hair. As far as the skin is concerned, it also has several benefits. Oil, by itself, does not moisturize the skin, but it helps the skin to hold moisture better. Therefore, oils help people with dry, dehydrated skin, by softening it and preventing loss of moisture. The skin feels and looks soft and smooth after the application of oil. It has been used to help skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, softening and soothing the skin.
Pure coconut oil is commonly used in India. It is extremely nourishing for the hair and helps to improve hair texture and also promote growth. It is said to strengthen the hair and make it thick and shiny. The application of oil with a light massage helps to stimulate blood circulation to the follicles and also softens hair texture. Massage gently, using only the fingertips. Move the scalp in small circular movements. Keep the oil on overnight and wash the hair the next day, using a mild herbal shampoo.
Hot Oil Therapy: Twice a week heat pure coconut oil and apply to the hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better.
Make Your Own Hair Oil: Take 10 to 15 gms of dry amla and one teaspoon of fenugreek (methi) seeds. Grind both amla and methi seeds coarsely. Add them to 100 ml pure coconut oil. Put all the ingredients in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in the sun daily for 15 days, shaking it each day to stir the ingredients. After 15 days, strain the oil through a clean muslin cloth and keep the oil in a glass jar. This oil may be used to apply to the hair. It will benefit all hair types and also helps dandruff conditions.
For Dandruff: Add 5 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil to 50 ml coconut oil. Shake well and keep in a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Apply this to the hair.
For the Lips: There is no doubt that coconut oil has a great skin-softening ability too and helps to make the skin soft and smooth. It may be applied on the lips and is also said to protect the skin from the damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun. It also helps to heal cracks on the lips. It can be used to remove make-up from the face, including the lips. Coconut oil may be applied to the lips and left on overnight. Or, it can be left on for 15 minutes and wiped off with moist cotton wool. The advantage is that, unlike other preparations that may contain synthetic ingredients, coconut oil can be safely applied to the lips.
Fragrant Body Massage Oil: Add 5 drops of Rose essential oil OR Sandalwood essential oil to 50 ml pure coconut oil. Sandalwood has multiple beneficial qualities for the skin. Sandalwood protects the skin from rashes and the rose helps to improve blood circulation and tone the skin.