The Healthy Hair Diary: coconut oil challenge

Coconut Oil Challenge - Results

Monday, September 08, 2014

I can honestly say this has been the most effortless challenge ever. Time has flown and I have actually got used to picking up my coconut oil for just about everything hair related these days. Over the last 3 months, those involved with the challenge will have used coconut oil to pre-poo, add to their deep conditioner, oil their scalp and or seal their hair. The Coconut Oil Challenge started on 24th May 2014 and ended on 24th August.

Benefits of Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil stimulates hair growth and promotes a healthy scalp.
Coconut oil prevents the hair being damaged by hygral fatigue; which is where the hair gets damaged by the swelling and shrinkage of fibers due to water retention and absorption.
Coconut oil is said to be the only oil to reduce protein loss.
Coconut oil conditions your hair from within, retaining moisture, making your hair soft to touch and shiny.
Coconut oil has both antibacterial properties and nutrients and is therefore excellent protection for the scalp from bacteria infections.

How I used Coconut oil on my hair:

For this challenge there were three levels to chose from; Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced which I detailed in this post. I chose the advanced level and this is the regime I followed over the last 3 months:

Friday / Saturday

Pre-poo with coconut oil & light protein with heat for 20-45 mins
Add 5-6 drops of coconut oil to deep conditioner.
Leave ins...
Once hair is dry, apply coconut oil to my scalp.
Oil scalp 2-3 times a week with coconut oil.
Occasionally seal my hair with coconut oil throughout the week.

Tuesday / Wednesday

Add 5-6 drops of coconut oil to deep conditioner, apply to dry hair for 20-30 mins with heat.
Co-wash using a moisturising conditioner.
Leave Ins...
Once hair is dry, apply coconut oil to my scalp.
Oil scalp 2-3 times a week with coconut oil.
Occasionally seal my hair with coconut oil throughout the week.

My Results:

Coconut oil has made me fall in love with my hair all over again.... I started off using Virgin Coconut oil which my hair liked but I was adamant I needed to buy an Extra virgin coconut oil. The oil I finally went with is Tiana Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil which I bought from Holland Barrett for £16.55 and it was money well spent. I love this oil and the minute I started using it, I've noticed a difference in my hair.

My hair has definitely improved over the last 3 months. My hair feels thicker and so much stronger, and although the challenge is over, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil will remain a staple product in my regime.

How do you use Coconut Oil in your hair?

air-drying

Wash Day Diary - 2 Weeks Post

Thursday, August 28, 2014

coconut oil challenge

Hair Update - June - August 2014

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Hey…

I have been away for quite a while… Tut tut… I blame my time management… I have been at my new job for about 4 months now and I still haven’t sorted myself out time wise (must do better).

Hair Update…

So I continued to do the coconut oil challenge which actually ended today and my hair has absolutely loved it.. A Coconut Oil Challenge Results post will follow shortly.

My wash days have been pretty much the same although for the first time ever, I have found myself co-washing more than I have shampooed, it’s quicker and my hair thrives with co-washes.

I have purchased a few hair products over the last month or two but I will do a separate product haul post.

Before the trim

I went to the salon for a trim on Friday 27^th June and lost a good 2.5 inches but I knew it was necessary as my nape has been struggling and the ends were a hot mess… I wasn't happy to lose so much hair in one go but I knew it had to be done so just got on with it. One thing I have noticed though is that my hairdresser seems to like cutting her clients hair to one length, another lady was in there and before I left she asked for a trim and the hairdresser took off so much which was totally unnecessary and this made me re-assess my trim. I have decided that I need to find another salon who appreciates that I am on a hair journey and am not looking to have the same length hair all my life. I went to a salon before called Belle Hair which is based in Reading where I live and although it is out of my way, I went there once and knew I needed a trim and was surprised to find the hairdresser was not scissor happy and just took off what was necessary so I only have myself to blame for not going back. Decision made, that is where I will be going in October for my next trim and every trim thereafter. Considering how much hair was taken off, my hair has grown back nicely and I’m half an inch away from the length I was at before my last trim which was just past arm pit length.

After Trim

It was my birthday on 7th August and I had an amazing day which ended with a lovely meal with my family.

I self-relaxed my hair last Saturday 16^th August. I sectioned my hair in 8 sections and applied conditioner to the length of each section avoiding the new growth; I then coated each section with my castor oil and avocado oil mix. I then followed my relaxer touch up regime. My hair was left with slightly more texture than I was hoping for but I can work with it and have made a note to leave the relaxer for a minute or two longer for my next touch up to achieve my desired texture.

I did a home made hard protein treatment the week before my relaxer to strengthen my hair, I mixed one egg with a table spoon of coconut oil and a table spoon of honey and whisked together before applying to my hair and covering with a plastic cap for 40 mins and then rinsing then proceeding with my wash day routine ensuring to deep condition for an hour with heat. The results were fantastic and I will be adding this hair masque to my hair once a month.

De'Onne