by JACAVA London 18 December 2015
Multi-purpose, natural and affordable, coconut oil has exploded onto the scene this year like no other product. It can be used to treat your hair, nourish your skin and nails, whiten your teeth, wash your face, enhance your cooking and smoothies. Free of silicone and alcohols, the chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and hair, coconut oil can be applied as a mask to repair damaged hair – hair that has been bleached, heat damaged or simply needing a little bit of care.
Coconut oil has anti-fungal properties. As well as providing shiny, nourished hair, this oil can tackle dandruff, keeping the scalp healthy.
Coconut oil is conditioning because it doesn’t just sit on the hair, it penetrates the follicle and is absorbed directly into the hair shaft. Capric acid, Vitamin E and Lauric acid restore the condition of the hair, improving its strength by preventing the loss of protein. Regular applications of coconut oil, from the mid lengths and down, will increase shine and decrease breakage, frizz, knots and split ends.
Top tip: for hard working hands, why not treat yourself to a luxury hand moisturiser, while doing the dishes? Simply massage a small amount of coconut oil into the hands, before donning those marigolds and setting about the washing up. The hot water will allow the oil to penetrate the skin and work its magic. Moisturised cuticles are easier to push back, in readiness for your manicure preparation and favourite nail polish application and, at £15 a jar from Holland & Barrett, coconut oil really is an all-purpose bargain!