It may be more commonly found in the kitchen cupboard than the bathroom cabinet, but invest in a tub of virgin coconut oil and your skin, hair and nails will only thank you.
Solid in the tub, once warmed into your hands it melts into an unctuous, versatile oil that smells delicious.
With no hidden nasties, preservatives, fragrances or chemicals, the best thing about it is that it’s completely natural.
I’ve had a tub of Coconoil Organic Virgin Coconut Oil on the go for months now and there's still plenty left – amazing value at just £10.45 for a huge 460g tub.
Any coconut oil will do though, just make sure it's the virgin variety as that's when it's at its most pure.
Here are my favourite ways to use it.
1. The best hair mask you’ll ever use
If your hair is dry, coloured, over straightened or is just looking a bit lacklustre, I recommend giving a coconut oil mask a go.
It has the ability to transform my dry, frizzy locks into shiny frizz-free curls in a way that no other product has ever been able to do. Its anti-bacterial qualities make it a good choice for people who suffer from scalp conditions, such as dandruff, too.
I’m usually a fan of treatments that get to work instantly, but alas, there are no short-cuts here. You need to leave the oil on for at least an hour – longer if possible – to really feel the benefits. I tend to use it when I’m hibernating at home with no likelihood of encountering another human being. I’ll apply it in the morning, go about my daily business (i.e. binge-watching cooking programmes), then wash it off a few hours later.
- Section off dry hair and apply the oil generously all over. I find it works better applying it in sections than in one go – especially if you have thick hair.
- Pay extra attention to the ends, as this tends to be where hair is most damaged.
- Remember to rub the oil it into your roots too, as it is great at nourishing the scalp. Don’t worry about it leaving your hair looking greasy, as it will be washed out later.
- Wrap hair in a warm towel or a shower cap and leave for at least an hour.
- Shampoo twice and condition as normal.
2. Facial cleanser
Coconut oil is an excellent deep cleanser which makes nifty work of removing even stubborn eye make-up.
Simply massage about a teaspoon-full in well, then wipe away with a damp muslin or flannel. Repeat if you’ve been wearing a full face of make-up or sunscreen to ensure every last bit of grease, grime and dirt have been removed.
3. Post-hair-removal soother
Whether you’re a Nair on the top-lip girl, a bikini-line shaver or a leg epilator, hair removal can leave skin sore and dry afterwards.
Coconut oil is the best post-hair-removal soother I’ve used. It quickly imparts moisture back into the skin, calms any redness and quickly soothes itching or burning. I won’t ever be without it for this purpose alone.
4. Cuticle oil
Man, my cuticles are in terrible condition. My nails aren’t much better.
They’re just so damn dry all the time. I’ve made it my mission to remember to rub a little bit of coconut oil into the cuticles each evening. I've been doing it for about a month and they certainly feel more nourished and look less flakey. I just need to keep it up now.
5. Body moisturiser
Many body lotions use coconut oil as a base anyway. Apply this all-natural alternative straight from the tub for well moisturised limbs.
It sinks in surprisingly quickly (just give it a few minutes before putting your clothes on) and leaves a lovely sheen to the skin. You will smell so good you may want to lick yourself afterwards though.
Buy Coconoil Virgin Coconut Oil
So there are my five ways with coconut oil that don't involve cooking. Is there anything I've missed?
