Before you run into the shower to shampoo your hair, stop and think. Every episode of hair wash, not only clean out the dirt and oil but also strip away essential nutrients from your hair. Luckily, help is at hand. Among the manifold benefits of this humble, yet powerful oil is its ability to work as a shield from the drying effects of shampoo and cleansing. No matter how careful you are in selecting your shampoo, there is a definite drying element to the act of cleansing your hair. Keep your hair protected before you shampoo it, just by applying coconut oil as your armor. Softness, luster, and an influx of moisture – all this and more with just a dash of the good old coconut oil.

Shields Against Protein Loss

The main ingredient of the hair is protein, which gets depleted with styling, chemical processes, and even shampooing. It is no wonder then that we sometimes look at freshly washed hair and wonder why it looks so lifeless. The protein has been sucked right out. Enter coconut oil! The saturated fats abundant in this oil avoid protein loss during the process of shampooing, by curbing the amount of water that gets absorbed into the hair. The unique ability of this oil, to penetrate deep into the hair shaft, ensures that your tresses can be washed without any stresses.

Armour Against Breakage and Hair Fall

Are you scared to shampoo your hair just because of the amount of hair that you see in your hands after lathering on the shampoo? The pain is real and we know the feeling. Once again, it’s coconut oil to the rescue. The protection element of the oil works to strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage during cleansing.

Protection Against Frizz

When your hair absorbs water during a hair wash, the drying effect results in frizz. With coconut oil at your disposal, the need for pricey serums is mitigated. Application before shampooing is a sure shot method to avoid water absorption and consequently avoid frizz.

Pre-wash Strategy

Ideally, apply coconut oil over the scalp and hair about 30 minutes before you hit the shower. This gives the oil ample time to push its nutrients deep into the hair and scalp and protect your mane from whatever it may encounter after. Don’t forget the ends of your hair, these are generally most vulnerable to drying. Just a few drops should suffice, but remember to cover the entire range of your scalp and hair for optimal results. Finally, if you’re in the mood for some added luxury, you can always mix the oil with other natural nourishers such as – yogurt, honey, lemon juice, etc.

About the author- Dr. Aparna Santhanam