I've been singing the praises of Coconut Oil for quite some time now. I've been using it for cooking because it's full of the best kinds of saturated fat and metabolism-boosting medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), and it holds up well under heat.
When I ran out of my favorite hair gloss one evening (which is basically oil in a fancy, little expensive bottle), I was desperate for something to tame my wild and crazy locks. I decided to give coconut oil a try. Let me tell you - AMAZING!! It instantly made my hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free. And I didn't smell like a tropical drink all night long. I will never use anything else in my hair ever again!
I also happened be running really low on body cream the same time I ran out of the hair gloss. And facial moisturizer. GO FIGURE. After I tried the coconut oil in my hair, I decided to massage a bit into my skin and on my face. Once again - AMAZING! My skin was soft and touchable and glowing - not greasy at all! And I only needed a tiny amount to cover everything!
I am sold on this stuff, not only for the great health benefits when I use it for cooking and baking, but because it's working wonders on my skin and in my hair. And I am saving so much money by not having to buy so many different beauty products! I do suggest, however, that you buy two separate jars of coconut oil. One for the kitchen and one to keep in your bath.
A few things about coconut oil. Make sure you are getting Certified Organic, non-hydrogenated Coconut Oil. Refined or unrefined is a personal choice. There are some good refined brands out there and they usually have less of a coconut taste and aroma. The unrefined kind is going to be a bit more potent. If you're making french fries, you probably don't want them to taste like coconut. If you're baking brownies, a subtle hint of coconut just enhances the taste. And of course, if you want to use it for your hair and body, unless you don't mind smelling like a tropical drink, you should choose the refined variety. I personally use Purium's 100% Organic Tropical Oil. For around $35.00, I buy two jars (one for the kitchen and one for my beauty needs) and each jar lasts me about five months! I can spend that or more on skin cream alone and it only lasts me about a month.
Also keep in mind, coconut oil is not liquid. It's solid, but it becomes soft and spreadable the moment your warm fingers touch it. And you really only need a small amount for your hair and skin.
There are so many products out there with coconut oil in them. Those are fine, if you choose to use them, but you're going to be spending a lot more money. Why not go for the REAL thing? Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
For more tips on how to use Coconut Oil for beauty, read my previous blog: Coconut Oil for Beauty.
