As of late, I’ve been in a hair rut, which is something I’m sure we can all relate to. Every now and then I seem to be happy with a product only to find a few months later that I’m displeased with it. However, I know that I’m partially to blame. We have to keep in mind the stress that we put our hair through when we use hot tools, hair treatments, or dyes. Much like our skin, our hair must be taken care of. Although the expense of hair treatments can deter us from using them, we have an affordable answer for you! We’re ecstatic to share a hair treatment that is inexpensive and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Latest-Hairstyles.com’s contributor Wendy Rose Gould, a beauty expert for hair tutorial and advice, introduces a DIY beauty recipe: a lavender-infused coconut oil hair treatment. BY KATELYN BONGIORNO
Before we start our beauty routine, Gould has some extra knowledge about the ingredients: “applied topically, coconut oil actually does a few things for your hair. First, it nourishes the hair shaft to create a vibrant sheen. It also conditions the hair to restore moisture and repair damage.” Additionally, Gould adds, “when applied at the scalp, it can help reduce dandruff and soothe sensitive or itchy skin.” An important and fantastic tip by Gould: for beauty uses, choose extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil (who would have thought of that?).
In addition to the extra benefits of coconut oil, Gould notes the various benefits of lavender: “Lavender also has numerous benefits. It’s no secret that it smells amazing, and many simply use aromatic lavender for its calming effects. Topically, lavender, like coconut oil, is antibacterial and therefore helps with dandruff. It also helps to soften the hair.” With these tips in mind, let’s begin!
Ingredients Needed:
- Small Bowl
- 2 Tablespoons of Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil
- Fresh or Dried Lavender Springs (or 2 drops of essential oil)
- Measuring Spoons
Step 1: Place Oil Into Your Bowl
Measure out 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and add it to your bowl. Depending on your hair length, you may want to add more or less oil. For medium-to-long hair, 2 tablespoons should suffice. If your coconut oil has turned to liquid, just measure it out like normal.
Step 2: Add Lavender
Remove the greens and/or buds from your lavender and place it in the bowl with your coconut oil. If you want to add a little more for fragrance, that’s okay. A few pinches are plenty.
Step 3: Infuse Your Lavender
Next, we’re going to infuse the lavender into the coconut oil. To do this, create a bain-marie by placing your bowl over a saucepan filled with water. Turn your heat to low-medium and allow the coconut oil to melt down, stirring periodically. If your coconut oil is already liquid, you still want to do stir, as the warmth from the water bath will expedite the lavender oil extraction. Keep your bain-marie going for 45 minutes to one hour, and then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Cool and Strain
Allow your infused coconut oil to set for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is slightly warm (not hot). Remove the lavender pieces if desired.
Step 5: Apply to Hair
Work the oil through your hair, focusing on the ends where hair gets dry. You can also focus on the scalp if you’re dealing with itchy, dry skin or dandruff. Let the oil set for 15 to 45 minutes. The longer it sets, the better. Shampoo and style as normal.
Step 6: Revel in Softer, Prettier Hair
Want to improve your hair even more? Check out Latest-Hairstyles.com’s Product + Hair Advice section.
DIY Beauty Recipe: A Lavender-Infused Coconut Oil Hair Treatment: Courtesy of Wendy Rose Gould, Photos Courtesy of Wendy Rose Gould
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