Is coconut oil good for dreads?
Coconut oil can be applied to the skin or hair and is commonly used for its moisturizing properties, however coconut oil is also good for dreads if applied according to the right factors. If you live in a place with a warm climate, coconut oil is a good option. If you live in an area with cold weather, coconut oil needs time to get dried naturally.
Every type of hair requires a specific oil to care for it properly. Obviously, you should not use coconut oil on your locs if you live in cold climate because it hardens at low temperatures and can make your hair stick together and make them stiff. Pay close attention to what type of hair you have and which oils will be best for them.
Trap these particles inside the solid oil in your hair, compared to high-temperature frying that turns coconut oil into its liquid state, leaving your hair feeling soft and shiny.
Some oils may not work as well for those who live in cold areas. Coconut oil can be a great option for those who live in tropical regions. The benefits are similar and anyone with dreadlocks should feel free to use it with confidence.
How to use coconut oil on dreadlocks
The best way to use coconut oil is to apply it only to the scalp and not to your dreads. It will keep in its liquid state no matter what, so there’s nothing wrong with applying it everywhere else.
Organic Fiji’s claim that body heat can raise coconut oil temperature and make your hair feel healthy. However, type of hair doesn’t effect how coconut oil will affect it because Leisa Timms likes to massage this oil into dreads.
For those with dreadlocks, coconut oil can give your hair a nice shine & feel. It also helps to moisturize, control frizz and is said to also help protect from breakage.
However, it’s important that you use essential oils as well as clarifying shampoo after applying coconut oil to avoid buildup & buildups in the dreads.
Benefits of coconut oil for dreadlocks
- Coconut oil prevents dandruff, is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal.
- It moisturizes and purifies hair for a cleaner, healthier look without exposing the scalp to outside elements.
- Coconut oil can bind to protein in the hair, which will strengthen the roots and prevent breakage.
- This oil improves circulation to the scalp which helps strengthen and thicken it. It also supplies your scalp with oxygen & nutrients, which allow hair to grow faster!
- Vitamin E and K leave your hair feeling soft.
- Coconut oil contains linoleic acids which help hydrate your hair and prevent breakage. These components also have a lot of effects on the health of your hair.
How to make coconut oil for dreadlocks?
You will need:
- Three coconuts.
- A blender, or food processor.
- Cheesecloth.
- Large pot.
Instructions
- Remove the husk from the three coconuts.
- Cut the coconuts in to small pieces and add them to the food processor
- In this recipe, you can add up to 3 cups of water to minced up coconuts and squeeze the milk out with the cheesecloth.
- Put the milk in a large pot, and warm it up for about 3 minutes or until bubbles stop appearing. Turn off the heat, and set it aside.
- Don’t let it boil or stir the mixture
- Let it cool.
- When the mixture is cool, use a spoon to scoop out all of the fat
- After heating the mixture, reduce the heat and allow it to boil, until you can see that it has thickened
- Reduce the heat and let the “custard” simmer for at least 45 minutes.
- You will notice the oil separating from the coconut custard.
- Strain the oil and allow it to cool.
- When the coconut oil cool, you can store it in an applicator bottle or combine with other oils.
How to apply coconut oil to your scalp?
Mix water and coconut oil together in a spray bottle for scalp moisturizing. The mixture will also have other benefits like preventing dandruff.
One of the best ways to soften and moisturize dreadlocks is by using a mixture of rosewater. For more information on rosewater benefits for dreads, check out my detailed post on it!
Recommended coconut oil for dreadlocks
- Viva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
- Nutiva Organic Coconut oil.
- Nature Way Virgin Coconut Oil.
Conclusion
Coconut oil isn’t the best oil for your dreadlocks, but it’s great for people who live in colder areas or winter, leaving their hair stiff. It isn’t a problem for those who live in warmer places since it remains in its liquid state. Further, coconut oil moisturizes my scalp and helps control my dandruff.
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