Hair

Photo Courtesy of Nur Shahidna

Dry weather, Humid weather, Over expose to sun, Dyed hair, Oily scalp, Frizzy...

Sounds familiar?

What happen to our Mane since we were born? Why can't we have that baby soft mane forever?

Yes, our hairstylist suggests hair treatment but OMG it burns our pocket deep. How do we weigh between getting fashionable mane to healthy mane? 

When there's a will there's a way

My Mane has been bleached,dyed,permed over the years since I turned 17. Call me a wacky mane fanatic but I can't seem to see myself with my natural straight black Asian hair and on top of that I don't have that much money to constantly pamper myself with hair salon's sky high prices for coloring and treatment.  My Mane must be a wreck you may think. Sadly No it's not, it's soft, smooth and glowing.

It's all about discipline. Discipline in following up on your beauty regime. And it's an Inexpensive and Effective way too.

First Trick - COCONUT OIL

I first heard about coconut oil from my friend's mum who is an Indian lady. Ever notice how Indian women's hair is so black and shiny? Yes, thanks to coconut oil. It's an age old recipe for hair treatment that was passed down generations since 3000 years ago. 

According to Vedic Scriptures, Lord Vishnu (The God Protector of the Universe) brought 'The Tree of Heaven' known as Karpagavali to earth. This special tree is said a giver of all health,energy,strength,tranquility,longevity and peace. Today's science has hailed coconut oil as beneficial for health, immune systems, hair and illnesses. 

In the recent years, the western part of the globe has started singing praises of coconut oil. Let's identify the reason...

Coconut oil made up of 90% saturated fats, 6% mono-saturated fats and 3% poly saturated fats. It contains nearly 50% of lauric acid. Lauric Acid has high affinity for hair proteins, high moisture retaining capacity. This means coconut oil is not easily broken down nor evaporated, thus not allowing moisture to escape. Resulting in hair moisturize and soft while preventing hair breakage.

But wait! 

Coconut oil has a certain stench right?

 Let's look at the two types of coconut oil...

Refined and Unrefined oil

REFINED COCONUT OIL:

• Sometimes labelled as Expellar pressed
• Made from dried coconut
• Gone through (RBD) Refined, Bleached and Deoderized to remove impurities creating a palatable product
• Price is cheaper 
• Usually tasteless and odorless.

 UNREFINED COCONUT OIL:

• Sometimes labelled as 'virign' or 'extra virgin' oil
• Made from fresh raw green coconut
• No chemicals is added
• Considered more superior than refined coconut oil
• Has a mild coconut flavor and scent.

*All coconut oil is extracted from a whole coconut.

Benefits:

1. Massaging oil into scalp increases blood circulation to stimulate hair growth
2. Prevents hair loss
3. Soften hair, brings back shine and radiance 
4. Prevents and protects the effects of premature aging like baldness and excessive hair loss
5. It's cooling effect helps with excessive scalp sweat
6. A very anti-dandruff agent
7. Tames hair from fizziness 
8. Minimizes split ends
9. Supports healing and repairs hair from everyday use of heat (hair dryer, hair iron/curler) and chemicals (hair spray, hair gel/wax)
10. Has NO side effects

Now it's time to apply...

Recommended ways- 

Virgin Natural Mane

You hair has not been touch by harmful chemicals but yet it's dry and losing its shine.

1. After your normal shampoo and conditioner, rinse and towel dry
2. Drop a few drops of coconut oil on your palm, rub your palms with it
3. Gently run down your hair with your already coconut oil coated palm
4. Apply more coconut oil if needed

* Do this daily

Dyed, permed, rebonded for the past 6months 

Your hair looks great first month but now it's dull and asking for attention

1. Apply coconut oil to scalp by parting hair section by section
2. Apply generous amount to your hair starting from the roots and work your way up to scalp
3. Bring your hair up in a bun , secure it as you don't want your face to get oily
4. Allow the oil to soak in for about 2hrs
5. Wash off as per normal

* do this once a week

*application should be done to dry hair without hair gel/spray/wax

Super brittle hair 

You love to change your looks every now and then, here's how to gain that look every 3 months without going bald

1. Apply coconut oil to scalp by parting hair section by section
2. Apply generous amount to your hair starting from the roots and work your way up to scalp
3. Bring your hair up in a bun , secure it as you don't want your face to get oily
4. Wrap your head with any scarf you can find in your wardrobe and wrap it around your head (make sure it's super secure)
5. Sleep through the night to fully allow the oil to work it's magic
6. Wash off as per normal

*alternate once a week and twice a week, so in a month you will have done 6 times

*application should be done to dry hair without hair gel/spray/wax

With all that said here is my favourite hideout to purchase 

The Amazing Coconut Oil - Mustafa Centre 

Here are two that i recommend..

Cost SGD $15

Smells like fresh coconut

Cost SGD $4.90

Has two options, Intensive Care for Coloured hair,

Dry Fizzy Hair

Smells almost odorless

Do Give Coconut Oil A Try and Let Me Know How It Went For You!

Let Coconut Oil be our Bestfriend!

Faith.Love Feline

Sources :
1. www.newhealthguide.org/Coconut-Oil-For-Hair-Growth.html
2. wellnessmama.com/5734/101-usesfor-coconut-oil/
3. www.foodrenegade.com/how-to-choose-a-good-coconut-oil/