Our hair is made with a protein known as keratin, and bleaches can strip off the natural hair oil (sebum) and protein from hair. They may also make your hair rough, dry, and brittle. But this hair oil works great on your hair and prevents all the damage caused by the bleaching process. This article explores a step-by-step guide to using coconut oil for bleached hair and its benefits. Keep reading.
Step 1: Melt The Coconut Oil
If the coconut oil has solidified, scoop out a small quantity, and use the double boiler method to melt it. If you have short hair, you may rub the solidified oil between your palms and then apply it to your hair.
Step 2: Separate The Hair Into Sections
Part your hair into three sections before applying coconut oil. This will ensure all the hair strands are evenly coated with the oil.
Step 3: Coat Your Hair With Coconut Oil
Gently massage the coconut oil from the roots to the tip, one section at a time. Do not rub vigorously. Work along the length of your hair.
Step 4: Cover Your Hair
Cover your hair with a shower cap or a scarf and leave it overnight. This will allow the coconut oil to penetrate the hair shafts.
Step 5: Bleach Hair With Coconut Oil In It
Apply bleach to the oil-coated hair. The oil creates a barrier between the bleaching agent and the hair, minimizing the damaging effects of the hair bleach. Leave the bleach on for the prescribed time and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. If you are wondering what type of coconut oil you should use on your hair, keep reading.
What Type of Coconut Oil is Right for your Hair?
It is always better to use unrefined or virgin coconut oil compared to processed coconut oil. This is because virgin coconut oil is extracted with the cold-process method that keeps all the nutrients intact. Further processing may cause nutrient loss. Coconut oil is a triglyceride of lauric acid and has a low molecular weight. As a result, it easily penetrates the hair shafts and protects the hair protein (1). Virgin coconut oil is considered to retain all the goodness of the oil. Here is how coconut oil may help protect your hair from harsh bleaching agents.
Benefits of Using Coconut Oil Before Hair Bleaching
Using coconut oil as a pre-wash hair mask reduces protein loss and minimizes further damage caused by bleaching.
Coconut oil helps the hair retain moisture (2). This, in turn, keeps the hair soft and nourished. Using coconut oil on bleached hair can help reduce dryness and keep the hair moisturized.
Since coconut oil penetrates the hair shafts and keeps them moisturized, it also prevents split ends.
Does coconut oil prevent bleach from working? A thin layer of coconut oil may not prevent the bleach from working but may ensure minimal damage. Should I put coconut oil in my hair before I dye it? Yes. You may apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your hair before you dye or bleach it to prevent chemical damage. Will coconut oil make my bleached hair brassy? No. On the contrary, coconut oil can protect your hair’s color and maintain its health and shine. Can I use coconut oil immediately after bleaching? Yes. You can use coconut oil as a mask or conditioner after bleaching, and it will not affect the color. Does coconut oil darken blonde hair? No. Coconut oil does not change the color of hair in any way.
