Can Coconut Oil Be Used On Hair Extensions?
How to use coconut oil on hair
In my experience, as a salon owner that happens to be addicted to natural oils, I find that my clients are not using coconut oil properly. Firstly, I prefer virgin coconut oil and use it as a pre-wash, your hair will not be oily and this treatment allows for the best result. Coconut oil is extremely affordable, attainable, and has both antibacterial and moisturizing benefits for the scalp and hair. Coconut oil is the ultimate hair moisturizer and it is a penetrating oil, thus applying it to dry hair will allow it to penetrate into the hair shaft and help heal a fractured hair cuticle. If applied when wet, you have watered down its potency.
I suggest using coconut oil on extremely dry hair extensions. It is essential to avoid using coconut oil on the attachment of the hair extensions i.e. bonds, micro-links, hair weft, and tape-in hair. Coconut oil is a humectant that can break down the attachment area. Instead of leaving the coconut oil on your hair extensions, it is best to use it as a pre-wash (see instructions below) and not allow the oil to sit too long on your hair extensions.
Coconut oil has a myriad of benefits from teeth pulling, skin moisturizing, and use in place of bath soap.
How to pre-wash?
On “dry” hair, massage a small amount of virgin coconut oil to hair starting from the bottom to the scalp. I do not overload the scalp with coconut oil, but a little bit massaged into the scalp will help keep your hair free of bacteria and fungus. You need to play with the amount of coconut oil you apply, it is best to just coat the strands. I then use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the oil evenly. In order to avoid the coconut oil building up on hair extensions, wash with a sulfate-free shampoo.
How long to keep it in?
This varies based on the thickness of your hair, the health of your hair, and time restraints. Some prefer to leave in 10 minutes, 2 hours, and overnight. The dryer the hair, the longer the coconut oil can stay in. It is best to do this on natural hair.
Heat or no heat?
Every so often on dry hair, after applying the virgin coconut oil, wrap a damp hot towel around your head. This will allow the porosity of your hair to equalize and allow better oil penetration. I love moist heat over dry heat, and it will keep your hair supple.
How often?
There is such thing as too much of a good thing, coconut oil contains triglycerides which can not only clog the heart’s arteries but also your hair cuticle. Using a coconut oil pre-wash too often may cause your hair to become brittle having the opposite effect on what you are trying to achieve.
How often really depends on the state of your hair. I suggest one pre-wash per week on extremely dry, damaged, and over-processed hair. Bi-weekly or monthly on healthier hair.
How to wash after pre-wash?
Now that your hair is moisturized, it is senseless to shampoo more than once or use a volumizing shampoo that strips the hair cuticle. Instead, use a hydrating shampoo, dilute your shampoo with water, or just condition. This will vary based on the thickness of your hair.
Some do not suggest using a pre-wash before coloring your hair, I find that it can help the integrity of the hair. I most certainly suggest using a pre-wash before chemical relaxing and straightening except for keratin treatments. Virgin coconut oil will need to be melted, put a small amount in the microwave and melt for 30 to 60 seconds, allow it to cool before using on your hair.
Fractionated coconut oil is in a liquid form, and is vastly different than its less processed counterpart; virgin coconut oil because the long-chain fatty acids are eliminated.
Hydrated hair extensions lead to shiny and healthy hair. So next time you feel compelled to just dump coconut oil in your shampoo, try this technique, your hair will LOVE you for it!
Hair Extensions Background
At Noelle Salon, we evaluate your natural hair, listen to our client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. We use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using our Pull-thru Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out to us and explore the possibilities.
