Wonderful Coconut Oil: Get Exfoliating!

(image courtesy of coconut-oil-pulling.net)

Recently, organic beauty seekers have been going “nuts” over coconut oil, as the latest cosmetic and hygienic cure-all. But did you know: our friend, the coconut, is actually a drupe? Uhhh…not sure what a drupe even is?

Me neither.

So, I looked it up. Turns out, drupes are edible plant blooms with a fleshy exterior surrounding a hard pit or seed. There ya have it. But how is this relevant to your hair and skincare needs?

Glad you asked! Drupes are naturally nutrient-dense, high in antioxidants, plus low in harmful fats and sugars. Therefore, it just so happens that the coconut is a powerhouse of health benefits. And – by proxy – coconut oil is too.

Let’s break it down, shall we…?

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Here’s what you’ll find in coconut oil:

• Vitamin E – protects the body from free-radicals & aids in neurological function
• Vitamin K – builds bone density/tissue elasticity & aids in blood coagulation
• Iron – forms hemoglobin, oxygenates the blood, & aids in muscle function
• Fiber – regulates gastrointestinal issues & aids in maintaining a healthy weight
• Lauric Acid – treats viral infections & aids in preventing the transmission of HIV
• Capric Acid – increases good cholesterol levels & aids in energy production
• Caprylic Acid – treats bacterial infections & aids in lowering bad cholesterol

Yeah, but…how does this impact my beauty regimen?

• Coconut oil keeps your hair free from lice, scalp conditions, dullness, frizz, and protein loss.
• Coconut oil keeps your skin free from flaking, infections, pre-mature aging, and blemishes.
• Coconut oil keeps your teeth free from calcium decay, plaque build-up, yellowing, and receding gums.
• Coconut oil keeps your nails free from breakage, flimsiness, uneven cuticles, and fungus.

Cool beans. So, use coconut oil to…

• shave your legs
• remove make-up
• moisturize dry skin
• condition your hair
• treat acne & scarring
• soothe chapped lips
• alleviate nasal allergies
• get rid of cellulite
• grow your hair long
• protect skin with SPF
• fight dandruff & split-ends
• deep clean your pores
• exfoliate foot callouses
• deodorize body sweat
• relieve bug bite itches
• smooth frizzy fly-aways
• heal psoriasis & eczema
• thicken your eyebrows
• maximize a post-tan glow
• hide wrinkles & sagging
• whiten up that smile
• soften your hangnails

Now, just 1 question remains: will YOU go nutty for coconut oil?!

   (image courtesy of iherb.com)

Tame that Mane Without Breaking the Bank

Who says ya gotta drop an entire week’s paycheck at some swanky salon in order to get TRESemme commercial-worthy hair?

No way!

I found some inexpensive and 100% organic home remedies that will turn lackluster locks into the silken strands you’ve always wanted. Ready to be the envy of all your friends without depleting your checking account? Give these all-natural “hair masks” a shot next time you’re in the mood for some personal pampering (and/or find yourself overdue for a shower!).

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•  To control frizz:

Dilute 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 2 cups water. Massage this mixture into your hair after shampooing. Allow to set for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

   

(image courtesy of thefreckledfarmsoapcompany.com)

• To boost volume:

Mash together 1 avocado and 1 banana. Massage this mixture into wet but unwashed hair. Allow to set for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Shampoo your hair immediately afterward.

   

(image courtesy of demi-godess.blogspot.com)

• To mend split ends:

Steep 2 tbsp. rosemary in 2 cups hot water for 20 minutes. Add 1 beat egg yolk once the water has cooled. Massage this mixture into your hair after shampooing, then rinse thoroughly right away.   

   

(image courtesy of hairpediaclub.com)

• To prevent grease:

Combine 2 tbsp. lemon juice with 3 tsp. honey, then dissolve in 1 cup water. Massage this mixture into wet but unwashed hair. Allow to set for 3-4 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Shampoo your hair immediately afterward.

   

(image courtesy of hopinghealth.com)

• To liven limpness:

Leave 1 cup beer in room temperature for 2 hours until it has flattened. Stir in 1 tbsp. Argan oil, then massage this mixture into your hair after shampooing. Allow to set for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

   

(image courtesy of the-memorandum.blogspot.com)

• To heal dry scalp:

Remove the seeds and mash 1 papaya, then blend with 1/2 cup plain yogurt. Massage this mixture into your hair after shampooing. Allow to set for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

   

(image courtesy of girlishh.com)

• To moisturize fried strands:

Combine 3-4 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel with 1 1/2 tbsp. coconut oil. Massage this mixture into wet but unwashed hair. Allow to set for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Shampoo your hair immediately afterward.

   

(image courtesy of andmylifegoeson.blogspot.com)

• To enhance shine:

Whisk together 3-4 tbsp egg whites, then add in 1/2 cup almond milk. Massage into wet but unwashed hair, then cover with a shower cap and set overnight. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo immediately afterward.

   

(image courtesy of happykinksforever.wordpress.com)