As summer draws to a close, your hair might be showing signs of the season's fun. The sun, saltwater, and chlorine can leave your locks feeling dry, brittle, and in need of some TLC. Enter coconut oil – a versatile and natural solution to restore your hair's health and vitality. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of using coconut oil for summer hair aftercare and highlight the differences between fractionated (liquid) and virgin (solid) coconut oil.

Coconut oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep nourishment and moisture. It's renowned for its ability to hydrate, prevent breakage, protect, repair, and add shine and softness to your hair.

Fractionated Coconut Oil is liquid at room temperature, light, and non-greasy, making it ideal for leave-in treatments and as a carrier oil for essential oils. It absorbs quickly, has a longer shelf life due to the removal of long-chain fatty acids, and is odourless, perfect for blending with other ingredients. 

Virgin Coconut Oil, on the other hand, is solid at room temperature but melts at around 24°C (76°F). It is thicker and richer, providing deep conditioning for dry or thick hair, making it great for overnight masks and intensive treatments. Virgin coconut oil has a natural, pleasant coconut aroma and a shorter shelf life compared to fractionated coconut oil.

After a day in the sun, treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask by melting a small amount of virgin coconut oil between your hands and applying it generously to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for an intensive treatment before washing it out with a gentle shampoo. This treatment will deeply moisturise and repair your hair, restoring its natural shine and softness.

Keep your hair hydrated throughout the day with a light leave-in conditioner. Apply a small amount of fractionated coconut oil to the ends of your hair after washing, avoiding the roots to prevent greasiness. Comb through to distribute evenly. This will help lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and add a natural shine to your hair.

Promote healthy hair growth and a nourished scalp by mixing fractionated coconut oil with a few drops of your favourite essential oils (such as lavender or rosemary). Massage into your scalp for 5-10 minutes before washing your hair. This blend will soothe the scalp, improve blood circulation, and promote healthier hair growth.

Shield your hair from chlorine and saltwater by applying a thin layer of virgin coconut oil before swimming. It creates a barrier that helps prevent chlorine and salt from stripping away natural oils. This pre-treatment will help maintain your hair's moisture levels and reduce damage from harsh pool chemicals and seawater.