This summer, coconut oil is your best friend!

Summer is here, we are all very excited for the warm weather change!

With this change, come new hair challenges.

Here in Connecticut, the heat comes with humidity. With that humidity comes frizz.

Let’s start with the science. Why does hair frizz?

Hair frizzes when it absorbs moisture from the air.

 How can I prevent this from happening?

Form a seal.

How can I form a seal?

Using oil.

Coconut is the #1 oil we recommend for this.

If you are only reading this article for the answer to all your frizzy woes and don’t care about the science, stop here! (We’re not like one of those food blogs where you have to scroll alllllllllllll the way to the bottom to find out the directions- we’re a cool blog!).

This is the coconut oil we recommend.

While other oils such as argan oil or castor oil will work, coconut is the best to work with for this purpose. Coconut oil is hydrophobic, meaning it will repel water. Coconut oil is a saturated fat made up of fatty acids including Vitamin E. These acids are small enough to pass through the hairs protective outer layer (cuticle) and moisturize from the inside.  

To be exact, coconut oil is able to do this because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain. This all means that it is small and lightweight enough to pass all the way through to the inner layer of the hair.

I know, so science-y! The stuff is pretty cool.

But wait, if coconut oil is a sealant, does that mean nothing can get into my hair?

Correct.

This is why after your normal shampoo routine, you should first use a conditioner, deep conditioner or leave in moisture treatment and follow with the oil.

Oil is that last protective layer!  

Not only does coconut oil contain amazing beneficial ingredients for our hair, but it also doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, dyes (ever heard of amber colored oil *ahem Moroccan oil* causing brass for blondes?) or other synthetic ingredients. Of course, do your research and select a brand that is organic, unrefined and extra virgin. Here is one that we recommend.

We love coconut oil because it does double duty for your hair. Not only does it improve the look of frizz, but contributes to the overall health of your hair in addition to being relatively inexpensive. We call that a win-win!  

Hate oil? Here are other techniques for controlling frizz.

·      Tancho Hair Wax Stick (We stole this one from Kendall Jenner)

·       Tancho Hair Wax Stick knock off- this Hair Wax

·      Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner formulas, like this one

·      Switch to a microfiber towel to dry hair

·      Add in a serum

·       Use a silk or satin pillowcase

Happy summer!

Let us know if these tips helped you!