Coconut Oil: The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread? (And healthier too!)

Miranda Kerr drinks it, Kourtney Kardashian puts it in her hair and Jennifer Aniston eats it to boost her weight loss. It seems that the world has gone crazy for coconut oil. It is being hailed as the all new miracle health and beauty product of 2016. You’ve read all the hype and now you have a jar of it sitting in your bathroom cabinet. The question now is how do you use it?

1. Hair Care

The deep conditioning properties of coconut oil can provide intense moisturisation for dry hair. Melt your oil by running the jar under the hot tap for a few minutes, and then when you have shampooed, take a small amount and run it through the ends of your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes to work its magic and then rinse. Sit back and enjoy the shine and volume it gives you.

2. Skin Care

What’s good for your hair is good for your skin. Rub a generous amount of coconut oil into your skin straight after the shower for a soft, supple result. And if you are feeling creative, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a fragrant twist. If you suffer from under eye puffiness or dark circles, forget all the expensive eye creams and dab a few drops of coconut oil under your eyes instead for instant wide-eyed beauty.

3. Medical Uses

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no way to kill off the virus that causes cold sores. However, dabbing a small amount of coconut oil onto the spot a few times a day can inhibit its growth, so that the unsightly symptom doesn’t get any worse. Meanwhile, you can get rid of nasty fungal infections with coconut oil. The oil breaks down the membrane surrounding the fungus, without which it cannot survive. Keep applying the oil regularly until all your symptoms have cleared.

4. Sun protection

Okay, this is no replacement for an official sunscreen, but coconut oil does have a mild SPF protection. When used on your lips it is also an effective lip balm, providing double the protection.

5. Insect Repellent

For some reason, most bugs hate the smell of coconut oil. Cover yourself in the stuff and benefit from softer skin, and protection from mozzies. Even head lice recoil at the scent of coconut, so it can be used as an effective way to get rid of nits and prevent them coming back. If it’s too late, and you are always covered in bug bites, coconut oil can soothe the area.

6. Oil Pulling

Many celebrities swear by oil pulling, and although it can seem a bit strange at first, you will benefit from whiter teeth, stronger gums and a plaque-free smile. Swish the oil around your mouth for twenty minutes and then spit. Everyone will wonder where you got that fabulous smile. These are just a few of the many uses for coconut oil. Do you have any other suggestions for us? Tell us in the comments below. Need a Uniform that works as hard as you? Still swishing oil around your teeth? While it works its magic, why not take a look at our range of salon and spa uniforms? They promote a stylish and professional image for your team. And check us out on Facebook and Twitter too, for up-to-date news and competitions. Images sourced from Pinterest.