Get Shinier, Softer Strands With This Easy Coconut Oil Hair Mask Recipe

Updated on March 27, 2016 at 3:00 PM

This post was originally featured on Hello Miss Niki and is by Wendy Rose Gould, who is a part of POPSUGAR Select Beauty.

Applied topically, coconut oil actually does a few things for your hair. First, it nourishes the hair shaft to create a vibrant sheen. It also conditions the hair to restore moisture and repair damage. Also, when applied at the scalp, it can help reduce dandruff and soothe sensitive or itchy skin. Tip: For beauty uses, choose extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil.

Let's move onto the lavender portion of this two-ingredient DIY hair treatment. Lavender also has numerous benefits. It's no secret that it smells amazing, and many simply use aromatic lavender for its calming effects. Topically, lavender, like coconut oil, is antibacterial and therefore helps with dandruff. It also helps to soften the hair.

What You Need For This Recipe:

Small Bowl
2 Tablespoons of Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil
Fresh or Dried Lavender Sprigs (or 2 Drops Essential Oil)
Measuring Spoons

Step 1: Place Oil Into Your Bowl

Measure out two tablespoons of coconut oil and add it to your bowl. Depending on your hair length, you may want to add more or less oil to the bowl. For medium-to-long hair, two tablespoons should suffice. If your coconut oil has turned to liquid, just measure it out like normal.

Step 2: Add Lavendar

Remove the greens and/or buds from your lavender and place it in the bowl with your coconut oil. If you want to add a little more for fragrance, that's okay. A few pinches is plenty.

Step 3: Infuse Your Lavendar

Next, we're going to infuse the lavender into the coconut oil. To do this, create a bain-marie by placing your bowl over a saucepan filled with water. Turn your heat to low-medium and allow the coconut oil to melt down, stirring periodically. If your coconut oil is already liquid, you still want to do this, as the warmth from the water bath will expedite the lavender oil extraction. Keep your bain-marie going for 45 minutes to one hour, then remove from the heat.

Step 4: Cool and Strain

Allow your infused coconut oil to set for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is slightly warm (not hot). Remove the lavender pieces if desired.

Step 5: Apply to Hair

Work the oil through your hair, focusing on the ends where hair gets dry. You can also focus on the scalp if you're dealing with itchy, dry skin or dandruff. Let the oil set for 15 to 45 minutes. The longer it sets, the better. Shampoo and style as normal.