How I protected and nourished my hair on the beach with coconut oil

Did you know coconut oil can do wonders for your hair, especially if it’s dry? No, me neither! I only found out on holiday when I used it to keep my hair smooth and sleek in between swims in the sea. 

Being in the sea so much, it causes my hair to go extremely dry and brittle so I’ve been nourishing it with coconut oil.

I bought coconut oil before I went because I’d heard was good at keeping hair nourished during beach holidays. I used it daily throughout my holiday and thought I’d share my very happy experience with you.

After swimming in the sea, you should take a shower. Salt water not only dries out your skin and hair, it leaves a sticky residue behind (gross). After each swim, I took my hair down so it was loose. I stood under the shower nearby and let the fresh water wash all over my hair. I didn’t shampoo it or anything. After a few minutes, I went back to my seat and brushed it until it was lug-free.

Taking about a pea-sized amount of coconut oil (I have long hair), I warmed it up in my hands. I then ran my fingers through the top and ends of my hair – being careful to avoid the roots as it can make roots greasy.

Once done, I scooped it up and put it in a french plait down my back. I like the French plait because it keeps hair in but it isn’t tight on my head, like a ponytail. When I undid it later in the day, it gave me lovely wavy hair.

Here’s a pic of me in the evening, back from the beach. This is after I’d had my hair covered in coconut oil all day. It was SO smooth, smelt amazing and was really conditioned. I hadn’t even washed it; this is when the coconut oil was still in my hair. All I did was brush it and put it up in a ponytail. It had dried on the beach with the coconut oil in it.

Not only am I using it but my Husband started too. He used it once after he’d been in the sea to de-fluff his hair. Guess what? Yep. He started using it in the evenings too instead of hair gel, and continued to use it even now we’re back from holiday.

I’ve used it as a leave-in-conditioner a few times since I’ve been back, to give my hair a boost after being out in 35-degree heat for 2 weeks. It looks really shiny and moisturised.

As long as you don’t use too much, it makes styling hair so much easier. I sometimes wave my hair with straighteners. I’ve done it with coconut oil in my hair and the waves have never been as bouncy or as long-lasting. From the reviews on the Superdrug website, some people use it for their bleached hair to keep it from drying out.

The coconut oil is solid in the container, so you need to pick it out with a nail. Unless you’re in a hot place, like on a beach, where if you leave it out under the sun it will melt quickly and be easier to handle.

I bought the coconut oil from Superdrug for £1.65. It’s cruelty-free and vegan, which makes this my new favourite product.

I’d definitely recommend it, especially as it’s cruelty-free! If you use it, drop me a comment and let me know how you get on.

More uses for coconut oil – further reading

Not just for beauty but for potential nutritional value too. Check out FocusPerformance’s article | Coconut oil, Good or bad? 

Could coconut oil be used for hair growth? Hairguard.com discuss the benefits, side effects and uses – worth a read if you’re worried about losing your hair.

Speaking of looking after your hair,  have you tried Function Of Beauty shampoo and conditioner? I’ve been using it for years and have written about it here. It’s a subscription model so you don’t have to worry about running out.