How Long Should Coconut Oil Be Applied to My Bleached Hair?

Coconut oil has become a very popular element in skin and hair care. You can remove makeup, moisturize skin, add it to makeup, or use it for haircare.

Having both moisturizing and antibacterial qualities and being rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it is a great choice as a mask for your hair. It will provide nourishment for your scalp and at the same time aid in removing the excess buildup of sebum that is the natural hair oil.

Coconut oil is an excellent option for all hair types but has proved to be particularly good for bleached hair, so if you are a blonde and even if you’re not, consider trying it.

With so many products available for repairing treated hair, why consider coconut oil? Because often it’s less expensive and it’s a natural product.

Bleaching your hair and styling it using heat will dry hair leaving it at risk of falling out. Coconut oil is one treatment that can help to bring lifeless and dull, treated hair back to life.

What Does Bleach Do to Hair?

Hair bleach contains chemicals, and many can cause damage. Bleach can also remove protein from hair, weakening it and causing hair to become dry, rough in texture, and brittle, hence at risk for breakage.

Which Type of Coconut Oil Should I Apply on Bleached Hair?

Coconut oil is characterized by a very low molecular weight as it is a lauric acid triglyceride. It penetrates hair and skin easily and will protect the protein contained within.

Ideally, you will want to acquire virgin coconut oil or unrefined oil as this will be of greater benefit to your hair. Processed coconut oil can cause the oil to lose some of its nutrients. Unrefined oil will be extracted using a cold-press process to retain nutrients.

How Should Coconut Oil Be Applied to My Bleached Hair?

Start by selecting your jar of coconut oil. 

1. Place two to four tablespoons in a saucepan and heat to melt it over a very low flame. You can melt the oil using a double boiler as well to make sure you do not burn the oil. If your hair has a longer length, you may want to use more. 
2. Once the oil has melted, allow it to cool sufficiently to apply it to your scalp.
3. Consider covering your shoulders with a haircare mantel or with a towel to avoid spilling oil on your clothes.
4. Do not wash your hair. Once cool, begin to drizzle the coconut oil over your hair starting at the scalp and roots. You may want a wide tooth comb or detangling brush to aid in your application. Apply the oil to the hair to the ends. Do this gently to avoid breaking hair.
5. Let the oil set to revive your hair and moisturize it. 
6. Cover your hair with a shower cap for warmth and to enable penetration of the oil into the hair fiber.

For How Long Should I Apply Coconut Oil to My Bleached Hair?

There are numerous viewpoints with regard to how long you should leave coconut on your hair. The length of time may depend on what you hope this treatment might accomplish.

If your hair is bleached, and most probably chemically damaged and dried out, as well as frizzy, you should attempt to leave your coconut oil treatment on overnight.

This is especially true if your hair has been bleached multiple times, and if your hair had been severely damaged, consider applying this treatment at least two times weekly. 

An overnight treatment will be aided by the normal renewal of cells which takes place during rest.  

Can Coconut Oil Be Applied to My Bleached Hair for Shorter Amounts of Time?

Yes, if you do not have the time or feel comfortable sleeping with coconut oil on your hair for an entire night, consider doing an application for 60 minutes three times weekly. These shorter treatments will nourish damaged hair and moisturize it to improve both the texture and the shine of the hair.

Will Coconut Oil Fade My Hair Color or Make Bleached Hair Brassy?

No, this oil treatment has no fading effect on bleached hair when applied and it will not cause bleached hair to appear brassy.

Coconut oil can be used before bleaching or immediately after bleaching with no effect on the color.

Should I Shampoo My Hair After My Coconut Oil Treatment?

Yes, shampoo your hair with clarifying shampoo to properly remove the oil. You can shampoo twice. Then apply a conditioner that hydrates hair to benefit from the full effect of your coconut oil treatment. In this way, you will prevent the moisture loss from your hair. 

Ideally, consider allowing your hair to air dry after your treatment if possible. 

If you are worried about removing the moisture from your hair after the coconut oil treatment, do not use a clarifying shampoo and opt for a gentle shampoo instead.

Will Coconut Oil Leave My Hair Feeling Greasy?

No, a coconut oil treatment will not leave your hair feeling any greasier if you shampoo it after completion of the mask. This is a fantastic tool for those suffering from hair and scalp oiliness.

Will Coconut Oil Help If My Hair Is Frizzy?

Often permed or bleached hair may have a tendency to get frizzy, especially in humid weather. Coconut oil is recommended by many as a type of serum against frizzies.

Simply apply three to four drops on your hair without putting it on the roots. Apply evenly to all your hair. Do not rinse it out and leave it until your next shampoo. 

A few drops of coconut oil can be applied to either damp or dry hair to eliminate frizz. This application will also aid in protecting hair from temperature extremes, both hot and cold as well as split ends.

Can Coconut Oil Be Applied Before Bleaching My Hair?

Yes, you can, and it can aid in the reduction of hair protein loss and damage during bleaching. It will not affect whether the bleach works or not.