Coconut oil, and products containing coconut oil are all over the market. From beverages that promise to rehydrate the body and skin, to numerous shampoos, conditioners and styling products that contain this magic fruit, coconut has many uses when it comes to beauty. 

Read on below to learn its myriad of uses, and how coconut oil works to heal your hair and skin. 

1. Benefits for Hair

Coconut oil can really work wonders for the hair, especially when combined with other natural ingredients like honey. 

Coconut oil is packed with natural lipids that can restore moisture to dry and damaged hair. I've seen some truly impressive transformations when coconut oil is used on severely dry hair. 

For an easy, at-home treatment that is extremely effective, combine equal parts coconut oil and honey, heat up in the microwave for a few minutes, and then apply to hair and leave on for at least an hour. Hair will be left extremely smooth and manageable. 

2. Benefits for Skin

Coconut Oil's natural lipids are not only great for the hair, but they also work wonders for the skin. Coconut oil helps replenish moisture, and fights aging by protecting the skin from pollution and other environmental factors.

Apply to slightly damp skin after showering, showing extra love to dry areas like knees and elbows. Coconut oil can also be combined with sesame and sunflower seed oil for a maximum dose of moisture. 

3. Nails

Coconut oil is a fantastic treatment for dry, brittle nails and cuticles. Rub coconut oil around the nail bed for a quick cuticle treatment, or you can go all out and cover the hands and nails with coconut oil and then wear protective gloves and let the oil soak in as you sleep. You'll wake up with incredibly soft hands, and noticeably smooth and moisturized cuticles. 

4. Not So Common Uses

Coconut oil can be used as a fantastic makeup remover. Take a cotton ball and coat with coconut oil. Pesky water-proof liners and mascara won't stand a chance against this effective, natural remover. An added benefit is that crows feet will also be treated with the moisturizing and anti-inflammatory affects of the coconut oil. 

A not so known fact is that coconut oil can also be used to treat a pimple. The anti-bacterial properties of coconut oil make it a very effective treatment against zits and acne by shrinking and reducing redness and swelling. 

Further Reading

8 Essential Styling Tips for Curly Hair

How to Successfully Use Biotin Supplements to Treat Hair Loss

What to do When Your Client Has Hair Cut Remorse

5. Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling has recently made headlines as more and more celebrities and models sing its praises. Oil pulling is a successful treatment for removing plaque and whitening teeth. It works by cleansing the teeth and removing bacteria without the harmful affects that harsh brushing or other whitening techniques can leave behind. 

Oil pulling is not for the impatient. A successful treatment lasts 20 min, and you also have to be comfortable with swishing a greasy oil around in your mouth. Take 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil and add a few drops of oregano oil (for further anti-bacterial benefits) and swish in the mouth for 20 minutes. This will be long enough for plaque and bacteria to be broken down, but not too long that these toxins get reabsorbed into the gums. Once the 20 minutes is up, spit out the mixture, rinse with warm water, or warm salt water, and then brush to remove any remaining bacteria.