Hair care of movie stars from the past - oil-shampoo

**mira-chan** · November 6th, 2010, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by ktani

Thank you for trying to give the name of the shampoo. Good luck with the coconut oil!

It's something like this but the bottle is slightly different.

Waiting for hair to dry but less scalp crud during the wash. I tend to have some issues of sebum and skin buildup at the scalp. I'll post on the full results tomorrow when my hair fully dries.

I used a 50/50 mix of shampoo and coconut oil.

**Watergallop** · November 6th, 2010, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by Chiara

Watergallop, it seems to be a good idea to start with too little oil and work up to the amount that your hair can cope with. Some people can use half oil and half shampoo, but I find a ratio of about 1 part oil:5 parts shampoo is the most oil I can use without stringiness.

The other thing I find about this is that sometimes, immediately after washing I think that I have I've got some over-oiled bits, but this seems to resolve over 24 hours, especially when I brush it once it is thoroughly dry.

So, washed again this morning, no conditioner afterwards (I did a light oiling the night before), still can't believe how much more volume I get. And to think I spent money, years ago, buying volumising shampoos that just made my hair coated and unhappy!

Thanks for the tip, Chiara. I think it will help if I put the coconut oil in the fridge so it solidifies... it's easier to just use a little when I scrape it out with my fingernail and then heat it up in my fingertips than when the oil's in a totally liquid state.

**Chiara** · November 7th, 2010, 01:13 AM

Also a good thing: my scalp seems to dislike shampoo less when it's got oil in it.

I find this too.

**ktani** · November 7th, 2010, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by mira-chan

It's something like this but the bottle is slightly different.

Waiting for hair to dry but less scalp crud during the wash. I tend to have some issues of sebum and skin buildup at the scalp. I'll post on the full results tomorrow when my hair fully dries.

I used a 50/50 mix of shampoo and coconut oil.

I look forward to your update.

Originally Posted by Watergallop

Thanks for the tip, Chiara. I think it will help if I put the coconut oil in the fridge so it solidifies... it's easier to just use a little when I scrape it out with my fingernail and then heat it up in my fingertips than when the oil's in a totally liquid state.

I agree. It will be easier to measure that way.

Originally Posted by Chiara

I find this too.

Great tip! And it is best to keep coconut oil in the fridge after opening in any case, to keep it from going off more quickly.

I just went though all of the successful posts again (I reread them as they are posted too.)

There are 40 declared successes. Some people are using 50:50 coconut oil to shampoo, and most of those also have the tangling problems. That may be down to the shampoo used.

The one person with the least problems from the start with this method is smileycat, who is using a variety of shampoo bars with equal success, using 1 lather for her scalp with no coconut oil added and a second lather for her length with coconut oil added.

The original recipe, on which this method is based uses castile soap as a part of its base. Castile soap itself is based on either olive oil or coconut oil and is most often too strong to use on its own for most hair types (even followed with an acidic rinse).

The shampoos of today, the clear ones included, contain added ingredients that were not around in the 1930's and 40's.

However, there are successes with various shampoo brands listed in the successful report posts. I have not been commenting too much on the amounts of coconut oil used to shampoo because the types of shampoo have been so varied, there are no ingredient lists included and even if there were, ingredients are not easily predictable as to how they will definitely react with the oil.

Initially, I recommended the most basic shampoo to be used with this method. I still think that is the best option going in. However, people have been using what they have on hand and whatever they prefer and I have no issue with that. It is about what works.

The purpose of the coconut oil shampoo is to get the hair and scalp clean. The amount of coconut oil should in my opinion, not exceed the shampoo being able to cleanse the scalp well and not clog scalp pores.

Conditioning over and above a lemon juice or vinegar rinse may be necessary following the shampoo for some people. In most cases much less conditioner than was previously used is needed when this happens.

In some reports conditioner has been successfully added to a shampoo recipe, again, less than would be needed normally following a shampoo. Coinsidering the number of conditioning shampoos on the market these days, that is not too surprising.

As long as the scalp gets clean with this method and the hair is conditioned, I see no problems. Build-up will be more of a possibility the more extras like conditioner are added to a recipe, including extra coconut oil. That should be fairly easy to remedy by alternating shampoos or clarifying.

**ktani** · November 7th, 2010, 05:36 AM

Consistent Successful Recipes and Results

1. smileycat, SCH = Sweet Creek Herbs,
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=145
"I used the same SCH Chamomile and Ylang Ylang bar ... I did my usual first quick sudsing and rinsed, then started my second sudsing, lathered up my hands well and added 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil. ... did a lemon rinse of 1 teaspoon in 12 oz. water and a little conditioner ears down only. I did the lemon rinse first because I find the lemon reacts funny with shampoo bars and leaves a funky sort of smell. My hair is smooth, silky and shiny, and my scalp feels great!"
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=283
"I continue to use this method (with shampoo bars). My original attempt worked so well for me that I don't see any point in deviating the method of lathering with my bar once, rinsing, and then lathering a second time while adding 1/4t. coconut oil to the soap in my hands before adding to the soap in my hair. I use a well diluted white vinegar rinse, and sometimes I use a little conditioner on the ends. My hair is smooth, shiny and soft while still feeling strong, and I find that no matter the shampoo bar I've tried, I get the same reliable results. Seems this method is exactly what I needed to keep both my scalp and length happy!"
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=324
"I did use 1/2 teaspoon my first attempt, and then reduced to 1/4 teaspoon thereafter with no difference in effect for me. ... I have used several Chagrin Valley bars with this method as well, and they worked just as well for me."

2. LHktress, Note: CO'ing in this case, refers to Coconut Oil.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=161
See Also http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=155
"Schwarzkopf Supersoft Kids 2 in 1. Has SLS (second ingredient after water). I've been using it for a couple of months, it's almost used up. ... Conditioner. Same one I'd been using all month (Elseve). The same amount as usual. ... I tried it twice, with the same result. I love the how simple it is, just add CO, do a quick lather, rinse, conditioner => fabu hair!"
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=183
"I shampoo very quickly, in under 30 seconds. I just spread it around, massage a couple of times and rinse it off. Barring any absorption during the shampooing process, I suppose there might also be a very thin film of CO left over afterwards -- which would get absorbed, too. Straight up COing never worked for me. But I love-love-love oil shampoo!

3. lippleyluv,
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=120
"On my hair, I used three parts Avalon Organics rosemary to one part virgin coconut oil (3:1) followed by conditioner. My hair can be dry and coarse at the ends normally, due to being color treated. ... Soft, silky, and only a little dry."
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=137
"I ... used a 1:1 ratio of shampoo to coconut oil last night. The results were VERY good. Followed up with conditioner and oiled my ends with coconut oil after they were dry, as usual. My hair looks great. ... I really thought I would have some greasiness but no, it's soft and silky."
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=199
"I have used this method three times now. Still very successful ... One of the days I used it I felt that my roots felt a little gummy after I had rinsed out the shampoo/CO mix. ... I washed very thoroughly with Suave (not allergic & very strong) then followed up with another shampoo/CO wash followed with a vinegar rinse and conditioner. Once again beautiful results. Very happy. Soft, silky, not dry or staticky. Just wonderful."

4. pennylane,
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=208
"Another happy customer!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!! It will be a keeper for me from now on! .... mixed Alchemy shampoo (no cone no sulfate) in equal proportions with coconut oil (my hair is thick and a bit curly ... I microwaved the oil and stirred it with the shampoo, the mix became of a creamy white color... i stirred well then shampoo as usual, a normal shampoo rinsed and apply Alchemy conditioner, leaved one minute, then rinse then i blowed dry my hair a little with an ionic hair dryer, very carefully, not too much the end result: BEAUTIFUL HAIR! SMOOTH, SOFT, and with VOLUME!!!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY!!!!!!!!
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=261
"It is so amazing! It saves time, it conditions ... Better than conditioner washing, beter than anything! This is the real thing for me!"
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=342
"I am into my third weekof washing my hair with oil/shampoo.The results are amazing! ... I am still mixing my coconut oil in equal amount with my sulfate/cone free shampoo, and my hair is taking it very well ... for me it means no CO, no pre oiling, no nothing!!!!!!! Just jumping into the shower and washing with my perfect new found oil/shampoo!!!!!!! all the work is done in 5 minutes! ... the last time i washed, after i rinsed the oil/shampoo , i used a mix of 3 parts conditioner and 1 of honey for shine! I blowed dry a little with a round brush and voila! I am a happy woman!"
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=347
"I use: Nui Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil"

5. Gabriel, SCH = Sweet Creek Herbs, CWC = conditioner, wash (shampoo) conditioner,
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=311
"I'm still using this with great results. I was a CWC but with this method I don't need the extra C before the washing. I've used the SCH Chamomile and Ylang Ylang Shampoo bar and Nettle and Neem Shampoo bars with equal success. Same process I reported before. Lather up and wash my scalp first then pour about a tablespoon of coconut oil in my palm and work the shampoo bar and oil into the rest of my hair. I rinse it out then condition. I condition with about a tablespoon of either TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner or GVP Conditioning Balm. I use a water with lemon rinse at the end sometimes but not always. I've been using Spectrum Unrefined Organic Virgin Coconut Oil."

6. Shicurls, Note: That should be spelled Nutiva coconut oil.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=322
"With this method of shampoo-ing, my scalp and hair are finally happy. ... I still wash my hair every 2 days, and I heat up a tsp. of Nutriva Coconut Oil (virgin and unrefined). I then mix about a TBSP of the Johnson's baby Shampoo into the oil until it's nice and creamy. I then scoop the mixture onto my wet hair and scalp, scrub and rinse it out. I find that a tsp of ACV with distilled water (cool) as a final rinse helps tremendously. I then put the TheraNeem conditioner through my hair, squeezing it gently through my strands ...I then plop for about 15 minutes, and then let my hair air dry. I have consistently come out with GREAT looking curls. My hair has volume and shine, and my scalp no longer flakes. PLUS, I shed much less than just straight S & C!"

7. Intransigentia,
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=379
"consider me someone who's having success with this method for regular use. I have a shampoo bottle that once contained a Burt's Bees shampoo. I had been topping it up alternately with distilled water, knockoff Johnson's Baby Shampoo or Exact Orange Blossom Shampoo (a very plain SLS/SLES type). It's about 1:1 shampoo to water. I added enough coconut oil (Nutiva) to make it about 10% coconut oil by volume. Some oil comes out of solution, but I just shake it up before using. My first step is to squish a fair amount of this mixture through my length, but not rub my scalp at all. Rinse that thoroughly under the shower. It usually feels a bit oily after that. ... I follow with my normal CO routine - Mane n Tail on the lengths, and Exact Aloe & Vitamin E conditioner (mixed about 50-50 with distilled water/vitamin C solution) scrubbed into the scalp. Leave that for the rest of the shower, then rinse out. This leaves my hair very soft and super-shiny. I do get some fly-aways, but a couple drops of Live Clean Argan Oil Treatment or a bit more coconut oil smooths that down."

8. Hummy,
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=425
"I had my share of experiments in the last few weeks. First, I used Nivea mild baby shampoo mixed with some coconut oil I received from Bangladesh. I don't know the brand, but it was that slightly smokey scent kind. The second attempt was with a sulfur soap bar and the third with Aubrey Organics Island Naturals Shampoo. The second and the third time, my coconut oil was a brand called Vitaquell (bio, virgin). After each wash, I used a diluted apple and honey vinegar rinse.... All my experiment were successful. I am pleased with the results. My hair is soft and happy. Each time I was surprised by the nice, creamy feeling of the foam, how my fingers slide easily on my scalp during the wash, no friction, only gentle cleansing."

**ktani** · November 7th, 2010, 07:27 AM

Coconut Oil brands

I did some research as to what brands were recommended here or on other forums for hair and skin, as well as those rated by odor and flavour and smoothness, on another website.

I also looked into brands that sell coconut oil in glass jars. While that may seem like a better idea, after having recently broken an empty glass in my bathroom, that shattered absolutely everywhere on the floor, and it took me over an hour to clean up small shards, a plastic jar is preferable, in my opinion. For heating the coconut oil, it can be transfered to glass for that purpose.

Interestingly enough, the brands that sell coconut oil in glass jars, also sell coconut oil in large plastic tubs and buckets, in bulk sizes.

Once opened, coconut oil should be stored in the fridge to maintain freshness. The shelf life printed on a jar refers to unopened coconut oil.

There are several popular coconut oil brands for hair and skin. All of these oils are edible.

1. LouAna Coconut Oil, available at Wal-Mart,
http://www.louana.com/product-detail...D=44&pcatID=37.

2. Spectrum Organics Coconut Oil, packaged in a plastic jar for skin and hair, although it is edible, http://www.spectrumorganics.com/?id=205.
Spectrum also has refined and unrefined coconut oil for cooking in different jars. The refined version has no odor.
http://www.spectrumorganics.com/?id=87.

3. Nutiva Coconut Oil, very popular on other forums for both skin and hair,
https://store.nutiva.com/coconut-oil/.

4. Parachute Coconut Oil, popular here on these boards,
http://www.marico.com/brands_n_busin...ute/index.html.

A coconut oil survey, that contains information on flavour, odor and where to puchase the oils,
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com...s/coconut5.php.

Storage and expiration dates
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=648

Coconut Oil Processing
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=652

**mira-chan** · November 7th, 2010, 07:35 AM

Pictures of the oil added to shampoo results.

I use sulfate free, coco bataine based shampoo. I'm sensitive to sulfates.

Castor oil (Laxmi brand) - scalp soothing, but a bit heavy and coating. Good for coarser and curlier hair. I would not recommend this for the fine haired unless you are using a much stronger shampoo.

Coconut oil (Parachute coconut oil) - Dissolves more scalp crud. Much less heavy. Helps with wave formation a bit.

I did about the same amount of conditioning. Castor oil did not need any more and may have been a bit on the too much side at the scalp. Coconut oil was not enough at two inches past the scalp so I had to oil it with more coconut oil this morning to make it feel a bit more moisturized.

**ktani** · November 7th, 2010, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by mira-chan

Pictures of the oil added to shampoo results.

I use sulfate free, coco bataine based shampoo. I'm sensitive to sulfates.

Castor oil (Laxmi brand) - scalp soothing, but a bit heavy and coating. Good for coarser and curlier hair. I would not recommend this for the fine haired unless you are using a much stronger shampoo.

Coconut oil (Parachute coconut oil) - Dissolves more scalp crud. Much less heavy. Helps with wave formation a bit.

I did about the same amount of conditioning. Castor oil did not need any more and may have been a bit on the too much side at the scalp. Coconut oil was not enough at two inches past the scalp so I had to oil it with more coconut oil this morning to make it feel a bit more moisturized.

Thank you for the report, brand names and pictures!

I am adding this to the current successful reports post. ETA: Done!

**Mirsha** · November 7th, 2010, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by Mirsha

I tried this last night with about 1:3 coconut oil/shampoo mixture, conditioner on the ends and a vinegar rinse afterwards.

My hair dried much, much slower in a spot on the back of my head, it felt greasy and not rinsed. After a few hours however, with a bit of fingercombing it finally dried and I went to bed.

Morning after, my hair is so unbelievably shiny on the parts I didn't use conditioner it looks just like it used to when I used HE Pin Straight conditioner, without the weight of the cones.

I'm definitely going to give this another whirl, without the conditioner on the ends in a few days.

This was with Syoss Volume Lift shampoo, Etos Brown conditioner and regular white vinegar.

I tried again this morning, after a nightsoak with Rice Brain oil (accident in the kitchen) which I clarified out first, with the same amount of coconut oil and shampoo, left out the conditioner and rinsed extra at the spot where it was greasy last time.

I airdried my hair without manipulating (no towel etc), leaving it slicked back while cycling to town.

It dried evenly and fully dried it looks and feels shiny, smooth and soft. My hair is still looking rather dull at the ends, could be because of the shinyness of the rest, could be because of old damage. I think it's a mixture of both.

At the moment, it has no volume whatsoever, which I contribute to the drying method.

Overal I'm very happy with my results so far and will continue with this method.

**ktani** · November 7th, 2010, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by Mirsha

This was with Syoss Volume Lift shampoo, Etos Brown conditioner and regular white vinegar.

I tried again this morning, after a nightsoak with Rice Brain oil (accident in the kitchen) which I clarified out first, with the same amount of coconut oil and shampoo, left out the conditioner and rinsed extra at the spot where it was greasy last time.

I airdried my hair without manipulating (no towel etc), leaving it slicked back while cycling to town.

It dried evenly and fully dried it looks and feels shiny, smooth and soft. My hair is still looking rather dull at the ends, could be because of the shinyness of the rest, could be because of old damage. I think it's a mixture of both.

At the moment, it has no volume whatsoever, which I contribute to the drying method.

Overal I'm very happy with my results so far and will continue with this method.

Thank you for the update and brand details!

It may also be that you are using a volumizing shampoo for this. Volumizing shampoos tend to have added polymers that your hair may no longer need with using coconut oil. You may find within that brand line, a shampoo that may give you even better results, with less additives.

ETA: I have added your post to the current successful results post.

Going forward and because things change, everyone please also include the coconut oil brand name used to reports. I am not going back to add brand names to the 46 reports, so far, lol.