Coconut oil to prevent damage from peroxide/bleach

Its the coconut virgin oil you want 🙂

Hey! I have been using the coconut oil method since January 2012 when I decided to go red. I heard about this and finally gave in to my desire for crazy red hair. I didn't want the damage that I though would come with it. I had dyed black hair, I used ColourB4, it went ginger (i wanted it like that tbh lol) Then used the coconut oil method to bleach roots and slightly lighten the rest of it. Worked great, no noticeable damage and have been using it ever since. I have bright red hair which is now about 3 inches past my collar bone. 🙂 Totally recommend it! 🙂

Im sooo glad I joined this forum and found out about the coconut oil -  I used the superdrug one at first, but bought the holland and barrett one when it was on offer,  the difference in the quality is amazing, I had to microwave the superdrug one as it was sooo solid, the H&B one you just scoop out and it melts into your hand and feels so much nicer, its obvious why there is such a price difference,  Im assuming the superdrug one isnt pure.

you are quite right in your assumption. superdrug isnt virgin, not sure what the percentage is though, as it doesnt say online =(

Urgh! Just used the Superdrug version whilst bleaching my roots and it was an absolute nightmare. It's stopped the bleach from penetrating in certain areas so I look like a bloody tiger, got lovely bleached bits with horrible dark patches! Luckily I saved it, but it's my 21st birthday on thursday! Won't be able to fix the damage for at least another week or so if I can get the money. If you have the Superdrug version don't bother trying to use it when you bleach your hair, it'll cause you nothing but misery!

The same thing has literally just happened to me! I used the superdrug version and now I have a horrendous mix of orange, brown and white blonde streaks. Nothing to do with my application as I've done it a dozen times and I used a tint brush. Are you guys 100% sure that proper virgin coconut oil won't do the same thing? I need to sort it but I dont want to ruin my hair..

I've coated my daughter's entire head with VCO prior to lightening her medium ash blonde hair with a platinum blonde box dye this week as well as just finished retouching my roots this evening (I lighten with Majicontrast Red and 30 vol developer) after I soaked my head in VCO (from Tropical Traditions, purchased online) for 90 minutes.  It's very nice and even... and my hair feels great!

i have found this on offer in holland and barrett

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=4499&prodid=5313

would this be ok to use or does it need to be pure?

it looks virgin, so shpuldbe fine

I would be cautious to purchase anything that doesn't specifically state it's virgin coconut oil.

Here's a link that describes the differences:
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/what_is_virgin_coconut_oil.htm

I use coconut oil in my soap making.  It's refined, 76 degree melt coconut oil.  It's not hydrogenated or cut with any other oils.  I have tried using it on my skin, and I can feel the difference.  The refined coconut oil actually feels drying to me.  The virgin coconut oil does not.

I wouldn't use just any coconut oil.  I would make sure it is specifically virgin coconut oil and you might have to look at a health food market or someplace similar to find it?

EDIT: If you go back and read through the thread, rhubarb, your UK friends recommend the stuff from Holland and Barrett.  So, there you go.

Sorry Im asking stupid questions lol but i washed and conditioned my hair yesterday morning, will it be ok to go ahead with the oil and bleach bath now or do i need to clarify it first?

No, don't wash. The point is, bleach cuts through the natural oils and the coconut oil and they're both needed for protection of both the hair and (but in my opinion, more importantly) scalp.

^ this!

I actually don't wash my hair for about 2 days before a bleach, and always apply loads of coconut oil. Bleach will cut through both, so theres no need to wash or clarify at all! The dirt and grease protect your scalp as Janine says 🙂

I just done it, my hair went from medium rose red to blonde!
I must of used strong bleach lol.
Didnt Think it would go that bright so have diluted some pink to make it pastel/baby pink 🙂

I normally leave it a week after washing when I'm bleaching! Maybe that's partly why I've never managed to fry my hair?