Solution for Dry, Damaged Hair – Ask Annie

Dear Annie,
My hair is really dry. I’ve tried olive oil to soften it, leaving it in and then washing it, but my hair still feels dry. Any ideas? –Laurie, MS

Dear Laurie,
I just tried using coconut oil in my dry hair, inspired by reader comments on an article we have on the site about repairing your hair with olive oil. I’ve used olive oil in the past, too, with mixed results.

I love using coconut oil for baking, and had some handy. Last night I slathered quite a lot on my hair, wrapped it in a towel, and went about my life for a few hours before washing the coconut out thoroughly with shampoo. I followed the washing with a conditioner, like usual.