Ever wondered why coconut oil is so trendy these days? Whether it’s taming frizz or moisturizing dry skin, this natural ingredient has a wide range of beauty-boosting properties. What’s even better is the extra virgin that has not been hydrogenated, bleached, or refined in any way. Also it doesn’t have any fragrance or dyes added to it. It’s highly recommended to check the label before buying a bottle — and it should read that no fragrances, flavors, or coloring have been added. So let’s get ready to heal dry skin, strengthen weak hair, and more with these easy at-home coconut oil treatments.

1) Tame Uncontrollable Hair

Is your hair a poufy mess? Use a small amount of coconut oil in your hair for instant control. Apply a dime size amount onto your fingers and then run it through your hair to put frizz and flyaways in their place. Use coconut oil to prevent your hair from frying in the heat when you’re in a tropical environment. When you’re spending time at the pool or the beach, it’s best to leave coconut oil in your hair because this creates a barrier between your hair and the drying sun, chlorine, or salt water and keeps it conditioned and healthy.

2) Repair Damaged Tresses

Coconut oil has been a known strand-saver for years. It is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft because of its fatty acid structure. If your hair feels dry or is prone to breakage — which may be the case if you color it or use heat tools regularly — try coconut oil as an overnight treatment. Before going to bed, apply virgin coconut oil onto your hair. Rub the oil into the palms of your hands and work your way towards the end of your strands. Follow by brushing with a wide tooth comb, then put your hair in a ponytail or bun and cover it with a shower cap before bed. In the morning, rinse with shampoo and conditioner. Raw organic coconut oil is best to use on hair. Most often it solidifies in the jar, so it’s best to put it in a small microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds until it liquefies. Let it cool before applying.

3) Cleanse Unhealthy Mouth Conditions

Oil pulling is swishing an oil in your mouth for several minutes a day for multiple treatments, including whitening your teeth and preventing tooth decay, bleeding gums, or cracked lips. Oil pulling has roots in ancient Indian culture. To try it yourself, swish 1 to 2 teaspoons of a vegetable-based oil (coconut, sesame, or olive) in your mouth for 20 minutes, spit it out, rinse with warm water, and brush well after rinsing.

4) Hydrate Dry Skin

Coconut oil could be a fix for dry or irritated skin? A 2013 study in the Journal of International Dermatology found that virgin coconut oil improved skin barrier function in patients with atopic dermatitis. You could create a spa-like experience at home by whipping up a skin-softening treatment that also contains oats, a soothing ingredient. Start by mixing 2 to 3 tablespoons of oats and coconut butter (the solid form of coconut oil) and place it in a reusable muslin bag. Then heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds or until the mixture becomes a thick paste. The bag may be massaged, rolled, and compressed all around the body. The active ingredients from the oats and the coconut oil will help restore your skin’s pH levels and leave your skin silky smooth.

5) Prepare for a Pedicure

Coconut oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. This makes it the perfect ingredient to use to prevent toenail infections and foot fungus. For cleaner, softer feet before your next pedicure, pour coconut oil into an empty jar or small bowl until it’s halfway full. Next, add 2 tablespoons of honey and mix in 1 tablespoon of sugar until the sugar is completely immersed in the oil. Scoop a couple spoonfuls of the scrub and work into your legs and feet to fully exfoliate, sloughing away dead skin and smoothing out calluses, cracked heels, and rough spots.