#HauteHacks: 12 Handy Uses For Coconut Oil You Didn’t Know About

While the West is just waking up to the many benefits of coconut oil, in India it’s part of growing up! We know it’s the quick-fix to dull, dry, damaged hair and that it works wonders in keep joints from aching. Besides, coconut oil is also abundantly used in the preparation of food. In a nutshell, this simple oil actually has tons of amazing properties.

But we bet you didn’t know that there’s a lot more that it can do. Its benefits go beyond the basic champi and adding flavour to yummy delicacies. From polishing your furniture to getting rid of annoying stains, coconut oil can do this and more. So sit back and prepare to be amazed as we tell you about 12 handy ways in which you can put your bottle of coconut oil to good use.

1. Removes Makeup

You know how you apply lashings of kohl before a party and wake up the next morning looking like… umm… a zombie? Well, all you have to do the next time this happens is add a few drops of organic coconut oil on a cotton ball and gently rub away your eyeliner, kohl, and makeup. Coconut oil takes off even the most stubborn kohl without tugging or pulling on the delicate skin around the eyes. What’s more, you could actually use this as a natural alternative to expensive makeup remover if you don’t have sensitive or oily skin.

2. Removes Gum From Hair

I’m sure we’ve all, at some point in time, been victims of this annoying prank. If you ever find a piece of gum stuck in your hair, don’t reach out for the scissors. Instead, just douse coconut oil onto the area where the gum is stuck and let it sit for a minute. It will come off easily.

3. Gets Rid Of Crayon Marks

Do you have kids in the house who tend to scribble all over your precious walls with their crayons? Fret not. Let them play; after all, childhood is fleeting! All you have to do when they’re done is rub that area with some coconut oil, let the oil soak the colours and then use a washcloth to wipe away everything.

4. Slides Tight Rings Off Your Fingers

Remember the times when you just can’t wait to crash, but the damned ring refuses to come off your fingers? And that minor panic attack you get (I don’t know about you guys, but I certainly panic!) when you twist and turn it around in vain. But this supremely easy hack will get those babies moving in no time. Rub a bit of coconut oil around the ring and all over your finger and watch how that ring magically slides off. You can so the same with too-tight bangles.

5. Lines Cake Tins

Baking? Well, go ahead and dab a little bit of coconut oil inside the cake tin. This will help the cake come out easily, without creating any of that sticky mess.

6. Cleans Your Makeup Brushes

Once every month, make sure you clean your brushes with a mixture of soap and coconut oil. Rinse the bristles thoroughly, and see your brushes look as good as new!

7. Helps De-stress

The aroma of coconut oil makes for a wonderful stress buster. This is exactly why it’s used as an ingredient in aromatherapy. So if you’re feeling anxiety building up, just take deep breaths of warm coconut oil. Better still, get yourself a nice little champi from mom.

8. Heals Cuts

Coconut oil can heal minor cuts and scrapes. Just dab on a bit of it on the spot and let it dry up by itself. Coconut oil contains anti-bacterial properties that help heal small cuts and wounds.

9. Moisturises Dry Skin

If you’re even a little bit like me, your skin is going to need a lot of tending this monsoon. Apply some coconut oil onto rough and dry patches for a silky smooth finish.

10. Soothes An Itch

In the city, monsoon equal mosquitoes. Mosquito bites can be a real pain. But not anymore! Rub a bit of coconut oil onto the affected area and let it sit for some much-needed relief.

11. Fixes Squeaky Hinges

Is that squeaky hinge sounding like something out of a horror movie? Repair it with the help of some coconut oil and fix it before the sound frightens someone else!

12. Moisturises Cuticles

Do you envy anyone with beautifully manicured hands while you are stuck with hard, scraggly cuticles? Well, now you can have them too! Just moisturise your cuticles with some coconut oil to soften them up. Easy-peasy!