Parachute Coconut Oil, 33.8-Ounce

Parachute is India's most famous coconut oil brand, made by Marico and found in almost every Indian home for generations. This is Parachute 100% pure coconut oil, with no added fragrance or preservatives — the classic blue-bottle oil used for champi (head massage), hair oiling and skin care.

Vyroma Living sells it in a large 33.8 oz (about 1 litre) bottle in Canada, ideal for families and regular oilers.

Coconut oil is one of the few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft, which is why it is so widely used before washing to help reduce protein loss and damage from shampooing. Regular oiling leaves hair softer, shinier and more manageable, and a scalp massage with warm oil is relaxing and helps with dryness.

It suits most hair types, especially thick, curly, dry or frizzy hair that needs extra nourishment in dry Canadian weather.

Warm a small amount until liquid, part your hair and massage the oil into the scalp with your fingertips for a few minutes, then smooth it through the lengths and ends. Leave it on for at least an hour — or overnight with a towel on your pillow — then shampoo, lathering twice if needed to remove the oil.

Two to three times a week is a common routine. For daily frizz control, rub just a drop or two between your palms and smooth over dry ends.

That is completely normal and a sign of pure coconut oil. Coconut oil naturally solidifies below about 24°C (76°F), so in most Canadian homes — and certainly in winter — it will turn white and firm. It melts back to clear liquid when warmed.

To use it, stand the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, or scoop out what you need and melt it in your palms. Never microwave the plastic bottle.

Yes. Many people use pure coconut oil as a body moisturiser for dry elbows, heels and hands, as a massage oil, or to remove makeup. It is especially welcome on winter-dry skin. It can be heavy for oily or acne-prone facial skin, so use it mainly on the body and hair. Follow the directions on the label.

Parachute is pure coconut oil: rich, deeply nourishing and best for pre-wash oiling of thick, dry or curly hair, but it solidifies in the cold. Bajaj Almond Drops is a light, non-sticky almond oil with vitamin E that stays liquid in winter and suits people who dislike heavy oils. For an Ayurvedic herbal blend, try Indulekha Bringha or Mamaearth BhringAmla. All are available at Vyroma Living.

You can order Parachute 100% Pure Coconut Oil in the 33.8 oz (approx. 1 L) size online at Vyroma Living (vyromaliving.ca), a Canadian online store for Indian personal-care brands, with delivery within Canada.