2. Moisturizes The Hair
Damaged or low-porosity hair cannot retain moisture. This makes the hair look frizzy, dry, and dull. Coconut oil’s lauric acid has a low molecular weight and easily penetrates the hair shaft, unlike mineral oil (1). It creates a thin film over the hair shaft, retains moisture, and keeps the hair strands protected from heat and damage. This reduces hair damage, prevents split ends, and strengthens the hair cuticles.
3. Prevents Protein Loss
Proteins are your hair’s building blocks. The lauric acid in the oil has a high affinity for proteins (1). The topical application of coconut oil can help prevent loss of hair proteins and keep hair healthy, thick, and shiny.
4. Improves Blood Circulation
Massaging coconut oil into your scalp can improve blood circulation. In general, massaging also ensures the nutrients in your blood reach and nourish your follicles and keep your hair healthy and thick (4).
5. Strengthens Hair Roots
Better blood circulation through a coconut oil massage ensures stronger hair roots and healthy hair. The oil’s lauric acid has antibacterial properties (5). This acid could strengthen the hair roots.
6. Keeps The Scalp Healthy
Coconut oil also has antiviral properties (6). Applying it to the scalp, therefore, may help reduce the risk of microbial infections and hair loss. Prevention of such infections also can boost scalp health.
7. Reduces Hair Breakage
Hair breakage can occur due to mechanical abrasions, chemical treatments, and improper hair care. Coconut oil increases the tensile strength of the hair strands and reduces the risk of hair breakage (7).
8. Prevents Dandruff
Dandruff has many causes ranging from skin conditions to fungal growth. Coconut oil can soothe this chronic problem and ease its symptoms. It works especially well for a dry scalp that is flaking. The oil works by moisturizing the scalp and restoring its health (8).
9. Conditions Hair
Most store-bought commercial conditioners coat your hair with chemicals. But coconut oil works as a natural conditioner that seals moisture and leaves your hair feeling healthy, soft, and smooth (9). Applying it before or after washing your hair helps reduce frizz and dullness.
10. Helps Cool Scalp
Coconut oil can work as a scalp coolant. You can use it in the summers or even when your scalp feels irritated. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
11. Prevents Hygral Fatigue
Hygral fatigue, or the swelling of the hair shaft, happens when excess moisture is absorbed into the cuticle. This causes hair frizz as the cuticle dries. The phenomenon is common during humid weather conditions or when you shampoo your hair too much. Coconut oil counters this as its oily nature seals the required moisture in your hair shaft and keeps the excess external moisture out (1). These are the reasons coconut oil can enhance hair health. But how does it promote hair growth? We will discuss the same in the following section.
How Does Coconut Oil Promote Hair Growth?
The beneficial properties of coconut oil provide the scalp, roots, and hair shaft the ideal conditions for better hair growth. Massaging coconut oil helps improve blood circulation, which, in turn, provides the essential nutrients to the hair follicles for stronger hair roots and improved hair growth. Coconut oil prevents dandruff, lice, and microbial growth. It is also a very good hair conditioner as it retains moisture and makes your hair look shiny and frizz-free. It restores damaged and processed hair and promotes good hair growth (10). Coconut oil is effective for reviving hair health and preventing further hair thinning. However, no studies confirm that it can stimulate new hair growth on the scalp. It may only promote the growth of existing hair.
Is Coconut Oil Suitable For All Hair Types?
Yes, coconut oil is suitable for all hair types. It is an excellent source of nutrients for dry and damaged hair. Its moisture-retaining properties make it suitable for curly, wavy, straight hair, and hair types with a dry shaft or scalp. However, if you have fine hair, applying too much of coconut oil can weigh your hair down and make your hair appear thinner. Also, be careful with the amount of coconut oil you apply if you have an oily scalp. The oil can make your head sweat and cause acne breakouts on your face. But does this mean that you should avoid coconut oil if you have oily hair? No. Coconut oil is beneficial for all hair types. We will check the same in the following section.
Coconut Oil Benefits For Different Hair Types
Revives dry and damaged hair. Helps control frizzy hair. Softens dry and coarse hair. Adds shine to dull and lifeless hair. Tames flyaways. Reduces hair breakage (all hair types). Reduces dandruff (all hair types).
Coconut oil is a good natural hair care ingredient for all hair types. The quantity of the oil used, however, varies among the different hair types. But what is the correct way to apply coconut oil? Scroll down to find out.
How To Apply Coconut Oil To Hair?
Coconut oil, depending on the weather, can be in a liquid or semi-solid form. It turns into a semi-solid form in lower temperatures. To apply coconut oil to your scalp and hair, follow these steps: Note: Braid your hair or tie it up. Wear a headband if you have oily skin to prevent breakouts. If you have a specific hair issue that you want to resolve using coconut oil, we have a few recommendations. These coconut oil hair masks are simple to prepare right from your home.
Coconut Oil Hair Masks
Coconut Oil Hair Mask For Dry Hair
If you want that instant shine and softness for dry and coarse hair, use this coconut oil hair mask. It may not smell like flowery or fruity like most store-bought hair masks, but it does its job well. Mix 4 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 egg white. Apply the mixture to the hair, from the root to the tip. Make a bun or clip to tie your hair up. Cover with a shower cap. Wash off with a mild shampoo after 20 minutes.
Coconut Oil Hair Mask For Damaged Hair
Damaged hair needs deep conditioning. Coconut oil, when mixed with other natural moisturizing ingredients, provides great results in a shorter time. To prepare a coconut oil hair mask for damaged hair, mix 5 tablespoons of coconut oil with ½ an avocado and 4 tablespoons of warm whole milk. Mix well and apply it to your hair. Clip your hair up and cover with a shower cap. Wash off with a mild shampoo after 30-40 minutes. Use 2 drops of coconut oil on wet hair as a conditioner.
Coconut Oil Hair Mask For Thin Hair
Mix 4 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek seeds and a paste of 10 hibiscus leaves (11), (12). Apply the mixture to the roots and the hair shaft. Clip your hair up and cover with a shower cap. Wash off with a mild shampoo after 20 minutes. Squeeze ½ a lime into 500 ml water and use it after you have rinsed your hair. This will act as a conditioner and leave your hair with a refreshing smell. You may not always be able to apply a mask frequently. In that case, applying hot coconut oil every 2 days is a great way to keep your hair healthy. But how long should you keep it on before you wash it off? Scroll down to find out.
How Long To Keep Coconut Oil On Hair?
You must keep coconut oil on your hair for 30 minutes before washing off. If possible, apply coconut oil the night before you want to wash your hair. Spread a towel on your pillow to prevent stains. Wash your hair with lukewarm water the next day. Do not let coconut oil sit for more than 8 hours. It can mix with sweat and lead to bacterial growth on the scalp and acne breakouts on the face.
How To Wash Coconut Oil Off Hair?
Coconut oil is a good moisture-retainer. It also penetrates the hair shaft better than any other hair oil. But it could be a little difficult to be removed. The following steps can help: Can coconut oil stop hair loss and help regrow hair? While no scientific study supports the claim that coconut oil helps regrow hair, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may reverse the effects of hair loss by boosting scalp and hair health. How many times should I apply coconut oil to my hair? It depends on your hair type and concern. However, using coconut oil 2 to 3 times a week is safe if you have coarse or normal hair. People with fine hair should use it less often as it may weigh their hair down. Do you apply coconut oil to wet or dry hair? You should apply coconut oil to dry hair as the larger molecules of the oil may not be able to penetrate the hair shaft when it is wet.
