One of the most common hair advice from hair experts is to use coconut oil on your hair. It strengthens your hair, makes it shine, and reduces damage. Those are only a handful of the other many advantages.
Known for its high-fat content and nutty flavor, coconut oil is a staple in many kitchens. You can use it in everything from stir-fries to peanut butter cookies since it’s so adaptable. But thanks to hair experts, coconut oil wouldn’t have to only remain as an ingredient in cooking—it can also improve your hair and skin.
As a result of its high concentration of lauric acid, coconut oil is excellent for hair since your hair readily absorbs it. You can keep your hair shiny and healthy with the help of lauric acid, which gives hydration.
Coconut oil can solve hair dryness and microbial issues
Dryness
Having a dry scalp is a condition that occurs when the skin and scalp become extremely sensitive, causing the skin to become irritated and flaky. Natural solutions for dry scalps, such as coconut oil, must be used in this situation. Natural moisturizer coconut oil nourishes your scalp from the inside, resulting in stronger, more voluminous hair.
It can aid in the repair of split ends
The term “split ends” stems from the fact that when your hair becomes excessively dry and brittle, you are more likely to see the ends of your hair beginning to break apart and split, which is where the phrase originated. The application of coconut oil to your hair, according to a study, can aid in the treatment of split ends while also preventing them from occurring in the first place.
Anti-microbial action
Coconut oil, in addition to treating hair dryness, can also help to reduce the appearance of dandruff on the scalp. Coconut oil has been shown in studies to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and it can also aid in rebuilding the skin’s protective barrier.
Dandruff can be caused by various factors (including dry scalp, dermatitis, fungus, and others). Still, research has shown that coconut oil can help treat dandruff by increasing the number of “good” bacteria on your skin, reducing inflammation, and even fighting dermatitis (a type of skin inflammation).
It offers protection against the sun’s UV radiation
As a natural source of SPF, coconut oil can be used to protect against sun damage and UV ray exposure, in addition to its other benefits of hydrating, repairing, and strengthening strands. This is because coconut oil has an SPF of 8, which makes it a quite decent natural UV defender for hair with a low SPF. You should always use an SPF of 30 or greater on your scalp and skin if you are outside in the sun.
Hair growth
It can also help with hair growth. My hair can be difficult to manage, but coconut oil adds strength, moisture, and growth. My hair grows slowly, but it grows considerably faster than normal when using coconut oil. When my hair is damaged and slowing down growth, I use coconut oil, which many other hair products do not.
Coconut oil also helps with hair loss. It is one of the greatest advantages, especially if you are balding like many individuals. It prevents hair loss by hydrating the strands and follicles of your hair from the inside out.
How to make use of it
Coconut oil can be used alone or in combination with other ingredients to create a hair and scalp treatment mask for application on the hair and scalp. What needs to be done:
- In a small bowl, combine a small amount of coconut oil.
- Microwave the coconut oil for about 30 seconds or until it is warm.
- If the coconut oil is soft but not fully liquid, it is okay to use it!
- Make sure the coconut oil is at the proper temperature. It should be comfortable yet not too hot.
- You can use your fingers to massage the coconut oil into your hair and hairline gently. Apply it to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
- Make a bun out of your hair and cover it with a towel.
- Leave in for 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your preference.
- Take care to thoroughly rinse the coconut oil with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Risk and downside
Coconut oil, like other oils, has the potential to make your hair and skin feel greasy. It can block pores in the skin and on the scalp. Acne or other skin irritation may result as a result of this.
It, therefore, means that you avoid using excessive amounts of coconut oil on your hair and scalp. If you’re using it as a deep conditioning hair mask, make sure to rinse the coconut oil out of your hair afterwards properly.
Frequently asked questions on coconut usage for the hair
Which type of coconut oil is more effective?
Virgin oil is still considered the best option to use. This is because processed ones are most likely to weaken the active ingredient that a natural coconut would have had.
Do I need to wash my hair after using coconut oil?
Leaving coconut oil on your scalp overnight will help restore moisture and nurture damaged or curly hair. But, leaving it for too long can become dangerous to the hair. Excess oil can lead to dandruff conditions. It can also provide a breeding space for microbes. That is why you’ll still have to wash your hair at intervals.
Why is coconut oil trendy now?
Coconut oil has various uses. It promotes a healthy body, skin, and hair. It is also easily accessible and cheap.
Conclusion
This brings us to the conclusion of our talk on the numerous hair benefits of coconut oil. According to science and personal experience, virgin coconut oil can be extremely beneficial for your hair, particularly if you suffer from any concerns stated above. Your hair will get smoother, stronger, and more lustrous due to using it.