Human beings have been using oils for hair care since the dawn of time. However, no other hair oil is as versatile as coconut oil. It is a multifaceted oil with many proven benefits for hair. This blog explores the various advantages and properties of coconut oil and how it can be used to keep your hair shiny, luscious, and beautiful for a long time.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is an oil extracted from the fruit of a coconut tree. It is taken from the coconuts by separating the water from the coconut milk. The oil is white in solid form (below 25 degrees Celsius) and clear yellow in liquid form.
What Is The Composition of Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil includes a huge amount of saturated fatty acids. Therefore, it is very nutritious for hair. Almost 47% to 50% of coconut oil is composed of lauric acid. The rest is composed of capric acid, phenolic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, tocopherol, etc.
What Are The Advantages of Coconut Oil?
There are many advantages of using coconut oil for hair care. It is a widely available and effective hair oil that promotes hair growth and vitality.
Easily Available
Coconut oil is easily available all over the world. Even in countries that do not produce their own coconut oil, most supermarkets or health food stores have it on the shelves. In comparison to other cosmetic or OTC hair care products, it is easy to find coconut oil in any part of the world.
Easy to Use
There is not much to learn about how to use coconut oil for hair care. Simply applying it to the scalp and ends of the hair strands does the job. The most important thing you should do is to use it consistently and proportionality.
Affordable
One of the biggest advantages of coconut oil is that it is affordable. It is not only available all over the world, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg either. You can have it cold-pressed from a local shop or buy it off the shelves of an organic market, without stressing the wallet.
Multipurpose
The versatility of coconut oil is a valuable asset as it can be used for hair care, skin care, cooking, cleaning your teeth, and much more.
What Are The Contributes of Coconut Oil to Hair Treatment?
Coconut oil has many benefits in terms of hair care, such as:
Moisturizing
Coconut oil when applied to hair has the ability to lock in moisture. It can be used either before the shower or after the shower. The oil due to its unique molecular structure seeps deep into the hair strands and provides much-needed nourishment. Due to its emollient nature coconut oil coats the hair shafts and seals the hair cuticle.
Augments Hair Growth
Coconut oil absorbs into the hair and the structure of hair becomes stronger. Therefore, it prevents hair fall in a way. Scalp massages with coconut oil will stimulate circulation and trigger new hair growth.
Aids In Detangling
Due to its moisturizing nature, coconut oil is a good candidate for detangling dry or curly hair. It aids during combing and prevents excessive hair breakage. The oil lubricates the hair shafts and makes the surface of the hair follicles smooth and shiny.
Antifungal And Antibacterial Properties
This multipurpose oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. This feature of coconut oil particularly helps people suffering from various forms of dandruff, acne, and scalp irritation. Coconut oil includes a fatty acid known as monolaurin. This component is known to break down the membranes around certain bacteria (P. acnes, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, etc.) making them weaker and susceptible to the immune system. Monolaurin has antifungal properties as well.
Imparts Shine And Gloss
Coconut oil coats the hair and imparts a shine and glow to it without appearing greasy. Due to its specific molecular structure, the oil penetrates very deep into the hair strands and prevents loss of protein and nutrients.
Protects From Environment
The same property of coconut oil that keeps the moisture inside the hair shaft, protects the hair from environmental damage as well. Coconut oil penetrates the hair and forms a protective coating around it to prevent damage due to UV radiation and pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should coconut oil be applied to the scalp?
Yes, you can use coconut oil directly on the scalp directly. Scalp massage with coconut oil stimulates hair growth by boosting local circulation.
Does coconut oil absorb hair easily?
The molecular structure of coconut oil is unique. Due to this, coconut oil penetrates deep into the hair strands with relative ease.
Should coconut oil be kept in hair overnight?
This depends on the texture and condition of the particular hair. For dry, damaged, and thick hair using coconut oil as an overnight mask is beneficial.
