Coconut oil has many uses and is often treated as a miracle oil. While some of the uses of this natural oil may be slightly exaggerated or based on questionable science, using coconut oil on hair can have many real benefits you should be taking advantage of.
While this oil has gained global attention as a health product in recent years, it isn’t a new thing. Though the oil originated in Asian, it was commonly used in North America in the 1950s before health guidelines told us that saturated fats were killing us. Because coconut oil is so high in saturated fats, it was replaced with other vegetable oils like canola and olive oil. However, since science started to disprove the hard and fast rule about saturated oils, coconut oil has once again started to become a popular choice, and this time, it’s being used for a lot more than cooking.
Using Coconut Oil On Hair
One of the best, non-dietary, methods people are using this oil is on hair. It can be used in natural shampoo, as a conditioner, and will overall result in a healthier scalp and head of hair.
Coconut oil protects from hygral fatigue, which is when the hair shaft swells in water. Hydral fatigue can cause the hair cuticle to lift and result in split ends. Coconut oil, unlike mineral oils, can permeate the shaft of the hair and reach the protein, which protects it from breakage. It significantly cuts down the protein loss in hair, strengthening the shaft and reducing hair loss.
Applying coconut oil to the scalp can rehydrate your hair and skin, improve blood circulation in the scalp, and increase hair growth and health.
The revitalization of your scalp and the production of healthier hair can also promote increased hair growth. To maximize new hair growth you can mix in a few drops of rosemary essential oil into the coconut oil. This isn’t a miracle cure that’ll turn you from Mr. Clean to Fabio, but it can help keep the hair you have and prevent further loss.
If you have dandruff caused by a dry scalp then coconut oil has you covered, but what if your dandruff is caused by something else?
Well, besides dry skin, some of the leading reasons for dandruff are reactions to chemicals in shampoos and conditioners or as a result of a fungal infection. Both of these can be fixed with coconut oil. This natural oil can be used to create a natural, chemical-free shampoo, and it also has antibacterial, anti-fungal properties, keeping your scalp free of unsightly white flakes.
Coconut oil can also be used sparingly to manage frizzy hair. When used in small quantities (to keep your hair from looking like an oily mess) it can keep your hair in place and look its best throughout the day.
There is also a natural sunblock agent in coconut oil (though only an SPF of 8). While this isn’t enough to make a huge difference on your skin, it can make a big difference in protecting your locks from being fried under the sun.
Coconut oil can also be used as a natural remedy for lice. Mixing coconut oil with anise and ylang-ylang oil proved just as effective (if not more effective) at killing lice and eggs as a prescribed lice shampoo. This treatment was found to have no significant side effects, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re not using harsh chemicals on your scalp.
When purchasing coconut oil look for organic extra virgin coconut oil.
Note: Coconut oil may fade dyed hair, especially red tones.
