The Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Your Hair And How To Use It

Coconut oil is the oil that is taken from the white part within the coconut shell, also known as the edible coconut meat. There are two types of this oil, the refined coconut oil, and the unrefined (virgin) oil. While the refined oils are made from the dried copra and not fresh coconuts, the unrefined oil is made from the fresh coconuts and is, also, naturally processed therefore more beneficial. We have mentioned the two main types more elaborately before, in one of our articles about the overall benefits of coconut oil.

We have covered the benefits coconut oil has on our skin, quite thoroughly here. However, in this article, we’re going to talk about the benefits this oil provides to our hair. Coconut oil is rich in anti-microbial properties, lauric acid, and medium-chain fatty acids, which according to research, help to condition the scalp, regrow the hair, as well as strengthen it.

According to WellnessMama, coconut oil is especially rich in the C12 chain of Medium Chain Fatty Acids known as Lauric Acid, and this is why coconut oil often proves to be beneficial to some people in preventing protein loss in hair.

While it’s certain that some of us have already spent so much money on hair products to try and make our hair healthier and stronger. These hair products can cost a fortune, but when you open your eyes to the different and natural possibilities you may have in order to give your hair the proper care, you will not only save yourself a few dimes, but you will also get hold of an effective, and quite healthy product you can get by simply entering your kitchen or the local stores.

As research lets us know, the natives of tropical and coastal regions can be quite proud of their shiny and thick hair. And that’s because they were pretty aware of the benefits this plant oil provides for centuries now.

From stimulating hair growth to moisturizing, strengthening, and all the way to protecting your hair from the sun – coconut oil is effective in each and every one of the aforementioned areas and more. So scroll down to explore some of the many properties this oil has that prove to be beneficial for our hair.

1. Coconut oil stimulates hair growth

It’s true. Coconut oil can very well help in stimulating hair growth, and that’s because it stimulates collagen production, the lauric acid, and capric acid combine and promote the regeneration of skin cells and follicle production. This can then lead to hair growth. Here’s what you need to do:

You need a half cup of coconut oil, massage it into the scalp and hair, leave it for 1 to 3 hours in order to get absorbed, and then rinse, shampoo, and condition. This process should be repeated every 1 to 3 days in order to achieve the wanted results. However, according to Conscious Lifestyle Magazine, you can also support the topical application by consuming 1 to 3 tablespoons of the oil within the day.

2. Coconut oil helps moisturize dry hair

We have already mentioned some of the prominent beneficial properties of coconut oil; but apart from stimulating hair growth, what else do these properties serve for? Well, it is well proven that coconut oil helps moisturize not only the skin but also dry hair. And how does it do that? According to Byrdie, you need to heat three to five tablespoons of coconut oil in the microwave and apply it to your dry hair before bed. You should also use a shower cap in order to cover your hair, and then you can do your usual shampooing routines in the morning.

3. Coconut oil treats dandruff

According to DrAxe, people have been using coconut oil to treat dandruff for many years now. The MCFAs in coconut oil that includes lauric acid and capric acid have antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and these properties target the fungus and help eliminate it. So instead of using the shampoos that may contain chemicals that can harm your hair, so, instead, use this all-natural oil.

On how to use coconut oil in treating your dandruff, simply wash your hair and then mix 2 teaspoons of coconut oil with 5 drops of either, lavender, wintergreen, tea tree, or thyme and massage the scalp thoroughly and carefully. Cover your hair with a shower cap and sit in the sun for 20 to 30 minutes to increase the heat – or use alternatives such as a hair dryer on a low setting. Afterwards, wash the hair with a natural shampoo and repeat the procedure as much as you want during the week.

4. Coconut oil prevents Hygral Fatigue

Well, if you do not already know, Hygral Fatigue is when your hair cuticle is damaged as a result of too much moisture entering and exiting the hair cuticle. It can be caused by various things, including over conditioning, constantly wetting your hair, or not putting enough protein in your hair according to research.  That’s when coconut oil enters the frame and can prove to be pretty effective in preventing it.

5. Coconut oil fights against head lice

So, head lice are little insects that lay eggs on your scalp, and according to Healthline, coconut oil can be pretty effective in fighting them away, and that’s because of the lauric acid in coconut oil. And although it’s not as effective than the over-the-counter treatments, it still proves to be less toxic for your body.

So, what you need to do, is rinse your hair with hot water and let it air dry. Coconut oil should be in a liquid condition in order for it to spread thoroughly over your hair. After massaging the oil over your hair, put a shower cap and leave it for about 8 hours to suffocate the lice. Afterwards, use a fine-toothed comb to remove the dead head lice and make sure not to leave any lice eggs in your hair.

6. Coconut oil protects your hair from the sun

This particular oil can be used in protecting your hair from the sun as well. So, it’s said that it contains its own SPF, somewhere between 8 to 10. On how you should apply it to your hair, simply put a bit of coconut oil over your hair and spread it evenly. Also, do not forget to include your scalp as well. This could prove to be pretty effective, cheaper in price than the sun protection sprays and, of course, all-natural.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.

You might also be interested in: The Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Your Skin And How To Use It.