Coconut Oil: Benefits & How to Use It for Hair

Delicious, fragrant and packed with amazing benefits, coconut oil is a superfood that is good for both the body and the hair. Filled with heart-healthy fatty acids, coconut oil reduces hunger pangs, reduces seizures, encourages fat burning, and protects hair, teeth and skin.

Endorsed by celebrities and fitness gurus alike, unrefined coconut oil or virgin coconut oil is great for hair growth. Although more research is needed, many scientists claim that coconut oil fights fungal infection, calms irritation, treats split ends, prevents dryness and nourishes and thickens hair follicles.

This blog is all about the amazing benefits of coconut oil and how to use it for hair.

How Is Coconut Oil Produced?

Coconut oil is produced by pressing fresh coconut or dried coconut meat called copra. While virgin and extra virgin coconut oil use fresh meat, refined coconut oil uses dried meat.

While shelf life may vary, virgin and extra virgin coconut oil can easily be stored for a long time. Depending on the pressing method and how it is stored, virgin coconut oil can last for 2-3 years when stored away from light and heat in a cool place.

What are the Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair?

Fights fungal infection

Fungal infections are nasty and can cause quite a damage to hair and the scalp. Healthy hair as we know starts at the scalp. A healthy scalp can help in hair growth, making hair stronger and thicker.

A recent study has found that using coconut oil prevents and fights fungal infection. Regular use of coconut oil is shown to have a significant impact on dandruff and fungi on the scalp, making it clean and healthy.

Calms irritation

Dryness in the scalp often leads to itching, which leads to scratching, significantly damaging hair follicles. Coconut oil helps in calming and soothing irritation, thereby gently nourishing and moisturizing the scalp. This prevents further itchiness.

Treats split ends

There have been some studies to show that coconut oil treats split ends. One study shows that regular use of coconut oil is absorbed better in hair strands. Those who regularly used coconut oil either as a hair mask or as a conditioner had fewer cases of split ends than those who did not.

Another study conducted in India showed that regular use of coconut oil may help to reduce the loss of protein in hair. Hair strands are made of a special kind of structural protein called Keratin. Regular use of coconut oil prevents the loss of Keratin and thereby makes hair follicles healthier and stronger.

Protects hair

Both heat and water can damage our hair strands significantly. Women who vigorously brush their hair while being wet or use electrical heat-generating styling products can damage their hair strands.

It is recommended to use a little bit of coconut oil on hair before drying up hair or using styling products and gadgets and protect your hair strands from heat for a long time. Also, use it on wet hair and see how your hair remains hydrated and moisturized throughout the day. Coconut oil is a natural source of Vitamin E, which also helps to protect hair from damage.

Helps in hair growth

It is a well-known fact that fats have calories that make us fat. However, a little bit of fat is essential for our hair and nail growth. Healthy fatty acids also make our bones stronger.

Those who lack healthy fats in their diet tend to have dry and brittle hair prone to damage. Therefore, the use of coconut oil for hair is essential. Incorporate coconut oil in your diet regularly and make your hair stronger, healthier and shinier.

Keeps hair moisturized

While there are various hair oils for different hair types, Coconut oil can be used as a hair mask to tame frizz and prevent loss of moisture from strands in all hair types. This is because coconut oil is 100% fat. Coconut oil, therefore, keeps the hair strands hydrated and moisturized for a long time even while you are out in the sun for a long time.

How Do You Apply Coconut Oil to Your Hair?

Coconut oil and hair are undoubtedly a match made in heaven. Coconut oil should be used regularly in the following manner:

• Before wash: Use a small amount of oil before washing your hair. Then wash your hair off normally as you would. The use of coconut oil as a pre-wash can help in keeping hair hydrated.
• After wash: You can also use coconut oil after wash as a hydrating ointment. The use of shampoo, gels and other cosmetic products make your hair dry and frizzy and can lead to a significant loss of moisture from your hair. Using the oil after wash can prevent dryness and keep your hair moisturized.
• Before bed: Coconut oil benefits for hair can best be received through an overnight treatment. You can gently massage your hair and scalp with warm coconut oil and leave it overnight. The oil will penetrate the scalp and nourish the dry hair strands, leaving it moisturized the next day.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair in Different Ways?

Conditioner

Wash your hair as you normally would. Then apply a small amount of oil to your hair strands while they are still wet. This will keep your hair moisturized for a long time.

Hair loss treatment

Coconut oil for hair loss is considered to be a great option. This is because coconut oil has lauric acid, which binds with the hair and protects it from breakage. Also, those who are suffering from hair loss can use it for hair loss treatment.

Hair serum

Coconut oil when mixed with castor oil or olive oil can boost the properties of hair regrowth. If you want thick hair that is also luscious and shiny, use a mixture of oils to maximize the benefits of hair regrowth. Use them as a hair serum and see the difference in your hair in just weeks.

Protective cover

Coconut oil protects hair strands from heat and water-related damage. Many of us who use a blow dryer or electric hair straighteners tend to unwittingly damage hair strands. To prevent this, apply a good amount of coconut oil throughout the hair strands and then style your hair as per your choice. Applying hair oil after washing and before styling your hair protects it from being damaged.

Hair mask

Coconut oil when solid at room temperature can be used as a hair mask. Take a small amount of coconut oil and mix it with eggs, curd and apply it on dry and damaged hair as a hair mask. Rinse with cold water. Regular use of this mixture as a hair mask will protect hair shafts and help in taming frizz.

Is Coconut Oil Good for Hair Loss?

Coconut oil is said to have magical properties when it comes to hair loss. Here are the reasons why coconut oil, especially cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is great for your hair:

1. Coconut oil acts as sebum, which is your own body’s natural oil secretion. Sebum protects the scalp and the hair follicles and moisturizes the scalp. A hydrated and well-moisturized scalp is sure to help in the growth of hair follicles.
2. Coconut oil has lauric acid that binds with hair follicles and prevents the loss of Keratin, which too prevents hair loss and hair damage.
3. Coconut oil is known to penetrate deep within the hair shafts making them smoother and stronger from within.
4. Massaging unrefined coconut oil helps in strengthening the hair shafts and makes them stronger from within.

Conclusion

While coconut oil may be great for hair loss and all kinds of hair damage, there are people with advanced stages of hair loss, who cannot be benefitted from hair oil whatsoever. Since their hair damage is considerable, they require expert treatment.

When it comes to hair treatment, no one does it better than Advanced Hair Studio. Established 47 years ago in the United States of America, we are one of the largest hair restoration clinics in India, with more than 300 centers and alliances the world over.

If you are worried about your hair, then book an appointment and meet our hair experts to get personalized hair care advice and treatment for your precious hair!

FAQs on Coconut Oil for Hair

How Long Should I Leave Coconut Oil in My Hair?

Hair oil should ideally be left overnight and washed with shampoo and water for the best possible results. However, if you do not have the time to leave it overnight, you can leave it for half an hour before rinsing off thoroughly with your favorite shampoo.

Do You Put Coconut Oil on Dry or Wet Hair?

For dry hair, massage the oil well into the scalp allowing the hair strands to absorb the oil. Keep it overnight if possible. For wet hair, you should apply coconut oil, preferably virgin coconut oil, on your hair before using any kind of beauty products of straighteners.

Does Coconut Oil Repair Damaged Hair?

Coconut oil is known to repair damaged hair. Damaged hair lacks moisture and appears to be dry and frizzy. Coconut oil has nourishing and moisturizing properties that can repair and fix damaged hair when used regularly for a long time.

What Happens if You Leave Coconut Oil in Your Hair Too Long?

Any kind of oil should not be left for too long if you are planning to venture outside. This is because oily hair can attract all kinds of dirt and grime. The ideal way is to apply oil on wet hair and then blow-dry and brush it thoroughly.

Does almond oil reduce hair fall?

Incorporating almond oil in hair care routines can be quite beneficial. Like coconut oil, almond oil can be used as a serum or a hair mask or simply as a massage oil. Almond oil makes the hair stronger, thicker, and shinier.

Does Coconut Oil help thicken hair?

Coconut oil strengthens the scalp. Therefore, coconut oil is considered to be great for thickening hair strands. The oil penetrates the hair follicles and makes them strong and healthy.