Coconut oil is a plant-based fatty oil that is extracted from the meat and milk of coconut fruit. It has many different uses – chances are that you’ve used it in the kitchen or even in your skincare routine, but have you ever tried using coconut oil for hair care purposes? As it is rich in fatty acids, this ingredient can help nourish your hair, protect it from damage and tackle different hair concerns.
Discover the benefits of coconut oil for hair and how you can use it to achieve all your healthy hair goals:
What are the benefits of coconut oil for hair?
Before we get into all the reasons why you should add coconut oil into your hair care regimen, it’s important to distinguish between two variations of the ingredient: refined and unrefined. For maximum results and a gentler treatment, go for the latter.
As it has not been processed, unrefined coconut oil doesn’t have any chemicals or additives that could potentially damage your hair. Plus, it contains more nutrients and acids than its alternative.
So, what are the benefits of coconut oil for hair?
It promotes hair growth
One of the fatty acids present in coconut oil is called lauric acid, a component unique in its ability to penetrate the shaft of the hair (the part of the hair that you can see above your scalp) and get past the cuticle. When doing this, lauric acid is able to strengthen your hair and prevent protein loss, creating the right environment to encourage growth.
Plus, this powerful oil unclogs your hair follicles by removing sebum build-up, helping to prevent your hair from thinning or shedding – yet another reason why you should try coconut oil for hair growth.
It helps control frizz
For some of us, frizz is a constant problem, whether it is caused by humid weather conditions, heat styling or hair damage. If this is the case for you, coconut oil is a must-try, as it helps boost hair moisture, making it look sleeker and smoother. This is also a great reason to use coconut oil for curly hair, as frizz is a common issue for those with this hair texture.
If your frizz is a result of your split ends, coconut oil works as an efficient quick fix – you can apply a small amount to the ends of your hair and they will instantly look healthier. But remember this is not a permanent solution, so make sure to go to the salon for a haircut as soon as you can.
It can help minimise dandruff
Coconut oil is an antifungal, anti-inflammatory ingredient, which means it is able to efficiently minimise dandruff. When you apply coconut oil on dry scalp, not only are you preventing moisture loss, but also promoting a balanced fungal microbiome for a healthy scalp. In extreme cases, using coconut oil for dandruff also provides relief from those annoying inflammation symptoms you might experience, like itchiness and even pain.
It protects from heat, sun and colouring damage
There are many factors that can impair the health of your hair. Perhaps you heat style it too often, live in an area where the sunrays are particularly strong or can’t resist experimenting with new colours without giving your hair a break.
Whatever the case might be, another fantastic benefit of coconut oil for hair is that it has strong protective properties. It prevents damage by protecting your hair from bleach when you dye it and it also strengthens your hair thanks to the vitamins and fatty acids it contains. Additionally, coconut oil is a natural SPF and it is a great addition to both your hair and skincare routines to prevent sun damage.
How to use coconut oil on hair
There are two ways to use coconut oil for hair: you can apply it directly on to your hair or shop for hair care products that contain it as an ingredient.
If you’re going for the first option and applying coconut oil on hair, we suggest using it as a pre-wash protector 15 to 30 minutes before your shower as a way to prevent dryness. Alternatively, use a coconut oil hair treatment for softer hair by applying it after a wash, wrapping it with a head scarf or towel, and letting it do its magic overnight.
Just make sure to use a small amount of coconut oil, to avoid any build-up that might weigh your hair down or clog your scalp - otherwise, you’ll be reversing all those amazing benefits of coconut oil for hair! This is particularly important if you have dry skin, as too much oil might lead to breakouts around the hairline.
If you don’t want to apply oil directly on your scalp and, instead, you’re looking for the best products with coconut oil for hair, we have just the suggestion for you: our nutriplenish™ collection. Keep reading to learn all about it!
Our best hair products with coconut oil
Our nutriplenish™ range features ten coconut oil-infused hair products that, combined with other superfood complex oils and butters, will feed your hair with deep, nutrient-powered moisture. If you’re looking to incorporate coconut oil into your hair care routine, give these products a try:
