Coconut oil is a hair hero that can transform your tresses. This article covers all bases, its benefits, uses and if you apply coconut oil on dry or wet hair.
A jar of coconut oil is in many kitchens, but its talents extend far beyond being cooking oil. This multi-tasking oil has various uses, and the benefits of using coconut oil on your hair include replenishing dehydrated hair, reducing protein loss, calming frizz, and helping strengthen your mane.
Many hair products contain this natural ingredient, but choose an unrefined coconut oil over a refined one for better results. Unrefined, often referred to as virgin or extra virgin coconut oil, is where the oil is extracted directly from the white fleshy part with no additional chemicals, making it a better option for your hair.
What Is Coconut Oil?
The natural oil extracted from the meat of the coconut is solid at room temperature and becomes liquid when heated. Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E, which helps repair damaged hair cuticles and vitamin K, which promotes scalp health. It is packed full of healthy fats, predominantly lauric acid, which makes up 47% of the fatty acids in coconut oil.
Due to its low molecular weight, lauric acid is a powerful moisturiser that penetrates deep into the hair shaft to coat the strands and reduce breakage. Lauric acid also has antibacterial properties, and a study testing it against 30 types of fatty acids found it was the most effective at blocking the growth of bacteria.
Is It Better To Put Coconut Oil On Dry or Wet Hair?
It depends on what you use it for, but you can use coconut oil on wet or dry hair. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta told Vogue India, “For heavier oils like coconut oil, applying it on dry hair is best, as the larger molecules may not penetrate the shaft of wet hair as well as it can dry hair.” Dr Gupta also says that warming the oil improves penetration and recommends heating oil in a bowl or using a hot towel on your hair after applying.
You can apply coconut oil to wet hair during the conditioning stage, but wash it out thoroughly with shampoo after. Coconut oil is not exclusive to wash day and can be used to style dry hair to revitalise curly hair or to tame some frizz, but remember, a little goes a long way.
Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Hair?
Is your hair screaming for some much-needed moisture? Then this hydrating hero, regarded as one of the best oils to reduce protein loss and keep hair looking its best, has your back.
Rachael E. D Sev, Trichologist and founder of Cherub London told Heat World, “Coconut oil is very good for hair. It can help with thinning hair, while also tackling dandruff issues. It helps improve the overall appearance of hair transforming hair from dull and dry to healthy and radiant. It will help eliminate split ends while keeping your hair frizz-free.”
Coconut oil also benefits the scalp, and board-certified dermatologist Dr Joyce Park told Shape, “It is great at locking in moisture, even for those with eczema-prone, dry, or sensitive skin.”
Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Your Hair
Coconut oil is an inexpensive product offering multiple benefits for your hair and scalp, and you can apply coconut oil on dry or wet hair, depending on what you use it for. Let’s discover the advantages of including it in your hair care routine.
Moisturises
Other oils sit on top of the hair, but coconut oil hydrates the hair strands and benefits people with damaged or dry hair. The size and weight of the molecules in coconut oil enable it to penetrate the hair shaft, making it a powerful moisturiser.
Repairs Damaged Hair
Hair is more prone to damage when wet, and coconut oil combats this by decreasing the amount of water absorbed. The fatty acids nourish the hair, adding moisture that promotes stronger hair and prevents breakage and split ends.
Adds Shine
Coconut oil consists of medium-chain fatty acids, and lauric acid is the hardworking champion that coats the strands of your hair, which reflects the light creating a head of shiny tresses.
Protects Against Heat and Environmental Damage
Hair quickly absorbs coconut oil, preventing protein loss, which causes brittle and dull hair. It also strengthens the hair cuticles and forms a protective barrier, which helps shield hair from toxins and sun damage.
How To Apply Coconut Oil On Hair
Many hair care products contain this natural oil, so you might ask, what type of coconut oil should I use in my hair? The best option is an unrefined oil as they are chemical free; look for ones labelled virgin or extra virgin. Let’s dive into how to use it to reap the rewards.
**Before applying a new product to your face, hair and scalp, perform a patch test to confirm it doesn’t irritate or cause an allergic reaction.**
Use As A Hydrating Hair Mask
A coconut oil hair mask is ideal when your hair needs a hydrating boost.
You only need a small amount, so one to two tablespoons of coconut oil is sufficient. If the coconut oil is solid, warm it up by rubbing it between your hands. For a more liquid form, pop the oil into a cup or dish and place it in a bowl of hot water; avoid the microwave as it can make the oil too hot and cause an injury.
Once the oil is smooth and lump-free, distribute it evenly onto dry hair and apply through the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. You can use coconut oil on dry or wet hair, but dry hair is a better option. Healthline explains, “Oil can repel water, some hair care experts believe that dry hair is able to absorb oil better than wet hair. ”
If you are in a rush, 30 minutes is enough time, but use it as an overnight mask for better results. Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons recommended to Vogue to repeat this leave-in treatment once a week. To avoid staining your bedsheets, wear a shower cap to bed.
As a Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Applying a small amount of coconut oil before shampooing can stop your hair from absorbing too much water, which leads to hair dryness and damage. Apply coconut oil from the middle of your hair to the ends of your hair around 15-30 minutes before you shampoo, then rinse thoroughly.
As a Scalp Treatment
A coconut oil scalp massage is a great way to boost circulation and nourish the scalp, and its antibacterial properties help treat common scalp issues. Heat one to two teaspoons of coconut oil, and use your fingertips or a shampoo brush in a circular motion to gently massage your scalp, working from front to back.
Wrap your hair in a towel, and The Clean Beauty Coach recommends letting it sit for 15-30 minutes and repeating the process at least once a week. Rinse thoroughly with a mild shampoo to ensure the hair follicles are not clogged.
As a Leave-in Conditioner
People with curly, dry or longer hair can add moisture to their hair by using a tiny bit of coconut oil after shampooing. Apply the oil to damp hair from the mid-length to the ends with no need to rinse it out.
To Protect Against UV Rays
Coconut oil can help repair damage to the hair caused by UV rays from the sun and heat from styling tools. Our hair ages just like our skin, and a dominant factor is sun exposure. For an added layer of protection against seawater or chlorine, rub a small amount of coconut oil into wet hair before swimming.
Is Coconut Oil Good For All Hair Types?
Unfortunately, coconut oil does not suit all hair types and people with fine hair may find it heavy and weigh down the hair. Dr.Joyce Park, a board-certified dermatologist, told Shape, “Others with naturally oily hair may find it makes their hair look more greasy.”
For other hair types, coconut oil is a valuable part of a hair routine, and John Frieda advises that coconut oil “tends to work well for people with curly or straight thick, coarse, or very dry hair. If you have medium-thickness or thin hair, using pure coconut oil may be too heavy for your hair.”
There are mixed reviews on using coconut oil for dandruff, as some experts have warned it makes the condition worse. Hairstylist Kim Kimble told Elle, “If you over-apply coconut oil, it could worsen dandruff as the type of yeast that causes dandruff feeds off lauric acid,” Those with the condition should seek professional advice from a doctor or dermatologist before using coconut for the first time on the scalp.
Another common question is, does coconut oil help hair grow? While some believe it does, no scientific evidence backs this up, but it will promote healthy hair growth.
In a (coco) nutshell, incorporating coconut oil into your hair care routine offers a range of benefits. You can apply coconut oil on dry or wet hair, and its nourishing and hydrating properties can transform dull and lifeless hair into soft, shiny tresses. Regular use of coconut oil can improve hair health, and its versatility makes it a cost-effective superstar!
Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thestylecadet.com is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your doctor, qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. The information, suggestions, or remedies mentioned in this article are provided without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied.
