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“Šebetić, Klaudija, Ines Sjerobabski Masnec, Vlatka Čavka, Darko Biljan, and Ivan Krolo. “UV damage of the hair.” Collegium Advertisements Studies have shown that coconut oil can act as an all natural sunscreen for your hair.”
We’ve all seen those advertisements in which models flaunt their long and beautiful locks, only to wish ours looked the same. We’ve all been swayed by fancy packaging and words like “organic,” “keratin,” and “lush.” But, do we really need to burn a hole in our pockets for beautiful hair? Turns out, all you need is coconut oil. Here are four benefits that coconut oil brings with it for your hair.
1. Moisturizes And Conditions
Whether you have curly, straight, fine, or wavy hair, if there’s one thing you can definitely rely on when it comes to coconut oil, it is its moisturizing benefits. Since a major chunk of its composition consists of fatty acids, coconut has a high affinity for hair proteins. It also has a low molecular weight. This lets coconut penetrate the hair shaft easily and moisturize it.[ref]Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis Gavazzoni. “Hair cosmetics: an overview.” International journal of trichology 7, no. 1 (2015): 2.[/ref]
Coconut oil also prevents protein loss, which causes dry and brittle hair.[ref]Rele, Aarti S., and R. B. Mohile. “Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.” Journal of cosmetic science 54, no. 2 (2003): 175-192.[/ref] You could massage warm coconut oil into your hair and leave it on for 2 hours before washing it off. You could also choose to deep condition your hair by adding honey and egg to coconut oil and leaving it on for 2 hours before washing it off. Alternatively, just mix coconut oil with water and use it as a serum to untangle your hair.
2. Fights Infections
Hair care doesn’t just stop at frizzy hair or hair fall. There’s also the trouble of bacterial and fungal infections. These cause conditions like dandruff, folliculitis, piedra, and ringworm. Lauric acid in coconut oil is an antimicrobial agent that fights these infections by slowing down their growth and keeping them at bay.[ref]Khoramnia, Anahita, Afshin Ebrahimpour, Raheleh Ghanbari, Zahra Ajdari, and Oi-Ming Lai. “Improvement of medium chain fatty acid content and antimicrobial activity of coconut oil via solid-state fermentation using a Malaysian Geotrichum candidum.” BioMed research international 2013 (2013).[/ref] Massage your scalp with coconut oil regularly or go as per your doctor’s instructions to effectively ward off all bacterial and fungal infections.
3. Protects From Sun Damage
We’re aware of the damage that UVA and UVB rays can cause to our skin. Sunscreens have flooded the market and are now an integral part of our skin care routines. But, why do we not extend the same amount of protection to our hair? UVA rays cause changes in hair color while UVB rays result in the loss of hair protein. The result? Dry, damaged, and brittle hair.Studies have shown that coconut oil can act as an all natural sunscreen for your hair.[ref]Šebetić, Klaudija, Ines Sjerobabski Masnec, Vlatka Čavka, Darko Biljan, and Ivan Krolo. “UV damage of the hair.” Collegium
Studies have shown that coconut oil can act as an all natural sunscreen for your hair.[ref]Šebetić, Klaudija, Ines Sjerobabski Masnec, Vlatka Čavka, Darko Biljan, and Ivan Krolo. “UV damage of the hair.” Collegium antropologicum 32, no. 2 (2008): 163-165.[/ref] It blocks 20% of the sun’s rays. You could use it as is, or add it to sesame oil. Apply a thin layer on your hair before stepping out.[ref]Korać, Radava R., and Kapil M. Khambholja. “Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation.” Pharmacognosy reviews 5, no. 10 (2011): 164.[/ref]
4. Fights Hair Loss
There are several reasons for hair loss. These include dry hair, sun damage, lice, dandruff, and nutritional deficiencies. At times, damage due to hair dyes could also cause hair fall. Although it would take a switch in the diet to see results, coconut oil is said to fight most scalp conditions. It has a positive effect on the tensile properties of hair, preventing breakage.[ref]Mhaskar, Sudhakar, Bhargavi Kalghatgi, Madhavi Chavan, and Suryamani Rout. “Hair breakage index: An alternative tool for damage.” J. Cosmet. Sci 62 (2011): 207.[/ref]
Coconut oil also nourishes hair and makes it stronger. Regular use of coconut oil will help fight the most common causes of hair loss. Since it penetrates the hair shafts easily, you’re bound to see quick results, as well.[ref]Kabara, Jon J. “Health oils from the tree of life.” Nutritional and Health Aspects of Coconut Oil). Indian Coconut Journal 31, no. 8 (2000): 2-8.[/ref] You could use coconut oil as a serum and moisturizer regularly or use it in the place of a heat-protecting spray to avoid damage caused by chemicals. It is recommended that you use a moisturizer like coconut oil before and after you color your hair to minimize the inevitable damage caused by hair dyes.[ref]Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis Gavazzoni. “Hair cosmetics: an overview.” International journal of trichology 7, no. 1 (2015): 2.[/ref]
Coconut oil makes for a good addition to any hair care ritual since it is all natural and economical. The host of benefits it offers outweighs most other plant-based solutions. However, ensure you use small portions of coconut oil when you first start using it to see how your skin and hair react to it.
