The Top 8 Hair Benefits of Coconut Oil

The advantages of coconut oil for hair might help you achieve healthy, manageable, lustrous, and lush hair.

Have you ever been tempted to stop using commercial conditioners, serums, and styling products because they do long-term harm to your hair and maybe your health? Guess what, though? You can use this natural remedy in their place.

Lauric acid, medium-chain fatty acids, and antibacterial qualities found in coconut oil assist to strengthen hair, nourish the scalp, and promote hair growth.

Since coconut oil is an all-natural, multipurpose hair product, it's time to shed some light on its applications for hair, even though we've been hearing about its internal health advantages for a while. The nourishing properties of coconut oil for hair, which are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, maintain your hair strong, glossy, and attractive!

Coconut oil's advantages for hair

Regular hair washing removes lipid debris from the hair's surface and weakens its structure. Additionally, harmful elements included in certain conventional hair products can strip hair and leaving it appearing lifeless.

Coconut oil can be found on the ingredient lists of many of your favorite hair and cosmetic products. However, in addition to harming your skin and hair, the majority of cosmetics and hair products also contain additional substances that may be bad for your health.

Your hair may become flat, dry, and damaged as a result of the harsh chemicals included in commercial products.

By itself, coconut oil contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities and is high in fatty acids and antioxidants. As a result, coconut oil can enhance the look, feel, and condition of hair.

Benefits of coconut oil for hair include:

1. Improves hair dryness

As a natural emollient, coconut oil coats the hair shaft in a protective layer that keeps moisture in. This keeps hair moisturized and helps avoid dryness.

Because it may enter the hair shaft, it can nourish the hair from the inside out, preventing water loss and preserving its softness.

2. Promotes healthy scalp

By altering the scalp microbiome, regular coconut oil use can improve scalp health. According to a 2021 study, using coconut oil enhanced the number of good bacteria linked to a healthy scalp, such as Cutibacterium acnes and Malassezia globosa.

Dandruff can be lessened and general scalp health can be supported by this microbial balance.

3. Prevents protein loss in hair

It has been demonstrated that coconut oil can lessen protein loss in both damaged and healthy hair. It minimizes protein loss during washing and grooming by protecting the internal structure of the hair thanks to its special ability to penetrate the hair shaft.

According to research findings in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, it can lessen protein loss in both damaged and healthy hair. It can be applied as a post-wash grooming product or prior to shampooing.

According to studies, the advantage of coconut oil stems from its lauric acid concentration, which has a low molecular weight and a strong affinity for hair proteins, enabling the oil to enter the hair shaft.

4. Shields hair from ultraviolet light

According to a narrative analysis of recent research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, coconut oil for hair helps to both prevent and repair UV-induced damage.

Studies show that this oil has a sun protection factor (SPF) of about 8, providing a moderate amount of sun protection for hair. The application of coconut oil can help prevent hair from certain UV-induced damage, but it is not a replacement for specific sun protection treatments.

5. Combats fungi and diseases

Coconut oil's lauric acid has antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Because of this, it works well against a variety of illnesses, including fungus that can lead to scalp infections.

By using it, infections can be avoided and a healthy scalp environment can be maintained.

6. Encourages hair development

Coconut oil promotes healthy hair development by lowering protein loss and enhancing scalp health. Because of its hydrating qualities, hair doesn't break as easily and can grow stronger and longer.

Its anti-inflammatory properties can also calm the scalp, which encourages hair growth even more.

 7. Boosts brightness and volume

Coconut oil reduces frizz and smoothes the cuticle, enhancing the hair's natural sheen. Because of its emollient qualities, hair appears glossy and helps reflect light.

By reducing hair breakage and fostering general hair health, regular use can also create volume.

8. Conditions and fixes damaged hair

Deeply into the hair shaft, coconut oil repairs damage from the inside out. It increases the flexibility and strength of the hair by restoring its natural lipid content.

For hair that has been harmed by heat style, chemical treatments, or environmental conditions, this makes it especially advantageous.

According to research that was published in the International Journal of Trichology, coconut oil can prevent damage to hair during the grooming process. This is because it can enter the cortex and hair cuticles.

9. Moisturizes hair

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that keeps hair hydrated by stopping water loss. Its fatty acids maintain the hair's softness and manageability.

Especially for dry or brittle hair, regular application can help maintain ideal moisture levels.

10. Reduces frizz

Coconut oil reduces frizz and flyaways by smoothing the hair cuticle. Even in humid environments, it keeps hair straight and smooth by retaining moisture and acting as a barrier.

11. Aids in lice prevention and treatment

A natural treatment for head lice that works well is coconut oil. It was discovered to be more successful at getting rid of lice than the chemical therapy permethrin when mixed with anise in a spray.

It is a safe substitute for chemical treatments because of its viscous texture, which aids in suffocating lice.

12. Treats dandruff

Coconut oil works well against fungi that cause dandruff because of its antifungal qualities. It can lessen the flaking and itching of dandruff by hydrating the scalp and reestablishing the microbiological balance.

Coconut oil for hair is a fantastic natural way to get rid of dandruff because regular use can result in a healthier, dandruff-free scalp.

Of course, food also has a big impact on hair health. It's likely that you're not drinking enough fresh water if your hair is dry and brittle. Water keeps the skin and hair hydrated as well as the rest of the body.

The health of our hormones has a big impact on our hair as we age.

Consume a diet rich in healthy fats, drink lots of water, and use natural hair care products—like coconut oil for hair—instead of shampoos, conditioners, and styling agents that contain harmful chemicals.

Methods for applying coconut oil to hair

One of the greatest ways to stay away from the dangerous chemicals included in many commercial hair care products is to use coconut oil for your hair. For usage in your cuisine and on your skin and hair, go for organic virgin (or extra virgin) coconut oil.

It should smell like fresh coconuts when you open the container. The oil might be refined and highly processed if it doesn't have the cool coconut scent. Use just the least processed coconut oil for your hair.

Use coconut oil to maintain hair strong, nourished, lustrous, and manageable while protecting it from the elements. It functions as a natural and efficient tool for:

• conditioning

• fashion

• encouraging the development of hair (much like castor oil)

• removing dandruff

• Taking care of lice

• Increasing luster

In addition, it is affordable, readily accessible, and has a wide range of additional uses!

The top hair applications for coconut oil are broken down here, along with specific instructions for using this healthy substance at home:

1. Conditioner

All hair types can benefit from coconut oil's ability to nourish dry hair without the use of harmful chemicals found in commercial hair products. Researchers compared the effectiveness of mineral oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil and discovered that only coconut oil could prevent protein loss from grooming.

Virgin coconut oil is the best choice for dry hair.

Dryness and breakage are caused by the loss of proteins in hair. Because of its low molecular weight, coconut oil's lauric acid may actually enter the hair shaft and nourish it with medium-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Coconut oil for hair is safe for kids to use and helps shield hair from damage from brushing and combing. For a few hours or overnight, it can be used as an intense conditioner or as a leave-in hydrator.

Remember that a little goes a long way and that the secret is to select the appropriate amount for your hair.

Homemade Conditioner using Coconut Oil:

Start with just ¼ teaspoon, warmed in your palms, for short hair. You can need up to ½ tablespoon if your hair is thicker and longer.

On thinner hair, you want to use it carefully because too much of it might make the hair seem heavy. Pay close attention to the hair's shaft and ends. After smoothing through your hair, style it normally.

One teaspoon for short hair, two teaspoons for shoulder-length hair, and one tablespoon for long hair should be warmed in the palm of your hands before being used as an intense conditioner to restore hair after washing with a mild natural shampoo. After applying to the ends and shaft of the hair, massage into the scalp.

Put a shower cap over it and keep it on for a couple of hours or overnight. After that, wash and style as usual.

For both leave-in and intensive coconut oil hair treatments, add a few drops of sandalwood essential oil and/or geranium essential oil to dry or damaged hair. The moisturizing and conditioning properties of coconut oil for hair are enhanced by these essential oils, which also aid in moisture retention.

What is the recommended duration for leaving coconut oil in your hair? It will work in about an hour, but leaving it out for even longer won't hurt anything. It's even safe to leave overnight!

2. Hair growth

If your hair is thinning, coconut oil is a safe, affordable, and efficient remedy. In fact, it can promote thicker, longer hair growth.

Lauric acid is one of the vital nutrients that enter the hair shaft and enhance the general health of the hair.

Since inside problems frequently affect hair health, employing natural hair loss solutions will help without worsening the situation. Green tea, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin, and foods strong in omega-3 fats all promote healthy hair development from the inside out.

Make dietary changes and use a tiny amount of coconut oil to your hair for conditioning and styling before attempting prescription hair growth preparations, which only work for 50% of people and require continuous use. The harsh chemicals have the potential to irritate the scalp and perhaps grow hair where it is not wanted.

Homemade Hair Growth Treatment using Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil promotes hair growth by increasing blood circulation when it is massaged into the scalp. Three or four times a week, for ten minutes, it is crucial to gently massage the coconut oil into the scalp. You simply need one teaspoon if you want to concentrate on hair development and scalp conditioning.

Nevertheless, take the preceding actions if you wish to reap the rewards of deep conditioning. Add four drops of essential rosemary oil in place of sandalwood, which has been demonstrated to boost new hair development by more than 20%. Along with improving scalp circulation, rosemary oil can yield amazing benefits when combined with coconut oil.

Put on a shower cap and let the heat from your body work the ingredients into your hair to increase the health of your scalp after ten minutes of rubbing the mixture into your scalp. Use a mild cleanser afterward, such as this DIY rosemary mint shampoo. It is kind to all hair types and has a wonderful scent.

Rich in vitamins K and E, coconut oil promotes healthy hair follicles and less dandruff. These therapies aren't limited to hair loss. These remedies may be helpful if you are losing hair during brushing, washing, or styling.

3. Dandruff

For hundreds of years, people have applied coconut oil to their skin to combat dandruff. According to research, common yeast-like fungal (Malassezia) infections, dry skin conditions, and susceptibility to harsh chemicals in hair care products can all contribute to this unattractive and frequently uncomfortable condition.

The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil, such as lauric acid and capric acid, have potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities that help eradicate any bacteria or viruses that might be hiding on your scalp as well as the fungus.

Using coconut oil for 12 weeks helped maintain a healthy scalp and modified the scalp microbiome, which in turn reduced the effects of dandruff-causing bacteria, according to a 2021 study that examined the benefits of the oil on dandruff in 140 women.

In fact, a lot of over-the-counter and prescription dandruff shampoos might exacerbate dandruff rather than address the underlying source of flakiness. The application of coconut oil topically can help if the issue is fungal or if you suffer from dry skin.

There are dangerous ingredients in a lot of commercial cleansers. Among them are sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, parabens, and several others. Even worse are dandruff removers that contain selenium sulfide, magnesium aluminum silicate, and ammonium laureth sulfate.

These preparations just don't work most of the time. The objective is to eliminate dandruff by making the scalp healthier, fungus-free, and hydrated.

Although using coconut oil to treat dandruff won't eliminate it right away, many people report seeing improvements in as little as a week.

Homemade Coconut Oil Treatment for Dandruff:

Lavender, wintergreen, thyme, and tea tree are among the essential oils for hair that help combat yeast and fungus. After washing your hair, combine two tablespoons of coconut oil with five drops of either of the aforementioned substances, or a mixture of them, and massage into your scalp for a powerful dandruff cure.

Make careful to thoroughly massage the mixture into the scalp, behind the ears, and from the neck to the forehead. To boost the heat, place a shower cap over it and, if you can, spend 20 to 30 minutes in the sun. or just heat the cap with a hair dryer set on low.

After taking off the cap, wash with a mild natural cleaner. Do this two or three times a week, or more frequently if you'd like.

You can keep it on overnight, just like you would with the conditioning or hair growth treatment, but use a shower cap to prevent stains on your bed linens.

This homemade anti-dandruff shampoo, which contains fractionated coconut oil for hair, is another option.

4. Fashion

Indeed, coconut oil works wonders as a styling agent and is devoid of the harmful chemicals found in traditional hair care products. One of the most underutilized coconut oils for hair is this one.

Hot rollers, curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers all strip the hair shaft of moisture, making it brittle and prone to tangling.

When applied in the right quantity for your hair type and length, coconut oil helps control frizz, flyaways, and other issues while also preventing this kind of heat damage. In humid regions, people with thick, curly hair frequently struggle with frizz.

Coconut oil penetrates the curls and helps control the frizz. You can use it for touch-ups throughout the day, but apply it sparingly, especially if your hair is oily or thin.

Homemade Coconut Oil Formula for Unruly Hair:

Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, start with a very small amount (1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon) and warm the oil in your palms. After applying the oil from the roots to the tips of your hair, blow dry and style it as you like.

Your hair will be silky, lustrous, and manageable even if it will take a little longer to dry.

Use a very small amount of coconut oil to both disguise and nourish broken ends.

Homemade Hair Detangler using Coconut Oil:

Detangling hair is a tedious task that frequently results in breakage. According to a study assessing the application of coconut oil for hair damage, it enhances hair breaking by entering the hair shaft. Additionally, it envelops the hair and facilitates the removal of knots in the evenings or after washing.

Work a tiny bit of coconut oil through your hair, focusing on damaged and knotted sections. Beginning at the bottom and gradually working your way up, use a wide-tooth comb.

Regularly applying coconut oil to hair will enhance its general condition and help keep knots at bay. To keep your hair conditioned and improve its texture, you can even apply coconut oil overnight.

Trimming the damaged areas will assist if tangled hair is a persistent issue.

NOTE: Use coconut oil lightly for styling if your hair is delicate or thin, or if you've never used it before. Additionally, avoid applying it to the scalp as this may cause the hair to become weighed down.

5. Prevention and treatment of lice

Getting rid of lice is one of the top hair care applications for coconut oil. According to a research in the European Journal of Pediatrics, a mixture of coconut oil and anise spray worked better than permethrin, a typical prescription medication used to treat lice.

The coconut oil-based spray really achieved 82 percent success in the controlled testing. After receiving the standard therapy, 33 out of 50 subjects complained scalp irritation, and the permethrin was only 42% effective.

Despite adding ylang ylang oil to the coconut oil and anise oil mixture, another study that was published in the Israel Medical Association Journal showed even more success with this treatment. 92.3 percent of children responded well to the medication, and there were no significant adverse effects.

Coconut oil helps repel lice and can prevent their eggs from adhering to the hair since it enters the hair shaft and scalp. Lice are eliminated with the addition of ylang ylang, tea tree, and anise.

Homemade Coconut Oil Treatment for Lice:

Use coconut oil as described above to untangle and style hair or as a leave-in hair conditioner to prevent lice.

Combine one teaspoon each of ylang ylang, anise, and tea tree oils with three tablespoons of coconut oil if there is a lice infestation. For longer hair, double the recipe. For shoulder-length hair, this ought to be sufficient.

Massage the entire scalp with the solution, making sure to draw through the ends. Use a fine-toothed comb to go through the hair.

Put a shower cap on your hair and leave it in place for two hours. Warm the hat occasionally with a hair drier or, if you can, sit in the sun. Remove the shower cap carefully, then dispose of it by sealing it in a zip-lock bag.

After two hours, comb your hair again before washing and rinsing it well twice. In a tiny spray bottle, mix 1 cup water and 2 cups apple cider vinegar while the hair is still damp.

Apply half of the bottle on the hair and scalp to completely saturate it. Pour the remaining fluid over the hair while leaning over the sink and gently rubbing.

After giving your hair a good rinse, use a fine-tooth comb once again. After that, lightly apply coconut oil to the hair, cover with a shower cap or style as you choose, and let it stay on till you wash it again.

The procedure must be repeated every five to ten days for a few weeks, as is the case with most lice treatments. This makes it more likely that all lice and their eggs will be eliminated.

Use coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner and comb your hair with a fine-tooth comb both morning and night in between sessions.

Use coconut oil as a leave-in treatment as soon as you learn of a lice infestation because it both repels and kills lice.

6. Preventing UV damage

According to a study that was published in Pharmacognosy Research, coconut oil has an SPF of 8, which makes it one of the best nonvolatile oils for this purpose. To lessen the chance of UV damage, apply coconut oil to your hair and scalp while you're outside.

Furthermore, by supplying hydration deep into your hair's structure and minimizing protein loss, coconut oil can help shield your hair from UV damage.

How to Apply Coconut to Sunscreen Your Hair:

Coconut oil works well as a natural sunscreen since hair is susceptible to UV damage, just like skin. Use it as a leave-in conditioner for all-day protection if you're going to be in the sun, and while you're at it, apply it to exposed skin.

For both kids and adults, coconut oil is a safe and efficient sunscreen.

7. Mild hair wash

Your hair may become dry and brittle after using harsh cleansers, giving it a damaged, unhealthy appearance.

Did you know that you can make your hair cleanser with coconut oil as the base? Your hair feels smooth and healthy after using it, and it's natural and mild.

How to Make Shampoo with Coconut Oil:

Feel free to modify the amount of coconut oil to fit your hair type because each person's hair is unique. You can cut the amount of coconut oil to 1/4 cup if you have fine hair, and you might need to add a few drops of avocado oil or increase it if your hair is thick, dry, or curly.

• 1 cup liquid Castile soap

• 1/3 cup canned coconut milk

• 1/3 cup coconut oil

• 50-60 drops of favorite essential oils

To avoid destroying any of the nutrients, melt the coconut milk and oil together over extremely low heat. Transfer into a bottle with a tight-fitting cap, then cover with Castile soap.

Give it a good shake, then another one. Shake again after adding 50 drops of your preferred essential oils.

Lavender, wild orange, peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary, clary sage, and rosemary are a few excellent essential oil choices for hair.

Compared to commercial shampoos, this hair cleaner won't be as thick. Apply hair straight from the bottle. Rinse carefully after washing.

How to Prepare Conditioner with Coconut Oil

This is the ideal mix to use with your hair cleanser that contains coconut oil. It improves damaged hair, stops protein loss, and hydrates your hair.

• One cup of Castile soap in liquid form

• One-third cup of coconut milk in a can

• Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

• One-third cup of coconut oil

• Fifty to sixty drops of your preferred essential oils

Using a hand mixer, thoroughly mix all ingredients in a bowl. This could take a few minutes. You're looking for a conditioner that is creamy and smooth.

After washing your hair in the shower, run a teaspoon or two through your hair. For the rest of your shower, let it work its way into your hair, then give it a thorough rinse.

NOTE: Coconut oil may cause your hair color to fade if you dye it, especially if it's red. It won't for the majority of hair colors and kinds.

8. Enhances hair color and luster

Because it enters the hair shaft, coconut oil makes an excellent foundation for natural hair colors. According to a 2020 study that was published in the International Journal of Trichology, participants' hair was more protected and less damaged when they used coconut oil.

It can act as a natural hair color enhancer and provide luster.

How to Create a Color Enhancer for Natural Hair:

One cup of strong coffee, one tablespoon of wasted coffee grounds, and two tablespoons of coconut oil should be combined and applied to darker hair. Let it settle for forty-five to sixty minutes. The results get darker the longer you leave it.

Rinse thoroughly, then style as preferred.

In a blender, combine 1/2 cup strong chamomile tea, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, and ¼ cup coconut oil until emulsified for blond hair or to impart faint highlights. Cover with a shower cap after applying to hair and roots.

For 45 to 75 minutes, keep the hat warm by sitting in the sun or using a hair dryer. Rinse well.

How to Use Coconut Oil to Make a Natural Hair Mask:

Coconut oil and other calming substances are used to make this do-it-yourself hair mask. It helps give your hair a deep conditioning, tame unkempt strands, and add luster.

Put two tablespoons of coconut oil and half a ripe avocado in a blender to produce the mask, or use a whisk to soften the coconut oil. Blend once more after adding two eggs and a tablespoon of raw honey.

Afterward, incorporate five to ten drops of essential lavender and rosemary oils.

Cover all of your moist hair with the mask. After that, cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mask on for 45 to 60 minutes.

Use an all-natural hair cleaner to remove the mask, then condition as normal. Use this coconut oil hair mask once a week for optimal effects.

Any negative effects?

There are several reasons why coconut oil is good for your hair, but using too much of it can make it greasy and buildup-prone. Starting with tiny amounts is ideal, particularly if you have short, thin, or naturally greasy hair.

Use coconut oil no more than once or three times a week if it causes your hair to become oily.

Stop using coconut oil topically if it causes any irritation, such as itching, redness, or dryness.

Conclusion

• Look no farther than coconut oil for hair if you're searching for a new addition to your hair care regimen that will increase hair growth and luster while also being nourishing and hydrating.

• Virgin coconut oil has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities and is high in fatty acids and antioxidants. This enables it to enhance hair's look, feel, and condition.

• It's the ideal (and really affordable) component to keep on hand for creating your own hair products, such as cleansing solutions, nourishing masks, and style serums.