Coconut oil is very popular and often preferred as hair oil worldwide. Before you start using this oil for its many beneficial, functions, perhaps you should find out what makes it so special, and why millions of people choose to use it.
Many people living in coastal areas of the world, more specifically in the areas where coconuts grow in abundance, know that the sweet smelling coconut oil is their one and only hair oil. These are areas like the Indian Subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Philippines, and parts of the Caribbean.
Coconut oil is rich in fats, vitamins, and minerals which are good for the human body. However, coconut oil is not limited to hair; it is used in the preparation of cosmetic soaps and creams, and in Asian countries, it is also used for preparing various kinds of food and salads.
Coconut oil has been in use as hair oil for thousands of years, and it has shown remarkable results. Certain components in it keep the hair strong, nourished and protected from the effects of premature aging, like baldness and excessive hair loss. Let’s see what some of those benefits to hair are, and what components of coconut oil are responsible!
Benefits of coconut oil for hair
1.Prevents hair loss
Hair loss can be caused by inflammatory skin conditions, fungal infection and nutritional deficiency. Coconut oil is full of healthy fats, which nourishes the hair shaft and scalp, fights skin infections and reduce inflammation.
To use, mix 2 tablespoons of sage oil and 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Cook over low heat until everything is combined. Let it cool until and test on the skin of your hand. It should be warm but not burning. Apply all over your head before bed and cover with a shower cap. Wash out in the morning and style as usual.
2.Repairs hair damage
The use of coconut oil on hair helps to reduce protein loss in both damaged as well as undamaged hair. Coconut oil rich in lauric acid has a high affinity for hair protein and easily penetrates inside the hair shaft, which is due to its low molecular weight. It can be used for pre-wash or post-wash hair grooming.
3.Makes your hair smooth
Frizzy hair is actually often caused by excessive dryness of the cuticles and hair shaft. Coconut oil is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water, but it also retains moisture within the hair shaft.
Applying coconut oil for 10-15 minutes before washing will leave your hair silky and smooth. You can also lightly apply coconut oil to split ends to make them easier to brush through. As for styling, use a little bit of coconut oil to tame flyaways and slick down the hair to create smooth updos.
4.Fights dandruff
The various fatty acids present in coconut oil serve as very good anti-dandruff agents and are far better than any anti-dandruff shampoo. Regular application of coconut oil can help you get rid of dandruff forever. Coconut oil mixed with lukewarm water and castor oil can also be effective in treating dandruff. Massage the scalp and hair with this mixture for ideal results.
Another home remedy for dandruff can be prepared by mixing coconut oil with sesame oil. Apply this mixture for about 30 minutes and then shampoo the hair.
5.Kills lice
Lice are a very common problem with young children. Most lice treatments are highly toxic and burn the scalp and damage the hair.Coconut oil is often used to treat lice in small children because it hydrates the skin instead or irritating it. It even works against pesticide-resistant lice.The oil coats the lice and slowly suffocates them as well as preventing them and their eggs from hanging onto the hair shafts.
To use, apply evenly to the hair, leave in for several days and continue applying more oil as it gets absorbed into your skin and hair. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil for a more potent lice formula.
6.Gray hair
Pigment cells located at the base of each hair follicle is responsible for the color of your hair. However, as you grow older more and more of these pigment cells die and become less efficient. One way that coconut oil prevents gray hair is by nourishing your scalp and protecting the base of your hair follicles. The healthier it is the longer you’ll be able to avoid gray hair.
To do this, massage your hair with coconut oil and lemon every day for at least 15 minutes.
7.Hair toning
Coconut oil also helps in the toning of hair, especially dry hair. Apply a warm mixture of coconut oil and lavender essential oil on the scalp at night, then wash and rinse your hair the next morning. You may repeat this as frequently as you want until you see your desired results.
8.Hair conditioning
Hair conditioner can be easily prepared at home using coconut oil. It is not only effective; it also does not have side effects. Mix some henna with coconut oil and warm milk to make a paste. Apply this to the hair for 20 minutes and then rinse hair properly. This hair conditioner is very effective, particularly for dry hair.
Bottom line
If you’re not already using coconut oil for your hair then you’re missing out on a lot!
Most organic or herbal shampoo already contain some coconut oil. However, If the brand you’re using doesn’t have any then you can always add some yourself to enjoy the benefits.
It just goes to show that coconut really is the ultimate beauty product.