Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Hair?
You’ve probably heard of this DIY hair treatment, but is coconut oil good for your hair? With its reparative and moisturizing properties, there are many benefits of using coconut oil for hair. It is known to repair dry hair, prevent split ends, hydrate the scalp, and even strengthen the hair follicle.
That said, coconut oil may not be suitable for all hair types. It’s also important to use it correctly in order to enjoy its benefits without weighing down your strands. Ahead, we explore whether this natural oil is good for your hair and how to use coconut oil on your hair the right way.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Hair?
Coconut oil boasts moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that can improve overall hair health. However, dermatologists say this natural oil is not suited for all hair types.
Rich in fatty acids like lauric acid and palmitic acid, coconut oil can help lock in moisture and strengthen your strands. Coconut oil absorbs into your hair quickly, helping to hydrate and heal breakage. It also provides a protective barrier to block bacteria and external irritants from causing further damage.
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil can also be beneficial for your scalp. In addition to locking in moisture, coconut oil can balance the microbiome of the scalp skin and ultimately prevent dryness, flaking, and irritation.
While coconut oil can positively impact hair health, you should know that there are a few caveats. For starters, some experts warn that applying coconut oil to your scalp may actually worsen dandruff since the yeast that causes dandruff feeds off lauric acid. What’s more, coconut oil can clog pores and cause buildup which may leave hair feeling weighed down.
Is coconut oil good for hair? According to the derms, coconut oil is best suited for those with dry or curly hair. It’s less suited for those with fine hair or oily scalps, as coconut oil can weigh down your hair and leave your scalp feeling greasy.
Shop Truly Unicorn Locks Repair Hair Mask
With coconut oil, banana + keratin amino acids
Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair
Coconut oil may have its drawbacks for those with fine strands. However, it can be a miracle ingredient for anyone with dry or curly locks. Here are the benefits of coconut oil for hair.
Moisturizes
Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer for the hair. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate the hair shaft, preventing water loss and keeping the hair hydrated. Coconut oil is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or damaged hair, as it helps restore and maintain moisture balance. It also leaves your strands feeling noticeably softer while adding a little natural shine.
Repairs Damage
With its lineup of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, coconut oil can help to repair damaged hair. Research shows it can strengthen the hair shaft, reduce protein loss, and promote overall hair health. Regular use of coconut oil can contribute to smoother, shinier, and more resilient strands.
Soothes the Scalp
Coconut oil can nourish the scalp and even reduce symptoms of scalp psoriasis, according to studies. With its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil can help alleviate dryness, itching, and irritation, promoting a healthier scalp environment. Massaging coconut oil into the scalp also enhances blood circulation, which can further contribute to improved hair health.
Prevents Split Ends
Regular use of coconut oil for hair can contribute to the prevention of split ends. By nourishing and moisturizing the strands, coconut oil reduces the likelihood of split ends occurring. This is especially beneficial for people with long or chemically treated hair, as these types of hair are more prone to split ends.
Shop Truly Deluxe Unicorn Set
With coconut oil, mango + acai
Which Hair Type Should Not Use Coconut Oil?
It might be a moisturizing powerhouse but unfortunately, coconut oil isn’t for every hair type. If you have very fine hair, you may want to avoid using coconut oil on hair as it can weigh down your strands, making it appear limp. People with oily hair or scalps may also want to skip the coconut oil remedies as this oil can clog pores and cause buildup, leading to further greasiness. Coconut oil is best suited for dry and curly hair types.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
Is coconut oil good for your hair? It certainly can be as long as you use it correctly. Depending on your preferences, you can either use pure coconut oil for hair or products containing coconut oil. If you’re going to go pure, make sure you choose virgin coconut oil which contains a higher content of nourishing fatty acids. Here are the best ways to use coconut oil on hair.
Hydrating Mask
Looking to give your mane a quick pick me up? Try the DIY coconut oil hair mask. Start with damp hair which will help the oil absorb better into the follicles. Then part your hair into manageable sections and comb through a generous amount of coconut oil. Let it sit on your hair for 20 minutes before shampooing and rinsing off. If you’re experiencing a lot of damage, you can leave it on longer—or even overnight.
Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Applying coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment ensures you get all the moisturizing benefits without any residue. Apply a small amount of coconut oil through your strands and comb through to ensure even distribution. Leave it on the hair for a couple of minutes before shampooing. The coconut oil serves as a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and preventing post-wash dryness and frizz.
Hair Detangler
Does your hair end up all tangled after showering? Try this coconut oil hair remedy. After washing your hair, pat it dry and work a very small amount of coconut oil into the ends of your hair as a detangler. It’ll make your hair so much more manageable after showering. Plus, it’ll give your strands some subtle shine.
Scalp Treatment
Coconut oil serves as an effective scalp treatment, promoting overall hair health. Begin by warming a small amount between your hands until it becomes liquid. Section your hair and apply the oil to your scalp, massaging it in circular motions for even distribution and to stimulate blood flow. Allow the oil to sit for at least 30 minutes, covering your hair with a shower cap or towel. Afterwards, shampoo and rinse off.
Shop Truly Unicorn Fruit Whipped Butter
With coconut oil, shea butter + vegan collagen booster
Does Coconut Oil Help Hair Growth?
Coconut oil does not directly affect hair growth. However, it can improve scalp health which may promote healthy hair growth. Using coconut oil for hair growth will certainly soften, smooth, and hydrate your strands but it probably won’t make much of a difference to the length of your hair.
While coconut oil may not directly stimulate hair growth, it does offer several benefits that contribute to overall hair health. One of the key advantages is its ability to moisturize and nourish the hair and scalp. The fatty acids present in coconut oil, particularly lauric acid, can penetrate the hair shaft, preventing protein loss and strengthening the hair from within.
Additionally, coconut oil possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help combat dandruff and other scalp conditions. A healthier scalp allows the hair follicles to thrive, potentially reducing issues that could hinder hair growth.
Does Coconut Oil Help Frizzy Hair?
Using coconut oil for frizzy hair does have its benefits. First, it stops the hair from absorbing water which can help prevent frizz. Second, coconut oil deeply moisturizes and nourishes the strands, giving hair a smoother appearance. It also locks the moisture in your hair, preventing it from swelling.
If your hair is prone to frizz, coconut oil can be used to tame frizz and flyaways. You only need a tiny bit (remember, a little goes a long way!). Alternatively, add coconut oil hair products into your daily hair care routine to maintain silky smooth strands.
Shop Truly Bonne Nuit Beaute Satin Sleep Set
Anti-Frizz Satin Sleep Set
Do You Put Coconut Oil on Wet or Dry Hair?
If you’re applying a lot of coconut oil (say, for a mask treatment), it’s best to apply it to damp hair so it can absorb the oil effectively. In fact, it’s generally best to always apply coconut oil to wet hair so that it can absorb better. Unless you plan on just using a small amount to smooth out flyaways—in which case you can apply coconut oil to dry hair.
Is coconut oil good for your hair? Packed with nutrients and fatty acids, coconut oil can intensely hydrate, repair, and strengthen your hair. However, it’s best suited for those with dry hair or curly hair as it can weigh down fine hair. Whether you use it raw or within a hair product, using coconut oil for hair is definitely worth a try to achieve smoother, stronger strands.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya, Pexels
