Thanks to its exceptional properties, coconut oil can be used to maintain healthy and glossy hair. Studies have shown that coconut oil, a fat composed of 50% lauric acid, can smoothen and give resistance to the keratin filaments in hair. In fact, due to its complete lack of harmful chemicals such as parabens, silicones, or alcohol, coconut oil can be better for hair than any typical cosmetic treatment. Here are five ways in which coconut oil can improve the health of your hair:
1. It moisturizes dry hair
People in places such as India, Indonesia, and the Philippines traditionally have used coconut oil as a natural conditioner. Due to its high content of short-chain fatty acids, coconut oil can easily penetrate and nourish the hair strand. To enjoy its conditioning properties, simply rub some melted coconut oil in your hair and leave it for a few hours, then wash it off with your regular shampoo.
2. It promotes hair growth
Due to its unique composition of fatty acids and vitamins, coconut oil helps the repair and growth of the hair strand and removes sebum buildup from follicles. To make your hair grow thicker and faster, cover it in melted coconut oil every evening, comb it through, and leave it to act overnight.
3. It combats dandruff
Coconut oil is high in caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid, all of which have been found to inhibit the growth of fungi such as Candida. Since dandruff is caused by a fungal overgrowth combined with dry skin and sensitivity caused by chemicals in hair products, coconut oil is the ideal dandruff treatment. To maximize its effect, rub it in your hair at least once a week and leave it on for a few hours.
4. It can help color your hair naturally
Because coconut oil can penetrate the hair strand better than most oils, it can be useful when applying natural coloring powders such as henna and indigo. At the same time, the creamy consistency of coconut oil will make these herbal dyes easier to use. Mix the herbal coloring powder with a small amount of melted coconut oil, then coat your hair with the paste and leave it for the recommended amount of time.
5. It can detangle your hair
Coconut oil can be used as a healthy, natural detangler for curly or frizzy hair. Rub a small amount of melted coconut oil into the tips of your hair, then brush the hair starting from the tips and gently working your hair up to the roots. Your hair will not only be detangled but also shiny and nourished. Use a brush, preferably made from a natural material such as bamboo, to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair.
For decades, many cosmetics such as shampoos, creams, and conditioners have contained coconut oil because of their moisturizing, conditioning, and antifungal properties. However, the best way to take advantage of its features is to use it in its purest form so the fatty acids and vitamins can not only nourish and revitalize your hair but also reverse all the damage caused by years of chemical treatments.