Coconut oil for hair: benefits and tips for use

Moisturizing, nourishing, protective… Coconut oil has many virtues when applied to the hair. But did you know that this oil is also attributed benefits that it doesn’t have? Here’s everything you need to know and more about coconut oil.

What are the benefits of coconut oil on hair?

Coconut oil has many benefits for hair.

It nourishes and hydrates

Thanks to its composition made 50% lauric acid, coconut oil manages to they penetrate the hair fiber and nourish it in depth. Because it is relatively protective thanks to an effect film-formingprevents external aggressions from damaging the hair by covering it with a protective veil.

Strengthens the fiber

Coconut oil allows for that to gain and strengthen fiber. How ? Thanks to its composition rich in Vitamin E (stimulates blood circulation in the scalp), from vitamin K and iron. Elements that enhance the fiber and make it more resistant to the various daily aggressions.

Maintains the tightness of the hydrolipidic film

When applied to the scalp, coconut oil covers the area with a protective film that helps fight aggression. Shampoo too aggressive, water too hard, drying or rinsing too hot… With its film-forming properties, it acts as a real protector to prevent the hydrolipidic film from losing its hold.

Smooth the fiber

Because it is very nutritious and rich in fatty acids, coconut oil smoothes out the fiber while providing shine and luminosity. But that is not all! It also greatly facilitates untangling so that this task is no longer one.

The false properties of coconut oil

While coconut oil excels in certain areas, it is also credited with properties it does not have.

Coconut oil makes hair grow

It’s not because the presence of vitamin E in coconut oil strengthens the fiber that makes hair grow. By promoting the good health of certain types of scalp, it will make the hair more resistant to daily aggressions. but it has no direct impact on growth.

Coconut oil lightens hair

We don’t really know where it comes from, but coconut oil is sometimes said to lighten hair. Let’s face it: it’s not like that. If you want to get this kind of result, opt for chamomile tea, lemon, or honey instead (although this type of treatment can significantly damage the hair fiber).

How to use coconut oil for hair?

There are 3 different ways to use coconut oil on your hair.

Coconut oil in hair mask

To make the famous oil bath, it is highly recommended to use coconut oil. Gently apply to both ends and scalp (if not sensitive and responsive)you can leave it on at least 1 hour and at most all night under a charlotte provided for this purpose or plastic film. After this time you just have to rinse and run your classic shampoo to eliminate oil residues.

Coconut oil in daily care

If you have difficulty combing your hair or your hair tends to get frizzy, you can use coconut oil as a daily care product. How ? Apply it in a thin layer directly to dry hair (but not the scalp), before or after styling (but above all not before having passed a straightener or a curling iron on the hair).

Coconut oil as a detangler

Detangling hair is easy for some and especially difficult for others. If you belong to the latter category, know that coconut oil (in small doses) it is an excellent natural detangler. Just apply it on the lengths and arm yourself a wide-toothed comb to eliminate knots effortlessly.

When to use coconut oil in your hair routine?

As we told you above, There is no rule. It all depends on your hair type but also on your needs! If you find it difficult to detangle your hair, you can use coconut oil as a daily care product to make styling easier. If, on the other hand, you need a deep treatment, in this case, you can opt for an oil bath, to be performed once a week.

What are the contraindications to using coconut oil for hair?

If coconut oil is very beneficial on ends and lengths, some scalps (sensitive and reactive) do not support its occlusive and film-forming side very well. How come ? Well because by covering the area with a protective film, it will prevent pores from doing their natural job of removing sebum and dead skin cells. Results? The scalp can become unbalanced.

If you have the naturally combination of oily hairin this case, applying coconut oil to the scalp it is also not recommended.

How to choose your coconut oil?

For coconut oil to retain all its benefits, it must be cold extracted (without refining phase) by pressing the coconut pulp. Choose preferably organic, it must have retained all its richness and properties to provide the hair with a good dose of lauric acid, saturated fatty acids that have an affinity for keratin. You know everything !

An image credit: @Diana Kuleniuk.