Coconut oil and hair revitalization are a natural combination. What you may not know is that coconuts are multitalented. Their oil has also be used as a skin moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, makeup remover, and massage oil. In this article, I’ll show you how to use coconut oil to take your hair to the next level of gorgeous.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is a natural substance extracted from the “meat” (kernel) of mature coconuts. One of the main things that set it apart from other oils is that it is loaded with fatty acids from triglycerides. It has a saturated fat content of over 80%!
This special formula gives coconut oil its amazing hair conditioning abilities. Coconut oil has been used as a natural conditioner way before the cosmetic industry was born.
Coconut Oil Benefits
So, what exactly can coconut oil do for your hair? Ask 50 women, and you might get 50 different answers. This is because coconut oil is extremely versatile. I think you will be amazed to learn that this all-in-one hair solution has laid claim to all the following bad hair solutions.
- Improves scalp health
- Prevents dry scalp and fights dandruff
- Moisturizes and conditions dry hair
- Adds shine and luster
- Softens hair
- Penetrates the hair shaft to prevent water damage
- Reverses protein loss
- Removes oily buildup from the hair follicle
- Simulates hair growth (no scientific evidence to support this)
- Makes hair thicker
- Detangles hair
- Works well as a base before coloring
- Prevents split ends
- Prevents hair loss
- Strengthens hair roots
- Tames curly or frizzy hair
- Protects hair from sun damage
- Prevents hair lice
Basic Coconut Oil Preparations
Coconut oil is available in two basic forms, solid and liquid. This is determined by the types of triglycerides the coconut oil contains. Triglycerides provide the fatty acids (especially lauric acid) that penetrate the hair shaft to help condition it.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil contains both long-chain triglycerides (LCT) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), making it a solid at room temperature that will easily melt to a liquid in the palm of your hand or by warming it in a water bath. Virgin coconut oil can also contain natural organic additives like honey or Vitamin E. It is frequently used as a deep conditioner as a “hair mask” by applying it, covering your hair with a shower cap to warm it, and allowing it to sit for about 20 to minutes before rinsing out.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is processed to contain only medium-chain triglycerides, which keeps it liquid at room temperature. Many people believe that fractionated coconut oil works better because it can penetrate your hair deeper and leaves less of a greasy feel. In any event, fractioned coconut oil is certainly more convenient. Fractionated coconut oil can contain an almost endless number of natural additives, like aloe vera, etc.
Coconut Oil Serum
Coconut oil serum is a preparation that does not get absorbed into your hair, unlike other solid or liquid coconut oils. It adheres to the surface, which is why it is used for hairstyling. Apply coconut serum sparingly, using just a few drops to your wet hair before you style.
Most people begin their initial experience with coconut oil by using it as a shampoo or combined shampoo and conditioner. This is your basic go-to routine to condition and nourish your hair.
Selecting Your Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is available in preparations that can contain various additives, depending on what type of hair you have and what shape it’s in. There are also preparations for different purposes, such as a pre-wash conditioner, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, hair oil, style aid, and hair mask.
There are so many different types and preparations of coconut oil in the store and online that you could spend hours just reading all the labels and literature!
If you are just looking to condition and add body to healthy-hair, then start with a basic but high-quality product to see how it makes your hair look and feel. You can experiment with different preparations and see what works best for you.
One of the best ways to tame frizzy or curly hair is to use a coconut oil product that contains cedarwood oil. Cedarwood oil is an all-purpose ingredient that also has antimicrobial (antifungal and antibacterial) properties.
You can use coconut oil to repair split ends with preparations that contain honey and egg ingredients. If you apply coconut oil on hair ends that are damaged and don’t notice a visible improvement within 1 to 2 weeks, consider getting them trimmed.
Coconut oil can be a great natural way to fight dandruff, especially when combined with lemon juice and tea tree oil.
If you are having problems with hair growth or hair loss, try adding a little rosemary oil and ginger juice to your coconut oil. For additional information, see Stop Hair Loss In Women – Here’s What You Need To Know.
Badly damaged hair can require more intensive treatments. Coconut oil with rosemary oil and apple cider vinegar is an excellent leave-in conditioner. Hair masks are for deep conditioning and can be done by warming the coconut oil for better penetration into your hair follicles. Coconut oil hair masks often contain honey and shea butter.
You can always do some research to find the product that will provide you with the solution you need. If all else fails, then a hairstyle specialist can recommend a specific product to meet your needs best.
Making Your Own Coconut Oil
You have probably heard of people that make their own coconut oil at home. This is not a project that I would recommend for most people. There are many high-quality products available at an affordable price that will meet or exceed your needs and expectations.
Making high-quality coconut takes time and patience. There are almost as many ways to make coconut oil at home as people who are making it. You have to shell the meat out of several mature coconuts and then grind it in a powerful blender or juicer to extract the juice or “coconut milk.” The remainder of the process, which can be tedious and difficult to do correctly without prior experience, eventually transforms this oily liquid into its usable form.
Customizing Your Hair Care Routine
Applying coconut oil does not have to be a time-consuming project. It can be conveniently applied in a variety of situations.
Most people use it at home as a replacement for their usual hair care product to shampoo and condition their hair when they shower.
You can also use coconut oil on your dry hair. Use a few drops of coconut oil on your hand to give your hair some instant body and glimmer.
Coconut oil can be used along with any of your other hair care products such as stand-alone shampoos and styling gels.
There may be times when you want to use a more aggressive treatment regimen, such as a hair mask, especially when you first begin to treat dry or brittle hair. This can easily be done at home or as part of your usual visit to a hairstylist.
If you need a product that is easy to take with you on-the-go then it is available in tubes or packets for your travel convenience.
How To Apply Coconut Oil
Exactly how you apply coconut oil will depend on what specific product you use; however, the basic procedure is essentially the same. You can apply coconut oil to your hair when it is dry, but it will be absorbed better if your hair is damp. For best results, take your time and apply it evenly to all areas of your hair, being careful not to apply too much. If your hair is long, separate it into small sections to make the job easier and quicker.
Here is a short video from ehowbeauty, during which Liz Muller shows you how to apply coconut oil to your hair.
Adverse Reactions To Coconut Oil
As with any hair care product, it’s possible to overdo a good thing. Some people have reported adverse reactions to coconut oil, especially those who have made it part of their daily hair care and use it multiple times in a day, for example, in a pre-shampoo and leave-in conditioner routine.
Using too much coconut oil could make your hair greasy feeling and dull looking. If you have very dry or coarse hair, then coconut oil may cause a protein buildup that can make it less elastic, dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
Some users have reported hair loss but be aware that coconut oil can cause previously damaged hair to be shed quicker, giving the appearance of hair loss.
It is also possible to have a coconut oil allergy or develop a coconut oil sensitivity. This could make your scalp itchy or red from inflammation and lead to hair loss.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, even if you have been a long time user of coconut oil, discontinue it immediately. If that doesn’t resolve your problem, then check with your health care provider or a dermatologist.
Final Thoughts
Coconut oil is an excellent way to improve your hair’s look and feel naturally. It works best if used sparingly. There is a coconut oil product available for every type of hair. If you are using coconut oil for the first time, then try a basic but high-quality product to get familiar with how it will work for you.
If you use coconut oil as a skin moisturizer, be careful when using it on your face if you have acne. Although coconut oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties could help treat your acne, it may clog your pores and worsen your condition. Here is some related information that you may find useful. Red Light Health Benefits – The New Fountain Of Youth! and Best Non Surgical Skin Tightening Procedures – Have Awesome Looking Skin!
If you are looking for high-quality specialty coconut oil then I highly recommend the following Kopari products.
Tell Us What You Think
Please let us know what’s on your mind in the comment section, or if I can help you with anything.
- Do you have any additional tips or suggestions?
- Are you currently using a coconut oil hair product?
- Have you tried coconut oil for other uses besides hair conditioning?
I am always looking for all-natural ways to take care of myself and using coconut oil as a moisturizer for my hair seems like a fantastic idea! I think the virgin coconut oil would be the way to go for bi-monthly or monthly masks. Although it may leave a residue on my hair, making it a bit greasy until the next washing, so does any other quality hair mask. It’s the only way to truly repair the hair. Since I have a container in my cupboard, I’m going to try it today!
Hi Cynthia,
Thank you for your comments!
I see you have used coconut oil before, so you are familiar with its moisturizing properties. That’s Great! I totally agree with your approach. I would recommend you begin with a monthly hair mask treatment and see how it goes. You can always increase it to biweekly or even weekly, as need be, to get your desired result.
I definitely appreciate your input,
Frank
Very useful information Frank.
Coconut oil has a lot of benefits but yes, like you said it could have many side effects if used too much. I use it every now and then and it makes my hair look nice, shiny and healthier.
I’m sure many people would benefit from this article. Thank you 🙂
Hi Tina,
Thank You for your comments!
I’m glad that you find coconut oil helpful. The key is to use it the way it works best for you, as you are doing.
Frank