As you scroll through your favorite hair pages on social media, you may come across funny memes about just how magical coconut oil seems to be. And for good reason, as coconut oil can be used for cooking and household needs and, of course, in your beauty regimen. If you’ve been thinking it’s all just jokes or just a trend but have never tried it for yourself, let’s break down a few benefits and uses of coconut oil for the hair to see if you might want to give it a spin.
Penetrates the Hair Follicle
For the most part, oils can just sit on the hair which is great when it comes to sealing in moisture. But coconut oil is one that will actually penetrate the strand to provide it with the nutrients it contains. It's the richest natural source of the special types of fatty acids that contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, especially Lauric Acid. This structure of coconut oil is what allows it to penetrate hair in ways that other oils not able to.
Dandruff Prevention
The fatty acids contained in coconut oil make it great for keeping dandruff at bay. Rubbing coconut on your scalp regularly can help you maintain a healthy scalp that’s free of flakes. Remember, a little goes a long way so don’t overdo it. Just use a dab at a time.
Helps with Protein Loss
Thanks to Lauric acid (mentioned earlier) which supports hormone and cellular health, coconut oil can help prevent protein loss in some textures. It helps those whose hair follicles are lacking by building protein within the strands to keep hair strong. Those with fine strands may find this especially beneficial while those with coarse or dry hair may not have an issue with low protein and coconut oil could make their hair more brittle. So it’s important to learn the characteristics of your hair to understand what might work for you!
Gives Hair Shine
If your hair is rather dull or lacks luster, a little coconut oil applied just after washing can result in a nice shine once the hair has dried. But remember, a little goes a long way. Apply a bit a time so as not to make your hair overly greasy.
Sun Protection
As we approach warmer, sunnier weather, we sometimes forget that just as our skin needs protection from the sun, so does our hair. Studies have found coconut oil to have a SPF of 8. Applying a bit to your strands before heading to the beach or even just out for a walk can be beneficial.
Simple Coconut Oil Uses
Many with finer strands or hair that is thinner in density may shy away from coconut oil as it may weigh their hair down. However, some with fine hair may still find it effective as a pre-poo treatment - since it will be mostly washed out - to help with detangling or to protect the hair from becoming overly stripped during the shampoo process.
If you didn’t detangle prior to washing, coconut oil can help you detangle after shampooing and conditioning. Some have also had nice results using coconut oil alone or adding it to their favorite deep conditioners for a nourishing hair mask.
Adding a little coconut oil to your fingertips and gently massaging the scalp will not only be relaxing but help stimulate blood flow to the scalp which encourages growth.
Coconut oil is also effective as part of hot oil treatment. Below, Ashly (@actuallyashly) shows us how she uses coconut oil in her hot oil treatment to get her wash & gos looking just right!
Using coconut oil along with steam is just one way you can improve your health and wave goodbye to hair damage! To join our #NoMoreDamageChallenge, our commitment to healthier hair care practices, click here or the image below to see more videos that show just what the Q-Redew can do for you!
HOW DO YOU USE COCONUT OIL IN YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE?
