Discover the miraculous benefits of coconut oil for hair loss in this informative guide. Learn how this natural remedy can help restore your hair’s health.
Are you tired of dealing with hair loss and looking for a natural solution? Coconut oil may just be the miracle remedy you’ve been searching for.
Hair loss is a common issue that many people face, and finding the right treatment can be a challenge. Coconut oil has been used for centuries for its numerous health benefits, including promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
What is virgin coconut oil?
Regular coconut oil and virgin coconut oil are very different for hair. The production and extraction processes are where the two diverge most. Fresh coconut milk is the source of virgin coconut oil.
Because of this, it works well to lessen hair damage and other forms of hair loss. Virgin coconut oil helps to reduce the requirement for preheating before application because it is prepared using cold-pressed technology.
This keeps conventional coconut oil’s chemical makeup and natural deliciousness intact. It is important to take precautions to keep virgin coconut oil out of the sun since sunlight can change the oil’s content and structure.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Loss
1. It May Assist in Split End Repair
The phrase “split ends” originates from the fact that you may detect the ends of your hair breaking off and splitting when it becomes extremely dry and brittle. Both healing and preventing split ends in hair are possible with the use of coconut oil.
2. It Can Give Hair a Smooth, Shiny Finish
The main fatty acid found in coconut oil, lauric acid, gives hair a glossy, silky feel. In addition, coconut oil has additional vitamins and fatty acids that make hair feel and look healthy and remove sebum accumulation.
3. It May Aid in Combating Dandruff
Apart from providing moisture and nourishment to hair, coconut oil also helps minimize the visibility of dandruff. According to a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, coconut oil can aid in skin barrier restoration and possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
A 2021 study published in Scientific Reports suggests that coconut oil can help treat dandruff by boosting your skin’s “good” bacteria, calming inflammation, and even combating dermatitis. Many factors can cause dandruff, including dry scalp, dermatitis, fungus, and more.
4. It makes the cuticle stronger
Because coconut oil softens, hydrates, and strengthens brittle, broken hair strands, it is excellent for the general health of your hair. Additionally, it fortifies the cuticle of the hair, keeping it more resilient to environmental pollutants and maintaining a healthier appearance and feel.
“As a result, this reduces environmental and heat damage until you wash it out, all because a cuticle that’s well saturated with moisture is more resilient to all the external impacts,” Davis explains.
5. It Controls Frizz
Frizz can also be eliminated using a hair mask or serum containing coconut oil. According to Davis, “The cuticle-smoothing properties of coconut oil make it an effective anti-frizz remedy.” When applied to hair on a very humid day, coconut oil helps prevent frizz.
How to Use Coconut Oil On Hair
Although there are numerous ways to apply coconut oil to your hair, Maiman advises starting with unrefined virgin coconut oil (or even extra virgin coconut oil) for optimal results. Alright, are you prepared to learn some tips for using the hydrating component in your daily routine?
1. “You can apply coconut oil directly before or after washing your hair to protect against damage and seal in essential moisture,” says Shapiro.
2. Apply it as a hair mask once or twice a week. This may be achieved by simply heating the coconut oil and applying it to dry hair. Then, using a wide-tooth comb, distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair, beginning in the middle and working your way out. Leave it on for 30 minutes for a fast treatment, then rinse and condition your hair as usual. Wear a silk scarf or shower cap over your hair and keep it on overnight for added moisture. Next, take a morning shower and use shampoo.
3. Use it as a finishing oil to tame flyaways, lessen frizz, and lessen the appearance of split ends. (Those with coarse, curling, or otherwise porous strands will find this very beneficial.) Apply a tiny amount of coconut oil to damp hair, working your way up to the midsection or through the ends, being cautious not to get any oily at the roots to prevent greasy scalps.
Ways to Incorporate It Into Your Routine
One of the most adaptable hair care oils available is coconut oil, which may be used as a mask, conditioner, style tool, or pre-shampoo treatment.
Here are five easy ways to use coconut oil to breathe new life into your haircare regimen:
- Prewash protector: Coconut oil can prevent damage and dryness by preventing your hair from absorbing excessive amounts of water when applied before shampooing. Try putting coconut oil on the middle and ends of your hair 15 to 30 minutes before washing it.
- Conditioner: Coconut oil has the potential to fortify the hair shaft and shield it from breaking. Coconut oil can be used in place of conventional conditioners. If you want to increase the smoothing effect of your regular conditioner, add a few drops of the oil to it.
- Styling tip: To manage frizz, a small amount of coconut oil works wonders. Use moist hair while applying the oil for faster absorption and styling.
- Hair mask: Work a teaspoon or two of the oil through your hair for an incredibly nourishing treatment. If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, you can leave it on overnight and wash it out in a few hours.
- Sun protection: Apart from its various applications in hair grooming, coconut oil has the potential to shield your hair from UV light-induced sun damage. However, further research is required to confirm this claim.
Choosing Coconut Oil
Choose the unrefined type of coconut oil (also known as virgin or extra-virgin oil) while looking for the best oil for hair. Choose organic, sustainably harvested items wherever you can.
Products that are cold-pressed are a wonderful option because the oils are extracted without the use of heat or chemicals.
Seek items like Dr. Bronner’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil or The Garden of Life Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. These have labels with symbols (such as the Fair Trade Certified or non-GMO confirmed stamp) indicating that the oil is of a high caliber.
Coconut Oil for Hair Loss Recipes
The possible health advantages of coconut oil for hair, including the reduction of hair loss, are frequently praised. Many people vouch for the nourishing qualities of coconut oil for their hair and scalp, despite the paucity of scientific data supporting its efficacy in preventing hair loss. The following are some easy hair health recipes using coconut oil:
- Massage with Coconut Oil: Heat one or two tablespoons of coconut oil until it turns liquid. Using your fingertips, gently massage the oil into your scalp in circular strokes. Ensure that the entire scalp is covered. After leaving it on for at least half an hour—or overnight, if you can—wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- Blending Coconut Oil with Essential Oils: Combine a few drops of essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, or rosemary, that are known to help hair. These oils are thought to support healthy scalp function and hair development. Before washing, apply the mixture to your scalp, give it a light massage, and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Aloe Vera Gel with Coconut Oil: For a deeply moisturizing hair mask, mix fresh aloe vera gel with coconut oil. Aloe vera is well renowned for its calming and hydrating qualities. Apply a mixture of equal parts coconut oil and aloe vera gel to your scalp and hair. Before washing it off, let it on for thirty to sixty minutes.
- Coconut Oil and Egg Mask: Rich in minerals and proteins, eggs may improve the condition of your hair. Combine beaten eggs and coconut oil, then massage the mixture into your scalp and hair. After 30 minutes, leave it on and rinse with lukewarm water and shampoo.
- Yogurt and coconut oil mask: The lactic acid in yogurt helps exfoliate the scalp and encourage strong hair growth. Combine plain yogurt and coconut oil to make a healthy hair mask. After applying it to your scalp and hair, carefully rinse it with shampoo and let it sit for half an hour.
To prevent any negative reactions, always remember to patch test new chemicals or combinations before using them on your scalp. Furthermore, even while coconut oil can be helpful for a lot of people, not everyone will experience the same benefits, and it may not be able to stop hair loss in everyone. For individualized guidance and treatment choices, it is essential to speak with a healthcare provider if you are significantly losing hair.
Side Effects of Using Coconut Oil For Hair Loss
Every other week or so, it seems like a new product or miraculous medication is being touted with a long list of advantages but leaves out all the drawbacks.
Using coconut oil to treat hair loss and enhance hair health is one of these advantages. Of course, there are a ton of publications and proponents of these many applications of coconut oil on the internet supporting its usage in both oral and topical applications for hair.
Despite its all-natural claim, this product contains several extremely serious side effects that should never be taken. The top 3 risks connected to using coconut oil are mentioned below.
Coconut Oil Use May Break Your Hair
The fact that coconut oil repels water, one of the best natural moisturizers for hair, is another reason why it is bad for your hair.
You can immediately conclude that water and oil do not mix when you consider what happens when you try to blend them. The same holds for coconut oil-lathered hair.
Even though the oil might keep some areas of the hair “wet,” it won’t be properly hydrated, which can cause the hair to become frizzy and brittle and ultimately break! Despite its moisturizing and nourishing qualities, coconut might make your hair drier than it would be otherwise!
Most of the time, low-PH products and adequate consumption of amino acids and water will give your hair the moisture it needs without causing damage.
Allergic Reactions May Occur When Using Coconut Oil
The last concern is allergic reactions. Despite its all-natural claims, we are aware that even completely organic substances have the potential to cause severe allergic responses.
There have been several instances when regular usage of coconut oil has resulted in scalp rashes in addition to eczema! Even while these allergies are less frequent than those to things like pollen or peanuts, they can nonetheless aggravate and worsen over time if a dermatologist isn’t consulted. Indeed, allergens on the scalp, such as eczema, can prevent hair development.
Coconut Oil for Hair Loss Vs. olive oil
| Property | Coconut Oil | Olive Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Content | Rich in medium-chain fatty acids and vitamin E, which can penetrate the hair shaft and provide nourishment. | Contains monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which can help moisturize and strengthen hair. |
| Hair Moisturization | Provides deep hydration, making it beneficial for dry and damaged hair. | Also moisturizes hair effectively, but may be slightly lighter than coconut oil, making it suitable for finer hair types. |
| Scalp Health | Known for its antimicrobial properties, which can help combat dandruff and promote scalp health. | Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe the scalp and reduce irritation. |
| Hair Growth | Some anecdotal evidence suggests it may help stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss, but scientific research is limited. | Similarly, limited scientific evidence supports its ability to promote hair growth, but it can help improve overall hair health. |
| Hair Texture | Can help soften and smooth hair, reducing frizz and improving manageability. | Known for its ability to add shine and softness to hair, making it easier to style. |
| Availability | Widely available in stores and online, often in both refined and unrefined forms. | Also readily available in stores and online, with options for extra virgin, virgin, and refined varieties. |
| Price | Generally more affordable than olive oil, especially in larger quantities. | May be slightly more expensive than coconut oil, depending on the brand and quality. |
The choice between coconut oil and olive oil may rely on personal tastes, hair type, and particular hair care requirements. Both oils offer distinctive advantages for the health of hair. You can find out which oil is better for your hair by trying both of them out.
Summary
Coconut oil might aid in hydrating and mending hair damage. It’s also been demonstrated to stop dandruff. It can be used as a style tool, conditioner, hair mask, or prewash treatment.
Start with a tiny amount and observe how your skin responds. Apply the oil two or three times a week if you are happy with the outcome and have no difficulties.
Use only a teaspoon, paying attention to the midsection to the ends of your hair, keeping in mind that a little goes a long way. The best coconut oil to use is unrefined.
FAQs
Can coconut oil regrow lost hair?
Is coconut oil a DHT blocker?
Can too much coconut oil damage hair?
How many times a week should I use coconut oil for hair growth?
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7276157/ (Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Loss).
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/ (Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Loss).
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35377477/ (Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Loss).
- https://pumphaircare.com/blogs/tashs-blog/is-coconut-oil-good-for-hair (Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Loss).
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324563 (Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Loss).
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/ (Side Effects of Using Coconut Oil For Hair).
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/coconut-oil-good-for-you (Side Effects of Using Coconut Oil For Hair).
