Are you experiencing hair thinning or falling hair? One of the best natural products for promoting hair growth is coconut oil.
Coconut oil is a very versatile beauty and health product. Nearly all people use it for various purposes – cleaning, cooking, removing makeup and skin moisturizing. It is also an effective product to achieve lush, manageable, shiny and healthy hair.
In this article, we will take a closer look on the benefits of coconut oil for your hair, including what kind of coconut oil is best for hair.
Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Hair
Coconut oil is widely known to be one of the best oil to use for your hair to maintain it looking healthy and prevent protein loss.
It is predominantly composed of medium-chain fatty acids known as lauric acid that give coconut oil’s long, straight structure, making it highly absorbed deep in the hair shaft.
Coconut oil is rich in many healing properties including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
When applied on hair, this oil can improve scalp health, support hair growth, fights fungus and infections while adding shine and volume without the usual harmful chemicals.
If you take a look on the ingredients of many cosmetic hair products, you often find coconut oil listed. But most hair products contain other harsh ingredients that can be damaging to your scalp and hair.
These harsh chemicals in commercial hair products can leave your hair dry, damaged and flat. Adding very small amount of coconut oil isn’t enough to prevent these effects.
Therefore, better avoid commercial products and use pure coconut oil to your regimen along with a natural organic hair product.
Although some of these natural hair products may cost a bit more, fortunately food-grade coconut oil is affordable, safe and can effectively substitute many hair products in your stash.
How to Use Coconut Oil For Hair Growth
There are many ways to use coconut oil in promoting healthy growth of your mane:
For Deep Conditioning
Combine a tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Shampoo your hair and wash it thoroughly.
Towel dry to remove excess water on your hair. Apply the coconut oil mixture and massage it thoroughly. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it for at least one hour.
After the treatment, shampoo again and rinse thoroughly.
For Dandruff
​Shortly before bedtime, wash your hair with an all-natural shampoo and conditioner. Next, towel dry and scoop a generous amount of coconut oil.Â
Massage it thoroughly on your scalp and hair. Wrap your head with towel and leave the coconut oil in hair overnight.
As a Daily Detangler
After washing your hair with organic shampoo, rub a small amount of coconut oil through your hair to protect it while brushing.
To Tame Frizz
​Scoop a small amount depending on the length of your hair. Warm it with your palms and apply from root to tips.Â
Blow dry and style your hair as desired. It may take a bit longer to dry your hair but it will definitely be shiny, soft and manageable. Nourish your ends at the same time by applying small amount of coconut oil to disguise split ends.
To Make Coconut Oil Conditioner
Combine 2/3 cup coconut oil, 1 tablespoon Jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon Vitamin E oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Mix it well for several minutes. Use it after shampooing your hair.
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To Protect Hair from Sun Damage
Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen, having an SPF of 8. Use it as a leave-in conditioner for all day protection.
Depending on your hair type, these methods can be used on a regular basis or once in a while. The amount of coconut oil you will need depends on the hair type and length. Most people apply just enough to cover the midsection to the ends to prevent hair getting too greasy.
The best way is to start small and gradually increase from there. If you have very fine or short hair, you may need as small as one teaspoon, but for those with thick, long hair, you may need to use more than two tablespoons.
Our Top Picks of the Best Coconut Oil Brand for Hair Growth
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is one of the most popular coconut oil products, with rating of 4.5 of 5 stars. Many users are impressed by the quality and texture of this product.
It is made of pure, organic coconut oil sourced from the tropical regions of the Philippines. The product does not contain any chemicals such as bleach, trans fats and hexanes and other harsh ingredients that can make skin and hair dry.
The product uses a proprietary cold pressed extraction to ensure that the fatty acids remain intact and undamaged. It is certified non-GMO project, organic and Kosher.
This is another popular coconut oil product that got 5 out of 5 star rating. Manufactured by Coco&Co., a lot of users love this product for its silky, smooth texture. This virgin coconut oil is made from 100 percent raw and organic coconut. It is a high grade oil that is specially formulated for health and beauty.
The reason why many users love this product is that it is not greasy to use. You will notice its silky, fine texture that is quickly absorbed by the skin. There’s also no foul taste or smell. Coco&Co uses a special process of extraction that is said to be superior to cold pressed.
Sky Organics Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a popular product that received 4.5 of 5 star ratings. It is USDA certified organic coconut oil product that used cold-pressed extraction method to retain its complete healing and nutritional properties.Â
Many users loves its thick and creamy texture that goes well as a food ingredient or for skin and hair care.