Here’s How Coconut Oil Can Really Benefit Your Hair

By Shammi Mondal

Coconut oil for hair is barely a stranger to our beauty routines, and we bet the oil may has been your hair companion since the time you were little. From the time your mum gave you a weekend champi to now when you’re in charge of your hair, and the weekly hair oiling sessions have become a way of self-care, both you and coconut oil have come a long way. The benefits of coconut oil are numerous and multi-faceted and if you’re considering soaking your hair in the goodness of this evergreen elixir, we have a road map ready for you.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a fluid elixir that has multiple uses, right from cooking to moisturising your skin and hair, the oil is a multitasker like none other.

The source of coconut oil is pretty simple (duh, coconuts obviously) however to extract the oil, first, fresh coconuts are picked, and the flesh is removed from the shell and dried to make copra.

Then the copra is pressed to extract the oil: This process involves using mechanical pressure to squeeze out the oil from the copra, which is then processed and packaged to use.

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are easily absorbed by your hair follicles and can help nourish and strengthen them. It also contains lauric acid, which has anti-microbial properties that can help keep your scalp healthy and free of pesky dandruff and other irritations.

And that's not all! Coconut oil is a great source of vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant properties and protects your hair from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. It’s also rich in vitamin K that’s known to help reduce hair fall and promote healthy hair growth. Plus, it's got iron, zinc, and other essential minerals that keep your locks looking luscious and shiny.

A little history about coconut oil

Historically, coconut oil is being used for the past 4,000 years. Alexander P. Ashbourne was the inventor of refining coconut oil, but it wasn’t until the 1900s that a German chemist named Franz Achard discovered a way to extract oil from the dried coconut flesh using a press.

This method made it easier to produce coconut oil in large quantities and it quickly became a popular ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and other personal care products. And from the mid-1950s coconut oil for hair care really took off. The champ ingredient became a favourite of Hollywood stars, like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor who trusted coconut oil to keep their locks luscious and shiny.

What are the haircare benefits of coconut oil?

If you're looking for a natural way to nourish and pamper your hair, look no further than coconut oil. It's a tropical treat that your hair will thank you for. Of the several multi-dimensional perks of coconut oil, here is why you should be getting your hands on coconut oil for your hair.

1. Intensely moisturising

If your hair feels dry and dull or if you love the feel of soft and hydrated hair, coconut oil is the hair manager that you should get. The transparent oil will cocoon your strands in a layer of moisture and nourishment, thanks to the omega 3 fatty acids along with vitamin E composition that makes it impactful in softening and moisturising dry hair.

2. Improves scalp health

Coconut oil not only strengthens your hair but also nourishes your scalp, especially if you have a flaky or irritated scalp. This healing elixir will make the skin on your scalp feels calm and has a layer of moisture. The lauric acid and monolaurin in the oil act as an antibacterial that is exceptional in wiping off any scalp infections, inflammation and the damp odour led by an accumulation of bacteria on your scalp hair during the monsoon.

3. Repairs damage

Your brittle and chemically treated hair will love the care and conditioning of coconut oil. Whether you've been styling your hair with heat styling tools or struggle with dehydrated ends, coconut oil can go a long way in fixing the damage.

Well, coconut oil is full of fatty acids that can penetrate deep into your hair shaft, nourishing and strengthening your strands from the inside out. This can help repair split ends, reduce breakage, and improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.

4. Reverses sun damage

Yes, just like your skin your hair also is prone to sun damage, think of coconut oil as a sunscreen for your tresses, this tropical elixir has some serious sun-blocking abilities that can keep your hair looking healthy and radiant, even on the hottest of days. Thanks to vitamin E present in coconut oil that fights all the wars with external stressors while keeping your hair damage free.

Want to use coconut oil for your hair?

Looking forward to reaping the benefits of coconut oil for your hair, here are how you can incorporate the oil into your haircare routine.

1. As a hair mask: Massage your scalp with coconut oil and make sure your envelope your strands with the strength-boosting elixir to hydrate and nourish your scalp while improving your overall hair health. For better oil penetration you can also warm the oil a little or wrap up a hot towel around your hair for 20-30 mins. If you have an extremely dry scalp, it’s advisable to use it as an overnight hair treatment to make the most of it.

Products Mentioned

2. As a pre-wash treatment: Coconut oil can act as a great pre-wash conditioner as it not only coats your hair with moisture but also helps adds a lot of shine. Make sure you apply oil to the driest and most damaged parts of your hair, especially the ends and keep the hair oil in your hair for a good 30 to 50 mins.

Products Mentioned

3. As a scalp treatment: If you suffer from dandruff or a dry scalp, coconut oil will greatly benefit you. Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser that can soothe and nourish your scalp, reducing dryness, itchiness, and flakiness further controlling dandruff. It can also help balance your scalp's natural oils, which can be especially helpful for those with oily or combination skin. Plus, coconut oil has some serious antibacterial and antifungal properties that calm any scalp inflammation.

Products Mentioned

Coconut oil benefits for hair 101

Q. Who can use coconut oil for hair?

A. All hair types will benefit from coconut oil, but dry, dehydrated, curly hair will make the most of the ingredients. Though lightweight, its texture will weigh down fine hair. However, you still can incorporate it into your weekly haircare routine.

Q. How long should I leave coconut oil in my hair?

A. You can apply coconut oil to your hair and scalp as an overnight treatment, but if you’re using it as a pre-wash you can keep it for 20-30mins before your shampoo your hair.

Q. Can we use coconut oil for hair growth?

A. While there is no potential study that directly proves this claim, coconut oil does improve your scalp and hair conditions which makes an environment for better hair growth, reducing breakage and damage.