Coconut Oil for Hair - Benefits, Uses and Tips

Coconut oil is a natural vegetable oil (or carrier oil) derived from the coconut palm tree (Cocos nucifera). When considering what part of the coconut palm is used in making coconut oil, it may be helpful to take a closer look at what a coconut actually is. From the basic name 'coconut' many people would assume it is the nut of the coconut palm tree, but that's not quite true.

Coconut oil is the richest natural source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), special types of fatty acid with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are very nourishing to the body. It is especially high in the C12 chain of MCFAs known as Lauric Acid.

Lauric acid is naturally occurring in breastmilk as well and is supportive of hormone health and cellular health. This beneficial property of coconut oil is also one of the reasons it can help prevent protein loss in hair (for some people). Coconut oil's structure allows it to penetrate hair in ways that other oils are not able to, which is why some people notice amazing results relatively quickly when using coconut oil for hair.

The idea of putting oil directly in the hair can seem counterintuitive, especially to anyone with naturally oily hair. Nourishing hair oil treatments have been used for thousands of years, though these use a certain ratio of beneficial oils (and I add honey and magnesium) and these are not used as an everyday product.

Not surprisingly, different types of hair respond to oils differently and coconut oil won't work for every hair type. Because it helps the hair retain its natural protein, it can be helpful for those who lack enough natural protein in hair follicles. Studies have even confirmed coconut oil's benefits for certain types of hair, but it isn't for everyone!

Typically, those with fine to medium shiny hair will see good results from coconut oil and notice stronger, shinier hair with more volume. Those with coarse or dry hair may not struggle with low protein at all and coconut oil may lead to more brittle hair and hair loss. These people may benefit more from other types of oil like marula oil or argan oil.

It should go without saying, but anyone with an allergy or reaction to coconuts or coconut oil should not use these products in hair either, no matter what hair type.

There is no doubt that certain oils can be beneficial to hair and that many of us strip out beneficial oils from over-shampooing, leading the body to increase natural oil production to compensate. Due to over-shampooing and poor diet, many of us are also missing vital nutrients we need to build healthy hair in the first place, but is adding oil to the hair the solution?

Not necessarily!

Download this app and Learn how to use coconut oil for hair.