Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Hair: 10 Benefits & How To Apply?

The numerous ads for oils and conditioners that promise to deeply condition the roots frequently leave consumers frustrated because the products don't actually work that way.

However, coconut oil provides deep hydration, as its medium-chain fatty acids penetrate the hair shaft effectively. 

Presence of vitamins K and E in coconut oil nourishes hair and scalp. Using this oil to massage your hair will give it fresh life, but for best effects, apply it every day.

Protein loss is a common issue for those who regularly use chemical treatments and hot tools. Coconut oil is highly effective in reducing this protein loss, which is crucial for maintaining strong, healthy strands. 

It works especially well for people who struggle with hair loss and breakage, helping to preserve the length and thickness of their hair for a healthier appearance.

Our hair needs protein to grow healthier and shinier. However, the majority of people have poor hair care routines, which leads to protein loss. 

The fatty acids in coconut oil bind with the protein and help sustain the strength of the hair. This process reduces hair fall while also protecting your hair from various types of damage.

Dandruff can be one nagging problem, especially when it starts to appear due to dryness and irritation of your scalp. Some of the best ways to deal with it involve coconut oil.

Because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties, coconut oil works magically for your hair. You will feel a much cooler scalp with a lot less inflammation if you use this frequently. 

Coconut oil reduces frizz and makes hair silky; the reason being, its moisturizing capability that enables the hair to gain more moisture and become smooth and less frizzy.

This oil helps create bright, beautiful hair, making it a great addition to any hair care routine. It's suitable for people of all ages.

Coconut oil acts like some magic potion on your hair. When applied, it enhances the shine of your hair so much that it will look extra bright in daylight.

A little bit of oil can make the locks so much healthier and alive. Besides giving your hair that nice, natural sheen, it also might increase social confidence.

The majority of people love trying new hairstyles by using tools like curling irons and blow dryers, and coconut oil can be a great choice for them.

It protects your hair like a protective sheath. During scalp massage, it wraps around each hair strand, helping in protecting them from all that heat.

Many people are found to suffer from dry scalp and itching problems. The problem might be due to various reasons, but coconut oil is found to be the one-stop solution for it.

It reaches deep into the scalp, moisturizes, and soothes irritation. A healthier scalp is achieved, and the dryness is gone after massaging coconut oil into the scalp.

This makes the hair healthy and shiny without worrying about dandruff.

Many young people have been experiencing problems with hair loss nowadays. One way to deal with it and promote hair growth quickly on the scalp is by gently massaging coconut oil into it.

It helps to generate new hair by enhancing blood flow to the scalp. Likewise, vitamins and nutrients in coconut oil give rise to faster and thicker growth of hair by lifting up hair follicles.

People love trying different hairstyles every day. From a sleek bun to an amazing braid, every style can be enhanced and set perfectly by using coconut oil.

An application of coconut oil is like giving water to a dying flower. Just massage and apply into the scalp and hair, let it penetrate, and your hair would be at its best silky form.

If you are wondering how to do it right, here is how you can apply it to maximum benefit with this nutritious treatment:

Apply to Scalp

If it's winter and your coconut oil has solidified, simply warm the needed amount in a small bowl. Some people use a brush, but applying it directly with your fingers is much easier and more effective for reaching the scalp.

Oiling works best when followed by a gentle head massage, as it stimulates blood flow. Be sure to massage your scalp in a circular motion to cover all areas.

Distribute Through Hair

After oiling and massaging the scalp, it is time to coat hair strands in coconut oil  to nourish them.

Smear oil all over each strand, giving more importance to the ends as they very easily get dry and damaged. 

Comb Through

If you apply oil and just leave it in that bun without detangling, the hair is prone to breakage when shampooing.

For that purpose, a wide-tooth comb will be helpful in gently detangling the hair in order for the oil to distribute evenly.

Leave In

People leave oil in their hair based on the availability of time and also depending upon the treatment which is required. Some of them may keep it overnight for deep nourishment, while others allow it to sit for 30 minutes for faster results.

Do this, covering your hair with either a shower cap or towel to prevent staining of clothes and for better absorption.

Rinse and Shampoo

To properly wash the oil out of your hair, shampoo twice using lukewarm water. Water that is very hot or cold should be avoided since it might cause hair loss.

To get rid of any last bits of residue, you can also use a shampoo brush or scalp massager.

Condition

A normal conditioner can be applied after washing out shampoo and let it set for a few minutes. This will help you lock in moisture, adding extra softness.

With both oiling and conditioning, your hair will achieve a balanced level of hydration, leaving it smooth and nourished.

Choosing between refined and unrefined coconut oil is important because each type offers different benefits depending on your needs: 

Unrefined Coconut Oil

We’ve all likely heard of extra virgin coconut oil, right? This refers to the same unrefined oil made from fresh coconut meat, processed without heat or chemicals. 

Its careful extraction and higher quality contribute to its higher cost. 

Refined Coconut Oil

To manufacture refined coconut oil, dried coconut meat is bleached and odor-treated. As a result, refined coconut oil has a softer flavor and fragrance, making it a more adaptable cooking oil choice without overtly tasting of coconut. 

This oil is ideal for those on a tight budget; nevertheless, during manufacture, chemical additives might be added.

Choose What Suits You Best!

When you want to treat your hair using coconut oil, think about your individual needs in refined versus unrefined coconut oil.

Unrefined works best when it comes to deep conditioning treatment, because it retains most of the nourishment and natural aroma.

The processed one on the other hand is subtle and smooth to apply and does not overpower you with coconut notes. Which one will work in your routine depends on your hair type and preferences.

You can make coconut oil with fresh coconuts yourself at home. By this method, you will be in a position to store the product for later use and also save money by processing a natural product tailored according to your preference.

Process of Extracting Coconut Oil

Grate the flesh from fresh coconuts before beginning to extract the oil. Next, combine the grated meat with water to extract the coconut milk, then filter the mixture through a cloth.

Then, to let the oil separate, warm the coconut milk in a pan over low heat. Cook until the water evaporates and you are left with pure coconut oil, which will rise to the top.