Coconut oil is one of the most commonly used products for hair and skin . Why is this oil the best oil for your hair if you have dry or damaged hair that breaks easily? And how do you use coconut oil correctly so that your hair does not go from shiny to greasy?
Is coconut oil good for your hair?
A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic Science compared the properties of three different oils on the hair. Mineral oil (MO) was chosen because this non-greasy, inexpensive oil is widely used in India in hair oil formulas. Sunflower oil (SFO), which is the second most widely used base oil in the hair oil industry, due to its non-freezing property and odorlessness at ambient temperature and coconut oil (CNO). Of these three oils, coconut oil was found to be the only oil that significantly reduced protein loss on both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre- and post-wash care product. It was also found that both in vitro and in vivo treatments with coconut oil prevent comb damage of different hair types. In addition to less protein loss in the hair and little to no comb damage, coconut oil has (at least) seven more assets, making it by far preferable to other oils.
1. Make your hair shine – beard hair too
Rich and nourishing coconut oil creates a protective film around the hair, leaving dull and brittle hair feeling healthier, softer and silky shiny. Beard care is also extremely important and something that you should not underestimate. Give your beard a good boost every now and then with a pure coconut oil, in addition to beard care that also contains coconut oil.
2. Hydrates the hair and gives it more volume
Coconut oil ensures that your hair retains more moisture and at the same time absorbs less moisture. Hydrated hair equals: healthy, shiny, strong and resilient hair! Curly hair, which is naturally quite dry, is therefore extra happy with coconut oil. A coconut oil-based hair mask also gives your locks more volume. This is because it fills the voids in your hair.
3. Penetrates deep into the hair
Coconut oil consists largely of lauric acid. This is a saturated fatty acid with twelve carbon atoms, which is found in coconut oil and breast milk, among other things. Lauric acid is naturally present in our skin oil and is therefore better absorbed by our (scalp) skin. Coconut oil also consists of small molecules and has a low molecular weight, which is also a reason that it easily penetrates deep into your hair and nourishes, cares and protects your locks.
4. Make your hair swell less when wet
When your hairs get wet, they swell up, putting pressure on your hair cuticles. Sometimes hair cuticles burst open as a result, resulting in a damaged hair cuticle. When you use oil in your hair, less water gets into the hair, because oil is hydrophobic (water does not mix with oil). And this means less pressure on the hair cuticles. Result: hair cuticles are not pushed up and break off less.
5. Helps against dandruff
The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of natural coconut oil can help reduce dandruff and flaking and soothe and soothe irritated scalp and itchiness. The saturated fatty acids capric acid, lauric acid and caprylic acid in coconut oil target fungal infections at the root, which can help solve these types of problems.
6. Light oil, no greasy hair
Coconut oil is one of the lightest oils. This has two advantages: no greasy hair and you can divide it more easily.
7. Sun protection for the hair
Coconut oil protects your hair from the UV rays of the sun. For example, it contains an SPF factor of 7.1. Together with olive oil (7.5 SPF), it is one of the oils with the highest protection factor.
Coconut oil for your hair: 4x DIY with the best oil for your hair
Coconut oil hair mask
Make your own moisturizing hair mask with coconut oil. Only use the best quality: organic, cold-pressed, untreated coconut oil. It still contains all important nutrients, vitamins and minerals. First heat up the oil – au bain marie. Then take the warm oil and spread it over your scalp, working from the top to the ends. Depending on the condition of your hair, let the oil sit for 15 to 30 minutes. For extremely dry or damaged hair, leave it in your hair overnight. Then put a towel or hairnet around your hair to avoid oil stains in your bedding.
Coconut oil as a pre-wash
Apply the oil as a pre-wash about twenty minutes before you shower. This way you protect your hair from drying out by the hot water during washing, your hair will fluff less and it will be easier to brush.
Coconut oil as a natural conditioner
Melt about 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in your hand and massage the oil into the hair after shampooing. Rinse the oil out again after a short time. Experiment a bit with the amount. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, you will need a little less or more oil. The result: beautiful hair with a healthy shine.
Taking care of hair ends with coconut oil
Warm a tablespoon of coconut oil between your hands and apply it to the ends of your hair. Let the oil soak in and style your hair as usual. Dry and fragile ends are smooth again and are better protected against breakage. Coconut oil does not repair split ends, so have your ends trimmed regularly.
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