Coconut Oil for Hair: 5 Benefits and How to Use Coconut Oil

Some studies show that applying coconut oil contributes to your hair’s health, protecting it against protein loss compared to sunflower oil or mineral oil. Your hair consists of a protein called keratin, and a lack of keratin can expose your hair follicles to damage, causing dryness and frizziness. Unlike other oils that simply coat your hair, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which penetrates the hair shaft to protect it against frizz, split ends, and breakage caused by brushing, styling, and more.

Regular coconut oil treatment may offer more benefits than soft, healthy hair. Coconut oil helps with the following:

1. 1. Dandruff and dry scalp treatment: A recent study shows coconut oil can help with scalp skincare if you suffer from dandruff or eczema. Its antifungal properties help combat dry skin, promote the growth of healthy bacteria, and prevent flaking.
2. 2. Lice treatment: One study showed that combining coconut oil with anise into a spray proved effective in treating permethrin-resistant hair lice infestations. (Permethrin is an insecticide used to treat chiggers, lice, and scabies).
3. 3. Hair loss prevention: In extreme cases, damage to the hair shaft from over-styling can lead to hair loss. Coconut oil hair treatments help prevent damage and preserve protein, protecting your hair against possible loss.
4. 4. Hair damage prevention: Coconut oil shares similarities with natural hair proteins, enabling its penetration. Once inside the hair shaft, the oil reduces the water absorbed by the hair’s cuticle, which swells when exposed to moisture, protecting it from damage.
5. 5. Sun damage prevention: Some studies show that coconut oil provides a sun protection factor (SPF) of eight, providing added protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. However, higher-SPF products are available for scalp and hair protection.

Though coconut oil does not directly promote hair growth, it can strengthen, nourish, and reduce breakage, creating healthy hair overall and allowing the best chance for growth. If you experience hair loss, consult your dermatologist to discuss possible treatments and underlying causes.

Before you reach for the coconut oil, keep in mind that, in some cases, coconut oil can clog your pores and create a build-up on your scalp. Coconut oil works best on certain hair types, such as dry or curly hair, while those with fine hair may find it creates oily hair and limpness. Choose an unrefined, cold-pressed extra-virgin coconut oil for use on your hair.

You can use coconut oil on your hair up to three times per week. You can choose from any of the following approaches to using coconut oil as part of a healthy hair-care regimen:

1. 1. Coconut oil for lice: To use coconut oil as a lice treatment, massage coconut oil into your scalp and down to the ends of your hair. Cover your hair with a disposable shower cap or plastic wrap and leave it on for at least fifteen minutes. The most critical step is to use a fine-tooth comb to remove the lice and nits (eggs); you may need help from a friend.
2. 2. Conditioner: You can use a small amount of coconut oil instead of your usual conditioner or add a few drops to your conditioner for added smoothness.
3. 3. Frizz tamer: Apply a small amount of coconut oil to dry or wet hair to calm frizziness and assist with styling. If your coconut oil is solid, rub a small amount between your palms first to liquefy it.
4. 4. Coconut oil hair mask: Try coconut oil as a hair mask by applying a small amount through your hair and then covering it with a shower cap. You can leave coconut oil in your hair for a few minutes, a few hours, or overnight before washing. Avoid rubbing it directly on your scalp if you suffer from clogged pores.
5. 5. Prewash protector: Apply coconut oil to your hair fifteen to twenty minutes before you shower to protect your hair cuticle from the damage and dryness caused by water absorption and shampooing. Focus on the middle and ends of your hair.
6. 6. Post-shower detangler: Rub a small amount of coconut oil through wet hair after you shower to add moisture and help detangle your hair after towel-drying.

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