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One of my core childhood memories revolves around the weekly hair champis courtesy of my mum. She would cascade a generous stream of lukewarm coconut oil onto my scalp and massage it gently – every Sunday morning without fail. And, even after all these years, this ritual is a part of my big girl hair care regimen, but not just for the nostalgia value. Scroll further to learn why!
The humble yet efficacious coconut oil has a myriad of hair benefits. Replete with lauric acid, coconut oil permeates strands, ensuring deep moisturisation. The results? Healthy, flip-worthy mane that emanates a high-powered shine! If you wish to add this infallible oil to your hair rotation, here is a list of the best coconut oils for hair on Nykaa. Approved by 'yours truly' - I have relied on the nourishing blend all my life.
Before we jump to the list, let’s take a closer look at some lesser-known benefits of coconut oil for hair. It is important to be well-versed with the ingredient’s functionality before you add it to your vanity!
Benefits Of Coconut Oil
1. Coconut Oil Prevents Protein Loss
According to a study, coconut oil quickly penetrates the shaft to prevent protein loss – hence playing a pivotal role in reversing hair damage. It also enriches the hair by providing essential vitamins and amino acids to the scalp.
2. Promotes Healthy Scalp
Topical application of coconut oil on the follicles helps in the healthy regeneration of scalp cells – bolstering hair strands from the root up, as per a study.
3. Serves As a Conditioner
As discussed briefly in the introduction, coconut oil keeps the mane moisturised. It is the perfect remedy to fight irksome frizz or matte-down flyaways. You can use the satiating oil as an overnight treatment or in your pre-wash regimen.
4. Guards Hair from External Aggressors
For the unversed, this omnipresent haircare ingredient is a potent antioxidant. It shields the mane from radical damage induced by external aggressors.
Now that you’re well-versed with the benefits of coconut oil, it’s time to shop for one. Scroll further for the ten best coconut oils for hair on Nykaa. In the following listicle, you will come across the term ‘cold-pressed oil’ several times. If you’re a beauty beginner, scroll ahead for a series of bulleted differences between cold-pressed and refined oil. Otherwise, you may fast-forward to the list.
Types Of Coconut Oil For Hair
The difference between a variety of coconut oils available is the way they are processed. Depending on the chemicals used in the process of extracting and even the process itself determines the type of coconut oil. Here are a few variants of the best coconut oil for hair you can pick from.
Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Cold-press is a method of coconut oil extraction which doesn’t compromise on its nutritional value. It involves the pressing of shredded coconut flesh to draw out the milk. This milk, when left untouched, splits into three layers: water, oil, and cream. This extraction carried out at room temperature, steers clear of chemical treatments, and hence is preferred over other processes. It helps preserve the oil’s distinct smell and innate antioxidant properties making it the best coconut oil for hair growth in India. So, next time you come across cold-pressed on the label, you will know what to expect!
Organic Coconut Oil
In this process, fresh coconut is milled to extract oil instead of a dried one like in non-organic versions. The fresh flesh of the coconut undergoes the process of quick drying without the usage of bleaching clays and then milled wet so none of the nutrients are lost and all the flavour and fragrance are retained. This also includes using coconuts that were produced without any chemicals.
Refined Coconut Oil
In this process, the coconuts are dried using bleaching and sterilisation methods before they are milled. This removes the strong fragrance of the coconut making it suitable for cooking. This method ensures that the coconut is completely extracted for more product but in this process, some of the nutrients get lost making it less than ideal for topical application.
Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
The most luxurious form would be virgin coconut oil, as the name suggests it doesn’t contain any adulterations or chemicals added during the production, and milling process. This is also the best coconut oil for hair growth as it is great for consumption and application and retains all the nutrients, fragrance, and benefits.
Top 10 Best Coconut Oil For Hair
Cold-pressed virgin organic coconut oils are the best for hair growth, here are a few brands on Nykaa that I can vouch for:
This Forest Essential multipurpose oil is extracted from grade-A quality coconuts. It has a distinct sweet scent, fit for a holistic body treatment – one that alleviates your stress and aligns the chakras. This superior formulation is our luxe pick for deep conditioning and nourishing the mane!
From Nykaa’s conscious store, the Wish Care Unrefined Coconut Oil is a revelation. It moisturises the scalp, keeping episodes of excessive flakiness or dandruff at bay. Use the nourishing blend for an at-home makeover, ensuring glossy, and gorgeous tresses.
The cold-pressed oil from Kapiva Ayurveda retains its inherent antioxidant properties – safeguarding your hair from menacing pollution. On topical application, the infallible oil strengthens and satiates the scalp, ensuring healthy hair growth.
Extracted from high-grade raw coconut milk kernels from Tamil Nadu and Kerala – the Net Habit Oil remedies severely damaged hair. For all beauty beginners, coconut oil resembles the naturally occurring protein in hair cells (essential for lush, strong hair). Hence, it easily penetrates the scalp to prevent breakage and strengthens strands. The brew power with lauric and myristic acid also keeps the skin’s collagen intact, making it supple and taut.
Drawn out from fresh coconut milk, the versatile oil by Max Care retains the inherent nutrients of the drupe. Enriched with vitamin E, this oil helps strengthen and nourish your mane. It is also a phenomenal pick if you struggle with pesky dandruff on the reg, thanks to coconut’s incomparable antifungal properties. Use this stellar formulation in your pre-wash regimen or as an overnight treatment.
From India’s first farm-to-face beauty brand, Soulflower – the Extra Virgin Organic Oil is godsent for folks with damaged hair. This meticulous oil repairs damaged follicles, thereby ensuring healthy hair growth. Free of parabens, silicon, and hexane, the product also forms a protective barrier on the cuticles, which prevents dehydrated tresses. The best part? You may use this vial for an easy-breezy makeup removal process too!
The iconic blue bottle by Parachute has been a regular feature in vanities galore! Its new and improved version- the Advansed Aloe Enriched Oil is my latest go-to overnight treatment. The lightweight oil protects, moisturises, and nourishes your hair from within, making it look incredibly soft and gorgeous on the outside.
Has inexplicable hair fall sent you into a tizzy? Fret not! Just add the Natural Wash Cold Pressed Pure Coconut Oil into your hair care rotation. The star of the blend, coconut, deeply nourishes, and moisturises the scalp, bolstering hair growth by 10X and doubling down on efforts to minimise hair fall and prevent stunted hair growth.
If you want brilliantly glossy hair, get your hands on this stellar offering from The Body Shop. Perfect for a pre-wash treatment, this feathery light oil reveals strong and soft hair. Crafted on a base of coconut oil, the product has a light scent which awakens the mind, body, and spirit.
The extra virgin coconut oil by Organic Harvest is the best way to reinvigorate the scalp and eventually, your hair. It furthers healthy regeneration of hair follicles by improving blood circulation and sealing ample moisture into the scalp. You may also use this product for oil pulling, a practice to maintain oral or dental hygiene.
How To Use Coconut Oil
For Hair: Coconut oil nourishes the hair for a stronger, shiner appearance. Apply coconut oil to your hair before you cleanse it. Some people prefer leaving the oil to do its magic overnight, while others prefer only a few hours of an oily scalp. If you have a dry scalp, we recommend using coconut oil more frequently to replenish the lost moisture.
For Skin: Coconut oil has hydrating properties that can moisturise your skin and add shine. It also soothes itchy, irritated, and inflamed skin giving you a calming relief. You can apply coconut oil twice a day if you have very dry skin. People often apply it at night, so the oil can seep into the skin to wake up with hydrated skin.
For Nails, Brows, & Lashes: Apply some on your nails, brows, and lashes for healthy growth and a nourished look.
FAQs
- Which coconut oil is best for hair?
- Parachute Advansed Aloe Vera Enriched Coconut Hair Oil for Soft and Strong Hair
- Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil
- Soulflower Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Hair Oil for Hair Growth
- Dry Damaged Hair, Cold Pressed, Organic Harvest Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil: 100% Pure
- Kapiva Ayurveda Virgin Coconut Cold Pressed Oil
- Can I use coconut oil overnight?
- Should I apply coconut oil to wet or dry hair?
Cold-pressed virgin coconut oils are best for hair and hair growth, we recommend the following:
Yes, coconut oil is a healthy natural oil perfect for scalp hydration and nourishment. You can use it as an overnight hair mask for the benefits of seeping deeper into the scalp and repairing from within.
Wet hair is more prone to damage while dry hair is more brittle. It is up to you how the product makes your hair feel, ideally applying coconut oil to wet or dry hair doesn’t make a difference. Simply massage the product well for the oil to penetrate your scalp.
