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6 Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Hair

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From premature greying to dandruff, coconut oil is your one-stop solution when it comes to healthy hair habits. Read ahead to learn the umpteen benefits of coconut oil and how to incorporate it into your hair care routine.
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The easiest thing to do can sometimes be the most underestimated one, like applying coconut oil to hair. No wonder your grandma swore by this magic elixir. Believe it or not, a good ‘ol champi massage rates high over any salon treatment, any day. If you ask us, it’s certainly time to revisit the old practices and get that well-oiled system running again.

When we say it’s a magical elixir, it’s an understatement. Coconut oil provides several benefits to the skin and hair and has long been loved and trusted by our forebears. Think of any hair concern you are experiencing right now. Hair fall? Solution: Coconut oil. Dandruff? Solution: Coconut oil. Split ends? Solution: Coconut oil. Premature greying? Solution: Coconut oil.

According to a study, Indian hair is susceptible to dandruff owing to the humidity, our diet, and the overall tropical atmosphere, and coconut oil plays an imperative role in reducing bacterial formation with the essential vitamins and nutrients it delivers to the scalp.

The best part is that we live in a tropical country that boasts an abundance of coconut oil, making it accessible and affordable to use, unlike many other oils on the market. Coconut oil comes from our land, making it the perfect companion in our hair care journey.

Not only is it easily available, but also super easy to use. Simply take a few drops of coconut oil and apply it directly to the scalp. A quick champi or head massage with coconut oil can also do wonders for your hair. Without further ado, let’s delve deep into the world of coconut oil, exploring its uses, benefits, and our top product recommendations.

Coconut Oil Benefits For Hair

Here’s a lowdown on coconut oil benefits for hair.

  • After a sweaty workout or during humid seasons, it’s natural for bacteria to accumulate on the scalp. This can cause your scalp to emanate an unpleasant odour. Coconut oil with its antifungal and antibacterial properties can help eliminate the odour-causing bacteria and even treat scalp infections in extreme cases.
  • The most trusted and natural treatment for hair growth has always been the humble coconut oil. After all, it penetrates deeper than any other oil and deeply conditions the tresses. When everything else fails, you can always count on the nana-advocated coconut oil to make your hair grow.
  • Did you know coconut oil has natural SPF? This means coating your hair with coconut oil can ensure sun protection for those delicate strands.
  • Damaged and brittle hair is a cry for help. Your hair needs nourishment to restore its shine and health. Always reporting to duty: coconut oil.
  • Colouring hair is fun until you start to notice its after-effects. Your hair tends to get dry and breaks easily. However, you can call upon coconut oil for damage repair and protect your hair from further damage.
  • Coconut oil also hydrates, nourishes, and strengthens the scalp and strands. It helps detangle your hair, curbs hair fall and prevents the premature greying of strands.

How To Incorporate Coconut Oil Into Your Hair Care Routine

Since there are several uses of coconut oil for hair, here are some ways in which you should incorporate it into your hair routine Let’s look at some of them here.

  • To attain the full benefits of coconut oil for hair, use it as a hair mask. Apply coconut oil directly to the scalp and gently massage it in. It’s crucial to remember to not use your fingernails. When you massage the scalp with your fingernails, they tend to cause tears and other signs of damage. Using your fingertips, spread the oil all over the scalp and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. This will allow the oil to penetrate the roots, boosting hair vitality and strength. You may also choose to keep the mask on overnight, but make sure you rinse it off thoroughly to avoid any scalp build-up.
  • You can also use coconut oil as a hair serum after a hair wash. Take a few drops and apply them to your hair shaft, lengths, and tips, carefully avoiding the scalp and roots. Scrunch up your hair for the oil to coat each strand. Doing so will also ensure your hair remains hydrated for a longer period of time.
  • Coconut oil may also be used to detangle unruly and messy hair. Apply coconut oil directly to the knots and tangles and comb through the strands to unravel them.
  • If you have curly locks, using coconut oil is your best bet to maintain hydrated, taut, and strong curls. Coconut oil helps fortify hair follicles and strengthens the roots to improve your curl pattern, avoiding the strands from becoming brittle and damaged.
  • You can also use a hair dryer while applying coconut oil to ensure the oil reaches every nook and cranny of your scalp and hair. A hair dryer will separate your hair strands so you can coat every last one of them with coconut oil.

Applying Coconut Oil The Right Way

If you’ve been diligent with applying coconut oil but are yet to see the results maybe you’ve got the application wrong. Here are a few pointers worth considering to make the hair oil treatment more effective.

  • It’s recommended to apply coconut oil on hair at night before sleeping for better absorption and results. Avoid applying it during the day as it could take time to soak up while also making your hair look flat.
  • Warming coconut oil at a low temperature before application helps liquefy it and makes it easier to spread on your hair strands. The warm oil will help open up the follicles for better penetration of oil into the roots. However, be careful to not overheat the oil.
  • If your scalp is oily or your hair is thin you can avoid applying the oil on your scalp. This will ensure the oil doesn’t weigh down your hair.
  • When applying oil, focus more on the dry and damaged ends and less on where your hair is the healthiest. Applying on the mid-shafts where your hair is not dry will unnecessarily make it oily.
  • If you can’t commit to an overnight treatment, leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes before you rinse it off. Be careful with the amount of oil you use on your scalp as going overboard may require a couple of hair wash cycles to completely get rid of the residual oil.

Best Coconut Oil For Hair

We’ve rounded up the best coconut oils for hair based on different concerns. Scroll ahead to find your pick.

Coconut Oil For Hair Growth

Nykaa Recommends:

Best Coconut Oil For Hair Growth - Inatur Coconut Oil
Inatur Coconut Oil, 100% Pure, Cold Pressed, And Natural For Skin And Hair
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If hair growth is your number one concern, Inatur Coconut Oil here does an incredible job of knocking it off your list of concerns. 100% pure coconut oil, it’s packed with vitamins and fatty acids that nourish your scalp and promote hair growth. This lightweight oil strengthens hair from the roots and controls hair fall.

Coconut Oil For Dandruff

Nykaa Recommends:

If you are looking for a healing potion that tackles dandruff and nourishes the scalp, Sadhev Anti-Dandruff Oil is the one. Replete with Coconut Oil and Holy Basil, it lets your scalp breathe while gently cleaning and hydrating it. Not only that it’s also 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free and plant-based which makes it a healthier-to-use alternative. Oh, and it smells divine which means you can apply this oil even before stepping out.

Coconut Oil For Hair Fall

Nykaa Recommends:

best Coconut Oil For Hair Fall - Nat Habit 100% Pure Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
Nat Habit 100% Pure Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
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It’s no secret that hair fall is usually a sign of undernourished hair. The Nat Habit 100% Pure Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil can help bridge the gap and improve the condition of your hair. It contains organic and cold-pressed virgin coconut oil extracted from Coconut Milk and is free of chemicals. Think of it as the perfect natural remedy for stronger hair that doesn’t break off and fall easily.

Coconut Oil For Hair Loss

Nykaa Recommends:

best Coconut Oil For Hair Loss - Kimirica 100% Pure Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Kimirica 100% Pure Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
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Hair loss can be frustrating especially when nothing seems to work. Kimirica 100% Pure Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, extracted from farm coconuts is specially formulated to heal your hair and restore nutrients. This wonder oil works on your hair from root to tips and conditions it to impart shine, strength and resilience. Moreover, it works at stimulating the roots for healthier strands. What hair loss?

Coconut Oil For Grey Hair

Nykaa Recommends:

best Coconut Oil For Grey Hair - WOW Life Science Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
WOW Life Science Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
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Premature greying is avoidable as long as your hair gets its dose of nutrients. WOW Life Science Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 100% natural, cold-pressed and extracted from fresh and raw coconut milk using state-of-the-art centrifugal technology, blesses your hair with its restorative properties. Enriched with fatty acids and antioxidants, it keeps the hair conditioned and prevents it from greying or losing its lustre.

Coconut Oil For Split Ends

Nykaa Recommends:

best Coconut Oil For Split Ends - Kapiva Ayurveda Virgin Coconut Cold Pressed Oil
Kapiva Ayurveda Virgin Coconut Cold Pressed Oil
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Split ends may look harmless and insignificant but they can be damaging to the health of your hair. Kapiva Ayurveda’s Virgin Coconut Cold Pressed Oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins repairs damaged hair, and prevents the formation of split ends. It delivers nutrients to hair and conditions it without leaving it too greasy. Plus, this cruelty-free product is free from parabens and sulphates so you know you are massaging good stuff on your scalp.

Parting Thoughts

This fatty-rich oil lends ample benefits to your hair, reigning supreme over its counterparts, including rosemary, onion, and even argan oil. The nourishing properties that coconut oil offers are beyond comprehension; it’s an all-encompassing ingredient for healthy hair and skin. A few drops of coconut oil applied twice or thrice a week is all that is required to restore brittle, damaged strands prone to hairfall and premature greying.

FAQs On Coconut Oil For Hair

  1. Is the overnight application of coconut oil good for hair?

    Applying oil to hair during the daytime could mean attracting dirt, and dust which is why it’s usually not recommended. Overnight treatment works great for hair that is especially dry and damaged. Simply massage the coconut oil on your scalp before you hit the bed and rinse your hair with a mild shampoo in the morning.

  2. What type of coconut oil is better for hair?

    If you want to get all the nutrients present in the natural form of coconut oil, opt for extra virgin coconut oil. Refined or cold-pressed coconut oil may be effective as well but it won’t have all the nutrients preserved in it.

  3. Is it advisable to apply coconut oil to wet hair?

    Applying coconut oil on wet or damp hair helps maximize the benefits of the oil. The oil gets absorbed faster on damp hair and it lends an extra moisture boost that lasts impressively long.

  4. How to remove coconut oil from hair?

    Apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, an egg mask, and dry shampoo are all effective methods to completely remove coconut oil residue from the hair.

  5. Recommend different types of coconut oil for hair.

    Organic coconut oil for hair:

    Cold-pressed coconut oil for hair:

    Extra virgin coconut oil for hair:

  6. What are the benefits of coconut oil for hair?

    There are multiple benefits and uses of coconut oil for hair. Coconut oil hydrates your strands, strengthens the hair follicles, nourishes the scalp, detangles knots, cools the scalp, and also reduces itchiness and irritation.

  7. Can I use coconut oil every day?

    Yes, and in fact, as per a study on Indian hair types, coconut oil was found to be the most protein-retentive oil to use pre- and post-wash. It can be used as a mask before cleansing and as a serum after washing your hair to lock in all the benefits.

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