Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair and How to Use It

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the scalp and hair. Polynesian cultures historically have and still do use extra virgin coconut oil as a beauty product, notes the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, Hawaii. A study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" in 1999 found that coconut oil applied to the hair reduced hair breakage, and another study in 2005 from the Journal of Cosmetic Science noted that coconut oil penetrated the hair follicle better than the most common ingredient in hair conditioners, mineral oil.

How Does Coconut oil Benefit Hair Growth?

Since coconut oil helps to keep your body healthy and your hair soft, it goes hand-in-hand with hair growth.  Here’s how:

1. Prevents Breakage

The fatty acids found in coconut oil work with the natural proteins found in hair to protect it from breaking (and therefore allowing it to grow). In fact, the lauric acid found in our coconut oil is fantastic at caring for hair.

2. Moisturises

Shiny hair is happy, healthy hair and regular use of coconut oil couldmake your hair softer and more lustrous than ever before. You see, coconut oil is incredible at penetrating hair follicles and therefore moisturising and conditioning from the outside, in. In fact, the oil is so moisturising that it even protects follicles from heat and environmental damage.

4. Boosts Blood Circulation

If you massage your head with coconut oil, you’ll boost scalp circulation, meaning that more oxygen and nutrients will be sent right to your hair follicles, helping to stimulate growth.

5. Rich in Nutrients

Coconut oil is loaded with natural antioxidants and nutrients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Iron. Each of these plays a key role in keeping your hair soft and supple, and Iron can even eradicate dandruff from the scalp.

5. Antibacterial

Bacteria can be a problem in both hair and on the scalp. However, coconut oil contains both antifungal and antibacterial properties, which protect against dandruff and lice, both of which can affect hair growth.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Your Hair

1. In order to correctly heat coconut oil, use this method. Warming in the microwave or directly over high heat in a pan can degrade the quality of the oil, making it less beneficial. Pour 1 cup of hot water into a small bowl.

2. Scoop 2 tsp. coconut oil out of the jar, using a clean spoon, and put it into a glass cup. Use extra virgin coconut oil and, if possible, make sure that it's organic and sustainably harvested.

3. Place the cup of coconut oil into the bowl of warm water. Leave the cup in the bowl until the coconut oil melts. Pure coconut oil is solid at cold temperatures but melts quickly at 76 degrees F or above.

4. Massage the coconut oil onto your scalp and throughout your hair. If your hair is long, you may need to use additional coconut oil. Apply the coconut oil to dry or damp hair, whichever you prefer. The oil spreads more easily through damp hair.

5. Comb your hair to distribute the coconut oil evenly. If you are using coconut oil for hair growth or scalp health, be sure to massage it into the roots of your hair. However, if you are prone to an oily scalp and just want the conditioning benefits, you can apply the oil mid-shaft, a few inches from your scalp.

6. Put a shower cap on your head, and tuck all of your hair inside of it. Leave the coconut oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes or you can leave it in overnight. The longer you leave the coconut oil on, the more it will condition your hair.

7. Shampoo your hair and repeat if necessary to remove the coconut oil completely. Using warm water will help get the oil out of your hair.

8. Melt a pea-sized amount of coconut oil in the palms of your hands by rubbing your hands together, and apply it lightly throughout your hair for extra conditioning, concentrating on the ends of your hair. Skip this step if your hair does not need extra conditioning. Style your hair as normal.

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