What Are the Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair?

Coconut oil has been used by the natives of Kerala in India and is now widely used all over the world for its medicinal value. Coconut oil has received negative reviews because of the high level of saturated fat. But not all saturated fats are bad for you. In fact, the fatty acids in coconut oil have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and hence are used in a lot of skin care products to treat dry, itchy skin and used as hair tonic for healthy and shiny hair.

Types of coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil is derived from fresh coconuts. When the coconut is chopped, the coconut oil is cold pressed within two hours. Fresh coconut kernel is shredded and dried to about 10% to 12% moisture. The moist shredded coconut is then pressed to extract the virgin coconut oil.
Refined coconut oil is often referred to as RBD (refined, bleached and deodorized) coconut oil. Coconut oil may be partially or fully hydrogenated to increase its melting point in warmer temperatures. This process may produce trans fats.
Fractionated coconut oil is the result of another process where a fraction of the whole oil has only saturated fats, and the long-chain triglycerides are removed. This process results in long-lasting shelf life.

Hair cycle

Hair is very sensitive to changes in the body. Factors such as stress, malnutrition, hormone imbalance, pollution and chemicals contribute to hair loss and hair breakage. Losing 75 to 100 strands of hair a day is normal. At any given time 90% of the hair follicles are in the growing phase and 10% are in the resting phase. Taking simple and proper care of your hair will give amazing results.

Coconut oil for hair

Coconut oil is used as a natural conditioner for hair. The molecular structure of coconut oil makes it easier to penetrate through the hair shaft and works with the natural hair proteins. Coconut oil is also used to treat conditions like dry scalp or fungal conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that cause itchy flakes.
Ordinary shampoo formulation results in protein loss during washing. Coconut oil can minimize protein loss, as it contains the medium-chain triglycerides that can pass through the cell membrane and waterproof the scalp and hair.

Healthy hair from inside

Using coconut oil externally has it benefits. But remember that healthy hair is the result of a healthy body. Cooking with coconut oil is an easy way to get the benefits of the oil. The coconut oil can be consumed as it is or can be taken in capsule form. Coconut oil in the diet promotes normal thyroid gland activity and proper blood circulation, which helps the follicle cells receive sufficient oxygen for growth.

Warning

The appropriate dose of coconut oil depends on several factors, such as the person's age, health and other medical conditions. Make sure you follow the directions on the product labels and consult your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before you start taking coconut oil at amounts greater than those used in food.

References

• Coconut oil for hair

Resources

• Health benefits of coconut oil