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Coconut Oil for Hair, Naturally with Amazing Effects
October 12, 2023
The secret to healthier and stronger hair? It lies in the resilience (1).
And coconut oil, as a fatty substance compatible with the hair structure, helps to restructure, protect and deeply moisturize it from root to tip.
Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) is a vegetable fat that is extremely compatible with keratin due to its high lauric acid content, which makes up 50% of the composition. It deeply restructures and protects the hair, with obvious benefits even on dandruff and dry scalp.
Let's discover the most important properties and uses for healthy, shiny and strong hair.
Coconut oil, as already mentioned, can be a real blessing for damaged, stressed and lifeless hair.
Before listing the features that activate the process of revitalization and repair of hair, we should understand what are the main factors that damage its structure.
According to the Sitri. (Italian Society of Trichology)* the main factors that damage the keratin structure of hair are, above all:
exposure to environmental factors;
Environmental pollution;
styling tools (which are applied to hair to "create" a hairstyle);
cutting techniques;
dyes;
bleaching;
permanent wave preparations;
Inappropriate use of hair dryers;
Cosmetics with suboptimal composition (often unknown), medications for external and internal use;
Congenital and/or hereditary diseases;
Hormonal imbalances;
Local or systemic infections;
Neurological and psychiatric disorders as well as everyday life stress and simple neglect ( 2 ).
Coconut oil and lauric acid: A “booster” for keratin
The impressive effects of coconut oil on the hair are primarily due to the high content of lauric acid, which has exceptional compatibility with the keratin structure of the hair, but also of the nails and the skin.
In addition, palmitic acid, myristic acid and capric acid, which are abundant in coconut oil, also provide noticeable benefits with a significant supply of antioxidants and vitamin E. These are necessary to combat the effects of free radicals, which are the main culprits of skin and hair aging.
What you should know about coconut oil
Coconut oil is obtained from the seeds and fruits of the coconut palm. Depending on the extraction technique, there are typically three types of coconut oil: raw (or untreated), refined and extra virgin.
The first is obtained by squeezing the coconut flesh, a process that ensures a fairly high yield.
The extra virgin oil, on the other hand, which is suitable for both cosmetic applications and consumption, is obtained either by crushing the undried pulp of the nut or by processing the fruit milk itself.
Coconut oil: properties and benefits
As mentioned in an earlier part of the article, coconut oil is said to have various beneficial properties, especially for hair care.
Specifically, it is particularly suitable for treating dry, brittle or damaged hair as it can combat dryness at the ends and revitalize the hair structure.
It is also often used to apply nourishing hair masks to strengthen the hair roots.
It has soothing properties against certain types of dermatitis and eczematous lesions and can soothe irritation and redness due to its affinity for skin texture. It forms a protective barrier that hydrates and protects the scalp and skin. (3)
Why is coconut oil good for hair?
A recent study by Susan Hewlings ("Coconuts and Health: Different Chain Lengths of Saturated Fats Require Different Consideration") also attributes antimicrobial and antifungal properties to coconut oil.
"Coconut oil has been shown to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties..." - says the report - "and lauric acid, as well as capric acid and capric acid, inhibit bacterial growth."
The study also emphasizes that "extra virgin coconut oil has a long history of antimicrobial and antiviral benefits, and various studies support its use."
Numerous researches have also shown that coconut oil can improve skin hydration by protecting against excessive moisture loss and improving the protective function of skin tissues against various external influences.
Coconut oil: protects and strengthens hair
Various studies confirm that coconut oil is able to protect and strengthen hair.
In one of these studies ("Single hair fiber assessment techniques to discriminate between mineral oil and coconut oil effect on hair physical properties"), conducted by three Indian researchers in 2021, coconut oil was found to significantly increase the tensile strength of hair fibers, when subjected to twisting, due to its penetration into the hair core.
Another study from 2020 had already demonstrated the ability of coconut oil to penetrate hair.
This property proves to be very effective, as stated in the conclusions of the study ("Alternative Protocol for Hair Damage Assessment and Comparison of Hair Care Treatments"), "due to the dual role of the occlusive active ingredient as well as the reconstitution of the superficial micro-cavities" .
4 ways to get shiny and nourished hair with coconut oil
Due to its beneficial properties, coconut oil can be used for various hair treatments.
If you want to enhance the protective effect, it is advisable to use it for pre-shampoo packs, applying the oil to the entire length of damp hair, but not to the scalp.
The optimal exposure time is a whole night, but you can also leave the pack on for a shorter period of time.
1) Detangler
Particularly suitable for frizzy or curly hair
After warming the coconut oil, it should be gently applied to the hair, gently massaging the knots and then detangling with a wide-toothed comb.
Finally, it is enough to rinse your hair and pat dry.
The same treatment can be applied after shampoo by massaging a few drops of oil into the hair.
2) Mask
Recommended to strengthen the hair's protective barrier (against heat, cold, smog, air conditioning).
Before shampooing, coconut oil can be used to apply a protective mask to damp hair.
To ensure the effectiveness of the treatment, it is advisable to leave it on for as long as possible (preferably an hour or two), then wrap the hair in a towel or shower cap.
3) Anti-dandruff
Suitable for hair with dandruff or particularly oily hair.
After washing your hair with shampoo or conditioner, coconut oil can be used to massage the scalp.
The hair should then be wrapped in a towel to allow the oil to work and achieve a cleansing effect.
4) Protection from sun rays
Applying coconut oil to dry hair can provide effective protection against UV radiation.
In addition to protection, hair becomes softer and better nourished after shampooing.
Coconut Oil - Try it on your hair right now.
Which coconut oil products should you use?
For the applications described above, pure coconut oil can be used, or special formulations that also contain other ingredients to extend the positive effects of the treatment.
For example, the Natural Moringa Balm, coconut oil, argan oil and shea butter, free of parabens and silicones, combines the nourishing properties of coconut oil with the regenerating properties of argan oil. Shea butter has antioxidant properties due to its vitamin E content, while Moringa Oleifera extract protects hair from the damage caused by pollution.
Coconut oil and Moringa are also the main ingredients of the Moringa and Coconut Dry Hair Mask Eco-Bio, ideal for improving the health of dry and weakened hair thanks to the lauric acid in coconut oil and the protective effects of Moringa.
In Moringa Rich Body and Hair Oil, coconut oil is combined with other oily extracts such as moringa oil, shea butter, almond oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, macadamia oil, avocado oil and olive oil. Due to the firming, nourishing and anti-aging properties of all the oils' components, the effect can be amazing when combined in an exceptional formula developed in the RedMoringa laboratories.
Finally, coconut oil is also contained in the Moringa-based solid makeup remover, where it is saponified and produces vegetable glycerin. Combined with milk proteins, it has high cleansing power and leaves the skin velvety and hydrated, gently removing any makeup residue.