Coconut oil is a nutrient-dense oil that’s confirmed to be nice for dry, delicate pores and skin, however can coconut oil for hair help in reviving parched, broken strands, too? Right here, with the assistance of board-certified dermatologists, we’re exploring how coconut oil works to enhance total hair well being, in addition to find out how to use it to reap the very best outcomes. Able to dive in?
Coconut oil is a multi-use ingredient with numerous advantages for the hair as a consequence of its extremely nourishing and restorative properties. “It could possibly assist restore dry broken hair in addition to introduce anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties,” explains Dr. Nava Greenfield, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York Metropolis. “It additionally works properly on the pores and skin of the scalp for a similar causes.”
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist primarily based in New York Metropolis, agrees that coconut oil may be extremely helpful for each the scalp and hair. “Coconut oil is wealthy in fatty acids to assist hydrate and soften the hair whereas defending the scalp itself,” he says. “It could possibly cut back frizz and easy the hair, and in addition comprises excessive ranges of lauric acid which helps decrease ranges of yeast on the scalp that contribute to flaking and dandruff.”
Coconut oil’s function in lowering dandruff is definitely extra necessary than you may suppose. “Low-grade irritation from dandruff could contribute to hair thinning, because it interferes with optimum follicle operate,” explains Zeichner. “Many dermatologists take into account dandruff remedies an integral part of addressing hair thinning.”
So, to recap, coconut oil advantages for hair embody:
- Bettering dry, broken hair
- Decreasing frizz and smoothing hair
- Controlling dandruff and scalp irritation
- Soothing and hydrating the hair and scalp
Whereas coconut oil is usually thought-about secure and helpful for all hair varieties, it’s particularly superb for these with dry, itchy scalps and/or broken strands. “Coconut oil is excellent for dry hair because it’s wealthy in fatty acids that assist to nourish the hair and scalp,” explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist primarily based in New York Metropolis and New Jersey. Moreover, Zeichner says coconut oil is a wonderful remedy for hair that’s brittle, in addition to scalps which can be delicate, dandruff-prone or vulnerable to rashes, infections or irritation.
Much like different oils, corresponding to castor or rosemary, coconut oil can be utilized by itself, added to different hair care merchandise or combined with different pure oils. All of it comes all the way down to your distinctive hair wants and preferences. “Coconut oil may be added to merchandise corresponding to shampoo and conditioner and ought to be used as really helpful on the product label,” says Greenfield. “If used as a standalone ingredient, use on dry hair and rub straight onto the scalp.” She recommends making use of a skinny layer, massaging it in after which ready no less than 12 hours earlier than washing your hair.
Alternatively, Zeichner says you should utilize coconut oil to make your personal DIY hair masks. “It may be utilized to dry or damp hair, nonetheless, many DIYers advocate making use of it to damp hair,” he says. “After it’s utilized to the hair, it may be left in place for anyplace between 10 to half-hour, then rinsed out.”
He provides that whereas some individuals recommend leaving it on in a single day, he’s cautious of recommending this as a result of coconut oil may be comedogenic — or pore-clogging — so these with acne-prone pores and skin ought to proceed with warning.
Coconut oil can final for as much as 12 to 24 hours — and even longer. It’s not unsafe to maintain it on for a number of days, nonetheless, it can result in a greasy look when you use numerous it.
Total, coconut oil could be a nice answer for these scuffling with a dry scalp, nevertheless it’s not going to be everybody’s cup of tea. “Coconut oil is useful for dry scalps as a result of it gives occlusivity to lock in moisture,” explains Greenfield. “Dryness additionally causes irritation within the scalp pores and skin and coconut oil addresses that — nonetheless, some individuals discover oils on the scalp to be aesthetically unpleasing, particularly these with skinny hair, so it’s not for everybody.”
Greenfield says coconut oil tends to work greatest when somebody has a mix of dry hair and dry scalp, as this fashion it could possibly deal with each with out making the hair overly oily.
Additionally really helpful by Zeicher, Kopari’s unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil is full of protein, vitamin E and important fatty acids to deeply nourish and hydrate the hair and scalp. It’s additionally nice for softening dandruff flakes for straightforward elimination whereas soothing irritation on the identical time.
This best-selling hybrid scrub-shampoo helps reduce dryness and flaking by eliminating lifeless pores and skin and product buildup, and based on Garshick, it may be utilized by all hair varieties. “It combines charcoal with micro-exfoliators to assist draw out impurities in addition to take away lifeless pores and skin cells and product construct up,” she explains. “Moreover it incorporates coconut oil to ship moisture and nourishment to the scalp.”
“This leave-in conditioner comprises coconut milk and helps to melt the hair,” says Garshick of SheaMoisture’s prime rated leave-in conditioner. “It helps to scale back frizz whereas additionally detangling hair for lowered breakage.”
This luxury hair primer is one other favourite of Garshick’s because it has a number of advantages for the hair. “It may be utilized to the hair previous to drying, curling or straightening and presents warmth safety whereas additionally serving to to handle frizzy and dry hair,” she says. “Along with amino acids, it additionally comprises coconut oil to assist easy the cuticle and make hair simpler to comb.”
“Containing coconut oil, along with Advantage’s patented Alpha Keratin 60ku protein, this formulation helps to restore whereas additionally bringing softness and shine to the hair,” says Garshick. “It leaves the hair trying more healthy with out trying or feeling greasy.” For that reason, this formulation’s an particularly nice possibility for these with fantastic or oily hair varieties.