When choosing coconut oil for our hair care routine, it is vital to do some research. Why? Because not every coconut oil is made equal. Various processing and sourcing methods can affect the oil quality. Most of the coconut oils available in the market don't possess all the beneficial properties. But don’t worry, this article will help you choose the best coconut oil for hair growth.
Along with it, we’ll also walk you through the numerous benefits of coconut oil and how to apply it right away.
Is Coconut Oil Good For Hair Growth?
Although there are several oils out there, many people prefer coconut oil, especially for hair growth. But is it the best oil for hair growth? The answer is a big YES! Coconut oil helps you grow thicker, longer, and healthier hair. Coconut oil nourishes the scalp and penetrates deep into the hair cuticle, thanks to its vitamins and fatty acids. (1)
Fatty acids like Lauric acid are found abundantly in coconut oil. Apart from being an excellent moisturizer, Lauric acid also fights inflammation around the hair follicles (the biggest culprit behind hair loss). It also helps in strengthening the hair cuticle and making hair impermeable. The other vital vitamins and nutrients in the oil remove excess sebum from the hair, thus speeding up hair growth. (2)
Therefore, experts highly recommend using coconut oil for hair growth and strengthening.
The benefits of coconut oil are myriad and not just limited to promoting hair growth. Please scroll down to know about the other benefits of the oil and why you should consider using it.
Read - Why Is Virgin Coconut Oil So Good For Your Hair & Skin?
Top 7 Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Hair
The quick adoption and the rise of coconut oil from frying pans to hair didn't happen with paid marketing. Its sheer benefits and promises for the hair, body, and mind made coconut oil one of the best beauty products of the century. Coconut oil is enriched with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, making it ideal for any hair issue, especially dryness.
Massaging a few drops of coconut oil from the roots down to the ends moisturizes and leaves a shine to the hair instantly and for a long time. Read on to know what a few drops of coconut oil can do to our hair.
1. Coconut Oil Acts As A Protective Barrier
When applied topically to the scalp, Coconut oil develops a barrier that blocks the irritants, dirt, and pollutants from entering the scalp. It coats every hair strand and shields them from heat, styling products, chemicals, traffic fumes, and whatnot. (3)
A specific study showed that the microelements present in the Coconut oil conceal hair from the UVA and UVB rays. It is said that the oil can block over 20% of the sun's UV rays. In other words, coconut oil acts as a protective sunscreen for the hair.
2. Coconut Oil Is A Great Moisturizer
Coconut oil gets absorbed by the hair quickly and has excellent deep conditioning properties. Along with retaining the moisture of the cuticle, coconut oil also helps other hair products do their job more rapidly and effectively.
Lauric acid, which is found abundantly in coconut oil, has nourishing properties that soak into the hair strands. When moisturized and conditioned, hair is less prone to frizziness and breakage. (4)
So don't forget to use coconut oil when you want to give the hair some deep conditioning.
3. Coconut Oil Prevents Hair Loss
If you are suffering from hair loss, coconut oil is a must-have in your hair care kit. Lauric acid and other rich nutrients in the miraculous oil penetrate the deeper layers of the hair shaft and prevent protein loss and breakage. This, in turn, helps in slowing down hair loss.
4. Coconut Oil Soothes Scalp Conditions
Due to its antiviral and antimicrobial properties, Coconut oil became a prominent solution to help with dry scalp, dandruff, and eczema. Its antifungal properties remove excess sebum, build-up, and debris, resulting in a healthy scalp.
Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, Coconut oil soothes a flaky and dry scalp. It even helps in maintaining the scalp's microbiome. With the use of Coconut oil, you can say goodbye to all your scalp issues. (5) (6)
Read - How To Get Rid Of Dandruff Naturally - 10 Best Remedies
5. Coconut Oil Helps Prevent Split Ends
Massaging a dollop of Coconut oil on the hair tips can prevent split ends, add shine and luster. It also boosts hair's manageability; thus, you can style your hair any way you want. Packed with exceptional nutrients, coconut oil is a must-have for your hair care routine to get incredible hair outcomes. (7)
6. Coconut Oil Adds Shine And Lustre To The Hair
Did you know, some people apply coconut oil as a serum for added shine and glow? If you want a natural DIY serum free from silicones and parabens, you must try coconut oil. A few drops of coconut oil are all you need for smooth, silky, shiny, and lustrous hair.
Read - How To Make Hair Silky Naturally - 10 Best Hair Care Tips
7. Coconut Oil Prevents Frizz
Damaged hair becomes frizzy and very difficult to manage. A massage with coconut oil will hydrate your cuticles and treat damaged hair shafts. When the hair is deeply conditioned and healthy, it will be free from dryness and frizziness. Experts suggest applying a drop of coconut oil to the hair when stepping out in humid conditions.
Read - How To Repair Damaged Hair Without A Salon Visit?
How To Use Coconut Oil For Hair Growth?
Here are three different ways to use coconut oil for better hair health and growth.
1. Using Coconut Oil As A Hair Mask
You can level up your hair moisturization game with a coconut oil hair mask. Stick to the unrefined virgin coconut oil for better results, like Kama Ayurveda's Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Here is how to use Coconut oil as a hair mask. It ensures that hair gets all the good nutrients.
- Coconut oil solidifies at colder temperatures. So, if you find it in solidified form, take a spoonful of coconut oil in a bowl and place it in hot water. Wait till it melts.
- Meanwhile, using a wide-toothed comb, detangle your hair. Now, distribute Coconut oil evenly throughout the hair.
- Massage your scalp gently in circular motions and then proceed to the midsection and then to the ends.
- You can add other ingredients like lemon juice, honey, or yogurt for added benefits.
- For better results, it is always advisable to apply Coconut oil before shampooing your hair. Leave it on for about half an hour, and then wash your hair typically.
- You might need to rinse a few more times to remove the Coconut oil entirely.
Read - 7 DIY Hair Masks That Work Like Magic
2. Using Coconut Oil As An Overnight Treatment
You can try an overnight coconut oil hair therapy for that extra hydrating boost. Experience much softer and shinier hair with this treatment. Here is the step-by-step procedure for an overnight coconut oil treatment.
- Firstly, apply some pure Coconut oil to the dry hair and comb it using a brush or a wide-toothed comb to make the oil spread evenly.
- Now right before you go to sleep to ensure the oil doesn't get all over the pillow, wrap your hair tightly using either a towel, shower cap, or an old scarf.
- The following day, wash off the oil using a mild shampoo to rinse off the oil. You can also use a gentle paraben-free conditioner for added benefits.
Read - Your Complete Guide To A Nourishing Oil Massage For Hair
3. Using Coconut Oil After A Shower
Are you too busy for deep-conditioning overnight hair care treatment yet want to add Coconut oil to your everyday hair care routine? Don't worry; we got you covered, and here is the way to do it.
- Right after you shower, take a few drops of Coconut oil, apply it evenly to the midsection of the hair, and take it to the end.
- Avoid the scalp and roots as you don't want your hair to look greasy.
- You can comb the hair and dry it afterward.
4. Using Coconut Oil As A Heat Protectant
Coconut oil is a natural heat protectant. Take a sufficient amount of Coconut oil and apply it to damp hair before blow-drying or heat styling. This helps in reducing damage caused by flat irons and other hot tools.
5. Using Coconut Oil For An Instant Shine
Coconut oil can give an instant shine and glow. Here is how you can get it - take a small amount of Coconut oil and apply it evenly to the hair, starting from the midsection to the ends. Now, using a brush or a comb, gently comb your hair. Avoid the scalp, and the roots as the hair might look greasy.
Read - Which Is The Best Hair Oil For Your Hair Type?
Which Is The Best Coconut Oil For Hair Growth?
Not all coconut oils available in the market are of good quality. Depending on the methods and conditions used to extract the oil, some oils lose their properties and are no good for your hair. So think before you buy coconut oil.
If you are in a dilemma about which one to buy, we are here to help you. The best coconut oil for hair growth is presented with Kama Ayurveda's Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil.
Kama Ayurveda’s Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Kama Ayurveda's Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil is a highly versatile oil best known to condition the hair and skin. The oil is non-sticky, easily absorbed, and has a tropical coconut scent.
It moisturizes, adds luster to damaged hair, and soothes dry and sensitive scalp. Kama Ayurveda's Extra Virgin Organic Coconut oil is 100% organic, cold-pressed and pure. Thus, it retains its unique balance of nutrients.
FAQ’s About Coconut Oil For Hair
1. What To Mix With Coconut Oil For Hair Growth?
Coconut oil alone is an excellent ingredient for hair growth, but adding another oil can power up hair benefits ten times. Here are the few natural and healthy ingredients that you can add to the coconut oil :
- Adding Castor oil to the coconut oil can treat brittle, dry hair. It also helps in treating hair breakage and promoting hair growth.
- Try Coconut oil and lemon juice. Lemon juice and coconut oil together act as a cleanser. It removes dirt and grease while offering soft, healthy hair.
- Aloe vera gel and Coconut oil relieve your hair from sun damage.
- A mix of Apple Cider Vinegar and Coconut oil packed balances hair's PH level and brings dull hair back to life.
- The Avocado and Coconut oil mix is enriched with fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help repair, strengthen, and nourish hair.
- Adding Banana in Coconut oil offers many potassium and antioxidants that soften, nourish, and save hair from split ends.
- If you have thin hair, you must try an Egg yolk and Coconut oil mask. This mix helps in thickening and nourishing hair.
- Honey and Coconut oil can do wonders for the hair by offering moisture to the locks.
- Olive oil and Coconut oil combo soothes the itchy scalp and strengthens thin strands.
2. How To Use Coconut Oil For Hair Growth And Thickness?
Whether you are using Coconut oil or mixing it with more ingredients, here is the process to follow for using coconut oil for hair growth.
- Take a sufficient amount of Coconut oil in the bowl and microwave it for 10 seconds until you get the liquid consistency.
- Using fingers, massage the Coconut oil to the scalp and spread the oil evenly from the root to the tips.
- Then, cover your hair using a shower cap.
- Leave it on for about half an hour or overnight.
- Wash off the hair mask using a mild shampoo free of parabens and sulfates, and then condition it.
3. How To Use Fenugreek Seeds And Coconut Oil For Hair Growth?
Fenugreek seeds come with several benefits for hair health. Both Coconut oil and Fenugreek seeds work great together to treat hair fall issues. Here's how to use fenugreek seeds and Coconut oil for hair growth:
- Add two tablespoons of the Fenugreek seeds to the mixer and blend them to make a fine powder.
- Now transfer it to the bowl and add 1 tbsp of Coconut oil.
- Mix both ingredients into a thick paste, and then apply this to the hair and the roots evenly.
- Let the mask dry. Later rinse off using a mild shampoo.
4. Can I Use Aloe Vera Gel And Coconut Oil For Hair Growth?
Aloe Vera gel is rich in more than 20 minerals, 75 nutrients, 18 amino acids. It is an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil and Aloe vera gel together help strengthen and promote hair growth. Your hair feels softer, smoother, and shinier. Here is how to make Aloe Vera gel and Coconut oil hair masks.
- Add 2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel in 1 tbsp of oil.
- Blend them to make a smooth paste.
- Apply this mask to the hair using fingers from the roots to the tips, and then comb the hair using a brush or a wide-toothed comb.
- To save the mask from oozing, cover hair with a shower cap. Let it sit for about half-an-hour to one hour.
- Wash the mask out thoroughly using a mild shampoo.
Repeat this once a week to condition your hair deeply.