The Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil for the Hair

The benefits of virgin coconut oil for the hair
Cost: about $10 per 14 oz jar

For people interested in growing their hair longer and thicker, virgin coconut oil helps to keep the hair well moisturized and the hair shaft strong. This will prevent breakage of the hair and allow it to grow longer and thicker without looking damaged. It can also be used as a very effective hair conditioner daily, to help keep hair strong and damage-free.

I have used coconut oil on my daughter's natural hair and it is wonderful. Her hair is thick and because it stays braided even through shampoos it tends to be on the dry side. Coconut oil moisturizes her hair and the wide-toothed comb goes through it so much easier. Her hair soaks it up, but the oil does not disapear because coconut oil has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft. I love it for her hair. I use it on my hair when it is close to the time for me to get a relaxer. It helps to get the comb through my hair and reduces shedding. Try it!

Coconut oil is said to have so many healthy attributes, including anti-fungal and antibacterial properties as well as vitamin and mineral richness, that it is being touted by many as the new “super food”. 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.
The oils and proteins in coconut oil work well to help keep hair from losing protein. Lack of protein is one of the major contributors to hair breakage and hair loss. When used at least two times weekly, in addition to a stimulating scalp massage, it has been found that coconut oil can help to stimulate proper circulation and keep the scalp moisturized.

Since hair cannot grow well from an unhealthy scalp, coconut oil hair growth benefits cannot be underestimated.

A closer look at how virgin coconut oil works:

• Lauric Acid: One of the most common reasons for hair fall and hair loss is microbial action on the scalp and hair roots. So, to protect hair, what is needed is an antimicrobial agent. Lauric Acid present in Coconut Oil is one of them. It is basically a triglyceride which yields a monoglyceride called Monolaurin when acted upon by a species of bacteria which breaks the glycerol bonds. This monolaurin has excellent antimicrobial properties.

• Capric Acid: This is yet another triglyceride present in Coconut oil, which, like Lauric Acid, yields another monoglyceride called Monocaprin due to bacterial action, having antimicrobial properties similar to that of monolaurin.

• Vitamin-E: Almost every aptly educated person knows the importance of vitamin-E for skin and hair. It keeps scalp and skin healthy and hair rejuvenated.


Virgin Coconut Oil in review:

• Moisture Retaining Capacity: Coconut Oil has high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not broken down easily nor evaporated, being very stable. It does not let moisture escape thus keeping hair moistened and soft. This prevents breakage of hair. Coconut Oil is a far better conditioner for hair than any synthetic one available in the market.

• Anti-Dandruff: The various fatty acids present in Coconut Oil serve as very good anti dandruff agents and are way better than any anti dandruff shampoo. A regular application can help you get rid of dandruffs for ever.
• Styling: Coconut oil can be good styling oil for hair too, as it melts on heating and then condenses on cooling. So when you apply it on your hair, it thins and spreads evenly due to heat of the scalp. Soon afterwards, as the hair comes in contact with air, the oil on hair condenses on cooling and thus works as a styling gel or cream.

Benefits:

• Coconut oil has high moisture retaining capacity; it does not let moisture escape thus keeping hair moist and soft. This prevents breakage of hair and it repairs damaged hair.
• Coconut oil when applied regularly on clean scalp can help get rid of lice and lice eggs. Lice eggs have difficulty attaching to hair that contains oil, which is why head lice are actually more common for people with dry hair and scalp.
• Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids which are beneficial anti-dandruff agents and are way better than any anti dandruff shampoo. A regular application can help you get rid of dandruff forever.
• Coconut oil is believed to slow hair loss by revitalizing and exfoliating dead skin tissue from the scalp. Apply the oil directly to the scalp and massage with your fingertips for 5 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
• Coconut oil can protect the hair cell membrane and waterproof the scalp and hair from harsh shampoo.

Application Tips:

• For scalp problem apply coconut oil to your hair and put a warm towel over your head for a few minutes to encourage the coconut oil to seep into your scalp. For head lice, apply the coconut oil and then, while the oil is still in the scalp, use a fine tooth comb to pick out the nits.

• For damaged hair. It is important that you apply the most oil on your ends where the damage is worse and the least amount, if any, near your scalp and roots.

• When used as a pre-conditioner, applications begin 20 to 30 minutes before hair washing. Extended moisturizing sessions usually include an overnight treatment followed by a rinse with a gentle shampoo in the morning. Moisturizing is usually best accomplished by immediately applying coconut oil after a shower when the hair has been washed and is still slightly damp.