The benefits of coconut oil
Coconut oil: what is it?
It is directly extracted from the flesh (or albumen) of the coconut. Once separated from the shell, the albumen is dried and then pressed to extract a vegetable oil: coconut oil. The latter is distinguished by its whitish color and its characteristic exotic scent.
Like macadamia or neem oil, it also has a solid texture. Indeed, it solidifies naturally when the temperature is below 25°C.
Simply run the bottle under a stream of hot water to liquefy it and use it. This is due to its richness in saturated fatty acids, which solidify at room temperature.
In cooking, it is used for cooking or seasoning dishes. But it is also an excellent cosmetic oil. Useful for skin care, its benefits for hair are also recognized.
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The benefits of coconut oil for hair
It is composed of approximately 90 % saturated lipids. These fatty substances, such as lauric acid, deeply nourish, strengthen and repair the hair fiber. They contribute to hair structure and the formation of the protective barrier.
They help maintain good moisture levels in the hair and protect it from external aggressions.
The oil contains other active ingredients such as vitamin A and vitamin E. Both have antioxidant properties and help maintain hair health.
Coconut oil also facilitates detangling. Indeed, it coats and smooths the hair fiber. Hair is softer, silkier and easier to style. It is a valuable ally for curly, frizzy or coily hair, and will tame frizz and unruly strands.
This vegetable oil is therefore ideal for dry, brittle or damaged hair. It also helps prevent and/or repair split ends.
Finally, as shown by this study, coconut oil limits the loss of proteins involved in hair loss.
How to use coconut oil for hair?
Choosing the right coconut oil
It is commonly available in bottles or capsules. To get the most benefit for your hair, favor external use. It can be easily found online, in natural food stores and parapharmacies. Some criteria should be taken into account when purchasing:
- Choose a coconut oil virgin and 100% pure. It must not be mixed with another vegetable oil nor contain preservatives or flavorings ;
- Choose an oil certified organic, unrefined, unbleached and unscented ;
- Check that it is cold-pressed or comes from a first cold pressing. This process ensures good preservation of the active ingredients and nutrients found in the coconut.
Coconut oil for hair for external use
Gentle and safe, it is applied directly to the hair. It is very suitable for normal to dry hair. Oily hair, however, should avoid applying it to the roots and instead apply it to the lengths and ends.
This oil is used in the formulation of many hair care products on the market: shampoos, conditioners, masks… You can also make your own homemade hair care treatments based on coconut oil.
Hair care ideas with coconut oil
Nourishing oil treatment
This is an ideal recipe to nourish dry hair and repair it deeply. Coconut oil can be used alone or mixed with another vegetable oil: castor, argan, wheat germ…
On dry hair, apply a thin layer of oil, focusing on the lengths and ends. Wrap your head in a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes to overnight.
The longer you leave the oil treatment on your hair, the more effective it will be! Then wash with your usual shampoo. Two shampoos may be necessary to remove all oil residues.
Repairing mask for split ends
This treatment is perfect for damaged hair. It combines coconut oil with restorative honey and rosemary essential oil. The latter improves the condition of weakened hair and strengthens it.
To make this recipe, you will need:
- 5 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
Mix these ingredients in a bowl. Apply to the ends and leave on for 30 to 40 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual.
Repeat the application once a week for a month.
Special hair growth treatment
This treatment can speed up hair growth or limit hair loss. Castor oil is believed to promote hair growth.
To make this recipe, you will need :
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
Mix the vegetable oils in a bowl. Apply to all of the hair, focusing on the roots. Wrap your head in a towel or a shower cap and let sit at least 2 hours. Rinse and shampoo as usual.
Repeat the application once a week.
