For several years, natural products have been increasingly present in our daily lives and allow us to take care of our hair in a simpler way than chemical products. With its many benefits, coconut oil is gradually establishing itself as the star product in cosmetics. Popular for its hair benefits, it is known to nourish and hydrate the hair while giving it incomparable shine. I suggest you see together how to use coconut oil to obtain impressive results!
Benefits of coconut oil on your hair
Coconut oil is one of most popular plant products for hair care. It is rich in lauric acid, a type of fatty acid that penetrates deep into the hair fiber and deeply hydrates.
It nourishes hair damaged by dryness and protects the hair fiber against external aggressions that can dehydrate the hair.
Nourish and hydrate
Coconut oil works as a very powerful conditioner, both for the scalp and for dry lengths and ends. It also has a nourishing action, as it is rich in vitamins and essential nutrients that provide the hair with all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
It is recommended to add a few drops to your shampoo or hair mask before each wash for best results.
Protect the hair fiber
Due to its protective power, coconut oil can also be used to effectively protect hair against the harmful effects of UV rays, cold or sun. Plus, it creates a protective layer around strands that helps keep them moist and soft.
You can apply a small amount to your hair just before going out for added weather protection
How to use coconut oil on hair?
Preparation
The first step is to prepare the oil so that it is easily absorbed by your hair. It is advisable to heat the oil over low heat until it becomes liquid (you don’t want it to be too hot!).
Once this is done, filter the oil to remove any solid particles or impurities
Application
Once ready, simply apply the oil to the scalp and/or to the entire length of the hair according to your desire and need. To do this, gently massage the scalp and gently slide your fingers along the locks.
Once the oil is well distributed, let pose between 20 minutes and 1 hour before washing
Results
Once you have washed, dried and styled your hair, you will likely notice a significant difference in the texture and volume of your hair. Strands will be softer, more hydrated and less brittle.
The regular use of coconut oil can also help improve hair growth because of the nutrients they benefit from
What are the different types of coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil is the purest form on the market. Therefore, it is more expensive than any other refined coconut oil.
It has a natural sweet taste and a dark yellow color, which makes it very pleasant to use to enhance your hair. It also contains many more antioxidants, which makes it an ideal product to protect your hair fiber.
Refined coconut oil
Refined coconut oil is cheaper to buy because it is obtained by chemical treatment or high-pressure filtering. Its taste is not as pronounced as that of virgin oil, but it is just as effective in nourishing and hydrating the hair.
It is very popular among “no poo” followers (people who avoid using chemical shampoos)
Other Benefits of Coconut Oil
Skin care
In addition to hair care, coconut oil is very useful for taking care of your skin. Indeed, it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that fight the signs of skin aging and strengthen the immune system naturally.
Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that allow skin cells to retain moisture and achieve a more youthful appearance.
Nail care
Nails are also frequent victims of dryness. Do not panic, coconut oil is also very beneficial for brittle and dehydrated nails! It protects against chemical damage and makes nails stronger and shinier.
Lip care
Cold weather can be especially harsh on our lips, which end up dry and cracked. Regular application of coconut oil ensures optimal and long-lasting hydration for your lips while giving them a natural shiny effect.
What are the risks of using coconut oil?
Allergic reactions
Coconut oil is a product that can cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive people. It is therefore important to carry out an allergy test before using this product for the first time, in order to be certain that your body will not be sensitive to it.
Side effects
If you apply too much oil to your scalp, it can lead to buildup of residue that can clog hair follicles. This can lead to an overgrowth of fungi or a reactive immune system, which can promote abnormal hair loss.
It is therefore important to apply only a small amount of coconut oil and massage it gently into the scalp to avoid any excess.