Benefits of Using Coconut Oil in Your Hair

Like skincare, haircare is having a huge resurgence in popularity as people learn how to take care of their hair in the best way possible. There are tonnes of new products on the market now but one stand out has got to be coconut oil. Coconut oil is a completely natural product that you probably find in your kitchen but does absolute wonders for your hair.

Using pure coconut oil as it is on your hair has a huge number of benefits and is a cost-effective alternative to the expensive and confusing haircare treatments that litter drugstore shelves now.

We've taken a look at the benefits of using coconut oil and had a look at the kind of products you will find it in and we've summarised it all below for you to check out. Take a look now to find out more about this wonderful hair care treatment.

What is coconut oil for hair?

So, what is coconut oil for hair and is it the same thing we eat?

The answer is yes. The coconut oil that is used in cooking and baking (and skincare) is also good to use on your hair. When choosing coconut oil for your skin or hair (or to eat) we always recommend using an extra-virgin and unrefined organic coconut oil to ensure you're not unwittingly consuming harmful chemical residue from mainstream farming.

Coconut oil, while being used raw, is also an ingredient in many hair care products because of its moisturising benefits. To find out more about the kind of products you will find coconut oil in, keep reading.

What kind of hair products contain coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in hair care products, especially those designed to hydrate and protect your hair. Below we've summarized a few of the products you will find coconut oil in and why it is used.

Coconut oil shampoo and conditioner

Coconut oil is found in lots of different shampoos and conditioners and it is added to help moisturise the hair as well as protect it from damage and heal any breakages to promote healthy hair. It may also help to tame any frizz from your hair.

Coconut oil is also moisturising for your scalp too and so, using a coconut oil shampoo or conditioner regularly can help you to have good hair and scalp health.

Coconut oil hair treatments

Many people apply coconut oil to their hair as a treatment. Similar to a hair mask, a treatment gets deeper into the hair, all the way to the hair follicles to promote health, nourishment, and hydration.

Coconut oil can also stimulate hair growth and so it may be found in treatments intended to help your hair grow long and healthy.

Coconut oil hair mask

Coconut oil-based hair masks tend to be focused on hair repair and moisturisation due to the natural oil having the ability to heal your hair as well as provide deep nourishment.

Pure coconut oil may also be used as a mask. If you rub coconut oil into hair, leave for a while, and then wash it out, you're effectively creating a coconut hair mask using coconut oil without the expense of the product!

Benefits of coconut oil for hair

When using coconut oil on hair, be sure to always choose extra-virgin coconut oil from an organic source so that you can reap all of the benefits of this oil. Coconut oil comes with a tonne of benefits and we've listed some of them below - check them out now.

Contains lots of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids

Lauric acid is the main fat source in coconut oil and applying coconut oil to your hair will leave it shiny, smooth and soft due to this source of fat. Coconut oil also contains vitamin E and K as well as zinc and iron. These nutrients work to improve scalp health and oxygenation of the hair follicles along with promoting hair strength and health.

It can repair breakages and damage to hair

Coconut oil protects the hair by penetrating the hair shaft and getting past the cuticle. This helps to repair hair from the inside as well as protect it from the outside. It supports healthy hair that does not break easily.

Applying coconut oil to brittle hair may help to prevent further breakages and help to repair the ones that have already happened. It may also stop split ends.

May strengthen hair cuticles

Coconut oil has the ability to strengthen the hair cuticle. It saturates and closes the cuticle and protects it from any environmental toxins. This protection means that damaging chemicals and pollutants in the air cannot affect the health of your hair cuticle, and therefore your hair strands.

It tames the frizz

There are a few ways that coconut oil can tame frizzy hair. The way coconut oil smoothes the cuticle is an effective anti-frizz remedy but coconut oil also stops the hair from absorbing moisture. This moisture can cause frizzy hair and so coconut oil can protect against it.

Can protect against UV rays

UV rays can be incredibly damaging for the hair, causing discolouration, brittle strands, and broken and split ends and so protecting against them is a good idea. Coconut oil has a natural SPF concentration and can protect against 20% of UV rays.

It can help to fight dandruff

Dandruff is caused by quite a number of different things. Coconut oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant, and it can repair the barrier of the skin, this means that whatever your dandruff is caused by, coconut oil can help.

Coconut oil also helps to boost the good bacteria in the skin and scalp which helps to fight dandruff.

It's moisturising

Coconut oil is incredibly high in saturated fat and it is coconut oil's chemical structure that can protect hair and moisturise it. It is particularly good for dry hair as it seals in moisture.

Final thoughts

Coconut oil is great for hair. It protects and moisturises hair as well as is able to fight off dandruff and repair any breakages. Coconut oil is found in a whole bunch of hair products and is used to moisturise and protect.

To find out more about the coconut oil products we offer on our site, take a look at our hair care category today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coconut oil help hair growth?

Yes. Coconut oil is full of lots of beneficial nutrients which can help your hair grow thick and long. As well as these vitamins and minerals, coconut oil can help to protect both undamaged and damaged hair by strengthening strands and repairing damage already caused by breakages. Applying coconut oil will help hair to grow with fewer breakages.

How long should you leave coconut oil in your hair?

Coconut oil can be left on your hair from 20 minutes to overnight - it depends on what you're using it for. You can use coconut oil 20 - 30 minutes before a shower. Leave the coconut oil on hair and then wash out in the shower for a pre-shower treatment or you can rub it into your hair overnight and let it soak deeply into the hair. You could also apply coconut oil to wet hair as a post-shower treatment for deep moisture.

What are the benefits of coconut oil for your hair?

Coconut oil comes with tonnes of benefits which include the ability to protect and repair damages in hair as well as moisturise it deeply. Coconut oil strengthens the hair cuticle and saturates the hair shaft to protect it from outside toxins. It can also protect the hair against UV rays which can be incredibly damaging for the hair, causing discolouration, brittle strands and broken and split ends. Coconut oil may also be able to fight dandruff due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Coconut oil has lots of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids and adding these to your hair can help it to grow thick and long.

Can I use coconut oil on my hair every day?

Yes, you can. Using coconut oil on your hair every day can provide a nourishing and moisturising treatment. You can add it into your hair care routine easily. You could use it pre-wash, leaving coconut oil in your hair for 20 - 30 minutes before washing it out, or apply it to wet hair after your shower for a nourishing post-wash treatment. Additionally, you could leave coconut oil on your hair overnight for a deep mask treatment. Coconut oil is extremely beneficial for your hair and can help it grow thick and long. It will protect and moisturise your hair and add lots of nutrients to your hair and scalp.