For a long time, coconut oil has been associated with weight loss due to its composition. However, some cultures have also touted its properties for hair. Coconut oil for hair? Yes! It can actually help protect the hair and scalp of people.
It would be easy to dismiss any of these claims as old wives’ tales, but actual studies have been conducted to determine if they’re true or not. What is it about coconut oil that makes it so effective in nurturing, moisturizing, and protecting our hair? Is it really effective for hair or is that just a myth? Can we apply coconut oil for hair growth?
What Is in Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is from the dried fruit (nut) of the coconut palm tree. Although it is called an oil, it is essentially solid at room temperature, more like the texture and consistency of vegetable shortening. Coconut oil is nearly 100% fat, and 82% to 92% of it is saturated fat.
It is extracted from the coconut and retains many beneficial ingredients. Coconut oil also has natural properties like lauric acid, a major element, which has antimicrobial and antibacterial effect. It also has an effect on transepidermal water loss, meaning it keeps moisture on the face and hair. that is why it is currently used in many skin and hair products. This is why some dermatologists often recommend it for its moisturizing and possible anti-aging properties.
Coconut Oil for Hair
Historically, coconut oil has been used as a hair dressing in developing countries. This is mostly in the tropical regions of the globe where the coconut is cultivated extensively. Prolonged use of this type of oil has been known to lead to healthy-looking long hair. This suggests that coconut oil may prevent damage to the cuticle.
A study from 2003 noted that coconut oil was better used as a pre-wash conditioner as compared to mineral oil and other vegetable oils such as sunflower oil. The coconut oil had a protective effect on undamaged hair. It also had a protective effect on chemically treated hair, UV-treated hair, and hair treated with boiling water.
As recently as March 2021, another study reported on the effects of topical application of coconut oil on the scalp microbiome on 140 Indian women. The study revealed coconut to be beneficial in maintaining a healthy scalp and reducing dandruff.
A number of small studies have also shown that plant oils can be used to treat lice. Since coconut oil, olive oil, rosemary oil, and tea tree oil are classified as “natural” products, they are not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their safety and effectiveness have not yet been tested using FDA standards.
Coconut oil products may also be useful in preventing hair damage, especially during grooming and ultraviolet exposure. Still, more studies need to be conducted to confirm this effect.
Key Takeaways
Coconut oil may have been viewed for its weight loss properties in some cultures but its uses for hair have also been embraced. Studies have shown that it has proven beneficial in the protection and even moisturization of hair follicles and scalps.
Applying coconut oil on hair has been credited as helpful in treating head lice. Further studies on its effectiveness are needed but the results are very promising.
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