The list of benefits of coconut is endless. No wonder grandmas used to have such long and thick hair due to their regular use of coconut oil and coconut milk to massage their hair and scalp.
You will be awed to know that coconut contains several beneficial ingredients for the skin and hair. These include lauric acid, proteins, and vitamins B, C, and E, among others.
In addition, coconut is an extraordinary ingredient for hair maintenance. It softens the hair and fights against bacteria and fungi on the scalp to keep it clear. It is also known to penetrate the hair shaft more than mineral oil.
So, if you are exploring options for a chemical-free deep hair conditioner, then look no further than coconut. (1)
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Will a Coconut-Based Conditioner Nourish Your Hair?
These are just some of the reasons to use coconut-based oil and milk as a hair conditioner:
1. Works as a natural deep conditioner
Deep conditioning is necessary to maintain thick and healthy hair. Coconut oil/milk works as a natural deep conditioner as it contains fatty acids, including lauric acid, that reach deep into the roots and nourish them.
Many mineral-based hair oils are sold nowadays, but coconut hair oil has been scientifically proven to penetrate the hair strands the most and prevent the loss of protein in the hair during the combing and washing process.
Use coconut oil/milk before washing and post-wash to deep condition your hair. (2) Massage your hair from the roots to the ends.
2. Eliminates hair dryness
Coconut oil works best as a moisturizer that can relieve the dryness of your hair.
Mineral hair oil, a common oil used on the hair, has a thin consistency and doesn’t hydrate the hair and scalp as much as coconut oil.
Coconut oil, on the other hand, contains a triglyceride of lauric acid that has a great affinity for proteins in the hair. Coupled with low molecular weight and a straight linear chain, coconut oil can easily penetrate and nourish the hair shaft. (3)
3. Protects the hair from harmful UV rays
Just as you are particular about applying sunscreen with SPF on your face and exposed body parts, you must also nourish and keep your hair protected from the harmful effects of the sun.
Coconut hair oil can protect the hair from harmful UV rays and prevent hair breakage. So, don’t go out in the hot summer without applying coconut oil to your hair. (4)
4. Keeps the scalp clean
Coconut has been long used to keep the hair and scalp free from bacteria and fungus that cause disorders such as dandruff. The scalp is a dark and humid place and is perfect for the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Applying coconut oil regularly to the scalp can eliminate these harmful microorganisms and help you have a clean and healthy scalp.
Ways to Use Coconut to Nourish Your Hair
Here are a few ways to use coconut oil on your hair:
a. Coconut oil and onion juice hair pack
- Mix 2 tablespoons of extracted onion juice, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil such as tea tree or lavender oil.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, and massage with your fingers in circular motions.
- Onions have a pungent odor, so keep the mixture in your hair for only 30–45 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a good-quality shampoo and conditioner.
b. Coconut milk as a nourishing hair mask
- Heat ¼ cup of coconut milk on a stove.
- When it is slightly warm, remove it from the flame, apply it to the scalp, and massage it for 10 minutes.
- Coconut milk is a natural conditioner, so you can apply it to your hair as well.
- Wear a shower cap to prevent the hair mask from dripping to your face.
- After 1 hour, wash your hair with a good-quality shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this nourishing mask once a week to see a transformation in your hair.
c. Coconut milk and lemon juice hair mask
- Mix 4 tablespoons of coconut milk and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a bowl.
- Cover the bowl and allow it to rest in the fridge for four hours.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and wear a shower cap to prevent the hair mask from dripping.
- Allow the mixture to stay on your hair for 45 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a good-quality shampoo and conditioner.
Try this hair mask to naturally nourish your hair and get rid of any itchiness or oiliness in your scalp.
d. Fenugreek, onion juice, and coconut milk mask
- Mix 2 tablespoons of fenugreek powder, 2 tablespoons of onion juice, and 1 tablespoon of coconut milk to form a paste.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a good-quality shampoo and conditioner.
General Queries Related to Coconut for Hair Care
How can you repair damaged hair without cutting it off?
You don’t have to chop a great length of your hair, but you should snip off the ends of your tresses every 3–4 months. Regular deep hair conditioning using natural remedies such as coconut can help your hair stay hydrated.
Can coconut oil aid in regrowing hair?
Yes, coconut oil can aid in regrowing hair, but you have to use it frequently to see actual results.
How do you use coconut oil for damaged hair?
To get your damaged hair in shape, you should use coconut oil daily. Deep condition your hair for half an hour before showering.
Wear a shower cap while the coconut is in your hair as the heat helps the hair absorb the nutrients and vitamins of coconut oil.
Final Word
Coconut is a boon to humans because of its multiple uses and benefits. Regular use of this fruit in the form of coconut milk or oil can do wonders for your hair.
Use coconut milk and coconut oil in different masks and with other beneficial oils such as olive oil, amla oil, and argan oil to take care of your crowning glory.
References
- Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, et al. Longitudinal Study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals. Scientific reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8012655/. Published March 31, 2021.
- RB; RASM. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of cosmetic science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/.
- Gavazzoni Dias MFR. Hair cosmetics: An overview. International journal of trichology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/. Published 2015.
- Kaur CD, Saraf S. In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics. Pharmacognosy research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/. Published January 2010.