Coconut oil is a fatty oil that’s traditionally used for cooking, skincare, and hair care treatments. Looking to know how to use coconut oil for hair growth? Here’s the right guide for you.
The oil is derived from raw or dried coconuts and contains several nutrients and fatty acids that can be beneficial to the skin and hair. Although there is no medical research yet to back up claims of coconut oil working for hair growth, plenty of people attests to the fact that it does.
Coconut oil has several benefits to the skin and scalp, which may be why it is believed to help hair growth. Read ahead to find out ways to use coconut oil for hair growth.
How Do You Use Coconut Oil for Hair Growth?
There are several ways to use coconut oil in your routine to promote hair growth. Coconut oil contains natural nutrients that can help to improve your hair and scalp health. The oil helps to moisturize the scalp and prevent irritation and dryness that can cause hair loss and boost growth.
The best way to enjoy the nourishing boost of coconut oil is to stick with unrefined coconut oil. The oil is available in hair care products and you can also get pure coconut oil to use in your hair care routine. You can also make DIY coconut oil in the comfort of your home.
To use coconut oil in your hair care routine, you can apply it as a hair mask or hair oil.
SEE: Is Coconut Oil Good for Hair Growth? Everything You Need to Know
How to Apply Coconut Oil as a Hair Mask
To get the best results, use virgin or extra virgin coconut oil for this process. This allows your hair to enjoy all the nutrients present in the oil’s unrefined form. Follow the process below to use coconut oil as a hair mask.
Start by warming up your coconut oil
Unrefined coconut oil is naturally hard and maybe solid when you try to use it. However, warm it up by rubbing a small amount of it between your palms as this will help to melt the oil. You can also scoop a little portion into a pan and heat it until it melts.
Apply coconut oil to dry hair
Start the application process by sectioning your hair into two or more parts. Since what you want to achieve is hair growth, massage some of the oil into your scalp to deliver nutrients to your hair follicles. After massaging your scalp with the oil, you can now start to apply it to your hair.
Apply the oil starting at the midsection of your hair and continue till you have covered all parts and sides of your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to move and distribute the oil all over your hair. This will help to ensure even distribution of the oil to your hair for an all-around boost.
Leave it for 30 minutes
Allowing the oil to sit on your hair and scalp for 30 minutes will help to condition it deeply to treat your hair concerns. After 30 minutes, you can shampoo and condition your hair as you’d normally do.
You can also leave the hair on overnight for an extra-moisturizing boost. Do this to treat your scalp if you have dry or flaky scalp. Wrap your hair in a shower cap before sleeping to avoid staining your pillow.
Shampoo and condition your hair the next morning. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly a couple of times to get all the oil out. You will notice silky soft hair by the time you are done with the treatment.
Useful tips:
- You can mix the oil with yogurt, honey, or other nutritious ingredients that can help your scalp.
- Use the oil sparingly to avoid buildup.
- Use it only two or three times a week on your hair.
How to Apply Coconut Oil as a Hair Oil
If you would like to use the oil in your everyday hair routine, you can use it as hair oil. Follow the steps below to use the oil correctly.
Start by washing your hair
It is important to know that using the oil too often on dry hair and scalp can cause product buildup and clog your follicles. The best way to avoid this is to apply the oil on wet hair after showering. This will help the oil to penetrate your strands and scalp better.
Warm up the oil
For this, you will need less oil than you would need for a hair mask. Just take out a little amount of the oil to your palm. Rub your palms together for a few seconds till the oil is soft and melted. You can also heat it in a pan to get a more liquid form.
Apply the coconut oil to your hair
Apply the oil through the ends of your strands and to the midsection. This will help to moisturize and detangle your hair. You don’t have to apply it to the roots of the scalp as that can cause excess oil and grease.
Comb through your hair using a wide-tooth comb, as this will help to distribute the oil to your roots and scalp without the risk of the oil build up on your scalp.
Style your hair
After you are done with the application process, you can proceed to style your hair like you normally would. Use a heat protectant to prevent water loss if you intend to blow dry your hair.
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What Does Coconut Oil Do to Promote Hair Growth?
The health of your hair is determined from the root. If your scalp is healthy, then your hair automatically is. Keeping your scalp healthy and clean may help your hair grow more. One lab study reveals that coconut oil helps to fight against some types of fungal infections like dandruff.
Coconut oil contains high-fat content and its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties can help to soothe irritation, flaking, and itchy scalp.
A review noted that coconut oil penetrates the hair quickly and might help to prevent hair breakage and split ends.
Another review also found that the oil may help to maintain protein in the hair to prevent protein loss. This also helps to prevent hair from getting dry or brittle.
Using hot styling tools on your hair can cause hair breakage. However, using coconut oil on your hair before heat-styling can help to protect your hair from heat damage. Coconut oil also helps to protect the hair from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Aside from detailing and making it easy to style your hair, coconut oil can also protect your hair from bleach. It will also give your hair a glossy shine without making it greasy.
SEE: Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Face? Debunking the Rumors
Is It Safe to Use Coconut Oil on All Hair Types?
Coconut oil works well for mostly all hair types from soft and fine to medium and thick hair. The oil’s ability to prevent protein loss will help to increase the volume of the hair. It will also help to prevent damage and breakage while making styling easy.
The oil also works for dry, damaged, stiff, or brittle hair, as it has moisturizing effects on them. However, it is not recommendable for daily use. Apply only a little amount of the oil to your hair and enjoy all the nutritious benefits of the oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you leave coconut oil in your hair?
20 to 30 minutes. You can leave coconut oil in your hair as a hair mask for about 30 minutes before shampooing and washing the oil off your hair.
You can leave the oil in your hair for a much longer time if you have dry or porous hair. Leave the oil in your hair overnight for an extra boost of nourishment.
When to use coconut oil for hair growth?
Before or after washing your hair. You can use your coconut oil for hair growth by applying it before or after washing your hair.
How often should you put coconut oil in my hair?
Two to three times a week. You should only apply coconut oil to your hair two to three times a week.
Using the oil too often can cause protein build-up and make your hair more stuff and decrease elasticity. This will make your hair break and fall out more as you comb and style it.
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Conclusion
Even though there is no medical backup to the claim of using coconut oil for hair growth, it has several benefits to the hair. The oil can make your hair stronger by preventing hair breakage and loss. This will help to promote healthy and lengthy hair strands.
You can use the oil as a hair mask or hair oil to nourish your scalp and hair to promote hair growth. It also works to treat scalp conditions like dandruff.
Thanks for reading.
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