Coconut Oil For Hair Growth

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can help relieve dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. It’s also a great moisturizer that can help with dry hair (and skin). In fact, unlike most oils, coconut oil has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize the hair, while other oils generally act as a sealant by sitting on top of the hair, trapping moisture inside. The fatty acids found in coconut oil nourish your hair and scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Remember that everyone’s hair is different; some people will have more success using coconut oil than others.

As you probably know, your scalp produces an oil known as sebum. This oil naturally moisturizes the hair as it travels down the length of your strands. This can cause straight hair to become greasy after a couple days. Naturally curly/kinky hair, on the other hand, is more prone to dryness because all the bends and twists in each strand make it harder for the sebum to makes its way down to the ends of the hair. For this reason, coconut oil is especially beneficial for natural hair because it can help replenish some of the moisture your hair is missing out on.

Coconut oil works wonders for some people’s hair and does the exact opposite for others. Don’t try to force coconut oil to work for your hair. If your hair doesn’t tolerate it, then it’s best to avoid using it. You can have a bad reaction to any product, even an all-natural one. If you notice that your scalp is irritated or if you start experiencing more breakage or hair loss than usual, stop using coconut oil immediately. It’s always a good idea to keep a hair journal to keep track of how your hair reacts to different ingredients and techniques. Coconut oil tends to solidify when it’s cold, so even if it usually works well for you, it might make your hair feel stiff if you use it during the winter months.

Not all coconut oil is made equal. For the best results, always use the best quality oil you can find, which usually means oil that has been minimally processed. Look for unrefined or virgin/extra-virgin coconut oil; if it’s organic, that’s even better. Always make sure you buy your coconut oil from a reputable vendor and make sure you read the labels; some “oil blends” are marketed as coconut oil, but they may contain cheap fillers. Three popular brands of coconut oil that are highly rated and known for their quality are Viva Naturals , Nature’s Way, and Nutiva.

One way to use coconut oil for hair growth is to use it for hot oil treatments. Many people notice a positive difference in the way their hair looks and feels when they do hot oil treatments regularly. These treatments are easy to incorporate into your routine. Pour the oil into a heat-safe container and place it in a pot of hot (not boiling water) for a couple minutes. Try using a bottle with an applicator tip for easy application. Test the oil on your arm first to make sure it’s not too hot. Divide your hair into sections and apply the coconut oil from roots to tips then cover your hair with a plastic cap. Leave the oil on your hair for about 30 minutes then rinse well and wash your hair as you normally would. As an alternative, you can apply the coconut oil to your hair first, then sit under a warm hair dryer to help heat up the oil. Washing your hair can strip your hair of moisture and hot oil treatments help reduce the amount of moisture that is lost during this process.

Similar to hot oil treatments, a pre poo treatment involves applying coconut oil to your hair and letting it sit for about 30 minutes or so before shampooing, the difference being that no heat is required. You can use coconut oil on its own, or add your favorite conditioner for extra moisture. The coconut oil will soften and lubricate your strands and make detangling easier. You can dampen your hair with water before applying the coconut oil if desired. You may still need to detangle during the conditioning process, but pre pooing with coconut oil can help get rid of any larger tangles beforehand, making the entire process easier. Most of all, pre pooing with coconut oil can reduce breakage, helping you retain more length.

A moisturized, clean scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. If you don’t regularly give yourself scalp massages, consider adding them to your regular routine. Clogged hair follicles can affect hair growth. Massaging your scalp with coconut oil can help remove buildup. Scalp massages also encourage blood flow to the scalp which can help stimulate growth. If you struggle with dandruff, coconut oil may help remedy the issue. You can massage your scalp before or after shampooing. If you choose to do it after or in between washes, be sure not to use too much oil. For some people, massaging the scalp before washing the hair works better.

You can add a small amount of coconut oil to your favorite shampoo for a boost of moisture. Diluting your shampoo with oil may also provide some slip, allowing you to begin the detangling process. It’s best to transfer the shampoo to another container, then add the oil. This way you can set aside just the amount of shampoo you’ll need for one wash before mixing in the oil. If the shampoo is a little drying, you can also dilute it a bit with a small amount of water. The addition of the water and coconut oil will make a huge difference in how your hair feels without sacrificing the shampoo’s cleansing power.

Another way to use coconut oil to help with hair growth is to incorporate it into your deep conditioning treatment. You can either add it to your store-bought deep conditioner or go the DIY route and make your own deep conditioner from scratch. You can experiment with different recipes by combining coconut oil with other nourishing ingredients such as honey, avocado, eggs, and/or other oils such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave the conditioner on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Your ends are the oldest, most vulnerable part of your hair, so it’s important to give them a little extra TLC. The longer your hair gets, the more vulnerable your ends become because they end up rubbing against your shoulders, the headrest in your car, you name it. Using coconut oil to seal your ends is a great way to protect them from damage caused by everyday wear and tear. Consider sealing your ends with coconut oil every time you wash and/or moisturize your hair. This will help keep your ends lubricated and protect them from breakage. As previously mentioned, coconut oil also has the ability to moisturize your hair, making it even more ideal to use on your ends. This step won’t necessarily help with hair growth, but it can help with length retention which is a common obstacle on the road to longer, healthier hair.

If you use the LOC (liquid, oil, cream) method, consider using coconut oil for that crucial “O” step. Coconut oil is an ideal choice because it’s lightweight, so it works well even if you have fine strands. As with any oil, a little goes a long way. Be careful not to use too much coconut oil as it can weigh your hair down and make it feel greasy. If you use the LOC method, you definitely want to make sure you don’t use too much oil; you want to give your hair a chance to absorb the cream you apply afterward.

As you can see, there are several ways you can use coconut oil for hair growth. Coconut oil can greatly improve the health of your scalp and lead to longer, stronger hair. It may take some trial and error to determine which methods work best for your hair (and your lifestyle). You don’t have to use it every day to see results, but incorporating coconut oil into your hair care routine can really benefit the overall health of your hair and improve hair growth.