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A common kitchen cupboard staple is known to have beauty benefits: coconut oil. The good news? It can transform your hair in just a few weeks. Coconut oil is much more than just a simple ingredient – easy, versatile and highly nourishing, all thanks to its composition of fatty acids and vitamins, it’s fast becoming a staple in our hair routines. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of coconut oil for your hair, the hair types that benefit most from it, and how to use it for the best results.
The benefits of coconut oil for hair
Intensive nourishment
One of coconut oil’s main assets is its ability to penetrate deep into the hair fibre, providing intense hydration and nourishment. It’s the oil’s lauric acid content, a medium-chain fatty acid, that enables rapid, effective absorption.
Reduces breakage
Coconut oil helps reduce hair breakage by strengthening hair structure. By forming a protective layer around the hair and stopping too much water being absorbed into the hair shaft, it minimises daily damage, from simple brushing to external aggressors such as pollution and UV rays.
Improves scalp health
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that are great for helping maintain a healthy scalp and preventing any irritations such as dandruff, itching and even infections.
Promotes hair growth
Coconut oil is a good option for anyone in search of boosting their hair growth – by reducing breakage and nourishing the scalp, it creates an optimal environment for hair growth. As it’s so moisturising, it also helps prevent dry split ends, promoting longer, healthier hair.
What hair types can coconut oil be used on?
Coconut oil is suitable for many hair types, but its benefits vary according to the nature and condition of your hair.
On fine hair
Coconut oil should be used sparingly on fine hair. Use it excessively and it can weigh hair down and make it greasy, too quickly. Instead, try using it as a pre-shampoo mask to avoid any oily residue.
On curly and frizzy hair
Curly hair and hair that can get frizzy are often dry by nature, so they benefit greatly from the deep nourishment provided by coconut oil. It can help define curls and reduce frizz, while adding shine and softness.
For colour-treated and bleached hair
For colour-treated or bleached hair, coconut oil offers protection against damage caused by chemical treatments. It helps maintain moisture and prolong the colour life, while also protecting the hair fibre.
How to use coconut oil in the hair
As a pre-shampoo mask
Apply coconut oil generously to dry hair, concentrating on ends and dry areas. Leave on for 30 minutes or all night before rinsing and washing with a mild shampoo.
Oil bath
For intense hydration, create an oil bath for your hair by wrapping a warm towel around it after applying coconut oil. The heat will help the oil penetrate deeper into the fibre.
Daily care
For dry ends, apply a small amount of coconut oil to the ends of your hair to nourish and prevent split ends.
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
