Coconut oil has been coming through during beauty emergencies even long before brands came up with high-end serums, oils, and conditioners. In every country, even the UK, coconut oil was the hero product in hair care no one joked about. Despite the several new products on shelves, many people are still exploring the wonder of this natural hair oil.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Hair?
Yes, coconut oil is good for your hair because it contains lauric acid, which is able to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. Coconut oil also helps hair retain moisture and prevents damage by easing friction between hair strands.
One downside? Coconut oil isn’t magical and doesn’t work for absolutely every single person. Your hair type plays a role in how well coconut oil works for you.
Coconut oil has been an interesting multitasker since day one, in and out of the kitchen. Now, it's an essential beauty care product for both skin and hair. It is both a fatty acid rich conditioner and, to a certain extent, antimicrobial. One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found coconut oil was more effective at decreasing protein loss than mineral oil and sunflower oil, even after shampooing.
Its timeless magic transforms hair from frazzled to frizz-free. To top it all, it has a delicious-smelling fragrance that can be so tempting for everyday use. Many may find coconut oil better because it is more of a natural route, but what are the top benefits? Plus, are there some side effects that make serums like GK Hair’s Argan Oil Serum a better option? You'll find out.
Coconut Oil for Hair Benefits
Supports Hair Growth
Coconut oil is capable of growing the hair indirectly by moisturising it. It doesn't contain any growth-inducing compound on its own, rather it creates the condition for growth. It does this by forming a thin layer around each strand, providing moisture and sealing it in, in a way that prevents dryness.
GK Hair stylists also find clients who use a weekly coconut oil pre-poo to retain their length better over periods of 8-12 weeks, especially those who have type 3 and 4 curls. Using coconut oil can help prevent friction that can happen from styling activities like combing. Apply a few drops of coconut oil with your hair mask and achieve long, shiny hair.
Prevents Hair Loss
A warm press of this liquid gold, thanks to its vitamin E and fatty acid content, helps prevent hair loss. If you notice your strands are all over the place and in your comb, then they need a moisturiser like coconut oil. Coconut oil for hair helps control loss by coating the protein of your hair and thus preventing protein loss.
In comparison with other natural oils, research says coconut oil is the best oil for lowering protein loss in hair, perhaps what makes it one of the top coconut oil for hair benefits. The more protein your hair has, the less damage, breakage, and loss. If you’re struggling with excess hair fall, look to a shampoo treatment and then a serum designed specifically for that problem like GK Hair's Argan Oil Serum.
Best for: damaged, over-processed or colour-treated hair.
Relieves Dandruff
Coconut oil acts as a natural antimicrobial which helps keep yeast under control. That yeast is called Malassezia and is the primary cause of dandruff. Unlike heavier oils, coconut oil is light enough and absorbs quickly into the hair fibre without leaving your scalp weighed down or greasy. You only need a small amount (no need to soak the roots) for it to work well as part of a pre-poo routine and see if it clears up the dandruff and stops flaking. If otherwise, try our Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Best for: oily scalps with recurring dandruff
Slows Hair Ageing
Hair can grow old. This is primarily caused by exposure to UV rays, pollution and repeated heat styling. Your hair could start to age and you may notice symptoms like roughness at the cuticle, dryness, frizz, grey areas, and split ends.
Using coconut oil for hair or hair care products containing natural ingredients like coconut oil keeps the hair young and healthy. It does this by increasing the hair's thickness and forming a protective barrier. It's always best if you use products formulated with coconut oil as its primary ingredient rather than a fancy label on a bottle.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
Apply a small warmed amount from the mid-lengths to tip. For most hair types, a teaspoon or less is enough. Too much will make your hair greasy and require multiple showers to wash out. You can either choose to apply it before or after washing. In a GK Hair partner salon testing, clients who applied coconut oil before washing with GK Hair's Moisturising Shampoo reported 40% less post-wash breakage over 8 weeks.
As a Pre-poo Treatment
Before using the shampoo, apply a few drops of coconut oil on your length and scalp, then massage gently. Leave it on your hair for about 5-10 minutes before rinsing out. You can leave it on for longer though, depending on how deep you want the penetration to be. For example, 30 minutes to an hour produces better results.
Some of the regular shampoos contain coconut oil, so it's safe for use. Although shampoos are mostly used on the scalp, the coconut oil works well on the length of your hair too, so feel free. Sounds interesting? Apply to damp hair and feel the difference.
As a Moisturiser or Conditioner
On low-manipulation days, swap the conditioner for coconut oil unless you are using a conditioner or cream like GK Hair's Leave-in Bombshell Cream that contains coconut oil already alongside other conditioning agents. In that case, no need to double up. Just go ahead with a few drops on your length. Before then, warm it up for better results before using it.
Best for: dry, coarse and curly hair
We know how frizz can ruin the entire look even after styling, that's why knowing how to use coconut oil for hair is important for frizz control. You can apply the conditioner on dry or damp hair and still enjoy well-laid hair. Your hair will look shinier and wetter, and be grateful to you for it.
As a Hair Mask
Many hair treatments exist for different functions. If you want to try something less expensive yet cool, apply a small amount of the coconut oil to your length and let it sit for some hours. Some people prefer to leave it on overnight, and that works, too, especially if your hair is thirsty. Remember to cover your hair with a shower cap or towel, though—you do not want to stain your pillow. GK Hair's The Best Vegan Hair Treatment contains coconut oil as a primary ingredient, so you can achieve more things with it than with coconut oil alone.
Best for: all hair types, especially heat-damaged hair.
Not sure you're using your mask correctly? Read How to Use a Hair Mask Properly and the Common Mistakes people make.
Stylist's Corner
Your hair porosity changes everything, from how you apply to what quantity to apply. For low-porosity hair (smooth, resistant cuticles), you'll need heat to let the coconut oil in. Warm the oil first, then apply it to damp hair and let it sit under a hooded dryer for 20–30 minutes. High-porosity hair, on the other hand, absorbs oil quickly but doesn't retain it. Without something to lock moisture in, coconut oil will run right out. Seal it with a hair butter or cream on top of your oil. GK Hair stylists recommend pairing your coconut oil pre-poo with Moisturising Shampoo immediately after, to prevent losing the oil along the drain.
Final Thoughts
Coconut oil is one of the best natural treatments you can give your hair but it has its own side effects. Some people are allergic to coconut oil, and so, safer options like Argan Oil Serum could come in handy. Also don't get your hair heavy with oil. If one or two drops can make a difference, then you shouldn't use a teaspoon. For a better at-home hair care experience, go with lightweight moisturisers from GK Hair Moisture and Hydration collection, and your hair will thank you!
