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.
What Does Coconut Oil for Hair Do?
Coconut oil has been a multitasker since day one, in and out of the kitchen. Now, it's an essential beauty care product for both skin and hair. They act as a moisturiser, as hair regrowth oil, and as a treatment for damaged hair. Interestingly, all hair types get dazed at the sight of coconut oil.
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.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair
Supports Hair Growth
Coconut oil is capable of growing the hair indirectly by moisturising it. It does this by forming a thin layer around each strand, providing moisture and sealing it in, in a way that prevents dryness. Using coconut oil also helps to prevent friction that can happen from styling activities like combing. With a few drops of coconut oil in your hair mask, you can 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. The more protein your hair has, the less damage, breakage, and loss.
Relieves Dandruff
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can combat the growth of Malassezia. It is also good for the scalp and is absorbed easily because of its light weight and penetrating power. You don't have to drench your hair in so much oil. Just a little can stop flaking. This makes it great for a pre-poo treatment.
If you battle serious flaking and dandruff, coconut oil isn't the solution. You should reach for better options like GK Hair's Anti-dandruff Shampoo and Argan Oil Serum.
Helps Your Hair Feel Young and Alive
Hair can grow old. This happens when it is exposed to UV rays and pollution for a long time. Your hair starts aging with signs like roughness, dryness, frizz, greying, 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.
What Can Coconut Oil for Hair Be Used For?
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.
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 some 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. Go ahead with a few drops on your length. Before then, warm it up for better results before using it.
As a Styler
We know how frizz can ruin the entire look even after styling. 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 and yet cool, apply a small amount of conditioner to your length and let it sit for some hours. Some people prefer to leave it on overnight, and that works, too. 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.
Do you know How to Use a Hair Mask Properly? Here Are Common Mistakes to Avoid.
For Definition
To be candid, coconut oil works better on thick and curly hair than on fine, thin hair. This is not far-fetched because most of the ill signs that coconut oil tackles are majorly curly hair problems. Coconut oil can moisturise every part of the hair, leaving it soft, shinier and well-defined. Leave it to work just like the leave-in conditioner and watch your hair glow with definition.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
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Use a Small Dose of Unrefined Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can be somewhat heavy on hair when too much is applied. So start with a small dose. Fine hair can use just a teaspoon, while curly hair can have two teaspoons.
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Warm It Up: Like the hot oil treatment, coconut oil is best used when hot. Apply a few drops or a teaspoon of oil on your palm. Rub together to create that heat, then rub on your hair. Avoid microwaving coconut oil unless you'll do that for 2-3 seconds. Too much can damage the oil.
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Blend With Other Oils: There are numerous great combinations of oils with the coconut oil that work for hair. Some are from argan, almond, avocado, castor, and linseed plants. Adding fragrances like peppermint can give some extra side benefits.
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Apply Lightly: Start at the midsection and go down to the ends.
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Do a Patch Test: If using the coconut oil for hair is completely new to you, try it first on your skin and see how you react to it before applying it onto your hair.
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Shampoo Repeatedly: Rinse your hair several times with a Moisturising Shampoo to remove any trace of grease that can cause heaviness. Do it again, but with mostly water this time.
Wrap Up
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. It's also possible to have your hair weighed down by coconut 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, and your hair will be glad you did.
