Natural Shine: The Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Your Hair

Does your hair look a little lackluster these days? You may have heard that coconut oil can help with this — but is it true or just another internet myth?

While coconut oil isn't a magical elixir for hair growth, it does have a variety of benefits that are worth including in your hair care routine. Here's everything we know about coconut oil for hair.

Coconut oil is unique in that it can penetrate the hair shaft. Because of this, it can strengthen hair, prevent hair fall and reduce split ends. The end result: hair that appears thicker and more voluminous.

It's also all-natural, easy to use and find, and less expensive than many high-end hair products that offer similar benefits.

Speaking of advantages...

Want flowy, bouncy, shiny straight hair? Time to raid your pantry. Here are some of the benefits and uses of coconut oil for your hair.

• deep conditioning. Coconut oil is extra nourishing and makes for the perfect deep conditioning treatment a few times a month.
  
• Thorough cleaning. Coconut oil can help cleanse the buildup of natural oils and hair products at your roots.
  
• Dandruff Control. The moisturizing, anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can help with stubborn dandruff. It is also antifungal.
  
• Unravel. Do you have a super stubborn knot? Massage some coconut oil into hair to make brushing out the knot easier without damaging your hair.
  
• Seem to be. Just a tiny bit of coconut oil can add some shine to dull hair without making it look greasy.
  
• heat protection. Pretreating your hair with coconut oil before heat styling can help protect your hair from heat damage.
  
• lice treatment. Surprisingly, it's also a pretty good home remedy for lice.

• hair growth. While there's not much evidence that coconut oil makes your hair grow longer (we can dream of that, right?), it helps promote the healthy environment your scalp needs to stimulate growth.

Plus, it smells like a tropical vacation. What's better than that?

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so you'll need to prep it a bit so it's easier to work into your hair.

Place a dollop in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 10-second increments until the oil is soft but not hot. (We're trying to condition, not fry.)

Alternatively, you can rub some room-temperature coconut oil in your hands until it melts. Then select your desired benefit and apply for it accordingly:

• Deep hair mask. Apply coconut oil liberally to hair from root to tip and leave on for 30 minutes. Try wrapping your hair in a towel after applying to seal in moisture and avoid a mess. Next, shampoo and rinse out the oil. Mask hair up to once a week.
  
• Unravel. Gently work a small amount of coconut oil into the bun, being careful not to break the hair or pull it through the bun. Then, gently work the knot with a detangling brush or comb.
  
• heat protection. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to damp hair before blow drying or a thin amount to dry hair before heat styling. Because coconut oil is a natural heat protectant, it can help reduce damage from flat irons and other hot tools.
  
• Seem to be. Take a small dab of coconut oil and brush or comb it into your hair. Be sure to avoid your scalp and roots so it doesn't look greasy.
  
• Lice. Apply coconut oil liberally to your hair, then cover your hair with a shower cap overnight to kill the lice and brush out with a fine-toothed comb.

Healthy hair starts from within. Give your body what it needs and practice a few hair care habits, and you'll be on your way to Rapunzel-like locks. Here are a few more ways to unlock healthy locks:

• take your vitamins Providing your body with essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D and E will support all of the processes that maintain healthy hair (we're talking growth, cell regeneration and sebum production - aka the oil that keeps hair shiny and keeps shiny). yummy). You can reach for hair growth supplements or take a daily multivitamin. Just remember to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.
  
• stop stressing We know it's easier said than done, but stress does have a real physical impact. Chronic stress can even affect your hair. Take the time to prioritize self-care and remove unnecessary stressors from your life. You will reap the rewards inside and out.
  
• scalp massage. A daily scalp massage can help stimulate your hair follicles to promote hair growth (ever wondered why they do this in the salon?). It can also help you relax. Incorporate this into your routine by massaging your scalp for 30 to 60 seconds each time you wash your hair. Don't feel like finger work? Invest in a head massager!
  
• Eat a balanced diet. Remember our supplement talk? The food you eat provides the raw materials your body needs to keep your hair healthy. Reach for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein to keep hair strong and shiny.

Hair loss a problem? Don't be afraid to call your doctor. There are over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications to help hair growth. Your doctor can help you create a treatment plan that works for you.

Should I use refined or unrefined coconut oil?

First, let's talk about what refined and unrefined coconut oil is. Unrefined coconut oil is minimally processed and has a strong coconut scent and flavor. Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, goes through additional processing to give it a neutral flavor.

So if you're not a fan of the scent, opt for refined coconut oil as it still offers many of the benefits. However, for the true coconut oil experience (and to ensure you get every bit of coconut goodness in your hair), stick with unrefined coconut oil.

Should I use coconut oil in my hair daily?

It's up to you, and it depends on your hair. If you have really dry hair, giving it a little coconut oil daily may be just what it needs.

However, most people probably don't need to use coconut oil in their hair more than two or three times a week.

What if it makes my hair greasy?

If coconut oil is making your hair look greasy, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Useless. You really don't need much, but it can be very easy to get overzealous with the oil, leaving your hair looking greasy and weighed down.
  
• Use it less often. Do you use it daily? Reduce to once a day. If that's still too much, see how you can get by with just applying coconut oil once or twice a week.
  
• Don't apply it to your scalp. Avoid your scalp and roots to keep your hair from looking greasy, and be sure to wash your hands before running your fingers through your hair. (Trust you will want it.)
  
• Apply before shampooing. If your hair tends to get greasy easily then follow all the tips above AND apply like a hair mask in the shower. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off.

Coconut oil can help you make #HairGoals a reality. It can be used for deep conditioning, adding shine, protecting against heat damage from flat irons and blow dryers and more. And it's super moisturizing and smells AMAZING. It has definitely earned a permanent spot on our bathroom counter.

By: Natural Shine: The Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Your Hair