Coconut oil is very popular and frequently preferred as hair
oil worldwide. Before you start using this oil for its many beneficial,
functions, perhaps you should find out what makes it so special, and why
millions of people choose to use it.
Coconut oil is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals
which are good for the human body. However, coconut oil is not limited to hair;
it is used in the preparation of cosmetic soaps and creams, and in Asian
countries, it is also used for preparing various kinds of food and salads.
Coconut oil has been in use as hair oil for thousands of
years, and it has shown remarkable results. Certain components in it keep the
hair strong, nourished and protected from the effects of premature aging, like
baldness and excessive hair loss. Let’s see what some of those benefits to hair
are, and what components of coconut oil are responsible!
Hair Loss:
Coconut oil has been used since ancient times in India for grooming hair.
Various remedies were prepared using herbs and coconut oil to prevent hair
loss. One such remedy can be prepared in modern times by boiling sage leaves in
coconut oil. This mixture can be applied to the scalp for the improvement of
healthy hair, and its use will also prevent hair loss.
Applying a mixture of lime water and coconut oil can also
provide relief from hair loss, as does the mixture of coconut oil and
gooseberries. Boil the gooseberries in coconut oil and then apply it on the
hair.
Hair Damage: The
use of coconut oil on hair helps to reduce protein loss in both damaged as well
as undamaged hair. Coconut oil rich in lauric acid, has a high affinity for
hair protein, and easily penetrates inside the hair shaft, which is due to its
low molecular weight. It can be used for pre-wash or post-wash hair grooming.
Cooling Properties:
The application of coconut oil on the head and scalp also has a cooling effect.
It can cool and soothe people with hot heads, or those who suffer from severe
scalp sweating.
Moisture Retention:
Coconut oil has a high moisture retaining capacity, since it is not easily
broken down nor evaporated, being very stable. It does not let moisture escape,
thus keeping hair moist and soft, which prevents breakage of hair.
Hair Conditioning:
Coconut oil is a better conditioner for hair than any synthetic one available
in the market. Use of warm coconut oil helps in keeping hair shimmering and
soft. Apply some warm oil at night and wash your hair the next morning. This
can be repeated every few days for healthy, strong and conditioned hair.
Anti-Dandruff:
The various fatty acids present in coconut oil serve as very good anti-dandruff
agents and are far better than any anti-dandruff shampoo. Regular application
of coconut oil can help you get rid of dandruff forever. Coconut oil mixed with
lukewarm water and castor oil can also be effective in treating dandruff.
Massage the scalp and hair with this mixture for ideal results.
Another home remedy for dandruff can be prepared by mixing
coconut oil with sesame oil. Apply this mixture for about 30 minutes and then
shampoo the hair.
Styling: Coconut oil can be a good styling oil for hair as
well, as it melts on heating and then condenses when cooled. Therefore, when
you apply it on your hair, it thins and spreads evenly due to the heat of the
scalp. Soon afterwards, as the hair comes in contact with air, the oil on the
hair condenses, thus working as a styling gel or cream.
Lice Protection: Lice are a very common pest found in the
hair and can cause embarrassment for anyone. They also have a tendency to come
back again and again. There are many chemical products available for the
treatment of lice, but unfortunately, they can also damage the scalp and hair
due to their strong chemical components. Combing wet hair with a fine comb is a
good remedy for getting rid of lice but this may also damage the wet hair.
However, if one coats the wet hair with coconut oil, it becomes much easier to
comb and subsequently remove the lice.
Hair Care for Dry Hair: For people with dry hair that is
rough and thin, taking good care of your hair is a big concern. However, using
strong hair care products for cleansing, toning and conditioning may lead to a
dry and flaky scalp. Coconut oil can be effective in taking care of this sort
of dry hair.
Hair Toning: Coconut oil also helps in the toning of hair,
especially dry hair. Apply a warm mixture of coconut oil and lavender essential
oil on scalp at night, then wash and rinse your hair the next morning. You may
repeat this as frequently as you want until you see your desired results.
Hair Conditioning:
Hair conditioner can be easily prepared at home using coconut oil. It is
not only effective; it also does not have side effects. Mix some henna with coconut oil and warm milk
to make a paste. Apply this to the hair for 20 minutes and then rinse hair
properly. This hair conditioner is very effective, particularly for dry hair.
Boils: Some people experience the condition of boils on the
scalp, especially during the winter. This may also happen if exposed to heat or
sun for a long duration. It is important to keep both the hair and scalp clean,
and occasional massaging of the hair with a mixture of coconut oil and olive
oil may provide relief from the uncomfortable and unsightly problem of boils.
However, if the problem persists, it is advisable to contact your health care
specialist.
Split Ends: If you have a lot of split ends in your hair, it
is generally advised to cut them, but in case this problem appears on a small number
of your hair strands, then you can use simple home remedies to solve the
problem. Massage your hair with a mixture of coconut oil and almond oil for a
few minutes; this will help in minimizing the split ends and joining them back
together.
Gray Hair and Baldness: Coconut oil is also beneficial for
preventing baldness and gray hair. Try mixing Bhringraj or Eclipta Alba leaf
juice into coconut oil and apply this on the scalp and hair.
Coconut oil is widely available in the market. Many people
choose an odorless variety, use it for any and all hair conditions, and reap
all the benefits of a healthy head of hair!
From organicfacts
