By Shannen Zitz- (Aol)– If you’re looking for a natural solution to split ends or brittle strands, you might wonder: Is coconut oil good for your hair? The hair oil has long been touted as a remedy for dry, damaged hair, with people all over the internet touting benefits like shine, strength, and length.
Despite a slew of products specifically formulated for healthier hair, coconut oil is expert-backed for nearly all hair types and textures. Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University’s Faculty Medical Group in CA, says it is particularly great for anybody with dry, damaged, or curly/textured hair, as it infuses moisture back into the strands.
Meet the experts: Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University’s Faculty Medical Group in CA; Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ; and Kieron Justin, a celebrity hairstylist
Our scalps already naturally produce oil, but “sometimes we just need a little bit extra,” explains Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. “It’s what we do to our hair that strips the hair of its natural oils. So drying the hair [with heat], certain shampoos, hairstyles, and treatments can all dry out your hair,” he adds. “This can make your hair susceptible to injury and fragility.”
Ahead, experts explain the benefits of coconut oil and the best ways to use it for your healthiest, shiniest hair ever.
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil, which is made from the meat of the coconut, contains a variety of fats and fatty acids, says Dr. Lal. This is why it’s so effective at moisturizing and strengthening strands. Specifically, “coconut oil is made up of a fatty acid called lauric acid,” Dr. Luke explains. This is what allows the oil to penetrate the hair shaft, “which [results] in decreased protein loss, water absorption, and greater hair shaft strength in studies,” she explains.
Hair is made up of a variety of different proteins, Dr. Lal adds, so using an oil rich in lauric acid (like coconut oil) helps impart strength to strands.
Benefits of coconut oil for hair
“Coconut oil has a lot of health benefits. It can provide moisture to dry hair by helping to tame frizz and, over time, heal any breakage,” explains Kieron Justin, celebrity hairstylist. “The oil is easily absorbed when worked into the hair and is easy to use and apply.”
More coconut oil hair benefits may include:
Addressing dandruff or dry scalp
Coconut oil also has antimicrobial and potentially anti-inflammatory properties, “which may be helpful in those with dandruff or dry, flaky scalp,” Dr. Luke explains. It’s also very easy to apply to the scalp, Dr. Lal adds, making it a great oil to use for overall scalp health.
Taming frizz
If you’d like to combat frizzy hair, coconut oil may help since it “acts as an emollient,” Dr. Luke says, “coating hair strands, sealing the cuticle, and trapping in moisture which can help reduce frizz.”
Increasing shine
The moisturizing, emollient properties of coconut oil also “impart shine” on the hair, Dr. Luke notes. Just a dab of coconut oil on the ends of strands will boost shine; too much may make hair appear oily or greasy.
Reducing breakage
The fatty acids found in coconut oil deeply moisturize tresses. “Providing the hair with moisture can help make the hair more manageable and less prone to breakage,” Dr. Lal explains.
Encouraging hair growth
Using coconut oil “promotes hair and scalp health by nourishing the scalp and strengthening the hair at the roots which can also encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss,” Justin explains.
How to use coconut oil for hair
There are many ways to use coconut oil for hair. “While some people prefer to DIY when it comes to coconut oil, you can also use products that are formulated with the ingredient,” explains Dr. Luke. If you’d like to use plain coconut oil, Justin suggests picking a jar that is 100% organic virgin coconut oil (this one has over 95,000 reviews on Amazon!).
Below, find a few expert-approved ways to add coconut oil, or products containing coconut oil, to your routine.
Pre-shampoo treatment
Applying coconut oil to your hair and/or scalp before shampooing is one of Dr. Luke’s recommended methods. “You can massage coconut oil into your scalp (if you have a dry, flaky scalp) or apply coconut oil to your strands prior to washing,” she explains. Doing so will help reduce the potential damage that can occur when washing and styling wet hair.
Warm oil treatment
Similar to a pre-shampoo treatment, Justin recommends using coconut oil before showering. For this type of treatment, heat the coconut oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds. “You want the oil to become soft, but not too runny or hot for an easy and straightforward application,” Justin explains. Then, apply the oil to your hands and gently massage it into the hair and scalp before wrapping the hair in a shower cap for 30 minutes or longer. Then cleanse with your favorite shampoo.
Leave-in treatment
Applying coconut oil to wet, clean hair is one of the best times to reap the oil’s benefits, Dr. Lal says. He recommends massaging a dime-sized amount of oil through the hair and scalp, almost like a leave-in conditioner. However, “A little goes a long way,” Dr. Lal warns. Overdoing it may have a negative impact (more on this below).
There are many coconut oil-infused hair products on the market, from shampoos to conditioners to leave-in treatments to styling creams. For those looking for hair products infused with the oil, check out some expert-approved picks below.
