Hair health and growth have long been associated with the usage of coconut oil. Hair oiling, on the other hand, has the potential to inflict more harm than benefit if it isn’t done properly.
We checked several pieces of research and compiled the scientifically validated step-by-step technique for applying coconut oil to your hair. We have also mentioned the scientific reason for each step and why it should be followed.
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What Science says of Coconut Oil’s Benefits on Hair?
Coconut oil is often touted as the finest oil to use on your hair to prevent protein loss and maintain a healthy appearance.
As per a study, coconut oil has been proved to be incredibly helpful at avoiding hair damage and may also be useful for healthy hair. When used as a pre-and post-wash grooming product, coconut oil was shown to be the most effective at dramatically reducing protein loss in both undamaged and damaged hair. Coconut oil’s significant affinity for hair proteins is a result of its triglyceride of lauric acid (the primary fatty acid). Due to its low molecular weight and linear chain, it is more efficient in penetrating the hair shaft.
Indeed, coconut oil was shown to be the most effective in all of their experiments, reducing protein loss in hair that had not been damaged, bleached, chemically treated, or exposed to UV light.
Coconut oil has been proved in studies to be an effective hair conditioner and is usually considered safe for use.
According to studies, coconut oil is applied to the hair after a wash to help prevent damage caused by style or grooming chemicals.
Additionally, some research indicates that coconut oil might act as a natural sun protectant for your hair.
Coconut oil have also been found effective against male and female pattern baldness.
How to Apply Coconut Oil to Hair in 6 Steps: As per Science
We now have scientific evidence that coconut oil is helpful for hair. However, if not applied appropriately, coconut oil application may do more harm than good. Only when the hair is properly oiled can it grow and preserve its condition. We did extensive research and developed a step-by-step scientific procedure for applying coconut oil to your hair.
Step 1: Prepare your Hair
Brush your hair with a broad toothed comb prior to using coconut oil to remove any knots or tangles. As the oil is rubbed into your hair, this will result in less hair breakage.
To make oil application easier, divide your hair into two sections. Straighten your hair from the crown to the nape of your neck. Split your hair into four sections if you have thick or curly hair to ensure that the oil is distributed evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Oil
Due to the size of the coconut oil molecules, they have a difficult time reaching the scalp’s hair follicles. To guarantee that the coconut oil thoroughly nourishes your scalp, warm it before applying it.
Hot oils are beneficial for protecting and restoring dry, damaged hair. Additionally, heated coconut oil helps seal the hair’s cuticle, allowing it to retain moisture.
Microwave 3 to 6 tablespoons coconut oil for 10 seconds in a microwave-safe container.
If you have eczema or psoriasis, see your dermatologist or physician before commencing a hot oil therapy plan.
Step 3: Apply the Coconut Oil
Gently massage the coconut oil into your scalp with your fingertips for a few minutes. If you have curly hair, you may choose to section it off to ensure that no regions are overlooked.
Apply coconut oil gently in circular motions to your hair and scalp. Massage the whole scalp for 10-15 minutes.
While massaging, maintain a straight line and make an attempt to cover the whole scalp region. Take cautious not to overlook your cranium’s back. Additionally, oil should be applied to the region between your ears and the nape of your neck. This region should be rubbed gently.
Put an end to the process after you’ve applied the required quantity of coconut oil to your hair. Excess oil application necessitates another shampooing. Excessive washing may deplete the natural oils and moisture in your hair, leaving it lifeless, damaged, and dry.
Step 4: Get Rid of Knots
Combing aids in distributing the coconut oil to any overlooked areas during the oil massage. After oiling, your hair becomes more sensitive and your scalp feels soothed. As a result, use caution while detangling your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
Step 5: Cover your Head
For up to 20 minutes, cover your head with a shower hat or a cotton t-shirt. This causes the pores and cuticles to open. As a result, the oil will penetrate deeper into your scalp and hair follicles.
Towels are rough and may cause damage to hair if not used correctly.
Step 6: Wash Off the Coconut Oil
Wash your hair with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo to avoid causing damage. Avoid over-shampooing, which is a typical mistake made by coconut oil users. Over-shampooing may completely erase the coconut oil’s advantages. Utilize just the required amount of coconut oil to eliminate the need for additional shampoo to remove it.
To know more check the detailed article on How to Wash Hair after applying Coconut Oil
How to Apply Coconut Oil for Hair Growth and Thickness?
Research that examined the effectiveness of coconut oil in reducing hair damage and hair growth discovered that coconut oil was the most effective at reaching the hair shaft and preventing hair damage. To promote hair development, you should concentrate on applying coconut oil to your scalp. Applying coconut oil to your hair is optional if you want to promote hair development, since the growth factor of hair is determined by the hair follicles situated under the scalp.
- Take 2 teaspoons of coconut oil and warm it in the microwave. Warming coconut oil breaks down the big molecules and aids in penetration into the scalp’s hair follicles.
- Apply the coconut oil to your scalp gently with circular motions using your fingers.
- For up to 20 minutes, cover your head with a shower hat or a cotton t-shirt. This causes the pores and cuticles to open. Coconut oil penetrates the hair follicles of your scalp more thoroughly.
- Gently wash with lukewarm water.
What to mix with coconut oil for hair growth?
For hair growth the best oil to mix with coconut oil is castor oil.
Hair typically grows between 0.5 and 1.7 centimetres every month. Castor oil combined with coconut oil has been shown to accelerate this growth rate. According to the researchers, this increased growth was caused by castor oil’s high concentration of ricinoleic acid. To promote hair development, you should concentrate on applying castor oil to your scalp. Applying the oil to your hair is optional if you want to promote hair development, since the growth factor of hair is determined by the hair follicles situated underneath the scalp.
How to use coconut oil to stop hair fall?
Preventing hair loss with coconut oil is safe and effective. In reality, people have been using it for centuries to maintain their hair strong, thick, and healthy.
Lauric acid (the main ingredient of coconut oil) is a medium-chain fatty acid that protects the hair follicles from environmental damage. It also aids in the reduction of hair breakage. In terms of lauric acid, coconut oil is the most abundant. There is around 50% of lauric acid in coconut oil. In comparison to sunflower and mineral oils, this chemical has the highest capacity to decrease and prevent hair protein loss.
Increasing blood flow to the scalp is made easier by rubbing with a little coconut oil. This permits your hair follicles to get the vital nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive.
Hair is nourished from the inside out by the oil’s ability to permeate the hair shaft. In addition, it protects your hair follicles from the effects of heat and severe weather conditions.
How to use coconut oil as conditioner?
As a conditioner, hair mask, or scalp treatment, coconut oil may offer you beautiful, healthy hair.
To use it as a conditioner, use a little amount of coconut oil on wet hair and let it on for as long as possible for deep conditioning. Coconut oil is solid at normal temperature, so you’ll need to warm it up to make it liquid. Make sure to massage your scalp to encourage blood flow. Wrap a shower cap or a t-shirt over your head and leave it on your head for one to two hours to notice the effects of conditioning.
The quantity of coconut oil you require depends on the length and type of your hair. To keep their hair from becoming oily, most individuals just need to use enough product to cover the middle to the ends of their hair.
We recommend starting small and progressively increasing from there.
If your hair is short or fine, you may just need one teaspoon of coconut oil. However, those with long, thick hair may need to use up to two teaspoons.
Coconut oil comes in a wide variety of forms as well. Some individuals prefer a virgin (unrefined) coconut oil since they can also be utilised in their diets.
FAQ
When should we apply coconut oil on hair? Wet or dry hair?
Coconut oil should always be used onto dry hair. You should try to apply coconut oil only if you have an hour to spare. Coconut oil molecules are enormous in contrast to the pores on your scalp, and oil cannot penetrate damp hair. Even when the hair is dry, it takes at least 30 minutes to an hour for the coconut oil molecules to reach the hair shaft and scalp.
If your hair and scalp are clean, you may apply coconut oil to wet hair, albeit this is not the ideal way to get the benefits of oiling.
How long should I leave coconut oil in my hair?
Professionals recommend leaving coconut oil on your hair for 1 to 2 hours before washing. The duration of the treatment will vary according on your hair type and personal preferences.
Coconut oil, because to its deep penetration qualities, may irritate the scalp if applied for a lengthy period of time. You certainly do not want to experience dryness, irritation, or even hair loss as a result of this.
To know more on the timeline, check the detailed article on How Long do I Leave Coconut Oil In My Hair?
Can you put coconut oil in your hair everyday? How often should you apply coconut oil to your hair?
The majority of people should apply coconut oil on their hair at least once or twice a week. Finally, the frequency is influenced by the kind of hair you have and your own requirements.
Anyone with dry hair may use coconut oil on a regular basis with positive effects. If you have oily or normal hair, however, you should avoid using coconut oil on a daily basis. Coconut oil should be used to oily hair once a week, daily to dry hair, and twice a week to normal hair.
To know more check the detailed article on How Often Should You put Coconut Oil in Your Hair
Can you sleep with coconut oil in hair? Can I leave coconut oil overnight?
You may sleep with coconut oil in your hair and leave it in overnight, but you must wash it out immediately upon waking. Coconut oil should not be applied to the hair for longer than eight hours. When coconut oil is applied to the hair for an extended period of time, it collects dust, which may clog hair follicles and create scalp irritation. Furthermore, unrefined coconut oil that enters the scalp may act as a barrier to hair development.
Creative, versatile, and passionate about her craft, Rupa Das is a well-recognized name in the world of fashion and makeup! This is a woman who has been in the fashion and makeup industry for 24 years and is still one of the leading international makeup artist in the circuit! She has worked in big brands like Lakme, Green Trends, Colors and transitioned to become a Beauty (Hair & Skin) Trainer.