Famous for the milk they produce, coconuts are also the source of a lesser known material commonly used as an ingredient in the hair care industry: coconut oil. Learn about the facts and potential advantages of coconut oil for your hair and scalp to see whether you might benefit from its use. Beware of possible skin reactions that might occur when using coconut oil on your hair or scalp, especially if you have a history of allergies to tree nuts.
The Facts
The coconut palm tree--Cocus nucifera--grows large, rounded fruits called coconuts. The pressed meat of this mature coconut fruit produces a lightly textured, mildly scented oil. Often used in cooking, coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, a feature that allows the oil to easily penetrate the shafts of your hair follicles, according to Dr. Bruce Fife, a naturopathic doctor, certified nutritionist and author of the book "Coconut Cures."
Effects
Using coconut oil hair treatments as part of your regular hair care regimen may boost your hair's health and enhance its appearance in one fell swoop. According to Fife, coconut oil enhances your hair's natural shine and luster. Applied to the scalp and hair, small amounts of coconut oil may minimize and control dandruff, as well as deepen the natural color in your hair strands. Fife notes that evidence indicates coconut oil also helps prevent hair protein loss and lessen combing damage.
Usage
Apply pure coconut oil directly to your scalp and hair before your regular hair cleansing regimen, as recommended by Cynthia Holzapfel, coauthor of the book, "Coconut Oil: For Health and Beauty." Use as little as 2 or 3 tablespoons if you have short hair; you'll typically require more coconut oil for longer hair, possibly as much as one-half cup, depending on your hair's length and thickness. Massage the oil thoroughly into your scalp and tresses, rubbing your scalp gently to ensure that it fully coats the skin. Wrap your hair completely in a plastic shower cap or plastic shopping bag, leaving the hair to soak up the beneficial oil for 30 to 60 minutes before shampooing and rinsing your hair thoroughly.
Considerations
Coconut oil provides a prime natural oil to use for minimizing frizzed and flyaway hair, but make sure you measure carefully before dousing your tresses in it. Fife suggests that you start with just two or three drops of the oil; rub the palms of your hands together to disperse the oil before applying the oil by running your fingers through your hair. Not only does this tame your hair, but it also gives a quick boost of shine and moisture to combat the dryness that often occurs following shampooing.
Warning
Coconut may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals, so exercise caution before using it for the first time, especially if you have a personal or family history of allergies. Consider dabbing several drops of the oil directly on your wrist, leaving it alone for 24 to 48 hours to verify an absence of skin reactions before applying it to other parts of your body, such as your scalp. Allergic reactions to coconut oil vary in severity and may include redness and localized or widespread itching and irritation. According to the Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, moderate to severe allergic reactions, including breathing difficulty, dizziness, vomiting and unconsciousness, may require emergency treatment.
References
- "Coconut Cures"; Dr. Bruce Fife, C.N.; 2005
- "Coconut Oil: For Health and Beauty"; Cynthia & Laura Holzapfel; 2004
- Medline Plus Medical Encylopedia: Allergic Reactions
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