There are myriads of hair care products on the market, nearly all of which have multiple chemical ingredients. Coconut oil provides a simple, natural solution to health scalp and hair. Throughout history, women in Asia and the South Pacific have used simply coconut oil to maintain their scalps and hair.
Effects
Everyday exposure to sun and pollution in the hair; use of shampoo and other hair care products; and use of blow dryers, heated irons and the like work together to strip your hair of its natural oils and vitality.
The beneficial effects of coconut oil for your hair and scalp are because of the high saturated fat content of the oil. Ninety percent of coconut oil is saturated fat. But don't let that number scare you--you'll be applying this product to your hair and scalp, not eating it.
Medium-chain triglycerides comprise the majority of the saturated fat in the coconut oil, which, according to Organic Facts, "assimilate well." This means the product will work with the structure of your hair.
Coconut Oil versus Virgin Coconut Oil
Products are available as either coconut oil or virgin coconut oil. The difference between the two is that virgin coconut oil is unrefined. Some prefer virgin coconut oil because all of the healthful properties of the coconut oil are maintained, such as its antioxidant properties and vitamins E and K. Antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals, substances that abound in the air, water and even your diet.
Benefits
In addition to restoring luster and vitality to your hair, coconut oil is also good for your scalp. If you experience dry scalp or dandruff, coconut oil will successfully manage both of these conditions well.
Additionally, when applied to scalp and hair, coconut oil will keep it free from lice and their eggs because of the antiparasitic properties of the oil. The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil also have natural antifungal, antibiotic properties that help to keep your scalp healthy.
Method of Use
As a daily conditioner and dressing for your hair, apply a small amount of coconut oil to ends and strands of your hair but avoid applying it to the roots.
For a more in-depth conditioning treatment, apply coconut oil to your hair a few hours before shampooing. This can be done with or without covering the hair after the oil is applied. Some coconut oil users like to cover their hair with a shower cap while the product is in place.
Still another method of use is to apply the coconut oil to your hair before bedtime and then shampoo in the morning.
Use of Coconut Oil for Your Skin
What free radicals do to your hair, they also do to your skin. The antioxidant properties of coconut oil make it an excellent natural moisturizer for your skin. Coconut oil applied to the skin will be absorbed, aiding in the prevention of sagging and wrinkles. The coconut oil helps to hydrate the cells of the skin, which in turn helps your skin to remain supple.
All of the properties of coconut oil--the antiparasitic, antifungal and antibiotic properties--also help to keep your skin healthy and less prone to skin infections, eczema and psoriasis.
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