Coconut oil has been a staple hair conditioner among Asian and Polynesian women for years, keeping their hair beautiful, lustrous, soft and shiny. It contains antifungal and antibacterial properties, antioxidants, vitamin E and fatty acids to nourish hair, making it healthy, strong and resilient. Afro hair, which is of the most driest and fragile of hair types, is susceptible to breakage. The properties contained in coconut oil can greatly enhance Afro hair, and regular use may help maintain your hair's moisture balance to prevent loss of protein and keep dandruff at bay.
Penetrates and Conditions
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid. Its molecular structure is quite unique, and according to a 2010 Natural News article, it is small enough to penetrate the core of your hair shaft to condition from the inside out. Commercial conditioners merely coat the outer layer of your hair strand, making it ineffective for excessively dry Afro hair.
Antioxidants contained in coconut oil, protect your hair from environmental and heat damage caused by hot combs, flat irons and blow dryers. This, as the article suggests, makes coconut oil superior to vegetable oil-based conditioners that actually generate free radicals and are devoid of antioxidants.
Maintains Protein Levels
Shampoos strip your hair of natural oils and proteins, leaving Afro hair weak, brittle and even drier. Pre-washing your hair prior to shampooing may minimize the damaging effects of shampoo. According to a 2003 study on PubMed.gov, coconut oil has an affinity for hair proteins, and its straight linear chain and low molecular structure allow it to penetrate deep into the hair shaft.
Therefore, using coconut oil as a pre-wash can help your hair retain its protein levels, while protecting it against the harsh effects of shampoo. It will promote softness, resilience and manageability, which in turn helps eliminate breakage and excessive shedding.
Dandruff Prevention
According to a 2009 Medical News Today article, dandruff is caused by number of reasons including psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, a lack of vitamins and fungal infections. Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp, and regularly washing your hair may in fact prevent dandruff from occurring. Afro hair, due to its naturally dry state, should not be shampooed as often as greasy hair types. Therefore, coconut oil, with its antifungal properties, can help keep dandruff under control in between washes, preventing the growth of fungal infections, while keeping your scalp healthy.
Antibacterial Properties
Hair extensions are a popular form of styling among many women and those with Afro hair. Although extensions can provide an instant alternative look, wearing them for a long period of time may dry out your hair and scalp. The accumulation of bacteria can occur if your extensions are not kept clean, according to a 2010 article on Daily Monitor.
Rinsing shampoo and other products from your hair properly can be difficult when wearing hair extensions, and residual product build may become trapped on your scalp and hair, leading to bacterial deposits, dryness and scalp irritation. The antibacterial properties in coconut oil help keep your scalp clean and free from bacteria. It also soothes irritation, relieves dryness and nourishes your scalp to transform dull, lifeless hair into soft and bouncy tresses.
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