In this article, we’ll cover the following:
- Here are some benefits of using coconut oil on your hair
- Coconut Oil Benefits for African American Hair
- How Can Coconut Oil be Beneficial to an African American Hair Type
Coconut oil has been a traditional hair treatment in the oldest parts of human history and has become a newfound tradition in more western trends. Coconut oil is a natural source characterized as a medium-chain fatty acid known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
These particular chains of fatty acids have been scientifically proven to nourish the body. Its main component, C12, is a chain identified as Lauric Acid. This chain has been interpreted as a gift by nature and has become beneficial and unique in the eyes of people who choose to use it.
Coconuts grow abundantly in countries located in the southeast Asian Pacific Islands. The use of coconut oil is a suitable, easily derived treatment for many different hair problems. Most cultures identified with this ‘luxury’ are predominantly from Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Burmese, Malaysia, The Philippines, and some parts of the Caribbean.
Coconuts have natural components that ‘work wonders’. Derivatives, like the oil, nurture hair from the effects of premature aging–such as unwanted hair loss or balding.
They remarkably aid hair to grow in thicker, stronger and with more shine.
Let’s go back to the basics of coconut oil to see how it can benefit your hair, and you can discover the components that make up this superpower gift from nature.
Here Are Some Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil On Your Hair:
- Damage Protection – Protein is necessary for hair to undergo protein synthesis properly. This results in healthy hair with an incredible shine. Coconut oil is an excellent source of protein that helps the rebirth of dry and damaged hair. Due to the above-mentioned lauric acid, small molecule weight proteins can readily be absorbed inside the hair follicle. It’s efficiently absorbed during conditioning and washing.
- Cooling Properties – Did you know that coconut oil is an effective cooling agent on the scalp? It cools and calms some people with ‘hot heads’ and some of those who suffer from extreme scalp perspiration.
- Hair Loss Prevention – Coconut oil has been the main hair regiment in India since ancient times. It’s widely used as a treatment for hair loss and has been paired with other herbal extracts to also aid in the treatment of baldness. Today, it is still sourced and predominantly mixed with sage leaves. The mixture can be applied directly to the scalp to help prevent dandruff and hair loss.
- Hair Conditioning – Coconut oil has been discovered to be a perfect conditioner. Compared to some synthetic products available today, it’s usually applied at a warm temperature to hair. It helps make hair softer and more manageable. You can also use warm coconut oil at night and wash your hair the next morning. Doing this regularly can help your hair become stronger and healthier.
- Moisture Retention – Coconut oil can help keep moisture on your scalp and has a high moisture content that can benefit your hair follicles. This moisture replenishment can help you avoid the breakage of your hair and split ends.
- Dandruff Prevention – Coconuts, in general, are a proven source of non-synthetic fatty acids, which are excellent anti-dandruff agents. The oils are much better than some harsh and chemical-filled commercial anti-dandruff shampoo.
According to some studies, the daily application of coconut oil has been known to help some people control their dandruff. The application is not as tedious as you would think. The preparation is very simple. Mix coconut oil with lukewarm water, and massage the scalp until moisturizing your hair. Straightforward and very efficient!
Coconut Oil Benefits for African American Hair
Our hair differs from one another, and different hair types are common in different parts of the world. One distinct hair type is African American hair. It differs from other hair types because of its beautiful black thick curls and waves. It may look breathtaking, but it can require extra effort to maintain and nourish. That’s because of its distinct characteristics.
The main characteristics of an African American hair type that makes it hard to manage:
- It’s drier than other hair types and doesn’t retain moisture well.
- It’s prone to breakage, split ends, and hair falls.
How Can Coconut Oil be Beneficial to an African American Hair Type?
To solve the moisture and breakage issues in an African American hair type, you should consider using coconut oil.
Here are some coconut oil benefits for African American hair types:
- Moisture – Coconut oil’s natural substances can help retain moisture when applied to the scalp. It’s been known that African-American hair has difficulty distributing oil secreted from the glands because of the curls. Massaging the scalp with coconut oil will allow the oil to penetrate through the hair follicles and distribute moisture.
- Healthy scalp – Coconut oil’s natural agents can help circulate blood in the scalp better, keeping it healthier. When the scalp is healthy, it promotes a stronger growth of hair. It results in less breakage, hair fall, and split ends.
With coconut oil, African American hair may be easier to manage. You can maintain those beautiful curls without applying different harmful chemicals. Buy the purest one to achieve the best possible effects of coconut oil for an African American hair type. As advised by many coconut oil users, be consistent in the type of coconut oil you use.
A little science and dedication are all needed to show that coconut oil can do wonders for your hair! It’s also a natural way to help your hair grow thicker, faster, and longer. Coconuts’ all-natural and organic components are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. This helps treat dandruff while making your hair shiny and vigorous.
Coconut oil is a miracle worker for the hair. Apply it to your hair overnight, and you’ll have a glorified morning with that silky, shiny, untangled hair.
Do you prefer refined or unrefined when choosing which type of coconut oil for hair?
Pure and unprocessed coconut oil is what we call ‘unrefined’ or ‘virgin’ coconut oil. On the other hand, refined coconut oil undergoes a process of refining, bleaching, and deodorizing. This type is also the widely available coconut oil in grocery stores.
Coconut oil, in general, is rich in medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid. This is the essential component of coconut oil as it serves as the fighter against most pathogens that might invade our hair and scalp. These fatty acids also keep the hair moisturized and conditioned. You’ll have a ‘no frizz, no tangle’ hair day with coconut oil.
But is unrefined coconut oil better than refined ones?
When you think about the process these oils undergo, surely you’ll immediately choose the type without the refinement process. But these coconut oils have both their advantages and disadvantages.
You’re right to think that unrefined coconut oil retains most nutrients. It’s richer in phytonutrients and proteins than refined coconut oil. Continuous bleaching can ruin proteins.
But it’s in the ‘fats’ girl! The fatty acid content matters most in coconut oil when it comes to hair care. Surprisingly, these two coconut oil types contain the same amount of MCTs. Both refined and unrefined coconut oil has the same fatty acid content.
Whichever coconut oil you prefer, both contain 63% medium-chain fatty acids, specifically 50% lauric acid. Note that even though refinement, there’s no effect on the coconut oil’s fatty acids.
People prefer refined coconut oil for hair for practical reasons.
- Tropical Scent
One obvious reason is the coconut scent of unrefined coconut oil. This scent no longer lingers in coconut oil that has been through refinement. You’ll go outside without people noticing your ‘tropical’ scent. Moreover, some users aren’t fond of this scent, so they prefer the odorless coconut oil. - Availability
Another advantage is it’s readily available in grocery stores. You won’t have to hunt for a coconut oil jar! - Budget-friendly
The logic of supply and cost in business probably applies in this case. Because this type of oil is readily available, it’s cheaper than the unrefined type. More supply may mean lesser cost. We’re talking business here! - Shelf-life
For a longer shelf-life, many coconut oils go through hydrogeneration. Unrefined coconut oils undergo light heating to remove moisture and prevent it from becoming rancid easily. But still, its shelf-life is lesser than those of unrefined ones.
You can choose any of the two variants and get the same results. However, the best thing to check before buying a jar of unrefined coconut oil is to ensure that it’s pure, organic, and non-GMO. If you prefer the refined type, check those which have steam refinement. Refined coconut oil treated with harmful chemicals may have eliminated most nutrients. It might also be harmful to the body.
Coconut Oil Hair Growth Hack
For some reason, I’m curious how Rapunzel keeps her hair super long and healthy. Maybe there was a coconut tree near the tower where she was. Like, who knows?
I’m maybe making my delusional assumption here. But, it still doesn’t stop me from thinking about how we can achieve long, shiny hair.
According to studies, human hair grows half an inch every month. But we can go against nature and make it faster with the help of coconut oil. This oil can miraculously grow your hair as much as twice the usual length per month. Coconut oil has Vitamin E, Potassium, and proteins that nourish the hair, helping it grow faster.
Now, adding cayenne pepper with coconut oil becomes a superfood for your crowning glory. We all know that cayenne pepper benefits the hair by strengthening the hair follicles, eliminating dandruff, and rejuvenating the scalp cells. Moreover, cayenne pepper reduces hair loss and speeds up its growth.
You can do this very simple coconut oil hair growth hack and achieve long, shiny hair in no time.
- In a 16oz wide-mouthed jar, fill it halfway with coconut oil. Then add two teaspoons of cayenne pepper. Stir to mix.
- Close the lid tightly and store the jar on a cool, dark shelf. Leave it there for a week.
- After the week is over, transfer the mixture to a squeeze bottle. This method makes it easier to apply to the hair and scalp.
Always remind yourself that using cayenne pepper can create a mild burning sensation on the scalp. This is because of capsaicin which is an active component of cayenne pepper. It’s advisable to try the mixture first on the skin to see if it’s tolerable or manageable.
Do this coconut oil hair growth hack and grow your hair faster!