Does your hair often feel dry and damaged? Or does your scalp itch all the time, and does it look like dandruff? At times like these, many of us think that we need to do some kind of treatment for our hair. So, coconut oil is a very familiar thing for those who want to use something natural rather than using all the chemical products available in the store. Applying coconut oil to their hair has been a habit since the time of our grandmothers and mothers. But what are the real health benefits of this? Let's find out more about it.
What does coconut oil actually contain?
As the name suggests, coconut oil is a type of oil extracted from coconuts. It has a very fragrant and sweet taste. Coconut oil contains many natural properties that are beneficial for our skin. That is why dermatologists sometimes recommend coconut oil to retain moisture in the skin and control skin aging.
But we need to understand this. Coconut oil does not have a high concentration of vitamins or minerals. It is 100% fat. Of that, 80% to 90% is saturated fat. This is not a healthy type of fat to eat in general. But it is because of this property that coconut oil is solid at room temperature, rather than liquid like other oils.
The power of lauric acid
About 47% of the fatty acids in coconut oil are lauric acid . When consumed, this can contribute to increasing the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. However, when applied to the skin, it has a very amazing property. That is its antimicrobial property. Simply put, if you apply a little coconut oil to a wound on your skin, it will kill harmful organisms such as bacteria and help prevent infections.
How does coconut oil help the hair and scalp?
Although coconut oil does not have high nutritional value, it helps our hair and scalp in two main ways.
1. Being a protective barrier
That is, when you apply coconut oil to your scalp, it forms a protective layer on the surface of the skin. This creates a barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering the scalp, such as bacteria and dust, from entering the scalp. This prevents the scalp from becoming itchy and dry. However, it is also very important to find the real cause of your scalp problem and treat it.
2. Moisturizing
This is the biggest benefit of coconut oil. Unlike other oils, the fatty acid in coconut oil, called lauric acid, can penetrate deep into the hair shaft and nourish it. This helps reduce frizz and prevent hair breakage, especially in dry, humid climates.
Using coconut oil: What are the pros and cons?
Like anything, there are pros and cons to using coconut oil . Let's understand this clearly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No artificial chemicals: We know exactly what's in coconut oil, so it's safe to use even on the sensitive skin of young children. | Limited effectiveness: Coconut oil does not contain any active medicinal ingredients. Therefore, it cannot treat severe skin conditions (e.g., fungal infections). If symptoms persist, you should see a doctor. |
| Symptom relief: Coconut oil can help relieve symptoms of scalp psoriasis, such as itching, dryness, and flaking. However, it does not cure the condition. | Allergic Reactions: Although very rare, some people may be allergic to coconut oil. If you experience any skin reactions such as redness, itching, or blistering, discontinue use and consult a doctor. |
| A good moisturizer: Moisturizes the hair and scalp well. When applied as a pre-shampoo treatment, it conditions the hair well. | Hair not being clean: Washing your hair with coconut oil alone will not remove dirt and excess oil from your scalp. Therefore, it is not a substitute for shampoo. |
The correct way to use coconut oil for hair
To get the most out of coconut oil, you need to use it correctly.
It's best to use pure coconut oil, which you can get by squeezing out a little coconut like our mothers and grandmothers did. Or, if you're buying it from the store, choose a good quality virgin coconut oil.
- Step 1: Take some coconut oil and warm it up a little with your hands.
- Step 2: Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair from root to tip, and massage your scalp with your fingertips for about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: After about 30 minutes, rinse your hair thoroughly using your regular shampoo. If your hair is very dry, you can leave it overnight and wash it in the morning.
The most important thing is to use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Applying it after shampooing can make your hair more oily and increase the build-up of dirt and grime.
Take-Home Message
- Coconut oil is a natural ingredient that helps moisturize and protect the hair and scalp.
- The lauric acid it contains penetrates and nourishes the hair shaft, reducing hair breakage and dryness.
- Although it helps relieve the symptoms of skin diseases like psoriasis, it is not a cure for the disease.
- If you have severe hair loss, or non-healing wounds or abscesses on your scalp, do not try to treat it at home and definitely see your doctor for advice.
- To get the most out of coconut oil, it is most effective to use it as a pre-shampoo treatment.
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