You can’t travel the path to Hairadise without discussing one of the most vital ingredients on the hair wellness journey. We’re talking about a highly respected and valuable source of food & medicine among Polynesian, Melanesian, and Asian communities around the Pacific. However, it has also reached cult status within the last two decades when it comes to hair DIYs. That’s right, hair lovers across the globe are going coconuts for coconut oil.
Coconut oil is really what put my hair wellness journey on the map and one of the main reasons I have been able to maintain my hair health. But did you know it’s often controversial amongst other hair stylists?
So in this post, we’re clearing the air. I’ll show you just how this carrier oil has promoted hair health and wellness throughout history. Plus, you’ll learn its benefits, and how you too can bring some island life home and treat yourself.
Using Coconut Oil For Hair And Wellness
Coconut oil is extracted from the dried meat, ‘copra’, of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) . It is said to have originated in the Indo-Malaya area according to Britannica.
The coconut palm is referred to as the Tree of Life in many tropical areas being that it is one of their most important crops. Check out a mini history lesson about how tropical areas have used this superfruit, below.
A Mini History
Coconuts are universally eaten foods of the Pacific coasters and other tropical island natives.
In India, coconut oil is used as a part of ayurvedic hair oiling formulations. Yet in Panama, they drink coconut oil by the glass to overcome sickness and speed up recovery. Over in Jamaica, this oil is used as a heart healthy tonic.
Since the mid 1980s, though, there has been a ‘war on tropical oils’, in an effort to promote the use of seed oils which do not contain ‘good fats’.
But thankfully, as consumers become more informed on the use of natural and clean ingredients, coconut oil has seen more recent spikes in popularity.
Today, Indonesia- where my maternal grandfather emigrated from- and the Philippines are the largest producers, boosting their economy..
Scroll down to see how it will benefit both your hair and wellness.
Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Hair
Repairs the Hair. By offering intense hydration, coconut oil replenishes the hairs’ natural luster and shine while strengthening the cuticle and reducing breakage.
Ultra-moisturizing. Coconut oil contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. This brings moisture back into the hair and scalp. This makes for a great conditioning agent.
Anti Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antifungal. Ward off infections and control dandruff. Plus, soothe dry, itchy, or flaky scalp conditions.
Reduce Oil Buildup. Just like the oil cleansing method for skin, coconut oil attracts other oil based hair products that sit on the scalp and hair cuticle. Wash your hair and experience a thorough clean.
Benefits of Coconut Oil For Wellness
Supports & Strengthens Immune System. According to Bruce Fife in The Coconut Oil Miracle, the people of Sri Lanka ate tons of coconuts and had the lowest rates of heart disease.
Repairs Digestive Issues. As the best source of medium & short chain fatty acids, coconut oil is easily digestible. In fact, this oil was used in hospitals to feed patients who have malabsorption problems. And children or infants who have trouble digesting other fats are encouraged to ingest coconut oil.
Promotes Cell Turnover. This stimulates healing and repair for the hair and skin conditions.
Protects Against Free Radical Damage. Free radicals and environmental pollution cause degenerative diseases and aging.
Now that you know some of the amazing benefits, let’s take a look at how you can use coconut oil for some at home DIY hair treatments. I’m tellin’ you, these are some great ways to transform your hair!
Using Coconut Oil For DIY Hair Treatments
As a Pre-Wash Scalp Treatment. If you suffer from dry, flaky scalp, need help with product buildup, or just want to show some extra love to your roots, you’ve got to give this a try.
Take a small amount of coconut oil (start with a tablespoon because a little goes a long way).
Massage into your scalp and let sit. You can also comb the oil through your mid lengths and ends of your hair to offer a bit more protection from hard water damage.
Hair Mask. Great for dry, dull, or lifeless hair- especially curls that lack definition. Apply to already detangled, dry hair. Focus more on the ends. Wrap your hair to generate heat and open up the cuticles. Leave on for at least an hour (some let it sit overnight). Rinse and then wash as usual.
Curly Styling Refresher. Using only a little bit, smooth out any flyaways, tame your frizz, and add incredible shine to day three or four curls.
Leave In Detangler. Just add a small amount to the ends of clean, wet hair. Not too much. Otherwise, you’ll feel like a grease ball.
Which Coconut Oil Should You Use?
When in doubt, use virgin coconut oil. It’s solid in form with a melting point of 74°F. Plus, it is composed of 100% medium chain fatty acids (laurina, capric, and caprylic).
Fractionated coconut oil is a medium chain triglyceride oil and does not contain all three fatty acids (lacks lauric acid). It is mostly used in the soap and cosmetic industry for cleansing agents and is highly manufactured.
I like to get the big tub from either BJ’s or Costco. It lasts me almost a year between hair treatments, making soaps, face masks, and body oils. Definitely worth the price.
Additional Tips You Should Know
When using coconut oil on your hair, there’s a couple things you ought to know to get the best results.
- Know Your Hair Type. While this oil has done wonders for my hair, it isn’t for everyone. It’s great for those with dry hair, curls or coils and medium to high porosity. Fine hair or low porosity hair should seek out lighter weight sealing oils. (Suggested Post: Planting The Seeds for Healthy Hair)
- Heat Your Oil, First. This adds a little luxury and soothing effect to your hair mask or pre wash treatment. And it allows the coconut oil to penetrate a little deeper. I prefer to warm it in a double boiler on the stove top. But, you can certainly get the same effect from a microwave.
- Add Essential Oils or Herbs. Added hair healing benefits and a little aromatherapy? Yes, please! Try rosemary for scalp stimulation and promoting hair growth. (Suggested Post: 5 Best Essential Oils for Hair, or Herbs For Hair Growth)
- Wash Your Hair The Right Way. Because having leftover oil on your strands does not feel good and it has an adverse effect. (Suggested Post: How to Wash Your Hair the Right Way)
Like I said earlier, coconut oil was really the turning point in my DIY hair treatments and becoming more conscious of what ingredients are apart of my beauty rituals. I use it literally from head to toe and inside, out.
It’s fairly easy to work with and customizable to your specific hair concerns. From soothing scalp issues, to being a frizz reducing remedy, I’d consider it a holy grail ingredient.
So when islanders refer to the coconut palm as the Tree of Life, I can’t help but to agree. It certainly is a staple in my cabinets. And maybe now it will be in yours too.
If you’ve used coconut oil as a part of your hair or wellness journey, let me know your thoughts on it in the comments below!