Coconut oil for hair: tips for proper use and care

Yes, coconut oil is good for our hair for several reasons. Although a number of hair care products from the drugstore promise shiny and voluminous hair, they often also contain chemical additives that only weigh our hair down in the long run. This is exactly the benefit of coconut oil – and there are many more!

1. Coconut oil contains natural ingredients

The oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconut. It is therefore completely natural and has no additives. Coconut oil consists of around 90 percent saturated fatty acids. While these should be consumed with caution in the diet, our hair benefits from them because they provide a lot of moisture and are therefore particularly suitable for dry hair.

2. Coconut oil has important vitamins

Coconut oil also contains valuable vitamin E, which, as a natural antioxidant, protects the hair from harmful environmental influences such as solar radiation. Vitamin E strengthens hair growth and strengthens the hair structure. So if you suffer from brittle hair, split ends or hair loss, you could have a vitamin E deficiency.

3. Coconut oil helps against dandruff

Many also ask whether coconut oil can help against dandruff. In fact, the lauric acid found in coconut oil possesses antibacterial properties that can fight bacteria, fungi and inflammation and help rebalance our scalp. Greasy dandruff in particular is often due to a fungal attack on the scalp. This is where coconut oil can help as a natural home remedy. However, the vegetable oil is not equally suitable for every hair type.

For the best application and care with coconut oil, it is important to determine your hair type in the first step. Depending on this, the exotically scented oil can be used in different ways:

Dry hair: Dry hair in particular benefits from care with coconut oil. The saturated fatty acids not only provide the hair with moisture, but the fat lays over the hair like a protective film. This makes it appear softer, more supple and shiny.

Greasy hair: Coconut oil is not recommended for greasy hair – at least in large quantities – because it can make the hair appear even greasy. If you suffer from dry or brittle tips, you can put a little bit on the tips – but definitely avoid the hairline!

Thin hair: Too much coconut oil can quickly make fine hair look stringy. For a well-groomed result, it is best to only apply the oil to the ends of the hair.

Thick hair: thick hair in particular needs a lot of moisturizing care – coconut oil is just right for that. It can tame the hair and make it more supple.

Stressed hair: The coconut oil greasy film acts like a protective shield. In addition, the contained vitamin E protects against harmful environmental influences. It strengthens the hair structure and stimulates growth. The hair not only looks healthier, but is also more resistant.

At room temperature, virgin coconut oil is white and solid. Only at almost 25 degrees does the oil become liquid and clear. In this state, it is optimally suited for cosmetic use. It is often sufficient to put the solid oil between the fingertips so that it slowly melts between the fingers due to the body heat. The most effective ways to use hair are presented below:

As a conditioner: Depending on the length of your hair, add 1-2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil to wet hair and work it well into the lengths. For an extra portion of moisture, you can also gently work the oil into the scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash your hair with shampoo. If you feel your hair is still oily after washing, you can shampoo a second time.

As hair oil: After washing your hair, put 1-2 pinches of coconut oil between your fingers and then spread it over the dry ends and lengths of your hair. Leave out the hairline so it doesn’t appear greasy. Anyone who uses coconut oil in such small amounts in their hair does not need to wash it out afterwards. The effect is immediately visible: the hair shines more and looks healthier.

As a styling product: Coconut oil is also ideal as a natural styling product for the hair. To do this, use your fingers to apply the oil to the lengths and ends as desired – this creates a great shimmering effect! In addition, you can easily conjure up the sleek look with it. A great side effect is that the natural product helps against statically charged hair!

As a hair treatment: To do this, work 2-3 tbsp generously into the hair lengths (keep out the roots again!). For the best result, leave the hair treatment on overnight so that the ingredients can develop their full effect. To avoid grease stains on the pillow, it is best to put a towel on it. Wash off with a shampoo the next morning. By the way, you can easily make a hair treatment yourself:

There are no hard and fast rules as to how often you should use coconut oil for your hair. The hair treatment can be used once a week or 2-3 times a month. As a hair oil, the natural product can be applied to the tips after each hair wash. It is only important that you concentrate on the hair lengths and tips when using it, so that the roots do not look stringy. However, if you suffer from a dry or irritated scalp, you can apply coconut oil to the hairline from time to time (maximum once a week). It moisturizes, soothes the scalp and helps against dandruff.

Coconut oil can only develop its great effect if it is a high-quality product. In the case of highly heated industrial products, the healthy and valuable ingredients are unfortunately often lost. It is therefore better to invest a little more money and rely on the native organic coconut oil that you can get in organic supermarkets, in the drugstore or in the health food store. Native coconut oil is only slightly processed and therefore still contains all the important ingredients. When buying, look for the words “cold pressed”, “natural” and “unrefined”. They indicate that it is a good coconut oil.

While in this country coconut oil and/or coconut fat is mainly used for cooking and baking, in Asia it has long been considered a beauty secret for beautiful hair and radiant skin. But that’s not all: Coconut oil is also considered the latest trend in dental care.

1. Coconut oil for the skin

Coconut oil can score as a skin food because it stimulates cell renewal and protects the skin from free radicals. The vegetable oil provides moisture for dry and sensitive skin – and has an anti-inflammatory effect on pimples. However, those who tend to have severe impurities and acne should stay away from coconut oil: it can clog the pores and lead to even more impurities. If you have oily or combination skin, it is also advisable to use oily products sparingly.

Tip: Coconut oil is also an excellent make-up remover. Simply put some of the oil on a cotton pad and rub it over your eyes and face. Even waterproof make-up can be removed with it.

2. Coconut oil for teeth

Coconut oil is said to be able to prevent dental diseases and bad breath. Due to the antibacterial lauric acid, it is used, for example, in oil pulling. To do this, take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish the liquid back and forth for 5-20 minutes. In this way, the mouth and tongue are freed from bacteria. Coconut oil is not only good for the oral flora, but is also said to make teeth whiter. But: The natural product alone does not protect against tooth decay and does not replace daily tooth brushing.

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