Coconut oil and hair care

Coconut oil is extracted from copra or coconut meat or kernel of coconut.



Coconut oil is a fat consisting of saturated fat to the extent of 99%. On the basis of processing techniques, coconut oil can be classified as follows:

• Virgin coconut oil: It is derived from fresh kernel and is produced either by quick drying of fresh copra or by wet milling of coconut milk.
• Refined coconut oil: Refined oil is generally meant for consumption and is commonly extracted by enzymatic action.
• Hydrogenated coconut oil: This oil is rich in trans fats.
• Fractionated coconut oil: This oil is highly saturated and as such, it is stable to the action of heat.

Coconut oil has a lot of health benefits, but is most commonly employed for treating hair ailments and maintaining the texture of hair.



Virgin coconut oil is commonly used for application on scalp and skin.

Coconut oil benefits for hair:

The benefits of coconut oil for hair are as follows:

• Coconut oil for hair loss: Coconut oil is supposedly helpful in preventing you from hair loss.  Coconut oil is believed to slow down the loss of hair by rejuvenating and exfoliating the dead skin cells or tissues from the scalp. You are advised to massage your scalp with coconut oil at least thrice a week.  
• Coconut oil for hair growth: Coconut oil is very rich in proteins which strengthen the hair from shaft, which is the internal structure of hair. The nutrients in coconut oil protects your hair from ultra violet rays and pollution, thereby improving the overall state of scalp and thus, helping in growth of hair.
• Coconut oil for dry hair: Coconut oil is a good moisturizing agent, which relives you of dry and dull hairs and is also effective in reducing dandruff.
• Coconut oil for dandruff: Coconut oil is instrumental in relieving you of dandruff, which is caused by lack of moisture in the scalp. Coconut oil moistures your scalp and strands, thereby removing dandruff off your hair. You may massage your hair with pure coconut oil or you may use it along with other substances to alleviate the problem of dandruff. You may apply a mixture of coconut and olive oil or lemon juice to relieve dandruff.

Coconut oil is an excellent natural hair conditioner which moisturizes and nourishes the hair, thereby preventing hair loss and dandruff and leading to soft and healthy hair. Coconut oil can also be used for treating skin problems and for a healthy and shining skin tone.