Coconut oil in your hair? In just a few weeks, this well-known ancestral recipe radically transforms your hair. Everyone - or almost everyone - has a jar of virgin coconut oil in their kitchen to prepare delicious recipes with this vegetable fat. But coconut oil is much more than just an ingredient and also has many benefits for the beauty of your hair. Easy, versatile, and very nourishing, thanks to its composition rich in fatty acids and vitamins, this elixir has become a must-have in hair routines. Here's everything you need to know about the benefits of coconut oil for hair, the types of fibers that benefit the most from it, and how to use it to get dream hair.
The benefits of coconut oil for hair
Intensely nourishes
One of the main assets of coconut oil is its ability to penetrate deep into the hair fiber, providing intense hydration and nutrition. This property is due to its content of lauric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that allows for rapid and effective absorption.
Reduced breakage
Coconut oil helps reduce hair breakage by strengthening its structure. By forming a protective layer around the hair, it minimizes damage caused by daily brushing or external aggressions, such as pollution and UV rays.
Improves scalp health
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which are beneficial for maintaining a healthy scalp and preventing any discomfort in the area. Such as dandruff, itching, and even infections.
Promotes hair growth
For anyone looking for extra-long lengths, coconut oil is a valuable ally. By reducing breakage and nourishing the scalp, it creates an optimal environment for hair growth. Its moisturizing properties also help prevent dry split ends, promoting longer, healthier hair.
What types of hair can I use coconut oil on?
Coconut oil is suitable for many hair types, but its benefits vary depending on the nature and condition of the hair.
On fine hair
On fine hair, coconut oil should be used sparingly. Excessive application can weigh it down and make it greasy too quickly. So for light fibers, it is best to use it as a pre- shampoo mask to avoid any oily residue.
On curly and frizzy hair
Curly and frizzy hair, often dry by nature, greatly benefits from the deep nourishment provided by coconut oil. It helps define curls and reduce frizz, while providing shine and softness.
On colored and bleached hair
For colored or bleached hair, coconut oil offers protection against damage caused by chemical treatments. It helps maintain moisture and extend the life of color, while protecting the hair fiber.
How to use coconut oil in hair
As a pre-shampoo mask
Apply coconut oil generously to dry hair, focusing on the ends and driest areas. Leave on for 30 minutes to overnight, before rinsing and washing the fibers with a mild shampoo.
In oil bath
For intense hydration, perform an oil bath by wrapping your hair in a hot towel after applying the coconut oil. The heat will help the oil penetrate deeper into the fiber.
In daily care
For dry ends, apply a small amount of coconut oil to the ends of your hair to nourish and prevent split ends.
Best Coconut Oils for Hair
The original article can be found on Vogue France.