The Hair Health Hotline provides direct access to dermatologists, trichologists, hair stylists and other beauty professionals. Each story in this series addresses common hair and scalp concerns and offers science-backed solutions for taking care of your strands.
Of all the plant-based oils out there, coconut oil has to be one of the most controversial varieties.. Nutrition experts go back and forth on whether the ingredient deserves the “healthy” label because of its saturated fat content. Opinions are divided on whether there is, and oil pulling with coconut oil is either unproductive or the secret to whiter teeth, depending on who you ask.
The topic of coconut oil as a hair care ingredient is similarly polarized. Some people bang strands in it, while others claim it’s not really good for hair. Find out what Joyce Park, MD, creator of Tea with MD, has to say about the potential benefits of coconut oil for hair.
Q: I’ve noticed a lot of people use coconut oil in DIY hair recipes, but I thought I remember hearing that it’s actually bad for hair. What does coconut oil do for hair health? will you do?
A: According to Dr. Park, coconut oil has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that are beneficial for hair, but it’s not suitable for all hair types.
The composition of coconut oil sets it apart from other oils. “The special combination of fatty acids found in coconut oil is unique. Palmitic and myristic acids help moisturize the skin, and lauric acid helps with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,” the article reads. The structure allows for better penetration into the hair compared to mineral and sunflower oils. Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Is coconut oil good for hair?
Like other oils, coconut oil helps lock in moisture. This is key to avoiding dry hair.According to Dr. Park, coconut oil can be applied to the lengths of your hair to strengthen and condition your strands. Coconut oil is commonly used in Ayurvedic traditional hair oilings as it helps to lock in moisture. This method involves coating your hair with oil before washing to lock in moisture and prevent split ends from getting worse.
Applying coconut oil to the scalp can also be beneficial, Dr. Park says. The antibacterial properties of lauric acid in things may benefit the skin microbiome of the scalp, she says.
A few things to note: Some experts warn that applying coconut oil to the scalp can make dandruff worse because a type of yeast that can cause dandruff ingests lauric acid. I’m here. shape Previously reported. Coconut oil also tends to clog pores and can cause buildup that can lead to acne on the scalp.
According to Dr. Park, if you’re looking for an ingredient that can boost hair growth, it’s best to look elsewhere.” [coconut oil] Helps strengthen hair and reduce breakage. There are better treatments to grow thicker, fuller hair. PRP [platelet-rich plasma]”If you’re experiencing hair loss to find out the underlying cause, it’s best to visit a dermatologist.
Coconut oil’s properties make it ideal for people with dry or curly hair, says Dr. Park. She explains that it is not very suitable for people with oily scalps or fine hair.
how to use coconut oil for hair
Depending on your preference, you can choose to buy hair products that contain coconut oil or use pure coconut oil.To choose the best coconut oil for your hair, look for the word “virgin” on the label. please, recommends Dr. Park. “These forms [of coconut oil] High content of medium chain triglycerides [e.g. lauric acid] It’s more nutritious and less prone to oxidation than processed foods,” she says.
The best way to use coconut oil depends on your hair type. “If you tend to have [a] If you have dry scalp and hair, we recommend using coconut oil two to three times a week, massaging a thin layer onto your scalp and hair and leaving it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off,” says Dr. says Park. For the scalp, on the other hand, avoid the scalp and apply coconut oil to lengths of hair when it needs moisture, says Dr. Park. “Massage from scalp to ends,” she recommends.
There are many other types of oils with unique properties if they are not already on the market. You don’t have much to lose.
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