1. Introduction
Since childhood, we have seen our mom and granny’s apply coconut oil on their hair and skin. Coconut oil has gained its popularity for its versatile nature. It helps to keep your skin and hair healthy and soft. The chemical structure of coconut oil is such that it helps to repair the damaged hair and also nourishes the hair strand. Today, let’s see the benefits of coconut oil for curly hair.
Coconut oil gets easily absorbed in the hair shaft and provides deep hydration to hair. It helps to moisturize the hair strands, reduce the frizz and also remove the dandruff.
Let’s take a deeper look into the relationship between coconut oil and curly hair-
2. What is the Nutrient Composition of Coconut Oil?
Before, looking into the benefits of coconut oil. First, let’s understand the reason for its so immense popularity. Check out the nutrient composition of coconut oil-
- Antimicrobial Properties- Lauric acid found in coconut oil is rich in antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It helps to combat the scalp infection and soothe the irritation.
- Moisturizing Property- Fatty acids, present in the coconut oil is highly moisturizing. It penetrates the hair shaft easily and nourishes the hair follicles.
- Reduce Protein Loss- Coconut oil is rich in protein; it helps to increase the protein content in your curls and also make sure the protein is not lost from your hair.
3. Pros and Cons of Coconut Oil for Curly Hair
Pros:
- Moisturizes Hair- The best thing about coconut oil is it helps to moisturize and hydrate the hair. It penetrates into the hair follicles and moisturizes them.
- Relieve from Dry and Itchy Scalp- Curls biggest problem is that it lacks natural oil in the scalp. Applying coconut oil helps to relieve the scalp from its dryness and itchiness.
- Reduces Hair Damage- Curls helps to reduce the hair damage, split ends and also hair breakage. It seals the moisture in the hair strands and repair the hair strands.
Cons:
- It can Promote Protein Build-up- Coconut oil is rich in protein, applying too much of the coconut oil can build up the protein in the hair, which can make curls brittle.
- Hair feels heavy- Coconut oil is not as lightweight as other oils like Olive oil, Argan oil. Too much application of Coconut oil, can weigh down your hair and make your hair look heavy.
- It takes time to remove all- Coconut oil is not easy to remove whole. You may need to use clarifying shampoo to remove the whole oil and let curls breathe.
4. How to use Coconut oil for Curly Hair?
1.Deep Conditioning Treatment-
Once in a week, give your curls a treatment of deep conditioning. Deep conditioning treatment help the curls to be soft, smooth and nourished. Using coconut oil as deep conditioning helps to repair the damaged cuticles.
How to do it-
- Take 1 tbsp. of melted coconut oil
- Mix the oil in deep conditioner or you can also choose your natural ingredient like honey and aloe vera gel.
- Apply the DIY deep conditioner mask to your hair strands.
- Put on the shower cap to help the conditioner penetrate the hair strands properly.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water and shampoo.
2. Pre-Wash Hair Treatment-
Giving your curly hair a treatment of coconut oil before washing helps to soften the hair cuticles and keep your curls soft and smooth.
How to do it-
- Take small amount of coconut oil
- Warm up the coconut oil either in a bowl or in between your palms.
- Apply the melted coconut oil on your scalp and hair strands.
- Massage the oil on your scalp for 10 minutes.
- Keep the coconut oil for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
3. DIY Coconut Oil Hair Mask-
a. Coconut oil and Honey Hair Mask-
Honey is one of the most amazing natural conditioner for hair. It helps to detangle the hair and keep the hair strands soft and smooth. Filled with nutrients like vitamins, minerals and amino acid honey helps to protect the hair from damage.
Hair Mask:
- Take 1 tbsp. of raw honey
- Add 1 tbsp. of coconut oil in it.
- Mix the ingredients together
- Apply the hair mask on your hair strands.
- Keep it for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
b. Coconut oil and Egg Hair Mask-
Applying egg on your hair helps to remove frizzy hair and gives you healthy and nourished hair. It also helps to stimulate the hair growth and repair the damaged hair strands.
Hair Mask:
- Take 1 egg and whisk it properly.
- Add 2 tbsp. of melted coconut oil.
- Mix them together.
- Apply the hair mask on your hair strands.
- Keep it for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
c. Coconut oil and ACV Hair Mask-
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the amazing ingredient which helps in growth of curly hair and also keep the scalp clean and clear. Along with Coconut oil, it helps to smoothen the hair cuticles and balances the scalp’s pH.
Hair Mask:
- Take 2 tbsp. of Coconut oil
- Mix it with 2 tbsp. of Honey
- First, mix the above two ingredients and warm it a little.
- Now, add 1 tbsp. of ACV
- Your hair mask is ready
- Apply the mask on your hair strands
- Keep it for 20 minutes
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
4. Detangling-
Yes, coconut oil is even used to detangle your hair. Take a small amount of coconut oil and apply it on your curls. Then gently tangle the curls with the help of your fingers.
How to use:
- When your hair is wet.
- Apply a little bit of coconut oil on your hair strands.
- With the help of fingers, detangle your hair.
5. Different Types of Coconut Oil
a. Unrefined Coconut Oil-
This is the purest form of coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil is an oil that has been pressed from coconut and it undergoes no more processing. Now, there are two ways in which coconut oil can be extracted-
- Wet Method: This is one of the most common method to extract the oil. In this technique, both coconut milk and coconut oil is pressed from fresh coconuts and then both of them are separated.
- Dry Method: Machine is used in this method to press coconut oil from dried coconut.
Examples of Unrefined Coconut Oil:
Parachute 100% Pure and Natural Unrefined Coconut Oil
Alaffia Pure Unrefined Coconut Oil
b. Refined Coconut Oil-
Unlike unrefined coconut oil, refined coconut oil goes through little more of processing. This processing method is to make the coconut oil suitable for cooking purpose.
Some of the good refined coconut oil are:
Nutiva Organic Steam Refined Oil
Amazon Fresh, Organic Refined Coconut Oil
Conclusion
So, above are the benefits of coconut oil for curly hair. Coconut oil has the ability to nourish and moisturize hair and also repair the damaged hair. The nutrient composition of coconut oil is such that it helps to keep the curls soft, smooth and healthy.
Even if your hair is damaged to a great extent, then applying Coconut oil regularly will help to repair the curls and also keep them healthy.
Did you know about these benefits of coconut oil for curly hair?
