7 Reasons Why Coconut Oil is Good for Your Hair

Thick and lustrous hair, has been on your wish list forever but the right way to get there has been your ‘mane’ concern. You have tried a bevy of products but nothing seems to work. Well, it’s time now to recollect all the good advice your grandma gave you. There was a reason why she told you to apply coconut oil in your hair. Dr Aparna Santhanam, consultant dermatologist, Marico India Limited for Parachute Advansed Hair Oil, says, “Rich in minerals and vitamins, coconut oil is like an elixir for hair. If applied regularly and properly, it can tremendous improve your scalp health; hair root strength, and prevent unnecessary hair fall.”   

Though most of us feel applying coconut oil to the hair is the easiest thing to do, it isn’t. There is a proper way of applying it, if you want it to be beneficial. “One of the best ways to apply coconut oil is to take lukewarm oil and apply it on the scalp, while running the fingers through the length of the hair, with special attention to the tips. The tips are where the hair will be the driest and most damaged. Regular application will transform the hair quality, making it softer and shinier. Additionally, gently massage the oil using fingertips in circular motions. This helps improve the blood circulation which in turn boosts hair growth. It is also necessary to wrap oiled hair in a towel. This allows the oil to seep into the hair and nourish it from within,” says Dr Aparna.

Benefits of coconut oil

Get rid of frizzy hair in monsoon
Due to a higher humidity levels, hair becomes dry and frizzy in monsoon. A simple massage with coconut oil could help you get softer and manageable hair. “Coconut oil nourishes the hair and coats it from within, thereby lessening the water your hair tends to soak up and protecting it from damage,” says Dr Aparna.

Banish scalp odour
Sometimes, especially in monsoon, scalp tends to emanate an odour due to accumulation of bacteria. “Coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties thanks to its metabolites – Lauric Acid, Capric Acid and Monolaurin—which re known to be effective against any kind of scalp infection,” says Dr Aparna. 

Prevent dandruff
An easy way to get rid of flaky dandruff is to apply coconut oil to your hair and let it sit for five minutes before shampooing. This will gradually lessen the dandruff on your scalp.

Use it to protect your hair from sun damage
Coconut oil has natural SPF, it can protect your hair from the harmful effects of sun damage. 

Coconut oil can boost hair growth 
Coconut oil can be paired with any other natural ingredient to boost your hair immunity. “Using aloe vera enriched coconut hair oil is a simple, natural and effective treatment for every hair type and texture. Coconut oil tends to penetrate deeper than any other hair oil and aloe vera deeply conditions the hair. Apply a concoction of both to get softer, lustrous and healthy hair,” adds Dr Aparna.

Repair damaged and brittle hair
Dr Aparna suggests an easy DIY mask to repair damaged and brittle hair. Mix aloe vera enriched coconut hair oil, lemon juice and honey in equal parts to form a rich paste. After mixing it thoroughly and gently massaging it through the length of your hair and scalp, wrap your hair in a hot towel for 20 to 30 minutes. Then wash the hair mask off with a mild cleansing solution. “While lemon juice and honey will bring shine to your dull and dry hair, aloe vera and coconut oil will make your hair soft,” says Dr Aparna. Using this mask once in every 10 days to get rid of dull and lifeless hair.

Protect hair from colouring damage 
Applying coconut oil on hair before a dye job will protect it from damage caused by  bleaching agent in hair colours.