A HAIR MASK : WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF COCONUT OIL ON HAIR?

Coconut oil is pretty awesome for hair. It is great if you have thin hair. It will make your hair stronger, shinier with more volume. 

Its  saturated fatty acids, also called lauric acid deeply nourish your hair and keep your hair soft. 

In an oil bath, it acts as a hydrating mask. It protects the hair and prevents it from becoming dry and brittle. 

Moisturisation is best achieved when the hair is still damp.

Because it contains lauric acid which has a high affinity for hair proteins, this can be great for fine hair that lacks natural hair proteins because protein is what gives the hair its strength and structure and results in healthier, shinier hair.

IS COCONUT OIL FOR EVERY TYPE OF HAIR ?

Coconut oil can hydrate, nourish, and clean the scalp by removing buildup. Applying a small amount after your wash day allows the oil to penetrate the hair shaft, seeping deeply into the follicles. This strengthens the hair as a whole, promoting growth, fullness, and density. If your hair type is on the drier, coarse side, it will do the exact opposite.

Although coconut oil cleanses the scalp, it can also cause a protein buildup by restricting moisture on dry or coarse hair. This will block the needed moisture and cause your strands to dry out. The end result? Split ends and hair breakage.

COCONUT OIL MAY NOT WORK FOR EVERY HAIR TYPE 

Despite coconut oil benefits for the curly hair of many, it has also proven to be damaging to others, depending on the texture and porosity the hair(hair’s ability to absorb moisture).

Coconut oil works pretty well for those with soft, fine or medium thick (in diameter) hair. Its protein retention abilities will add body and volume to such hair types. And also minimize damage and breakage while combing and styling.

Those with thick, coarse (wavy or curly) or dry hair may not struggle with low protein at all and coconut oil may lead to more brittle hair and  hair loss.

If your hair is thick, frizzy with very dry and brittle fiber then it’s best to stay away from you coconut oil. 

Coconut oil can cause protein build up for these hair types, blocking your hair from much needed moisture which makes your hair even drier, brittle and more damaged than it was before.

Extra notes:

If your hair doesn’t go well with coconut oil, this may sound strange, but pure coconut milk is a great substitute for coconut oil. 

And there are many other oil options for you like castor oil, marula and argan oil.