Is coconut oil good for your hair?

Is coconut oil good for your hair?

Coconut oil is easily absorbed, making it one of the better oils for repairing dry hair. It helps to moisturise your hair, prevent dandruff, and is gentle on your scalp. Most coconut oil is made from natural ingredients, meaning it tends to be safe for sensitive scalps and is less likely to cause irritation.

What are the side effects of coconut oil?

More research is needed into the wider, long-term effects of coconut oil on the hair, as there is some evidence of negative side effects.

Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at Spire Healthcare, explains that when you leave unrefined oil on your roots and scalp for too long, it's absorbed into your scalp, which can cause your hair growth to slow down.

In addition, coconut oil can make your hair greasy and dull if it builds up on your scalp. This is more likely if you have extra-fine hair.

"In certain instances, coconut oil can even have a drying effect if it is overused or used on the wrong hair type, as it can penetrate the hair cuticle, adds Borysiewicz. "This takes up space within the strands, causing a build-up of proteins."

How to use coconut oil for hair

Borysiewicz says that you can use coconut oil as a split-end treatment for extra dry hair while on the go. However, the best option is to apply the oil on to damp hair after washing.

Borysiewicz adds that you will need to be aware of your hair type before using a coconut oil hair mask. Assess your hair regularly to see if it is suitable for you.

"Using coconut oil once a week is more than enough," she advises. "If you apply it too heavily or too often then your hair follicles may become clogged, and it can cause a build-up of excess oils."

Can you leave coconut oil in your hair overnight?

Do not put coconut oil into your hair before bed and sleep on it. Coconut oil hair masks can clog hair follicles, make your hair greasy, and reduce growth.

Does coconut oil help hair growth?

Some people believe coconut oil helped their hair growth. Coconut oil can improve the health of your hair which can make it appear to be growing at a faster rate, as it can reduce breakage and split ends.

However, there is currently no evidence to support this.

Does coconut oil thicken hair?

There is no medical research to suggest that coconut oil offers a thickening effect on the hair.

If you are hoping to thicken your hair, Borysiewicz suggests considering the following options instead:

Patient picks for Hair and scalp problems

Skin, nail and hair health

Back to school: how to check your child for head lice and nits

Head lice and nits are dreaded words for many parents, but they are very common in young children. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, the beginning of the autumn school term is when they are most likely to start. So if your child comes home from school with an itchy head, how can you check that these bugs are the cause?

by Lydia Smith

Skin, nail and hair health

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes bad dandruff and sometimes a rash, commonly on the face and upper body. An anti-yeast (antifungal) shampoo and/or an antifungal cream will usually clear the dandruff and rash. The condition tends to come back (recur). If it recurs frequently, regular use of an antifungal shampoo and/or cream can help to keep it away.

by Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGP

Is coconut oil good for your skin?

As well as being used on hair, coconut oil is frequently applied on skin and offers a range of benefits.

You can use coconut oil to wash your face like any other face wash. Rub it over your face and then let it sit for a few minutes before washing it off with a warm, wet cloth.

You can also use coconut oil as a make-up remover by applying it to a cotton pad - alternative products for this include micellar water.

Is coconut oil a good moisturiser?

Depending on your skin type coconut oil can be a general moisturiser. However, if you have oily or combination skin, coconut oil might not be the best moisturiser for you. This is because it is comedogenic and can clog your pores.

Other benefits of using coconut oil for skin

• Reducing the appearance of fine lines.

• Protecting the skin against environmental stressors.

• Soothing irritated skin.

• Exfoliating dry skin if mixed with raw sugar or sea salt to create a scrub.

Before including coconut oil in your haircare routine, you should assess your hair type, any allergies you might have, and what part of your hair health you want to treat.