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, and to 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?

However, 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 the Cadogan Clinic, explains that, when you leave unrefined oil on the roots and scalp for too long and it's absorbed into the scalp, it can cause 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, taking up space within the strands and causing a build-up of proteins," adds Borysiewicz.

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.

1. Warm the coconut oil slightly before applying - do this by applying a small amount to your palm and rubbing your hands together. This makes it more malleable and easier to apply to your hair. If you prefer a liquid consistency, you could also heat the coconut oil up on low heat over a stove. Make sure to allow the oil to cool before pouring on to your hair.

2. Apply the coconut oil sparingly to your hair - avoiding your scalp to prevent build-up and grease, apply the coconut oil to the lengths of your hair to add moisture and to detangle.

3. After applying the coconut oil, dry your hair and style as normal, making sure you use a heat protectant if using a hairdryer, straighteners, or curling wand.

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

"Using coconut oil once a week is more than enough. 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?

Although it might be tempting to put coconut oil into your hair before bed and sleep on it, you should avoid this. Coconut oil hair masks can clog hair follicles, make your hair greasy, and reduce growth.

You can leave coconut oil in your hair for up to 30 minutes. If you have thin or highly porous hair, 15 minutes is likely enough time.

If you want to use coconut oil as a hair mask or a scale treatment, and your hair type allows, leaving it in overnight occasionally shouldn't cause problems.

Does coconut oil help hair growth?

Some people believe coconut oil aided 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:

• Avoid restrictive dieting - eat lots of oxygen- and vitamin-rich foods, such as leafy greens and fruits.

• Reduce over-styling, colouring, and heat application to your hair.

• Opt for caffeine-based hair products.

• Treat yourself to regular head massages to increase the blood flow to the pores in your scalp.

• Check with your GP or dermatologist if you suspect thinning hair might have an underlying cause.

Patient picks for Hair and scalp problems

Skin, nail and hair health

Common causes of an itchy scalp

If you tell someone you are scratching your head, with a bit of luck they will assume you are engrossed in a serious bit of cogitation. However, it is probably more likely that you are actually suffering from an itchy scalp. There are lots of reasons for our scalps to become irritated but here are a few common causes and what you can do about it.

by Dr Jessica Garner, MRCGP

Skin, nail and hair health

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a condition where patches of hair loss develop, usually on the head. In some cases, total baldness develops. Usually the hair regrows after several months. In some cases, the hair loss is permanent. Treatments to promote hair regrowth work in some cases, but often the hair regrows of its own accord.

by Dr Pippa Vincent, MRCGP

Is coconut oil good for your skin? Coconut oil benefits

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

You can use coconut oil to wash your face like any other face wash, rubbing it over your face and then letting 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.

Borysiewicz adds: "Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and nutrients to help protect the skin. It has been noted as a natural source of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties."

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.