Benefits of Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Coconut oil protects and moisturizes hair and can be made into an effective hair mask for hair care. It can be easily made at home with the ingredients present at home. Coconut oil, in recent years, has gained popularity as an anti-inflammatory, containing active compounds to prevent and treat many health conditions. It can be topically applied on the skin and hair for moisturization and treatment of eczema and irritation.

A review states that saturated fats such as coconut oil diffuse in hair much easier than polyunsaturated oils thereby reducing the amount of water absorbed by hair.⁽¹⁾ This prevents swelling and drying out of hair which further prevents hair damage. Oils help in filling the gap between the cuticle cells and stop chemicals present in the shampoo from penetrating the follicle.

A study was done on both damaged and undamaged hair and it was concluded that only coconut oil reduces protein loss when compared with sunflower oil and mineral oil.⁽²⁾ Coconut oil contains lauric acid that has a high affinity for protein because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain.

Coconut oil hair masks can have the following benefits:

• Improves skin condition
• Hydrates hair
• Prevents protein loss
• Strengthens hair and minimize breakage
• Moisturizes and soothes the scalp
• Reduces frizz and increases shine
• Repairs the negative effects of styling methods.

A coconut hair oil mask can benefit anyone who needs an improvement in hair texture but can be extremely helpful in the following conditions:

Virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties.⁽³⁾ Additionally, it is a non-irritant that can soothe and protect skin by enhancing the skin barrier function. Those with scalp conditions like psoriasis, eczema and dandruff may benefit from it.

A study done in 2021, treated Indian women with coconut oil for one week. It was found that it enriched healthy scalp bacteria and reduced fungal species that caused dandruff.⁽⁴⁾

Coconut oil was also found to be effective in treating atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients when used for 8 weeks.⁽⁵⁾ It is also found to be effective for people with hair thinning.⁽⁶⁾

In a study it was observed, those using coconut oil once or twice a week had 65% lower hair weakness than those who did not.⁽⁷⁾ Coconut oil penetrates the hair and protects it from harmful chemicals present in the shampoo.

Curly hair is more susceptible to breakage and those with Afro hair are more prone to have oily scalp and dried hair fiber.⁽⁸⁾

Styling and straightening shampoo may worsen the condition of such hair making it more challenging to manage them. Using coconut oil can help in reducing friction and abrasion between the strands and minimizing damage.

A Coconut hair oil mask can be easily made at home.

Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and a tablespoon of honey and melt them in a pan till they combine completely. Apply this mask to the hair and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse the mask and wash the hair with shampoo.

Apple cider vinegar can deeply clean the hair and make them brighter and shinier.

The mask can be made by combining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and one table spoon of apple cider vinegar and this mixture can be applied to hair and scalp.

Avocado and banana can play a role in deeply nourishing hair and scalp and improving the appearance of hair.

The mask can be made by mashing ripe fruits and mixing them in melted coconut oil and applying them to the damp hair. It can be rinsed off after 20 minutes and washed with shampoo.

Coconut oil is beneficial for scalp conditions, weak and curly hair. It can be combined with other ingredients to make a mask that can enhance its beneficial properties.

Also Read:

• Why Coconut Oil is Good For You?
• Natural Remedies & Benefits of Coconut Oil for Vitiligo
• Is Coconut Oil Good For Epilepsy?
• Skin and Hair Health Benefits of the Blend of Camphor and Coconut Oil
• 3 Benefits of Coconut Oil For Eyelashes & How to Use Coconut Oil for Eyelashes
• What is a Coconut Oil Cleanse & Does Coconut Oil Detox Work For Weight Loss?
• Coconut Oil For Constipation & Different Ways Of Using Coconut To Ease Constipation