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Your Miracle Potion: A Guide to the Best Coconut Oil for Hair

August 7, 2021

Coconut oil has been used in hair in countries across the globe. It is only now that the Western world is beginning to catch up to this trend. As such, there is probably a lot that you still don’t know about using coconut oil in your hair. This includes the benefits and what kind of oil to buy for yourself. Well, this is where this article comes in. If you are ready to learn everything about using coconut oil for your locks, then you will find all the information that you need, right here…

Best Coconut Oil for Damaged Hair

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Best Coconut Oil for Dry Hair

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What Coconut Oil Can Do for Your Hair

Coconut oil has been all the rage in the last few years. Unfortunately, most of this popularity has been due to pseudoscience or personal beliefs regarding what coconut oil can do for your hair. Although coconut oil can improve the appearance of your hair, there are some things that it is just can’t do. This is often because many of the features of your hair are due to genetics rather than external conditions (this will be explained in a bit). Below, you will be able to figure out just what coconut oil can help you with and where it may not do much good for you. 

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May Be More Useful Than Traditional Hair Care Products

Many of your hair care products contain mineral oils or certain vegetable oils. Now, this is done for a number of reasons.

First, these oils don’t make the hair greasy. Second, they tend to be rather affordable to use in larger quantities.

Well, it has been discovered that coconut oil may be more beneficial than products containing these other oils, however.

Understand, coconut oil is readily absorbed by the hair shaft. This allows the oil to perform its magic from the inside out.

Many of the other oils are simply left standing on the surface of the hair, limiting their overall impact on your strands.

Can Prevent and Reduce Damage

Hair damage can be an absolute nightmare. It can lead to breakage, split ends, and frizzy hair. Not to mention, it can be quite difficult to reverse.

Unfortunately, there are a number of things that can cause damage to your hair. This includes pollution, styling tools, or even improper hair care routines.

The good news, though, is that coconut oil can revive your hair once it has been damaged.

In addition to being highly absorbent, coconut oil also has a high affinity for hair proteins. Thus, once it is bound to the proteins in the hair, it can prevent any future loss.

So, if you are losing hair due to hair damage, then coconut oil may be able to reverse this condition.

Even better is that coconut oil can be used to prevent hair damage in the first place.

To cut down on the risk of hair damage, you can use coconut oil before washing your hair or afterward – it is equally effective as a pre-wash and post-wash treatment.

clear glass bottle with coconut oil

Can Lock In Moisture

Are you tired of dry, dull hair and want silky smooth locks instead? Well, it appears that coconut oil can help with this as well.

Once coconut oil has been worked into your hair, it cuts down on the level of moisture leaving your hair. This leaves your hair more moisturized and prevents it from drying out.

As an added bonus, coconut oil still lets some of the moisture get on the strands in your hair, moisturizing it even further.

However, for the best benefits, make sure to use a moisturizing agent and then apply the coconut oil as the final touch. This way, it can act as a sealant as well.

Using Coconut Oil for Scalp

So, coconut oil has several uses for your hair. Does it have any benefits for the living cells on the scalp as well?

Well, it just might!

Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. As such, it can be used to prevent skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

Thus, if you are plagued by either of these problems, coconut oil may do the trick.

Related Reading
Uncovering the Best Coconut Oils for All Your Needs

What Coconut Oil Can’t Do for Your Hair

OK, now let’s tackle some of the myths surrounding coconut oil for your hair and figure out what its limitations are.

Won’t Prevent Biological-Related Hair Loss

As mentioned in the above section, coconut oil can help with hair loss caused by pollution or other kinds of hair damage.

However, if your hair loss is due to a biological factor or a medical condition, then coconut oil isn’t all that useful.

So, if you use it to try and reverse hair loss, it won’t work as you would expect. 

Won’t Promote Hair Growth

It is widely held that coconut oil can help with hair growth. Well, this isn’t necessarily true.

If your hair growth is stunted due to hair damage, then coconut oil may be able to nourish your hair and speed up the process once more.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that most hair growth patterns are based on genetics. Thus, if your genes determine that your hair only grows to a certain length, coconut oil will not be able to help. 

healthy hair

Can’t Make Hair Thicker

If you are losing hair due to hair damage, then your hair volume is going to appear significantly less. In this instance, coconut oil can encourage hair to grow and make it look fuller.

At the same time, the individual thickness of your strands as well as the total volume is determined by genes.

This means that if your strands are naturally on the thinner side or if your volume isn’t that great, coconut oil can’t really change it.

Types of Coconut Oil for Hair

If you think all coconut oil is the same, think again! There are actually various types out there. Check out the information below to see which ones you should be selecting for hair care.

Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair

You will often find numerous labels and titles splashed across coconut oil hair products. Ignore most of these.

The only term that you need to pay attention to is virgin coconut oil. This is a form of oil that is unprocessed or unrefined.

As a result, it contains more nutrients than the cheaper processed versions. Due to this, it should be your first pick. 

Organic Coconut Oil for Hair

More recently, organic coconut oil has increased in popularity. So, is it worth to splurge on this product?

Well, that does depend on your preference. For the most part, there are negligible levels of pesticides in coconut oil.

Nonetheless, if you want to completely remove the risk of absorbing any such substances into your body, then organic may be the way to go.

fresh coconut

Fractionated Coconut Oil for Hair

Another term you will come across is fractionated coconut oil. While this may sound nefarious, it simply refers to coconut oils that don’t contain long-chain fatty acids.

The removal of this component makes the oil more absorbent. Thus, if you have very brittle or dry hair, you may want to consider such a product. 

Coconut Oil vs. Coconut Oil Hair Treatment

You may have heard about coconut oil hair treatments and wonder how they differ from coconut oil.

Well, coconut oil refers to the natural oil that is derived from coconuts – it contains no other ingredients.

Coconut oil hair treatments, on the other hand, may include other components although coconut oil will be the main ingredient. This may be herbs, other oils, or hair care ingredients.

So, which one is better?

Well, that all really depends on your needs. If you are simply looking for a way to bring shine or strength back to your hair, then coconut oil may do the trick.

However, if you are looking for a product that can offer several advantages at once, you may discover that coconut oil hair treatments are a better option.

The Best Coconut Oil Hair Reviews

Now, let’s move onto the main attraction – the best coconut oil for your various hair needs.

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Best Coconut Oil for Damaged Hair

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Regardless of your hair type or pattern, this coconut oil should certainly do the trick. It is chock-full of healthful ingredients and will help to sort out a variety of issues.

The coconut oil is pure and natural, further ensuring that it will be safe and beneficial to your locks.

What We Like:

  • Incredibly Nourishing: this coconut oil contains minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. Not only does it restore your locks to their original glory but it works to keep it in good condition for longer.
  • Reduces Frizz: if you suffer from frizz, this coconut oil works wonders to hydrate your strands and ensure that they sit well on your head, especially with extended use.
  • Lightweight Texture: the lightweight texture of this coconut oil means that it won’t weigh your hair down but allow the strands to move around freely.

What We Don't Like:

  • Liquefies Easily: even the slightest increase in temperature can cause the coconut oil to liquefy, making it more difficult to apply.

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Best Coconut Oil for Dry Hair

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Made specifically for cosmetic purposes, this coconut oil is great if you are looking for a product to help whip your hair into shape.

Completely natural and containing moisturizing ingredients, this coconut oil works wonders on all different types of hair.

What We Like:

  • Well-Sourced: this oil is carefully sourced from the freshest coconuts possible. It is also not processed, ensuring that the maximum amount of nutrients remains within the oil, making it more beneficial for your strands.
  • Readily Absorbed: due to the oil being so light, it is absorbed by the hair shaft quite quickly. As a result, you get to enjoy softer and smoother hair more quickly.
  • Long-Lasting: the formula lasts quite a while. So, even if you use it sparingly, you will not have to worry about the coconut oil going bad.

What We Don't Like:

  • Small Quantity: for the price, the quantity is rather small. Thus, it may not offer the best value of all the products on the market.

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This is an easy-to-use oil that allows you to apply the product directly into your strands without any issue at all.

One of our favorite aspects was that this oil is specially formulated for your scalp and hair and thus, works a lot more effectively.

What We Like:

  • Excellent for Hydration: this formula is incredibly hydrating and is suitable for dry or damaged hair. You should notice an improvement rather quickly as the oil is readily absorbed by the hair shaft.
  • Non-Greasy Formula: this coconut oil can be used by individuals with thick and thin strands. Since it isn’t greasy at all, you don’t have to worry about it weighing your strands down.
  • Odorless: this formula doesn’t have any odor. Thus, it can be applied to your hair at any time and no one will even know that you have used it. This makes it suitable for day and night use.

What We Don't Like:

  • May Need Reapplying: as it is quite lightweight, you may have to keep reapplying the oil to hair to see the full benefits of the oil.

Radha Beauty Fractionated Coconut Oil

Whether you want to use this coconut oil by itself or mix it up with other ingredients, you are sure to love this product. Natural and fractionated, you will find that this coconut oil ticks all the boxes for your hair needs. 

What We Like:

  • Doesn’t Remain on Hair Surface: this is an oil that is absorbed rather quickly. As such, it doesn’t sit on the surface of your hair for too long.
  • Good for Mixing: if you like to create your own hair concoctions, then this will act as the perfect carrier oil for your serums.
  • Great Value: a little bit of this oil goes a long way. Thus, you can get away with using only a small amount at a time.

What We Don't Like:

  • May Be Too Thick for Thin Strands: the oil may be thicker than what you are used to. So, if you have thinner hair, this oil may cause it to appear lank.

Kapuluan Raw Organic Coconut Oil

You will be hard-pressed to find coconut oil that boasts better quality than this. So, if excellence is a top priority for you, then you will enjoy what this oil has to offer.

What We Like:

  • Cold-pressed and Raw: not only is this coconut oil virtually unprocessed, but it is also extracted without heat. This retains a greater number of nutrients.
  • Improves Condition of Hair: this oil is nourishing and quickly absorbed. This combination ensures that it can improve your hair within a shorter period of time.
  • Good for Sensitive Scalps: since it is mildly processed, this oil works well for more sensitive scalps or for anyone with sensitive skin.

What We Don't Like:

  • Higher Cost: all this quality does come with a higher price tag and so this can be considered a bit of a splurge.

Sky Organics Coconut Oil

In addition to being organic, this coconut oil is also a fortified formula. Thus, you can expect it to offer significant nutritional benefits for your hair.

What We Like:

  • Extra Nourishing: coupled with vitamin E which helps to improve blood circulation in the scalp, this coconut oil can ensure that your scalp and hair are stronger than ever before.
  • Can Be Used as Hair Mask: due to the texture of this oil, it can be used as a hair mask if your hair is in desperate need of damage reversal or moisturizing.
  • Long-Lasting Effects: the effects of this coconut oil last quite a while, even when it is washed out of your hair. 

What We Don't Like:

  • Solid at Room Temperature: this form makes it difficult to use the coconut oil without warming it up first.

Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Oil

This coconut oil is enriched with numerous other ingredients, ensuring that you can enjoy plenty of other benefits for your hair and scalp.

What We Like:

  • Treats a Variety of Hair Conditions: due to the added ingredients, this product is able to tackle hair damage, dryness, and a host of other issues.
  • Good for Your Scalp: the product is readily absorbed into your scalp, ensuring that your strands are healthy from the root to the tip.
  • Works as a Leave-In Product: you can leave this product in overnight and wash it out the next day without any issue at all.

What We Don't Like:

  • Strong Scent: there is a noticeable scent with this oil – although it isn’t necessary, it may not be for everyone.

So, these are all the top coconut oils for your hair. As long as you stick to the advice provided here, you should be able to keep your hair in excellent condition.

If you enjoyed this post, check out our Pinterest page as well. It has plenty of other helpful hints on coconut oil-based products.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Riya Borah
Nutritionist Educator | Riya Borah is a nutritionist educator and her job involves guiding people towards a healthier lifestyle. Growing up in India, Riya was aware of just how much coconut was used on a daily basis. This encouraged her to research the properties of this versatile drupe. It opened her eyes to both the limitation and possibilities of coconut. Her aim is to now educate as many people as possible about the best ways to utilize coconut in their own lives.
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