The Coconut Oil Hair Treatment

Here’s a closer look at this amazing super food – COCONUT OIL.  It’s not only good for your body, but even moreso for your hair.

Pure coconut oil (not the Virgin Coconut Oil) is known for its  anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties (because of Lauric Acid).  When applied regularly, it helps control:

• dry scalp which in turn prevents dandruff,
• itchy scalp,
• and sometimes even split ends.

How does it do that?

Since coconut oil has a smaller chemical structure (low molecular weight and straight linear chain) compared to other oils, it can actually penetrate hair shaft resulting to a more moisturized hair leaving it shiny and bouncy.  Thus, regular use will increase lubrication, hair breakage. 

For colored hair – Coconut Oil WILL NOT fade your hair color.  There are many factors to hair color fade and coconut oil is not one of them.  Using harsh shampoo or prolong sun exposure are some examples.

Since coconut oil was found to reduce protein loss of hair, it can be used as regular hair treatment, or use it before hair wash schedule or even a leave-in hair treatment. 

How to use as treatment:

1. Apply coconut oil all over the scalp and hair.
2. Wear shower cap for hear and leave it an hour to 3 hours (or leave it overnight).
3. Rinse.
4. Apply shampoo and conditioner.
5. Do this once a week.
   

For the geeks out there, let’s zero in on the chemistry.

Why is Coconut oil more superior compared to other oil that we use in our hair?

It’s basically because of its chemical structure – 44.6% of coconut oil is Lauric acid (it’s principal fatty acid)

Of the saturated fatty acids, coconut oil is primarily 44.6% lauric acid, 16.8% myristic acid and 8.2% palmitic acid, although it contains seven different saturated fatty acids in total. Its only monounsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid while its only polyunsaturated fatty acid is linoleic acid. (SOURCE: www.cs.mcgill.ca )

Lauric acid is a powerful substance that’s sometimes extracted from the coconut for used in developing monolaurin.  Monolaurin is an antimicrobial agent that’s able to fight pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts.  But because it’s irritating and not found alone in nature, you can’t ingest lauric acid on its own.

Annoyed by the smell?

It’s that kind that you either hate or love.  If you hate it, use it as treatment and not a leave-in agent to your hair.

You can also watch the step by step through our video in our YouTube Channel – TheColorBarTV: