Common Hair Problems

•    Dandruff

-    Occurs when there is too much shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp caused by fungus, Malassezia globosa.

•    Dry scalp resulting to dry hair

-    Is caused by too much brushing and washing of your head or hair. When you excessively shampoo everyday, you tend to wash away the natural oils your pores secrete and will lead to dry scalp and dry hair.  This does not only look ugly, it would also make your head itch.

Coconut oil and hair
 
In the Philippines where coconut trees grow very abundant, the natives used to use coconut milk and oil as hair conditioner.  In their tradition, other than the coco milk or the oil itself, they would also rub grated coconut meat on their head while taking a shower. They always believed that coconut oil moisturizes and hydrates their hair and scalp.

Sri Lanka and India often used coco oil for styling hair and soothing the head to relieve stress. 

Coconut oil health benefits for hair

The natural oils on your head (and through your skin as a whole) are called sebum which contains medium chain fatty acids or MCFAs.  These oils prevent dryness of the scalp.  When you shampoo daily, the oils are washed off.  Like the sebum, coconut oil contains MCFAs as well.  That is why, applying coconut oil on your head will replace the lost moisture on your scalp and your hair.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid and when converted into monolaurin, provides the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the oil.  As said in the introduction of the article, coconut oil is also found in shampoo, conditioner, and soap ingredients.  The monolaurin is an antifungal agent, thus, it could help fight the growth of Malassezia globosa that can cause dandruff.

 

Some other claims

Some people say that they use coconut oil for hair growth and found it effective.  While there are no documented proofs on this yet, there could be no harm in trying the coco oil as it provides no side effects when applied on hair.

Using coconut oil for hair

Here are some ways on how coconut oil can be used for healthier and more beautiful hair:

1.    Head massage

Before going to bed at night, spread small amount of virgin coconut oil on your palm and massage gently onto your hair.  This also gives you a soothing effect for better quality of sleep.  Shampoo it off in the shower the next day and rinse well.

2.    Apply it after a bath.

a.    Wipe hair softly with a towel to remove excess water.
b.    Just like applying some wax or cream, spread evenly an ample amount of coconut oil on your palm and spread it on hair from root to tip – less on the roots and more on the tips.

Note: Don’t apply on wet but only on damp hair else, it would be hard for you to determine whether you already have spread enough oil.  The excess water on hair might also wash away the oil that you have applied.

Make sure that you are using everything in moderation so that you will avoid the disaster of a very greasy head.  If you would happen to overdo the coconut oil treatment, as simple as rinsing the oil off with lots of water will solve the problem.

Avoid shampooing everyday because in the long run, this will result to brittle hair.

There you have it.  Just follow these simple coconut oil hair care tips and you are off for a healthier crowning glory.

Coconut oil related articles and topics:

Coconut oil for skin, do you have dry, flaky skin? Learn how coconut oil helps bring back the natural moisture of your skin. Find out how coco oil aids in curing some skin diseases such eczema and acne.

Coconut oil for candida, some reports say that candidiasis cure is one of the health benefits you get from coconut oil.  No how the so-called miracle oil help in preventing and lessening candida yeasts overgrowth.

Coconut oil and diabetes, learn and discover how the risks and complications of diabetes may be lessened by using coconut oil.  Find out how a healthy lifestyle and the coconut diet make you feel more energetic.