Say goodbye to damaged hair: Trichologists reveal simple home treatment

Reduces breakage

According to Frontiersin, hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. The use of hair dyes, bleaches, shampoos, and styling products can damage keratin, leading to dull, brittle hair that is prone to breakage.

However, lauric acid, found in coconut oil, helps protect hair from protein loss and damage such as split ends and breakage.

Locks in moisture

Coconut oil hydrates both the scalp and hair. It effectively retains and seals moisture in the hair shaft, deeply nourishing the strands.

Lauric acid, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in coconut oil penetrate individual hair strands, making them more flexible. This improves dryness and smooths frizz and unruly hair.

Restores damaged hair

International Journal of Trichology reports that coconut oil protects hair from damage caused by repeated expansion and contraction due to water exposure.

Coconut-based hair oils restore and protect damaged hair by:

• Increasing hair resistance to water and limiting water absorption

• Preventing excessive hair porosity

The fats in coconut oil also allow it to penetrate the middle layer of the hair fiber, reducing the amount of water absorbed during washing.

Fights dry scalp and dandruff

Coconut oil can improve scalp hydration by penetrating deeply and helping restore the skin’s upper layer. Moisturizing the scalp with a gentle oil like coconut oil provides a healthy foundation for hair follicle growth.

Using coconut oil can also reduce dandruff, a common condition that causes flaking of the scalp.

How to use coconut oil

Coconut oil is versatile and can be used in several ways for hair care:

• Pre-wash treatment – Apply coconut oil for a few minutes before washing, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This prevents excessive moisture loss and protects hair from damage.

• Leave-in conditioner – After washing, apply a small amount to mid-lengths and ends before combing. This smooths hair, reduces frizz, and makes detangling and styling easier.

• Overnight hair mask – Gently massage oil along the entire length of hair and rinse in the morning.

• Styling aid – Apply a little coconut oil to wet or dry hair to tame curls.

Types of coconut oil

• Refined – Processed, often ideal for cooking;

• Unrefined – Raw, unprocessed, and best suited for hair care;

Coconut oil is generally safe for most adults when applied topically, but consider these precautions:

• Allergies or sensitivity to coconut – perform a patch test first;

• May clog pores on the scalp or around the hairline.

Earlier, we shared 5 daily habits that slowly ruin your hair.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.