Coconut oil has become a popular natural treatment for various hair and scalp issues. Many people claim it can help hair grow longer and healthier. The quick answer is yes, coconut oil may promote hair growth in several ways. However, more research is still needed to fully understand its effects.
Coconut oil contains many properties that can benefit hair health. It contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. This may help clear blockage of hair follicles and improve scalp health.[1] The triglycerides in coconut oil can penetrate into the hair shaft and protect it from protein loss and damage.[2] It acts as a mild sunscreen by blocking about 20% of ultraviolet (UV) rays from penetrating the hair shaft.[3]
Additionally, its high moisture retention can prevent breakage, frizz, and split ends. Massaging coconut oil into the scalp may improve blood circulation in the area and provide nutrients to hair follicles, allowing hair to grow longer and stronger.
How Coconut Oil May Promote Hair Growth
Here are some of the key ways coconut oil may help boost hair growth:
Improves Scalp Health
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.[1] This may help clear fungus, bacteria and buildup that can clog hair follicles.
A clear, healthy scalp environment allows hair to grow unhindered. One study found that applying coconut oil to the scalp significantly reduced dandruff.[4] Reducing inflammation and itchiness may also prevent damage caused by scratching.
Penetrates Hair Shaft
The low molecular weight triglycerides in coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft.[2] This allows it to act from within to improve hair health.
It can prevent protein loss and reduce breakage. One study found coconut oil reduced protein loss from hair by about 50% when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product.[5]
Contains Nutrients
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins E and K, iron, and minerals like zinc and calcium.[6] Massaging it into the scalp delivers these nutrients directly to hair follicles.
This provides the building blocks essential for robust hair growth. For example, zinc helps with protein synthesis and vitamin E improves blood circulation in the scalp.[7]
Boosts Circulation
Gently massaging the scalp with coconut oil boosts blood flow to the area. This ensures hair follicles receive adequate oxygen and nutrients for optimal growth.[8]
It also creates a stimulating effect that wakes resting follicles up. One study observed a significant increase in hair count after regular scalp massages with oil.[9]
Prevents Damage
Coconut oil is an excellent hair conditioner. It can reduce breakage caused by brushing and combing.[10]
It minimizes protein loss and provides protection from environmental elements like dust, heat, and sunlight.[3] This helps retain length and allows hair to grow longer.
Damaged, broken hair has trouble growing past a certain length. Preventing damage with coconut oil allows growth to continue unhindered.
Research and Evidence
There is some research showing coconut oil’s beneficial effects on hair growth:
– A study in India compared coconut oil to mineral oil for hair growth in people with hair loss. After 6 months, coconut oil significantly reduced hair loss compared to mineral oil and improved hair growth.[11]
– Researchers in Iran observed that a coconut oil hair mask helped prevent protein loss from hair. Coconut oil was also able to penetrate into hair follicles, allowing it to nourish hair from within.[5]
– Applying coconut oil to the scalp and hair reduced damage caused by combing and washing by around 50%. This was significantly higher than other oils like olive and sunflower oil.[10]
– Mice treated topically with coconut oil had faster hair regrowth compared to untreated mice. The number of follicles in the growth phase (anagen phase) increased, indicating active growth.[12]
More high-quality studies are needed to establish coconut oil’s efficacy. But current evidence and user testimonies suggest it can aid hair growth. It’s also generally safe to use topically.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair Growth
Here are some simple ways to use coconut oil to boost hair growth:
As a Scalp Massage Oil
– Warm up a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil until melted. You can do this by rubbing your hands together or placing the container in lukewarm water briefly.
– Apply the oil to your scalp with your fingertips. Gently massage using small circular motions.
– Concentrate on any thinning or bald areas. Continue massaging for 5-10 minutes.
– Leave the oil in overnight, or for at least a few hours before washing as usual. The longer it is allowed to penetrate, the better.
– Repeat 2-3 times a week.
As a Hair Mask
– Melt 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil (amount depends on hair length/thickness)
– Apply thoroughly from roots to tips. For extra nourishment, you can leave it on overnight with a shower cap.
– Otherwise, leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour before washing out with shampoo.
– Use as a hair mask once or twice a week.
With Other Oils and Ingredients
Coconut oil works well with other growth-promoting ingredients:
– Combine 2 parts coconut oil with 1 part olive or castor oil. Massage onto scalp and hair.
– Add a few drops of rosemary, peppermint or lavender oil. These increase circulation.
– Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey for extra moisture.
– Add an egg for protein-boosting effect.
Feel free to experiment with coconut oil hair masks by adding other hair healthy ingredients like avocado, banana, yogurt or vitamin E oil.
Benefits Beyond Hair Growth
Aside from potentially aiding hair growth, using coconut oil has other benefits for hair health:
Prevents Dandruff
Coconut oil is an effective natural treatment for dandruff. Massaging your scalp with coconut oil helps moisturize it and reduce flaking and itching.[4]
Its antimicrobial properties also help control the fungus malassezia that is implicated in dandruff.[13]
Protects Hair from Damage
Coconut oil covers the hair shaft and protects it from environmental assaults like sunlight, dust and pollution particles.[3]
It also smooths down the outer cuticle layer to prevent moisture loss and protein degradation.[14]
This minimizes split ends, frizz and tangling, allowing hair to grow longer without damage.
Retains Moisture
The saturated fats in coconut oil help it retain moisture content. This provides long-lasting hydration to prevent hair from drying out.[15]
Coconut oil is able to penetrate and hold onto water more effectively compared to mineral oils.[16]
Keeping hair conditioned and reducing dryness helps minimize breakage so hair can grow out more quickly.
Tames Frizz
Using a small amount of coconut oil can help smooth down the hair cuticle and tame frizz.[17]
It adds shine and restores hydration to unruly hair. This keeps hair manageable and prevents heat damage from styling that can slow growth.
Prevents Lice
Some research indicates coconut oil may help prevent lice infestations. The fatty acids disrupt the exoskeleton coating of lice and nits, making it harder for them to cling onto the hair shaft.[18]
Lice can impede hair growth and cause damage from excessive scratching. Using coconut oil is a natural preventative method.
Is Coconut Oil Right for You?
Before making coconut oil your new hair elixir, consider these factors:
– Hair type: Coconut oil works for most hair types. But it may be too heavy for fine hair. Use sparingly if this is you.
– Scalp health: Those with oily or acne-prone scalps should introduce coconut oil slowly. Discontinue use if you experience more breakouts.
– Texture preference: Coconut oil leaves hair hydrated but with a slight greasy feel. If you dislike this, use it sparingly on the lengths and avoid the scalp.
– Allergies: Extremely rare, but stop usage if you suspect an allergy. Patch test before initial use.
– Color treated hair: Coconut oil won’t lighten or darken hair color. But it can lengthen time between dye jobs by keeping hair healthier.
– Environment: Coconut oil has a low melting point of around 75°F. If you live in very warm climates, the oil may melt and feel too greasy. Keep this in mind.
As with any new product, slowly introduce coconut oil into your hair care routine and discontinue if any irritation occurs. But when used properly, most people can benefit from its nurturing qualities.
Other Natural Oils for Hair Growth
Here are a few other natural oils that may stimulate hair growth:
Jojoba Oil
– Mimics sebum production to balance oil levels
– Opens hair follicles and deep cleanses
– Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
Argan Oil
– Very high in antioxidants like vitamin E
– Nourishes hair and repairs damage
– Protects elasticity to reduce breakage
Castor Oil
– Locks in moisture and thickens strands
– Boosts blood circulation to follicles
– High ricinoleic acid content stimulates growth
Rosemary Oil
– Improves scalp health and removes dandruff
– Increases circulation when massaged in
– Provides essential nutrients to the scalp
Like coconut oil, many of these oils can be combined to boost their efficacy. Try mixing different oils into masks and scalp treatments.
Other Ways to Help Grow Hair
While coconut oil can optimize the hair growth environment, hair needs support from many angles. Some other ways to help hair grow include:
– Massage scalp regularly to stimulate follicles
– Take hair growth supplements like biotin and collagen
– Eat a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein
– Stay hydrated and minimize alcohol intake
– Use hair masks weekly to condition strands
– Handle hair gently and avoid harsh treatments
– Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, etc.
– Use silk pillowcases to minimize friction
– Get scalp treatments done by a professional occasionally
Think of coconut oil as one useful piece of the hair growth puzzle. Combine it with other lifestyle practices to create ideal growing conditions.
The Bottom Line
Here is a summary of the key points:
– Coconut oil contains fatty acids, nutrients and compounds that help optimize scalp and hair health.
– It may promote hair growth by improving follicle health, penetrating the shaft, preventing damage, and boosting circulation.
– Research studies and user testimonies provide some evidence for its beneficial effects.
– Applying coconut oil directly, doing scalp massages, masks, and combining it with other ingredients are easy ways to use it.
– It provides other benefits like frizz reduction, moisture retention, and dandruff relief.
– Coconut oil is safe for most people when introduced carefully. Those with oily scalps or fine hair should use sparingly.
– For best results, combine coconut oil with lifestyle practices like a healthy diet, hydration, and proper hair care.
In conclusion, incorporating coconut oil into your hair care routine may help create the ideal environment for healthier, faster growing hair. Its antimicrobial and moisturizing abilities can support and enhance your hair growth efforts. Use coconut oil as part of a holistic approach for locks that grow longer and stronger.
