Coconut oil is no stranger to the beauty world. In fact, this oil has made quite the name for itself as both a skin care and hair care ingredient. From coconut oil moisturizers to coconut oil hair masks, you may be wondering if you should be adding this trending ingredient to your beauty routine. Which brings us to the reason you’re here—is coconut oil good for your hair? Below, we’re sharing the truth on coconut oil (including whether it can address dry and damaged hair) so you can make the verdict for yourself.
IS COCONUT OIL GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR?
Let’s cut to the chase—is coconut oil good for your hair? According to a study from the National Center of Biotechnological Information (NCBI), coconut oil was found to reduce protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product. The study concluded that this is because coconut oil has a high affinity for hair proteins, as well as a low molecular weight and straight linear chain that allows it to penetrate the hair shaft. These results are promising; however, a study from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that while coconut oil products may be useful in preventing hair damage due to protein loss during the grooming process and ultraviolet (UV) exposure, more studies are needed to confirm this effect.
OUR BEST HAIR CARE PRODUCTS FORMULATED WITH COCONUT OIL
Think you want to see if you (i.e. your hair) can reap the purported benefits of coconut oil? Lucky for you, we do have a few hair care products formulated with coconut oil to share! Here’s the scoop:
L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo: This shampoo cleanses and quenches for softer, manageable, hydrated curls and healthy shine without frizz and weigh down. What more could you want? Apply the shampoo on wet hair, massage gently into a thick lather, and rinse. Then, follow up with the conditioner we’re about to tell you about!
L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Conditioner: Use this sulfate-free conditioner with the coordinating shampoo for softer, more manageable curls. Apply it on wet hair and massage gently, then let it sit for one to two minutes before rinsing. After that, it’s time to style!
L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel: This hybrid hair product combines the care of a rich hydrating cream that conditions with the styling powers of a gel that shapes without weighing your hair down. After using your shampoo and conditioner, distribute one to two pumps evenly through clean, towel-dried hair. Let your hair air dry or blow-dry it with a diffuser.
6 TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF DRY, DAMAGED HAIR
Since the benefits of coconut oil for hair are still being researched, you may want to have more than one plan in place for managing dry, damaged hair. Below, we’ve compiled a list of six hair care tips that can also help!
DRY, DAMAGED HAIR CARE TIP #1: USE A HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
First thing’s first—you’ll want to swap your shampoo and conditioner for a hydrating alternative. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner, which are formulated with rosemary to deeply replenish dry hair.
DRY, DAMAGED HAIR CARE TIP #2: INVEST IN A HAIR MASK
A hair mask is the perfect way to give your dry, damaged locks some extra TLC. Our pick? The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm. Paired with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Conditioner, this hair mask deeply conditions and recharges fiber to help fight the five signs of damage: split ends, weakness, rough texture, dull appearance, and dehydration.
DRY, DAMAGED HAIR CARE TIP #3: SKIP THE HEAT
Give your mane a break by ditching the heat tools and opting for heat-free hairstyling alternatives. One of our favorites? Spritzing the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray onto towel-dried hair, braiding, and allowing your mane to air dry. Remove the braid when your hair is dry for effortless, heat-free waves!
DRY, DAMAGED HAIR CARE TIP #4: SHOWER WITH CARE
While hot showers can be super-relaxing after a long day, steamy water can strip your hair of essential oils, causing it to be even more dry. No, thank you! Instead, turn down the heat and take a lukewarm shower.
DRY, DAMAGED HAIR CARE TIP #5: GRAB A DEEP CONDITIONER
A deep conditioner is another great way to take care of dry, damaged strands. As you see fit, swap your regular conditioner with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner to help fortify each strand, reinforcing the hair fiber. Apply it to wet hair after shampooing, leave on for one minute, then rinse thoroughly.
DRY, DAMAGED HAIR CARE TIP #6: REACH FOR A HAIR SERUM
Last but not least, consider adding a hair serum into your daily routine. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment is a leave-in hair treatment that hydrates and nourishes to transform dry, lifeless hair into soft and lustrous locks. Apply it throughout the lengths of your hair, concentrating the treatment on the ends, either before styling to control and discipline hair or as a finishing touch for exquisite softness and shine.
Next, brush up on some more hair knowledge. Here’s Your Introduction to Henna Hair Dyes.