Coconut oil

 Coconut oil

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I am starting a new series, Oils 101. I am hoping to provide valuable information on the effectiveness of oils in hair care. Coconut oil was my first pick, so let's get to it:

Appearance

Solid coconut oil is white and creamy while in a liquid state it's light yellow and clear.1

Pros

• It is an excellent pre-poo treatment. This is attributed to its structure which consists of medium-chain fatty acids that are easily absorbed deep into the hair shaft. Applying coconut oil before shampooing reduces protein loss and the amount of water absorbed by the hair shaft.2 This goes a long way in minimizing hygral fatigue.
• Has antimicrobial properties and therefore can be used to treat dandruff.
• Offers sun protection. Studies have shown coconut oil to have a sun protection factor of 8. Applying coconut oil diminishes environmental damage significantly.2  
• Conditions hair because of its excellent penetrative qualities. You can incorporate coconut oil into your conditioning regime for healthier strands.

Cons

• Excess use of coconut oil can cause build-up on the scalp and hair shaft. This causes the hair to feel greasy and appear dull. As with everything in life use just enough focusing more on the midsection and ends of hair.

 My golden rule is trial and error, especially with oils. Every head of hair will respond differently to different oils. Keep a hair journal and document oils that work for you. Stick with the ones that help your hair to thrive.

Till next time, stay safe💙💚💛💜