7 Ways to Use Coconut Oil For Black Natural Hair

One of the most loved and used oils is coconut oil. It is considered a miracle oil because it has many uses and in different ways. Although it is mostly known to be used on the skin of adults and babies and for food, coconut oil works wonders for the natural black hair too.

It has been used over the years and has been tested by various scientists and users to be efficient in the hair.

Coconut oil is the oil extracted from the flesh of coconut (who doesn’t know coconut?). It can be purchased at your local store or you can make it by yourself at home. However, the best type of coconut oil to use is the unrefined one.

This is because there are possibilities that the refined ones have been stripped of all the nutrients during the process of filtering.

There are different ways to use coconut oil for your black natural hair. However, we’ll be discussing seven.

1. Prevents and clears dandruff

Dandruff is mainly caused by fungus. It signifies that your scalp has been rid of its natural oils, which are the best for your hair. This happens when you shampoo your hair too often or you use the wrong shampoo. It can also be caused by ringworm, eczema, psoriasis, and other health issues.

Coconut oil possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties that work its way through the scalp to the root cause. It also keeps the hair from getting dry by adding moisture to it.

You can apply directly to your scalp and hair, leave for some minutes, and rinse off thoroughly, or you can add it to your shampoo and conditioner. If your dandruff is caused by a health issue, it is best to discuss with your doctor how to use it.

2. Prevents hair breakage

Although hair breakage can be attributed to a lot of reasons, coconut oil is one of the long-used remedies. Coconut oil is rich in protein. Hence, when used for the hair, it prevents protein loss in the hair, which then protects the root and strands from breakage.

It is best used as a Pre-poo. Apply coconut oil at the end of your hair and mid-sections 10-30 minutes before washing. According to research done by the NCBI, it was noted that “when applied to the hair before washing, coconut oil has been shown to reduce protein loss more than sunflower oil and other mineral oils.

You can also use it as a replacement for a conditioner or add some drops to your regular conditioner.

3. Using coconut oil on your hair helps prevent split ends

Split ends are one of the struggles of black natural hair owners. Split ends occur when your hair is dry, brittle, and frayed, and this happens as a result of exposure to harsh weather conditions, heat styling tools, and various chemical products.

If you already have split ends, coconut oil will not repair them (nothing has been proven to repair split ends) however, applying coconut oil will keep your hair looking smooth and less frayed. Moreso, coconut oil has enough nutrients and it can strengthen and boost hair elasticity.

4. Protects the hair from sun damage

Its like sunscreen but for the hair.

Exposure to a lot of suns can be harmful to the hair, it makes the hair brittle and dry. These can result in hair breakage and split ends. Coconut oil can act as a natural sunscreen for your hair from damages caused by the sun.

Rub some coconut oil on your scalp and hair if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun.

5. Growth and shiny hair

For Black Natural hair, dryness and dullness are one of the many battles you will have to face, coconut oil not only protects your hair from different damages, it also keeps it shiny and silky.

Although not scientifically proven, the use of coconut oil is known to stimulate hair growth, it enables the hair to grow longer and thicker. This is because of all the nutrients and proteins that coconut oil possesses.

6. Heals scalp infections

Due to the antifungal and antibacterial properties that coconut oil possess, it works well against scalp infections in the hair and scalps. It also possesses fatty acids and other fighting agents that can kill bacteria and fungus.

However, before using coconut oil for any infection, kindly visit your doctor.

7. Coconut oil offers deep conditioning benefits

For healthy hair, it is important that you deep condition your hair often. Deep conditioning is mainly treating your hair with a moisturizer or a protein-based conditioner. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, it is a carrier of protein and supplies the hair.

Using coconut oil as a deep conditioner for your hair is easy. Apply your coconut oil to your hair and scalp before shampooing and conditioning, leave for about 30 minutes and wash off.

Finally, Using coconut oil for your hair is beneficial. Apart from its many uses, coconut oil has an amazing smell. when applied, it leaves your hair smelling like a snack. You must make use of the unrefined or extra virgin coconut oil or you may not get your desired results. You can make this yourself or get it at your local store.