I cannot remember using anything but warm coconut oil for my hair, all through my childhood. Sunday afternoons were dedicated to a rigorous hair oiling ritual with my mother, who generously massaged my head and hair with coconut oil. I won’t lie, I did crib and complain about these champi sessions, but today, I owe my lustrous and beautiful tresses to those afternoons.
So, whenever someone mentions coconut oil as the saviour of hair, I know what they mean (tbh, I miss that time). But, I had my ‘oh-my-God’ moment when this childhood hair secret popped up on my feed as a miracle ingredient for skin, health and even oral health. Apparently, the info was right, because just a few searches on the internet opened doors to the hundreds of ways this humble ingredient can totally turn around your beauty game.
To give you a context (now that I have my hands on various expert’s opinions on the topic), coconut oil is THE most accessible and budget-friendly beauty ingredient you will come across. I am sure that coconut oil can easily give tough competition to all the drugstore-bought skincare products, with its antioxidants and nutrient-rich properties. So, get ready to unleash the potential of this multipurpose powerhouse. Scan all your cabinets (or just call your mom) and bring out that jar of coconut oil, because I’m about to tell you the many enriching benefits of this be-all beauty elixir. Let’s go.
Nourishes Hair
If you have been asking yourself, ‘Is coconut oil good for hair?’ I must tell you that the answer is always ‘yes’. While coconut oil's benefits for skin are many, coconut oil is the holy grail for hair care, too (trust me, I say this with experience). It is enriched with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, lauric acid and vitamin E, which deeply penetrate the scalp and nourish it from within, thereby boosting your hair growth. It also moisturises the hair shafts and cuticles.
Repairs Damage
This nutrient-rich ingredient gives your scalp and hair intense nourishment. It can be used as a leave-in conditioner to reduce dryness, and to repair hair shafts that have been damaged by colour, heat or sun exposure. Using it as a pre-shampoo massage on the scalp can also treat dandruff and help restore moisture.
How To Use
To get maximum benefits from coconut oil, gently massage onto your scalp and wash it off with a mild shampoo, the next morning. Avoid keeping the oil overnight if you have an oily scalp, as it can further weigh your hair down and cause hairfall. Plus, you can also rub a few drops on your curls to give them moisture and shine.
Moisturises Skin Naturally
Out of the many benefits of coconut oil for your skin, the best one is its ability to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. It prevents loss of moisture from your skin, improves its elasticity and reduces fine lines. You can get the maximum coconut oil benefits for your skin by using it post-shower on damp skin. You can also mix it with some kitchen ingredients like turmeric, honey or fuller’s earth to whip up a hydrating DIY mask for intense moisturization.
Natural Makeup Remover
Coconut oil easily melts the toughest of makeup products without making your skin feel parched or rough. It is antibacterial and antifungal, which can break down makeup and dirt settled in your pores without causing any dryness. To use coconut oil as a makeup remover, massage your face gently with a few drops of coconut oil till the makeup melts away, and wipe it away with a cotton pad.
Gives Relief From Dryness And Itchiness
Coconut oil is known to have antimicrobial properties, which help soothe the skin. It can provide relief from symptoms of eczema, like dryness and itchiness and reduce inflammation. However, while coconut oil for the face is nourishing, it can be slightly comedogenic, and should not be left on the face for too long.
How To Use
Take a few drops of coconut oil and apply it on your body by gently massaging it in to help it absorb into the skin’s deepest layers. Make sure to use cold-pressed organic coconut oil for maximum benefits.
One of the least known coconut oil benefits is for your oral health. If you are not familiar with oil pulling, you are missing out on an easy way to keep oral diseases at bay. Oil pulling is one of the many coconut oil benefits that can help improve gingival health, whiten teeth, reduce inflammation and bleeding, and improve oral hygiene and dental health.
How To Use
Put one tablespoon of oil in your mouth and gargle with it for 15-20 min. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water. Tip: It's best to do oil pulling on an empty stomach after brushing your teeth.
1. Can coconut oil help with hair growth
Yes, you can use coconut oil for hair growth. The presence of fatty acids and vitamins in coconut oil help nourish your scalp, which in turn, helps your hair grow healthier, thicker and longer.
2. What is the health benefit of coconut oil?
Coconut oil benefits for health are innumerable. When consumed in moderation, it helps reduce belly fat, reduces appetite, strengthens your immune system and is a quick source of energy .
3. Which is the best coconut oil for hair?
The best coconut oil for hair is one which does not contain chemicals or excessive fragrance.
4. Coconut oil is good for the face?
Yes, coconut oil is good for the face as it deeply moisturises your skin and nourishes it intensely.
