One recent lab study found that coconut oil helped to get rid of some types of fungal infections.
Coconut oil may help heal or prevent dandruff and other fungi on the scalp. More research is needed to know if coconut oil has the same health benefits on the skin and scalp.
Calms irritation
Coconut oil is a natural saturated fat. The high fat content in it may help calm scalp irritation, flaking, and itching. The fat in coconut oil can also help seal in hair moisture.
For this reason, you may need fewer trims when you use coconut oil on your hair regularly. This might make it seem like your hair is growing longer, faster.
Another review on the uses of coconut oil in India found that the oil may help reduce protein loss in hair. This prevents dry, brittle, or breaking hair. The researchers note that in India, coconut oil is used both as a hair mask before showering and as a leave-in conditioner after showering.
Using a small amount of coconut oil on wet hair before drying or using heat styling may protect hair from water and heat damage.
Hygral fatigue happens when the hair swells up from too much water. Too much swelling can damage the hair or make it break. This can make hair drier and weaker over time.
Eating coconut oil might give you healthier, faster growing hair. You might notice a difference especially if you aren’t getting enough natural fats and other nutrients in your diet.
Using coconut oil as a hair and scalp mask may also help kill hair lice and lice eggs.
Drawbacks
Like other oils, coconut oil can make your hair and skin feel greasy. It can clog pores in the skin and scalp. This can lead to acne or other skin irritation.
Avoid using too much coconut oil on your hair and scalp. If you’re using it as a deep conditioning hair mask, make sure you wash the coconut oil out thoroughly.
