Coconut oil – from the coconut tree generally growing in tropical countries – is extracted in particular in South East Asia (Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc.). But that’s not all ! This natural vegetable oil is known for its effects on our hair. What are they exactly? And how to use it well on our hair? Sarah Bovaere, in charge of formulating oils at Léa Nature, answers our questions a bit about hair.
This vegetable oilis obtained by pressing the flesh of the coconut “harvested in the traditional way, by hand and with the help of long bamboo rods, says the expert.. Starting with its nourishing properties. Composed of approximately 50% lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid with a particular affinity for hair keratin, coconut oil penetrates the hair fiber deeply. In addition, its film-forming effect acts as a protective veil on the surface of the hair and thus limits hair dehydration. It also makes it less porous when shampooing and more resistant when combing. Under the effect of coconut oil, your hair is then sheathed and fortified.
There are many benefits of coconut oil on hair. But sometimes, his popularity gives him virtues that are not his own
Is coconut oil an antioxidant for hair?
Fake. In addition to lauric acid, coconut oil contains other cosmetic active ingredients such as vitamin A and vitamin E. “If these vitamins, which are powerful antioxidants, will give coconut oil its great stability, they have no direct effect on the hair,” explains Sarah Bovaere.
Coconut oil protects hair from external aggressions?
TRUE. This vegetable oil protects the hair from numerous and diverse external aggressions: pollution, tobacco, the sun… It even protects it from our daily hair tools such as hairbrushes, combs and other hair dryers. And this, thanks to its film-forming effect.
Coconut oil promotes hair growth?
Fake. The expert explains that this oil “is not directly responsible for faster growth, but it will promote healthy hair and scalp ”.
Coconut oil lightens hair?
Fake. Contrary to what you may read or hear, coconut oil has no lightening effect on our hair. For this, it would be necessary to bet on honey, lemon and chamomile.
Which coconut oil for hair?
To maximize the effect of the care provided to our hair, we gladly turn to a 100% pure and natural vegetable coconut oil, preferably certified organic and not deodorized, so it retains all its virtues. But… where to find it? To get it, there is no need to go to Asia since it is sold almost everywhere: in supermarkets, specialized stores, parapharmacies, and even on the Internet for delivery directly to the home. The most important thing before getting it: look at the provenance, the composition, the labels and the certification then the opinions.
Place to practice! In its pure form, coconut oil tends to solidify below 20/25°C. You should know that this phenomenon has no impact on its quality. However, it must be warmed (by passing the pot under hot water for example) so that it liquefies and is easier to use. Then, it can be applied in an oil bath for the hair . In this case, we gorge our hair with this quality plant substance and let it rest between half an hour and all night to allow the oil to penetrate as much as possible into the hair before shampooing. Like a homemade mask with coconut oil, this long-lasting treatment promises nourished, soft and silky hair.
You can also take advantage of the benefits of coconut oil by adopting cosmetic treatments containing the oil in their formulations. “Easier to use, these shampoos, conditioners and other masks are a good alternative” since they are applied directly in our bathroom, under or after the shower. The expert Léa Nature concludes: “they can be used daily and more regularly than pure oil”. Good point, very good point!