COCONUT OIL. THE TRUTH OR HYPE?

COCONUT OIL. Should we believe the hype?

Coconut oil has regularly been hailed as the wonder ingredient that possesses so many health benefits. Whether it’s being recommended as the healthy choice for cooking, or the must have moisturising ingredient for our hair and body, it’s been a beauty staple for many years. Does coconut oil deserve its “all time fave” status? Or is it just hype?

What are the benefits of coconut oil?

Coconut oil is made up of fatty acids with specifically  high levels of lauric and caprylic acid that are essential for hair and skin health. Lauric acid carries the crown for being one of the main benefits of coconut oil as it’s one of the good fats (a saturated fat) that has anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial health protecting properties. As well as lauric and caprylic aid Coconut Oil is also loaded with naturally occurring healthy skin and hair components such as Capric Acid, Proteins, Antioxidants, iron and Vitamin E. The fatty acids present in coconut oil help to create a breathable protective barrier to prevent skin dehydration, encourage healthy growth for your tresses and is a great moisturiser for both hair and skin. We can’t deny coconut oils multi-tasking abilities.

 Is coconut oil good for curly hair?

Coconut oil’s properties allow it to penetrate hair in ways that other oils are not able to, which is why some people love the results they receive relatively fast.

Typically, those with normal to high porosity hair will see good results from coconut oil and notice stronger, shinier hair with more volume. This is because the cuticle layers of their hair are open allowing for the coconut oil and water to flow easily in and out providing balance. High porosity hair will need a good sealant to prevent too much water escaping.

If you have low porosity hair, coconut oil can be easily absborbed into the hair shaft but due to it's large molecules takes up a great deal of space allowing very little room for water to be absorbed, which then leaves your hair dehydrated, dry and brittle.

Applying a small amount after your wash day allows the oil to penetrate the hair shaft, seeping deeply into the follicles. This strengthens the hair as a whole, promoting growth, fullness, and density.

PROS

SHINE; Coconut oil is a great shine enhancer. Add sparingly to dry hair and it will add shine and make hair my pliable, reducing friction and static electricity between strands. Yes coconut oil can prevent breakage!

HYDRATES SCALP; If you have a dry or irritated scalp coconut oil, the fatty acids present in coconut can increase your scalps health, whilst providing great hydration.

REDUCE FIZZ: Put some on your hands and fingers when unravelling twists or braids outs to minimise fizz. Rub through your curls to reduce any minor frizz issue.

VITAMINS & NUTRIENTS- As coconut oil is jam packed with essential nutrients and vitamins it brings all this goodness to your scalp, providing vital nutrition and hydration for a healthy scalp. Increasing your curls strength, softness and lustre.

CONS

PROTEIN BUILDUP- Coconut oil whilst doing it’s wonders moisturising both hair and scalp it can restrict moisture for those with dry hair. If you have low porosity hair the cuticles are generally lying flat it’s hard enough to get water into the hair shaft, so if you have coconut oil that takes up space, the hair may not get the moisture that it needs, resulting in your hair becoming dry and brittle.

SIZE MATTERS- Use coconut oil sparingly, too much can be heavy on your hair thus weighing down your curls, leaving you with lifeless tresses. Refrain from oversaturating your hair with coconut oil to retain curl pattern and movement.

If you’re not sure how your curls react to coconut oil, try a small section first, or be aware of your hair type. Some it works wonders and others avoid.

IS COCONUT OIL GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?

PROS

Coconut oil is a great emollient (moisturiser) and soaks well into the skin without feeling too greasy. A huge benefit whe using as a body moisturiser. It’s great at retaining the skins moisture by slowing down evaporation. Coconut oil is mainly composed of saturated fats, which works wonders repairing your skins natural barrier functions. It also works to protect and nourish the skin making this an ingredient of choice for many skin and body products.

Products containing coconut oil is especially effective when the skin is damp, for example use as a cleanser, body wash or scrub/exfoliator. Here you will be able to capitalise on maximum moisturisation.

CONS

Although many people have sworn products with coconut oil are great for acne there a many who disagree. Because coconut oil is quite heavy it can block pores. Which for those who have oily skin or acne prone can be a huge red flag as this can cause breakouts. Coconut oil in cleansers, scrubs where you’re receiving the benefits of the oil then rinsing will minimise breakouts for acne sufferers.  

There’s no doubt that coconut oil has some amazing benefits for both hair and skin. Hailed as the Holy grail for many, there are some that don't reep the benefits. .Like anything there are exceptions to the rule.

Coconut Oil has some impressive benefits and has most definitey earned its hype stripes. 

For Coconut Oil hair lovers the Keracare CurlEssence range might be just what you're looking for. View the range;