When you think about using coconut oil for health benefits, the last thing that comes to mind is you rubbing this edible plant all over your hair or your body. Growing research from experts has proven that it can be used for just about everything from cooking to being a natural cure for your skin and even your hair. The magic substance we're talking about is coconut oil, and it can be extremely good for your hair.

How Does Coconut Oil Work?

It’s been scientifically proven that most hair products and their ingredients only coat the surface of your hair in order to add desired shine, smoothness, conditioning, etc. However, coconut oil can actually penetrate the inner parts of hair (the cortex) which helps improve its strength and flexibility. Thanks
to its chemical structure, this natural lubricant ensures less hair breakage for improved growth.

Since most oils tend to stay atop your locks, they rinse off just as fast. This is not the case with
coconut oil as it works its way to your hair's roots and is also hydrophobic (water repellent) – it’s less likely to rinse away. It’s a great option for anyone with dry, damaged hair, anyone susceptible to hair loss, as well as anyone simply looking to add more shine and thickness to their already healthy locks.

Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Your Hair

This miracle oil tops the list of natural alternatives one can use to improve their hair — whether it’s to intensely moisturize and condition it, to detangle it, to defeat dandruff, or to stimulate faster hair growth or thickness. Here are just a few of the many beneficial uses this natural lubricant brings to the table:

Hair Conditioning

Since this oil is comprised mainly of medium fatty acids, it penetrates the hair and scalp more deeply and faster than other conditioners. All you need to do is use it as a leave-in treatment. It’ll then moisturize your scalp, help repair split ends, and even add a healthy glow to your hair’s shine.

- Wash your hair and let it air dry. 
- Gather a comb, a shower cap (or a small towel), a bowl, and your organic coconut oil.
- Scoop oil into bowl and use your fingers to gently apply oil to hair, working through with a comb
- Once applied to entire scalp, wrap hair in a shower cap or towel and allow to soak in for 30 minutes
- Shampoo thoroughly to remove oil, and dry as usual.

You can also reapply a small amount of coconut-oil through your hair – just enough to give it a shine.

As a Detangler

For anyone with long curly hair, dealing with tangled hair can be a nuisance. Simply apply this lubricating and fragrant oil using your fingers into the ends of your hair – starting from the tips and working your way in towards the roots. Let oil soak in and gently work out tangles using a comb. You’ll be amazed by how easily a comb will go through once the hair has properly saturated in coconut oil.

To Get Rid of Dandruff

Using chemical shampoos, conditioners, and other styling products can leave you with an itchy and dry scalp because these ingredients are harmful to both health and skin. Use coconut-oil to heal your scalp.

All you have to do is wash hair regularly with natural shampoo and conditioner. Once hair is clean, use a comb to remove any tangles and then massage the oil directly into your scalp. For best results, wrap your head with a towel or cloth and leave coconut oil throughout your hair overnight. It smells good, too.

To Treat Lice

In addition to ridding off dandruff, this natural oil cures head lice. Here are a few tips and tricks:

- Coat affected hair thoroughly with coconut oil and massage into your scalp.
- Cover with a cap or towel for 1 – 2 hours and comb to remove dead lice/eggs.
- Shampoo and condition your head thoroughly to cleanse and hydrate your scalp.
- Let your curls air dry, apply more coconut oil in dry hair, then massage intensely. 
- Cover with a shower cap, cloth, or towel and leave overnight to hydrate.
- Comb locks to remove dead lice and eggs the next morning. 
- Shampoo and condition thoroughly again.
- For best results, repeat until cured.

For Hair Coloring

Since this oil penetrates hair more deeply and much faster, it can help people achieve more vibrant hair colors that will not fade quickly. Next time you’re mixing your all-natural hair coloring, use coconut oil as a medium. Simply add it in with your natural herbs, mix it together and apply to hair as you normally would. Once color has set, shampoo hair with lukewarm water to remove any excess color and oils. Wrap hair with a shower cap overnight as this will allow color to continue setting in for best results.

For Faster Hair Growth

This natural lubricant comprises of essential vitamins and fatty acids that nourish a scalp and help remove sebum build-up from hair follicles. Use it as a daily treatment by applying it to your head as a leave-in conditioner. In no time, you’ll have longer and thicker locks that you will wear with pride.

As a Natural Sunscreen

Coconut oil makes an excellent all-natural sunscreen. Massage it in the morning to the skin around your face and also your hair before styling as usual. This will protect your locks from sun exposure.

Final Thoughts on Coconut Oil

You can find this natural lubricant at most grocery and natural food stores. The only downside is that coconut oil is solid at room temperature but it does melt away easily. Before applying, simply use heat from your hands to warm it up or you can melt some over low heat to achieve the desired consistency. Coconut oil is a great natural way to help improve the health of your locks and benefit your skin too.

Note: Keep in mind that since it doesn’t penetrate hair, it doesn’t do such a good job at coating the outside of strands, so you’ll need to use a rinse-out conditioner to help smooth strands and add shine.