It is no secret that the coconut oil has become widely known as a beauty staple for natural hair. I am sure you have seen this popular oil adverts across the internet and all social media platforms with its incredible natural and unique properties. It is been praised by many beauty brands and editors and it sure lives up to its expectations.

Coconut oil is the richest natural source of medium chain fatty Acid (MCFAs). This is a special type of Fatty acids with potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It is specifically high in C12 chain of MCFAs known as acid.

 These properties allows for penetration into hair in which other oils are unable to and this is largely due to the low molecular weight and straight line structure of lauric acid. It reduces protein loss for both damaged and undamaged hair hence the fast visible result. It’s touted as the ultimate all-natural multitask product, capable of transforming skin and hair the same way a more expensive alternative would. It moisturizes. It heals. It smells amazing and is a fabulous product. 

As far as your hair is concerned, the protein structure of coconut oil is capable of sitting inside the hair shaft. So it makes sense that so many of us, especially those with damaged strands, like to use it as a treatment or leave-in. Oil repels water. At certain times the hair demands moisture but not oil because your body produces a natural oil. 

 It is also advised by Hewett, that if your hair is brittle, stiff and dry or coarse, its better you give it a pass as coconut oil may make your drier and less elastic. The potential harmful side effects of coconut oil, which explains the uprise of a new variation: fractionated coconut oil (MCT).  According to Hewett, “this oil has been stripped of its medium chain fatty acids and has been created into  dry oil (an oil that penetrates quickly). This chemical process does make the oil less comedogenic.” And at first glance, this does appear to be an easy solve. However, this also makes coconut oil much more expensive to work with, less pure and nutrient poor. 

Coconut oil in its pure form serves as an quick fix miracle oil for hair growth with hydrated shiny features that is good for the hair and works well for those experiencing hair loss.