One of the most useful products Nature has ever produced is the coconut. From this tropical tree, you can get anything you need - from food ingredient to construction materials, to decorative items and many more. Its oil itself offers numerous benefits to mankind, including a cure to hair fall. Yes, coconut oil has been proven effective and safe in preventing hair loss. In fact, people in the ancient times had been using it in keeping their hair healthy, strong, and thick.

Why is coconut oil effective in treating hair fall?

Coconut oil has been proven effective in treating hair fall because of these essential properties:

1. Lauric acid
Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid that protects the roots of your hair. It also helps prevent the hair from breakage. Coconut oil is the richest source of lauric acid. Around 50% of the lauric acid is found in coconut oil. This substance has the ability to reduce and prevent loss of hair protein more effectively than what sunflower and mineral oils do. Likewise, lauric acid is loaded with monolaurin, a substance full of antibacterial property that effectively fights against bugs.

2. Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Aside from lauric acid, coconut oil also contains two other fatty acids – caprylic, and capric acids. These are known to work against fungi. With all these three types of acids in coconut oil, you are assured of an effective treatment for dandruff, lice and lice eggs. Dandruff and lice are contributing factors that hinder hair growth. Coconut oil is also good at preventing split ends.

3. Essential nutrients
Coconut oil is a good source of vitamins E and K, and iron. These vitamins and mineral are essential for maintaining luster and softness of your hair. Again, vitamin E works effectively against dandruff.

4. Moisturizer
With regular application of coconut oil, you can expect to have a strong and moisturized hair. The oil penetrates into your hair shaft and conditions your mane from the inside. It also protects your hair follicles from heat and harsh weather conditions.

5. Promotes better blood circulation
By massaging your scalp with coconut oil, you stimulate blood circulation. This allows the essential nutrients and oxygen into your hair follicles, making it healthy.

How to apply coconut oil on your hair

Depending on your personal preference, you may apply coconut oil either before or after washing your hair. If you have a slightly wavy, or straight hair, I suggest that you treat your hair with coconut oil before washing it. If you have thick or curly hair, you may apply the coconut oil either before or after washing it. Curly hair tends to absorb oil quickly. So, you would not end up with too sticky-shiny hair. Some hair types, however, especially the protein-sensitive, may not go well with post-wash oil treatment. Consult your physician on this regard. Some people ask if it’s more effective to heat the coconut oil first before applying or just have it at room temperature. Basically, it produces the same effects. However, since coconut oil can coagulate in lower room temperature, it makes sense to have it warmed a bit before using. But, make sure you don’t heat the coconut oil too much. The heat might damage your scalp.

Coconut oil application before shampooing.
Apply a generous amount of coconut oil onto your scalp and gently massage it in a circular motion for at least five minutes. Give particular attention to your hair strands. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes. If your hair fall problem is severe or if your concern is hair breakage, you may leave the oil on for 2 - 4 hours. Then, wash your hair off with regular shampoo.

Oil application after shampooing.
If your problem is more on dry hair or split-ends, apply a little amount of coconut oil two to three inches towards the tip of your hair. But wait until your hair has completely dried out before applying. The oil will be quickly absorbed by your hair and makes a protective coat around the hair strands.