Hair Fall? Dull Hair? Thinning Hair? THIS Is the Most Effective Oil for It

One of the most common questions I get asked is – Luke, what is the best oil for my hair? There are several oils ranging from coconut oil, mustard oil, castor oil (when mixed with a carrier oil), sunflower oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, and even combinations of a few of these available for hair care today. Well, the answer is: Everyone is different. While some people have beautiful, luscious, strong hair with a combination of olive oil and sesame oil, others achieve it with a mixture of coconut oil, sesame oil, and castor oil. Remember bio-individuality.

Yet, if we were to go by scientific research, one of the most effective oils we have observed working beautifully for our clients is – coconut oil.

Why do I say this? What one must look for in a good hair oil is – how it can reduce protein damage and loss. A 2003 study compared the effects of coconut oil, sesame oil, and mineral oil on reducing protein loss. Coconut oil was found to be the most effective among the three on damaged as well as undamaged hair. Sunflower oil and mineral oil showed zero effect on reducing protein loss.

What is the cause behind dull, thinning, or brittle hair?

There could be several reasons for poor-looking thinning hair. It could be a sign of an autoimmune condition (for instance, alopecia), vitamin deficiencies (A, B, D), mineral deficiencies (iron, zinc, selenium), poor eating habits, lack of protein, and so on. Chronic stress is also one of the biggest reasons for hair fall, thinning, and damage. You can have the best diet, but if you are perpetually stressed, you will start aging prematurely or experiencing hair fall.

Why coconut oil?

Whether you have thinning or healthy hair, coconut oil is a good fit because it can prevent further protein loss or damage to the hair follicles.

Even when you look back to the wisdom of our ancestors, you will notice how coconut oil was used across civilizations in hair care and skincare routines. If you have psoriasis on the scalp or are allergic to coconut oil, then avoid it. Always make an informed decision.

Why is it good?

The magic in coconut oil is its ability to reduce protein loss from the hair. Besides this, here are a few other benefits:

• It contains medium-chain fatty acid, also known as lauric acid, which is highly anti-inflammatory. Science says that it has a low molecular weight and is straight-chained in structure. When applied to your scalp, it penetrates deep into your hair shaft and nourishes it.
• It is one of the easily absorbed oils by the skin and gives a natural sheen to your hair.
• Coconut oil works as a natural conditioner.
• Coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties. Many people today are affected by fungal growth on the scalp. It can cause hair follicles to die and inhibit new hair growth.
• Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it is also effective to prevent or manage lice infestations and dandruff.
• Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing and can reduce breakage when used right.
• Coconut oil also creates a protective barrier from environmental damage to your hair.
• While coconut oil is mostly safe, avoid using it excessively. It can lead to a buildup and make your hair too greasy.

One of the first questions I ask people who come to me with hair problems is this: Do you oil your hair? You will be shocked at how many people don’t oil their hair. When they ask me if they can join a program to improve their hair quality, I say – try oiling your hair for a month. Then come back to see if you still need a program.

People don’t realize the power of oiling their hair. Most of us today want to take the most expensive supplements, gummies, shampoos, and conditioners – It is your personal choice. I don’t have a problem with that. But not oiling your hair is a big miss.

Oiling your hair once, twice, or thrice a week is brilliant. Do not stop that process.

What about people who oil their hair and still experience issues? It could point to a different root cause in your body.

Look at the health of your gut. Ask yourself:

• Are you constantly constipated or bloated?
• Do you have gut dysbiosis?
• Are you eating refined sugar excessively?
• Is your protein consumption inadequate?
• Are you deficient in minerals and vitamins?
• Are you exercising to boost blood circulation and help nutrients and oxygen right up to your hair follicles?

You can keep pouring liters of coconut oil on your hair but it will not grow if you do not address the root cause. Yes, use coconut oil but also make other lifestyle changes to treat the root cause.

Coconut oil has an edge over most other oils when it comes to benefiting your hair. It is the first thing that you put in your hair hygiene and hair health routine. Invest in a good ethical brand of coconut oil, preferably cold-pressed. Refined coconut oil destroys most of the benefits we just discussed. Shop for pure cold-pressed coconut oil here.

Ways to use coconut oil:

• Apply it once, twice, or thrice a week.
• Many people prefer applying it before bed, keeping it overnight, and washing it off in the morning. I prefer this method because it allows you to nourish your scalp for a longer time.
• If you are crunching time, you can apply it pre-wash. An hour or two before your shower works. Then wash it off.
• If you did not have time to apply it pre-wash, you can take a small amount and apply it to your hair after your shower as a natural conditioner. It works as a natural detangler and protects your hair when you brush it.

The bottom line

Just because it doesn’t work for some people, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. Most people in India, especially in the South have luscious and thick hair, thanks to the regular use of pure coconut oil. Even your ancestors used it and back then excessive hair fall or alopecia was unheard of. Today we are moving too fast. Stress, overconsumption of refined and processed foods, lack of activity, and sleep deprivation are all affecting the health and quality of our hair. It is ironic because despite having the best shampoos, conditions, treatments, creams, and masks, hair fall and thinning cases are rampant across age groups.

There is beauty and power in simplicity. Use this abundant gift of nature, coconut oil well. Tell me how it worked for you.

Need personalized guidance to care for your hair, skin, and nails?

Join our You Care Wellness Skin Care Program here. 

Connect with us on WhatsApp here. Write to us at info@lukecoutinho.com or call 18001020253 to book a one-on-one consultation.

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