Coconut oil is undoubtedly the one magic ingredient for all skin and hair problems. It is also the secret ingredient that all your favorite K-Drama stars use to keep their hair looking healthy, frizz-free, shiny, and strong. Coconut oil can also be used as a one-stop solution for dandruff!
To understand how coconut oil works on dandruff, it is important to understand what exactly dandruff is.
Dandruff is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp. Symptoms include flaking and sometimes mild itchiness. A more severe form of the condition, which includes inflammation of the skin, is known as seborrhoeic dermatitis. In this case, the flakes are oilier and yellower in appearance. The cause is unclear but believed to involve several genetic and environmental factors, and the condition may worsen in the winter. It is not due to poor hygiene, and the underlying mechanism involves the excessive growth of skin cells. Some cases of dandruff are caused by the excessive presence of a fungus called Malassezia.
Research has proven the immensely moisturizing capabilities of coconut oil, and it does not only pertain to simple skincare. According to one study, coconut oil used in children with eczema was more effective than mineral oil. The coconut oil likely penetrated beneath the epidermis (top layer of skin) and acted as a barrier to help protect from further dryness and inflammation. The anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties of coconut oil are also important reasons for using coconut oil on your hair to prevent bad fungus and bacteria growth. As Malassezia is a fungus, using the oil can help decrease these organisms' amount on your scalp and any related dandruff issues. Coconut oil is also anti-inflammatory which again, helps with the side-effects of having dandruff.
The best way to use coconut oil for dandruff is to use it instead of your shampoo conditioner. You can also oil your hair at night and leave it overnight before washing it off with shampoo in the morning. Not only will this help with dandruff but will also keep your hair looking glossy as ever. Combining your hair after oiling can promote blood circulation in your scalp, leading to stronger hair. You can also add a little bit of warm water to the oil for a more lathering product. In other cases, you can add plant-based oils and essential oils to your liking as well in the coconut oil. These concoctions are usually used in hair masks and spa treatments.
Most importantly, it is vital to know exactly what kind of coconut oil to use on your hair. The only viable answer to this is extra virgin coconut oil. Refined coconut oil may not give you the results you seek, as it may not be 100% pure and unadulterated. Extra virgin coconut oil is sure to bring you the shiny, strong hair you've always admired on your favorite K-Drama actors.
