Coconut oil, extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts, is enriched with nutrients. These nutrients may improve the condition of your dry scalp. The oil also has antimicrobial benefits that may soothe your itchy scalp. Keep reading to learn how to use coconut oil for dry scalp treatment.
What Causes A Dry Scalp?
A dry scalp is primarily caused when there is insufficient sebum secretion. The sebaceous glandsi A small gland on the skin’s surface that produces sebum, helps keep skin moist, and prevents skin from drying. produce sebum, a complex oil containing triglycerides and fatty acids that break down into wax esters, squalene, cholesterol esters, and cholesterol. Less sebum secretion affects the scalp and hair nourishment and leads to flaking. Inadequate sebum production can be caused by one or more of the following factors: Though dry scalp can often feel like dandruff, both conditions have certain fundamental differences.
Dry Scalp Vs. Dandruff: What Is The Difference?
Dry scalp produces smaller white flakes, while dandruff is characterized by large yellowish oily flakes. Overproduction of sebum creates an oily scalp and causes dandruff. The underproduction of sebum causes the scalp to dry out, flake, and itch. Dandruff is caused by a fungal infection, while a dry scalp can be caused by pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, weather conditions, or even excessive washing. Both conditions can aggravate if not treated. They may also lead to redness or bumps on the scalp. The best treatment for dandruff involves the use of anti-dandruff shampoos. The ideal treatment for a dry scalp is adequate moisturization with deep conditioners, oils, and hair masks. Taking care of your hair, in a way, may also help treat dry scalp and lead to hair rejuvenation. Most of us have heard about the many nutrients in coconut oil, but you may not actually know its nutritional profile. Learn more about it below.
Coconut Oil Nutritional Profile
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of coconut oil contains (3):
Calories: 895 kcal Fat: 99.1 g Carbs: 0.84 g Calcium: 1 mg Iron:0.05 mg Zinc: 0.02 mg Vitamin E: 0.11 mg Vitamin K: 0.6 micrograms
We all know coconut oil to be beneficial to hair. But how does it work? We have discussed the same briefly in the following section.
Coconut Oil Benefits For Hair
Is Rich In Nutrients: Coconut oil is enriched with proteins, lauric acid, capric acidi A type of fatty acid found in natural oils that acts as an antioxidant and keeps the skin soft and moisturized. , and essential nutrients like vitamins E and K.
Deep Conditions Hair: Research shows that coconut oil can penetrate the hair shafts and the scalp and deeply condition them (4). It is a deep conditioning ingredient that will work as a moisturize for the scalp and prevent dryness.
Has Antifungal Properties: Coconut oil has antifungal properties that prevent fungal infections like dandruff from affecting the scalp (5). A study showed that virgin coconut oil could penetrate the hair shaft to disintegrate the dandruff-causing fungi (6).
Has Antimicrobial Properties: The oil also has antimicrobial properties that keep the scalp clean and promote healthy scalp and hair conditions (7).
Improves Hair Health: A study conducted in Palestine showed that coconut oil leads to hair strengthening, improves hair shine, and prevents split ends, hair damage, hair loss, and baldness. Coconut oil may also enhance hair color pigment (8).
Prevents Protein Loss: Coconut oil has been found to prevent protein loss in virgin and bleached hair (4).
Offers UV Protection: Coconut oil protects the hair from UV damage. It also prevents heat damage caused by heat styling tools.
Prevents Lice: Coconut oil protects the scalp and prevents lice and its eggs from infesting the scalp (9).
Let us now see how coconut oil could be beneficial for dry scalp.
Is Coconut Oil Good For Dry Scalp: What Does Science Say?
Natural remedies with coconut oil can be used to promote scalp health. It keeps dandruff off from a chronically dry scalp and keeps the scalp clean (9). Coconut oil is a great ingredient for overall hair and scalp health. Learn how to get rid of dry scalp using coconut oil, in the following section.
How Should You Use Coconut Oil To Treat A Dry Scalp?
Avia Sky, a lifestyle blogger, shares how she accidentally treated her dandruff while trying an oil solution involving peppermint, tea tree, castor, and coconut oils for hair growth. She writes, “Three treatments later, and my dandruff was 95% gone. I was shocked! My hair had never felt cleaner or clearer. I ran my hand through my hair and waited for the snowflakes. But nothing. Like seriously nothing fell from my head (i)!” Coconut oil is safe when used topically but, they also have some adverse effects.
Side Effects Of Coconut Oil
The topical application of coconut oil is mostly considered safe. However, using too much coconut oil on your hair or not rinsing it out from your hair properly may make your hair greasy and weighed down. If you have protein-sensitive hair, using coconut oil for hair may not be suitable and make your hair brittle. Regular application of coconut oil for hair without proper washing may lead to buildup on the scalp and make your hair look dull. If your skin becomes red or irritated, please consult a doctor before applying any more coconut oil. If you have sensitive skin, you may also do a patch test initially. Why does coconut oil make my scalp itch? Coconut oil is generally safe for the scalp and should not cause itching or irritation under normal circumstances. But if your hair is already oily and unwashed, then the application of coconut oil can cause itchiness as it leads to product buildup. The natural oils, along with dirt and germs, are trapped under the sealing shield of coconut oil, which results in scalp irritation. But if this isn’t the case and your scalp still itches, consult a trichologisti A specialist who studies trichology, or the diseases and treatments related to the hair and scalp. immediately. Does coconut oil help treat scalp eczema? Yes. Studies have shown that virgin coconut oil could aid in the treatment of skin disorders like eczema (13). How long does it take for coconut oil to help heal dry scalp? It depends on the severity of your scalp condition. Some people notice the nourishing effects of coconut oil almost immediately, while some may need to apply the oil 2-3 times a week for a few weeks. However, if your scalp condition does not improve even after 3-4 weeks of regular coconut oil use, you will have to see your doctor.
Illustration: How To Use Coconut Oil For Dry Scalp And Dandruff
Learn how to use coconut oil and lemon juice to naturally treat dandruff. Get rid of flakes and soothe your scalp with this simple remedy. Watch the video below to learn more.
