Coconut oil for African american
Introduction
African American Black hair has been known to be the weakest due to its tight curl pattern. Coconut oil for African american is the best solution for this weakness . This type of hair ordinarily does not retain moisture and is always drier than other types of hair. Because of its nature, great challenges like split ends, breakages and loss of colour is a common occurrence. This calls for unique and proper hair care with products best suitable for this type of hair. Coconut oil for African American hair is the answer to these challenges.Before using this oil, it is important to find out why it is becoming the preferred world number one hair oil.
Coconut oil is among the first organic oils to be discovered and used by man. It contains important components like fats, vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals that are essential in keeping the hair healthy. Polynesians historically used coconut oil as a beauty product according to Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, Hawaii. It is derived from mature coconut fruit which mostly grows in the coastal and tropical regions. Natives of these two regions can boast of dark shiny hair because they already discovered the benefit of this product. Regardless of gender, it is a fact that everyone desires to have good looking hair that is shiny, thick and luscious. Researchers and specialists well over the world have come to the conclusion that coconut oil is the remedy to almost all hair conditions. Coconut oil for African American hair ensures that the weaknesses are minimized.
A look at ingredients of several other cosmetic products reveals coconut as one of the components. However, these cosmetic products may have other chemical components that are dangerous and cause a harmful effect on the scalp, damaging your hair and skin. Application of coconut is small bits may not be enough treatment for the African American hair. The pleasant news about the coconut oil is that it is affordable, safe, and effective. It can be used as a component on its own or incorporated into your hair treatment by mixing it with other organic hair products. You can be sure it will replace many of your other products because of its multiple use and purpose.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
As coconut oil becomes popular in the world over, it is becoming clear that there will be imitations all over the market. It is imperative that you read the ingredients well to ensure that you are not just buying a product with coconut as a component that will have adverse effects on your hair, scalp and skin, but rather you are buying a product made of pure coconut oil. Viva labs Organic Extra Virgin coconut oil has been famed for its effectiveness. It has coconut as the major and only component. This product is free from hexane, bleach and it is also a non- GMO. It has medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which has an effect of increased energy and weight management and control. MCT reduces and maintains cholesterol levels in the body.
The coconuts that are used to produce this oil are hand- picked from the Mt. Banahaw region in the Philippines. This ensures that only the best coconuts are used. They are then cold pressed to ensure that they retain the essential antioxidants and nutrients needed for the hair and body in general. The oil has a melting point of 24 degrees Celsius. This explains why the texture may vary from time to time depending on the temperatures but it does not affect the quality and effectiveness of the product. It has a shelf life of up to 2 years.
Coconut oil has two fold advantages. As much as it is used for the hair, it also has tremendous effect on the skin. It does not only improve your hair but also gives you the skin effect that you have desired for long. So what are the benefits of coconut oil on hair?
AMAZING USES OF COCONUT OIL
PREVENTS BREAKAGES
Coconut oil contains fatty acids. These acids combine and work with the hair proteins to prevent hair breakages. It contains lauric acid which does a fantastic work in protecting the hair from breaking. According to one study, coconut oil is the only oil that reduces protein loss for damaged and undamaged hair. This study is particularly true when coconut oil is used as a pre-wash. This is because it is hydrophobic and repels water. When used as a pre-wash treatment, it prevents water from penetrating each strand, which would cause the surface of the hair shaft to rise making it prone to damage and breakages.
A little amount of coconut oil is able to penetrate deep into the hair follicle during the wash. This can give one a reason to boast of not having the “frizzies” during humid conditions because of the hydrophobic nature of the oil. A study in 2005, Journal of Cosmetic Science revealed that coconut oil penetrated hair follicles better than any other common component in hair conditioners. Another study from the same journal in 1999 showed that breakages are greatly reduced by application of coconut oil.The oil prevents hair damage caused by combing and brushing and can also be used on children. Other than a pre-wash, it can also be used as a leave in conditioner or intensively for a couple of hours.
Treatment for breakages varies from one type of hair to another. For short hair, warm ¼ teaspoon in your palm. For longer hair that is thicker, you may want to use ½ for effectiveness, and even more cautious and sparingly for thinner hair. This is majorly because it can weigh down the hair if used in large quantities. Special attention should be given to the shafts and the ends of the hair. Smooth the coconut oil through the hair.
ANTIBACTERIAL
Lice are a common pest found in hair and causes embarrassments. There are very many chemical products to treat the lice but unfortunately also have adverse effects on your hair and scalp. Combing wet hair has also been proven to be a good way of lice removal but that too leads to hair loss as it damages the wt hair. Nature has always found a way to provide us with answers and solutions to our problems. Bacteria affect both the hair and scalp which later affects hair growth. Coconut oil has been proven to be very good antibacterial.
It contains both antifungal and antibacterial components that fight dandruff, lice, protozoa and viral infections. A study published in the Israel Medical Association Journal revealed greater success for lice treatment without serious side effects on children. The success rate was estimated to be at 92.3%. This effect was achieved with a combination of ylang ylang oil and anise oil because of its penetration ability, the oil repels lice and keeps the eggs from attaching to the hair. Another study by the European Journal of Pediatrics revealed that coconut oil had 82% success rate as compared to 42% by permethrin. Out of 50 people who used this chemical product, 33 of them complained of scalp irritation. This is in contrast with coconut oil which most often has no irritation.
LICE TREATMENT
For lice treatment, one needs to coat the wet hair with coconut oil before combing which makes it easier for lice removal. Massage the solution all over the scalp and from the root to tips of hair. Comb through the hair and cover it with a shower cap. Keep it covered for 2 hours and if possible sit in the sun or dryer to periodically keep it warm. After 2 hours, comb the hair once again before washing and rinsing it at least twice.
Combine 2 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 cup of water and spray the hair while still wet. Rinse it thoroughly again and apply coconut oil on it. Cover it with a shower cap and leave it in until the next washing. For effectiveness, this process needs to be repeated 5-10 times for a number of weeks to ensure that all the lice and the eggs are completely removed from your hair. Always remember to comb your hair every morning and evening and use coconut oil as a leave-in hair conditioner until all the lice is eradicated from the hair.
BOOSTS BLOOD CIRCULATION
Massaging your head with coconut oil has an immense effect on blood circulation. It improves blood movement in the scalp meaning more oxygen is sent right through the hair follicles which later stimulates hair growth.
1 teaspoon of coconut oil will go a long way if you want to focus on scalp conditioning and hair growth. Massaging coconut oil into the scalp helps improve blood circulation thereby supporting growth of hair. For the desired effect, it is imperative that you massage the oil into the scalp with gentle pressure and regular hand movement. Do this for 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week.
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MOISTURISES
Continuous use of coconut oil moisturizes the hair. It leaves the hair shiny, healthier, softer and lustrous than before. It has an incredible ability to penetrate the hair follicles from the outside therefore conditioning it. The moisturizing effect is so real that the hair follicles are even protected from environmental damage and excessive heat.
For this moisturizing treatment, use sandalwood essential oil together with coconut oil for both leave in and intensive hair conditioning treatment for best results. The essential oil supports moisture retention and increases the conditioning effect of coconut oil. This treatment works perfect for dry or damaged hair as it restores and preserves the moisture in the hair.
IT IS NUTRITIOUS
Coconut oil has vitamins K, E and irons. It is also rich in antioxidants. Each of these components has an important role in keeping the hair moist and soft. Iron in it as a component helps radiate dandruff from the scalp.
Wintergreen, lavender, thyme and tea tree are essential oils that fight fungus and yeast. For effective dandruff treatment, mix 2 teaspoons of coconut oil with 5 pints of any of the above essential oils and massage it into the scalp. Ensure that the mixture is rubbed all over the scalp and no area is left unattended. Cover the head with a shower cap and whenever the circumstances allow, sit in the sun for 20-30 minutes just to ensure the heat levels are maintained. This is especially advised whenever there is no hair dryer. You can leave this overnight but make it a point to confirm that the shower cap is firmly placed on your head to avoid staining the bed sheets and pillow. Remove the cap and wash the hair with gentle shampoo. Repeat the treatment 2 -3 times per week.
STYLING
Other than hair treatment, coconut oil can also be used as a styling agent and is free from commercial chemicals that are dangerous for the hair. This has been one of the most overlooked and neglected use of this product but has marvelous results. Hair treatment and therapy like flat irons and hot rollers dries the moisture out of the hair shafts causing it to become inflexible and liable to breaking and tangling. Coconut oil prevents this kind of heat damage when used in the proper amount for your hair length and texture. It also tames frizz in humid conditions by penetrating into the curls.
Frizz makes styling a difficult task for the African American hair. To curb frizz, use ¼-1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Warm the oil in your hands and apply it from root to tips. Blow dry the hair and then style it as you desire. As much as it may take a little longer to dry, it leaves you with hair that is soft, shiny and manageable free from frizz.
HAIR LOSS
In ancient India, coconut oil was used for hair grooming. This was done by preparing few selected herbs and coconut oil to stop or prevent hair loss. Because of scarcity of herbs in modern times however, it can be done by boiling leaves in the coconut oil. The mixture is then applied to the scalp which improves the health of hair and prevents hair loss. Other products that have the desired effect together with coconut oil are lime water and gooseberries. A mixture of either of these products and coconut oil should also be able to prevent hair loss.
After washing your hair with shampoo, use 1 teaspoon for short hair, 2 for shoulder length hair and 1 tablespoon for long hair. After warming your hands, apply to hair shaft and ends then massage it into the scalp. Using a shower cap, cover it 1-2 hours or even overnight then wash it with gentle shampoo.
SPLIT ENDS
The common myth and narrative about split ends is that they can be dealt with by simply cutting your hair. This may be true only if you do not desire to have long healthy hair. If this problem appears on a small number of your hair strands then you could use home remedies to solve the problem. Massage your hair with a mixture of coconut oil and almond oil for some minutes. This mixture helps minimize split ends.
COLOUR RETENTION
Environmental exposure, over styling and continuous use of synthetic hair products contribute to loss of hair colour. These products also leave some residue on the hair that discolors it and becomes so difficult to come off. Everybody wants to boast about dark full hair despite the gender. Coconut oil not only prevents baldness but is also beneficial for preventing gray hair and hair discoloring. It does not leave any residue on the hair as it is natural with no chemical components at all. It is absorbed through the hair follicles helping it grow and retain its colour. A mixture of coconut oil with Eclipta Alba leaf juice reaps this benefit when applied on the scalp and hair.
In addition, coconut oil can be used for cooking, especially baking as an alternative to butter. For skin care, it moisturizes dry, rough elbows and heels. This is because it is a certified food product and skin conditioner as well.
CONCLUSION
Coconut oil demystifies myths about African American hair. In fact, coconut oil used effectively and as prescribed makes the hair very good. The oil is used by everybody, male and female with no side effects. It is used on children because it is safe and edible. It is widely available and affordable . If used in the right manner, one can be sure to reap all the benefits both on the skin and head as it gives thick, shiny luscious hair on the head. Its sweet smelling aroma is pleasant and gives a relaxing effect to the brains too.
