Definition of coconut oil
Coconut oil is a vegetable oil extracted from ripe coconut flesh, picked on the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera). It is mainly used in the cosmetic industry for its hydrating and nourishinng properties, as well as in the alimentation. Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, particularly in lauric acid, which provides its unique benefits for hair cares.
Actions and benefits of coconut oil
Property of coconut oil: deep hydration
Coconut oil is known for its ability in deeply penetrate in the hair stem, thanks to it light molecular weight and its linear structure. It helps hydrating the hair from the inside, leaving it soft and smooth.
Property of coconut oil: repairing damaged hair
The lauric acid, contained in great quantity in coconnut oil, has an affinity for hair proteins which enables to repair and reinforce damaged hair. It also helps in reducing split ends and hair breakage.
Property of coconut oil: protection against damages
Coconut oil forms a protective barrier around the hair stem, thus reducing damages caused by hot hair tools, chemical treatments and environmental agressions.
Property of coconut oil: frizz reducing
Thanks to its hydrating properties, coconut oil helps in soothing the hair cuticule, thus reducing frizz and imrpoving hair shine.
Property of coconut oil: antibacterial and antifungal properties
The fatty acids contained in coconut oil, principally lauric acid and capric acid, own antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps maintaining a healthy scalp while reducing dandruff and fungal infections.
Clinical and scientific studies on coconut oil
Studies have demonstrated the benefits of coconut oil for hair. For example, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science" demonstrated that coconut oil is more efficient than other natural oils to reduce protein loss of damaged hair. Another research entitled "Hair Cosmetics: An Overview" talked about the positive impact of coconnut oil on hair health, underlining its hydrating and repairing properties.
Anecdotes on coconut oil
Coconut oil was used for centuries bby idigenous peoples in tropical regions for its nourishing and medical properties. In some cultures, it was also used during beauty ceremonies and traditional hair care rituals. For example, in India, coconut oil was a key ingredient in the Ayurveda to treat various hair problems and to maintain long and healthy hair.
Coconut oil in our products
In the Laboratoires SILKBIOTIC, we incorporate coconnut oil in our hair mask for its exceptional repairing and hydrating properties. It helps to deeply nourish the hair, to reduce the damages and to improve the hair global health. Our products containing coconnut oil are adapted to all types of hair, providing softness, shine and protection even to the most damaged and dry ones.
Sources :
- Rele, A. S., & Mohile, R. B. (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science. Disponible ici.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. International Journal of Trichology (2015).
