Using Coconut Oil with Vitamin E for Healthier Hair

Benefits of Using Coconut Oil on Hair

Coconut oil has become a popular natural hair treatment due to its many benefits for hair health. Using coconut oil can help strengthen hair, add shine, reduce protein loss, and improve manageability. Here's a look at why coconut oil is effective for hair care.

Moisturizing Properties

Coconut oil contains fatty acids that help moisturize and hydrate hair. The lauric acid and medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have a low molecular weight, allowing them to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. This helps repair dry, damaged hair and protect it from future breakage.

Reduces Protein Loss

Washing, brushing, and heat styling can cause protein loss in hair leading to damage. Coconut oil creates a protective layer on the hair that can reduce protein loss from these daily styling practices. Less protein loss equals stronger, healthier hair.

Anti-Microbial Qualities

The lauric acid and caprylic acid in coconut oil contain anti-fungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This can help improve scalp health by fighting microbial growth that can cause dandruff or scalp infections.

Safe for Color Treated Hair

Harsh chemicals in hair dyes can damage hair over time. Coconut oil provides a gentle, non-chemical way to restore moisture and strength to color treated hair. It helps maintain vibrancy of hair color as well.

Combining Coconut Oil with Vitamin E for Hair

While coconut oil offers many hair benefits on its own, combining it with vitamin E can boost these effects even more. Here's how vitamin E enhances coconut oil for hair care:

Increased Moisture

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that repairs damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals. This helps hair better retain moisture from the coconut oil, leading to increased softness and hydration.

Protection from Oxidation

Exposure to sun, pollution and other environmental stressors can cause oxidative damage to hair. Vitamin E acts as an extra shield to prevent this oxidation, keeping hair strong and healthy.

Boosts Shine

The rich fatty acids in coconut oil combined with the emollient properties of vitamin E help seal in moisture and restore lipid barriers. This nourishes hair and leaves an incredible natural shine.

Stimulates Growth

Vitamin E improves blood circulation in the scalp. This stimulates follicles in the growth phase, allowing hair to grow longer and thicker over time.

Using Coconut Oil and Vitamin E together for Hair

There are a couple easy ways to harness the combined benefits of coconut oil and vitamin E for your hair:

Add Vitamin E Oil

Purchase vitamin E oil capsules from the supplement section. Puncture the soft gel capsule to extract the oil. Mix the desired amount of vitamin E oil into your regular coconut oil and apply as normal.

Use a Combined Product

Many natural hair care companies now sell products that already contain a blend of coconut oil and vitamin E. Look for options that use extra virgin coconut oil and natural forms of vitamin E like tocopheryl.

Coconut Oil Hair Mask with Vitamin E

One of the best ways to leverage coconut oil's benefits is through a deep conditioning hair mask. The vitamin E gives an added punch of nourishment and shine. Here is an easy recipe to try:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil
• Contents of 2 vitamin E capsules
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar (optional)

Method

1. Warm the coconut oil to liquefy - about 15 seconds in the microwave.
2. Mix in vitamin E oil and sweetener of choice (honey or agave nectar).
3. Apply evenly from roots to ends. For extra moisture, cover hair with a shower cap.
4. Let sit for 30-60 minutes then rinse and shampoo as normal.

Use this nourishing hair mask 1-2 times per week for ultra hydrated, shiny locks. The vitamin E works synergistically with coconut oil to repair damage and deeply condition hair.

Other Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Hair

Aside from masks and treatments, here are other effective ways to incorporate coconut oil into your hair care routine:

As a Frizz Tamer

Warm a teaspoon of coconut oil in palms and smooth over flyaways and frizzy areas. This offers light conditioning and eliminates static.

On Dry Ends

Apply a small amount of coconut oil only to dry ends to restore moisture, prevent split ends and reduce tangles.

On Damp Hair

Rub a coin-sized amount through damp hair after showering to evenly distribute oils and prevent knots or snags.

As a Scalp Treatment

Massage coconut oil into scalp to moisturize, eliminate dandruff and stimulate growth. Leave on overnight then shampoo as normal.

As a Protectant

Apply lightly to shield hair from sun, chlorine, saltwater and other environmental damage in summer. Rinse out afterwards.

To Enhance Shine

Warm a dime-size amount to melt then smooth over lengths to polish hair, make it gleam and reduce frizz.

Choosing the Best Coconut Oil for Hair

To reap the most benefits, it's important to select a high quality coconut oil. Here's what to look for when purchasing coconut oil for hair:

Extra Virgin

Extra virgin coconut oil is made from fresh, unrefined coconut meat, so it retains more vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.

Organic

Organic coconut oil ensures the coconuts are not treated with pesticides or chemicals during farming.

Cold Pressed

Cold pressing is a natural, chemical-free extraction method important for maintaining nutrients.

Unrefined

Unrefined coconut oil is not bleached or deodorized like refined versions. It retains its light coconut scent.

Solid at Room Temperature

Coconut oil remains solid below 76F. The thick, creamy texture makes application easy.

Raw or Virgin

Raw or virgin coconut oil is another name for completely unprocessed, unrefined coconut oil.

With so many coconut oil options, read labels closely and look for these characteristics to ensure hair reaps the most benefits.

Potential Side Effects of Coconut Oil for Hair

Using coconut oil is generally considered very safe, but there are a few potential drawbacks to note:

Pores Clogged

Coconut oil is highly comedogenic or pore-clogging. Using it excessively near the scalp or skin can lead to clogged follicles and acne.

Allergic Reaction

Those with a coconut allergy may experience irritation, redness or swelling from topical use. Do a patch test before wide application.

Greasy Look

Overusing coconut oil or failing to rinse thoroughly can leave hair looking oily or limp, especially for those with fine hair.

Hair Loss

A coconut oil hair mask left on too long can temporarily clog follicles and cause temporary hair shedding. Keep application under 60 minutes.

While very low risk, be aware of any negative reactions when starting to use coconut oil on hair. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

Safety Tips When Using Coconut Oil on Hair

To avoid potential issues, keep these safety recommendations in mind:

• Do a patch test before first use.
• Use coconut oil sparingly, starting with a dime-size amount.
• Focus application on mid-lengths and ends, not directly on scalp.
• Rinse thoroughly with mild shampoo to remove buildup.
• Apply to damp, not soaking wet hair.
• Repeat treatments no more than 1-2 times per week.
• Watch for any skin reactions and discontinue use if they occur.

Being mindful of dosage and frequency will allow you to incorporate coconut oil into your hair care routine safely and effectively.

Achieve Healthier Hair with Coconut Oil and Vitamin E

Using coconut oil on hair provides a myriad of benefits from reducing protein loss to retaining moisture. Combining it with vitamin E further helps restore shine, manageability and strength.

Harnessing the powers of coconut oil and vitamin E together is simple. Just add vitamin E oil to coconut oil or use a blended product. Or try the DIY nourishing hair mask recipe for dramatic results.

While being cautious of potential side effects, coconut oil with vitamin E can transform the look and feel of hair to becustomer healthier and more radiant.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.