Nature’s Magic: Coconut Oil For Scalp Treatment
Coconut oil has recently become a bit of a phenomenon. Although it’s been used for many centuries in the Pacific Rim and parts of Asia, it’s only recently that its popularity has exploded.
People now use it for everything from cooking to shaving.
Many people also use it to moisturize a dry scalp and hair.
If you’ve ever suffered from issues related to the scalp and are tired of treatments that seem to only work temporarily using harsh chemicals, then you’ll want to read where coconut oil helps, and where it doesn’t.
Criteria
If you’ve ever had dandruff, you know those white flakes can be embarrassing!
There are plenty of hair products on the market that can help treat dandruff, and medicated dandruff shampoos are the proven option. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole or coal tar.
It’s a common problem, and if one shampoo doesn’t work, alternating between active ingredients can help.
Has excessive itching led to sores, or do you suspect a fungal infection like ringworm?
Scalp infections need a doctor’s diagnosis and usually prescription medicine, not a home remedy.
Have the kids come home with a case of head lice?
The CDC advises using an over-the-counter or prescription lice medicine as directed, and says there’s no scientific evidence that smothering lice with oils or mayonnaise works.
So where does coconut oil fit?
It’s a good moisturizer for a dry scalp and hair, but it isn’t a treatment for dandruff, infections or lice.
Sky Organics Coconut Oil
Sky Organics keeps it simple: pure organic coconut oil, which makes it our choice for the best oil for a dry scalp and hair.
Their organic extra virgin coconut oil is 100% pure, unrefined and cold pressed.
There are no additives and no irritating perfumes, just coconut oil! Another fabulous quality about this product is that it is proudly fair trade and cruelty-free.
Coconut oil is moisturizing and can soothe a dry, tight-feeling scalp.
You may read that it treats folliculitis, ringworm or lice. There’s no good evidence for that, and those conditions need a proper diagnosis and proven treatment.
If you color your hair, Sky Organics even says coconut oil can be used as a hair color corrector!
It can also add moisture to a scalp that feels dry after coloring.
To use, take out the amount you need to cover your scalp. You can rub it between your hands before going through your scalp or warm the jar in a bowl of warm water to melt it. If you use a microwave, test the temperature before it touches your scalp.
Massage the oil into the scalp and wrap up for at least two hours before shampooing as normal. You can even leave it overnight, but always be sure to wash out well, unless you’re into that greasy look!
Pros & Cons
While this Sky Organics Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is protecting your scalp, it’s also giving you luxurious locks! It’s great for conditioning. Lab research has found coconut oil can reduce protein loss from hair, because it soaks into the hair shaft better than mineral or sunflower oil.
It can leave a bit of oily residue on the hair if not washed out completely.
It’s gentle enough that the NHS suggests lightly massaging coconut oil or an emollient onto a baby’s scalp to loosen cradle cap scales before washing with baby shampoo.
This coconut oil comes as a solid in the 16.9-ounce BPA-free plastic jar but melts when slightly warmed. It may be a bit messy to take out what you want, but if you slightly warm a small spoon under warm water, it will help.
Conclusion
Sky Organics Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a versatile product with plenty of uses for the entire family.
We call it “nature’s magic” because it’s simple and versatile. It won’t cure scalp conditions, but it can leave you with fabulous looking hair after!
Keep a jar of coconut oil handy for scalp care, and you’ll soon find plenty of other uses for it too!
If flaking, itching or redness doesn’t improve after a few weeks of dandruff shampoo, see a dermatologist.
Sources
- How to treat dandruff, American Academy of Dermatology
- Head lice treatment, CDC
- Cradle cap, NHS
