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Coconut oil is something that most people have in their homes. It can be in their kitchen cabinets for cooking, in their bedroom for skin care, or on their washroom shelves for hair care.
Coconut oil is a commonly used oil that is taken out from the fruit of the coconut tree. It is very famous in many nations such as India and Sri Lanka.
The oil contains various kinds of fats, including saturated fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids. It also comprises antioxidants such as tocopherol and phenolic acids.
Because of its rich nutritional profile, coconut oil is thought to be advantageous for your hair in numerous ways. It can be added to shampoos as a saponification agent or used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent to prevent scalp infections.
One of the most unique benefits of this oil is its ability to move into the hair shaft and inhibit the loss of protein from the hair. (1)
But did you know you can make this oil even more beneficial for your hair by simply combining it with other ingredients such as essential oils, aloe vera, and onion juice? What to add to coconut oil to make it a great hair care product depends on your hair needs and requirements.
This article will look into all possible ingredients that may be added to your coconut oil to enhance its usefulness. Continue reading to discover which ingredient could be beneficial for you.
Ingredients to Mix with Coconut Oil for Hair Growth
Here are some ingredients you can add to coconut oil for hair growth.
1. Essential oils
Essential oils are a great addition to coconut oil for facilitating hair growth. Essential oils such as rosemary oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil have been shown to improve hair health and support hair health.
A. Lavender oil
A study was conducted to see if lavender oil can help with hair growth in animal models. The groups that received lavender oil had more hair follicles, enhanced depth of hair follicles, and increased dermal thickness. This suggests that lavender oil may help promote hair growth.
Thus, mixing lavender oil with coconut oil can help enhance the hair growth effect of the latter. (2)
Note: It’s significant to point out that the study was performed on mice and additional investigation is required to discern if lavender oil is useful for humans.
B. Rosemary oil
A study showed that applying rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf extract to the skin of mice improved hair regrowth.
The extract was also found to inhibit testosterone 5α-reductase, which is known to cause hair loss. This inhibition is one of the most effective strategies for treating androgenic alopecia, a common cause of hair loss.
These findings suggest that rosemary leaf extract may be useful for promoting hair growth and treating hair loss. (3)
C. Peppermint oil
In a study, researchers wanted to see if peppermint oil could promote hair growth in mice. The mice were divided into four groups, with each group receiving a unique topical application: saline, jojoba oil, 3% minoxidil, or 3% peppermint oil.
After four weeks of treatment, the group that received the peppermint oil showed the most significant hair growth, with an increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth.
Moreover, the mice that received the peppermint oil did not experience any significant changes in body weight gain or food efficiency, indicating that the oil may be a practical agent for promoting hair growth without affecting overall health. (4)
To use coconut oil and essential oils to improve hair growth:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 10-15 drops of the essential oil of your choice. This would make a small amount for personal use.
- Apply the oil blend to your hair as a mask or conditioner, or use it as a massage oil.
2. Aloe vera
A study found that aloe vera can be helpful in reducing scalp issues such as itchiness and scaliness. It can also reduce the size of the area affected by seborrheic dermatitis, which can sometimes cause temporary hair loss.
Thus, using aloe vera may help in promoting hair growth by treating scalp conditions. (5)
Additionally, aloe vera is believed to support scalp health, which is critical for wholesome hair development.
Hence, incorporating aloe vera into your hair care routine may help promote overall scalp health and, in turn, improve hair growth.
To use coconut and aloe vera to improve hair growth:
- Cut a big aloe vera leaf lengthwise and scoop out the gel inside.
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons of each aloe vera gel and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, massaging it in.
- Let the mixture sit on your hair for roughly 30 minutes.
- Rinse the mixture off and dry your hair.
3. Castor oil
Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, which is found in tropical and subtropical countries. It contains ricinoleic acid, which is a great moisturizer for the hair.
In a study, it was found that ricinoleic acid can penetrate the skin and act as an inhibitor of prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGD2), which is associated with androgenic alopecia. Therefore, castor oil may help with hair growth by inhibiting PGD2.
You can combine 1 tablespoon of castor oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and use the mixture on your hair as a leave-in therapy. (1)
4. Fenugreek oil
Fenugreek seeds have antiandrogen properties, which can prevent the hormone dihydrotestosterone from causing hair loss.
Additionally, the flavonoids and trigonelline in fenugreek oil promote blood circulation in the scalp, which enables hair development. Flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects, which can improve scalp health.
Therefore, mixing 2-3 teaspoons of fenugreek oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil can be helpful for hair growth. (1)
5. Onion juice
Onion juice contains sulfur, which is essential for hair growth. A study showed that sulfur strengthens the protein in hair and can promote healthy hair growth.
So, using onion juice combined with coconut oil may be beneficial for maintaining healthy hair and enhancing hair growth. (6)
To use coconut oil and onion juice to improve hair growth:
- Chop up a medium-sized onion and blend it till it turns into a fine paste.
- Squeeze out the juice from the paste using a cheesecloth or strainer.
- In a bowl, mix the onion juice with an equal amount of coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and rub it into your hair using your fingers.
Most-Asked Questions
Is it safe to mix coconut oil with other ingredients for hair growth?
Yes, it is safe to mix coconut oil with other biological ingredients.
How often should you use coconut oil for hair growth?
It is recommended to use coconut oil once a week to improve hair growth.
Final Word
Coconut oil is an excellent ingredient for promoting hair growth. When mixed with other natural ingredients such as essential oils, aloe vera, castor oil, fenugreek oil, and onion juice, it can have even more powerful benefits for the hair.
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