We should consider saturating ourselves in this ingredient – inside and out, given how good it is for us: it’s healthy to eat, great for skin, and downright fabulous for hair.
Coconut oil is even reasonably priced, so what's not to love? We at YOGHHAIR® certainly do, and we’ve loaded our hair masks with it. Read on to know the marvel you’ll be putting on your hair and its transformative power.
What is Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)?
Virgin Coconut Oil (INCI:Cocos Nucifera Oil) is the pure, unrefined extract obtained from the fresh kernel of the coconut fruit. Native to the coastal tropics of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the coconut palm has been cultivated for thousands of years, prized for its nourishment but also its healing, moisturising and protective qualities. Today, it’s nearly impossible to browse a natural beauty aisle without encountering this silky, tropical-scented oil.
Purity and Potency Set Virgin Coconut Oil Apart from its Refined Version
To understand its efficacy, we must first distinguish Virgin Coconut Oil from its refined version. Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut kernel (copra) and undergoes a rigorous process involving high heat, chemical bleaching and deodorization. The refining strips the oil of its natural nutrients and characteristic aroma, resulting in a neutral but less potent product.
Virgin Coconut Oil is cold pressed from fresh coconut meat (and milk) through a mechanical process that preserves its natural nutrients and aroma. This is crucial as the oil’s full profile of medium-chain fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins is directly responsible for VCO's cosmetic benefits. Its distinctive creamy texture and tropical scent are proof of its purity and nutrient density, making it far superior to the refined oil in efficacy and sensory experience.
You may wonder why it is important to know about the process. If you know the production process, you’ll have an indication of how many nutrients and beneficial bits are in the oil you’re buying to eat and/or use as an ingredient in your cosmetics.
Virgin coconut oil contains phenolic acids and shows antioxidant capacity that refined coconut oil does not.
Say Yes to Eating Coconut Oil
It has been a misconception for years that coconut oil should be consumed in moderation because of its high content of saturated fat. Experts who used to warn of the dangers of coconut oil consumption are singing a different tune and it’s all because previous testing of coconut oil was done on partially hydrogenated coconut oil – not virgin coconut oil. Despite coming from the same source, these 2 oils are worlds apart.
What Science Says About Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair & Skincare
Science agrees that virgin coconut oil is a treasure trove for hair and skincare, particularly dry and itchy skin. Numerous surgical and medical centres even refer to studies documenting the healing properties of coconut oil.
The Nutrition Source :
"Although consuming coconut oil may not yield health benefits, topical application has been shown to improve skin and hair conditions."
According to a 2008 study published in the journal 'Dermatitis', virgin coconut oil has emollient properties that help to heal and protect the skin’s surface, as well as broad-spectrum antimicrobial components that help to protect against bacteria, viruses and fungi associated with eczema. (ref)
Virgin coconut oil is not only softening and soothing for skin, it even aids healing, as an Indian study (on lab rats) showed conclusive results that wounds heal faster when treated with Virgin coconut oil.
As for the claimed comedogenic properties of coconut oil, expect a post on that topic. The bottom line is that if using a comedogenic ingredient there’s greater likelihood of experiencing clogged pores if you tend to get clogged pores in the first place.
For Optimal Care, Put Virgin Coconut on Hair
One of the top reasons to use Virgin Coconut Oil for hair care is scientifically documented – it strengthens the hair. Its remarkable hair benefits are rooted in its unique biochemical composition, allowing it to interact with hair and scalp in ways that other oils can’t.
The Journal of Cosmetic Science writes that coconut oil helps protect the hairs’ protein content and prevent combing damage (link),
"Among three oils, coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product. Both sunflower and mineral oils do not help at all in reducing the protein loss from hair."
Why is Virgin Coconut Oil So Potent?
Fatty acids
Virgin Coconut Oil is exceptionally rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), primarily lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. Their smaller molecular structures allow the oil to be rapidly absorbed.
- Lauric acid makes up about half of Virgin Coconut Oil’s composition and is its most powerful component with moisturising and antimicrobial properties; it helps protect against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and balance the scalp.
- Capric acid calms and protects the skin with gentle antimicrobial and soothing properties, adding smoothness and softness to hair.
- Caprylic acid speeds up the absorption rate, helps restore the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
Antioxidants
Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in antioxidants such as caffeic, ferulic and gallic acids, catechins and vitamin E. These compounds fight oxidative stress, a major cause of premature ageing and hair damage, and help preserve strength and vitality in both skin and hair. The antioxidants in VCO donate electrons to neutralize these free radicals, helping to protect the hair's structural integrity and preserve its natural shine and colour.
Top 8 benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair & Skin
- Hair Strength, Shine and Manageability
VCO has the unique ability to penetrate the hair shaft, rather than just coat it. This deep penetration significantly reduces protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair, a common cause of weakness and breakage.
By nourishing the hair cuticle and reducing protein loss, VCO helps to fortify the strands, increasing their strength and elasticity. The result is hair that is less prone to breakage and split ends. Hair treated with VCO also becomes softer, smoother, and more manageable, making styling a breeze.
That’s why YOGHHAIR’s Strong & Supple Hair Mask therapy contains 85% of Virgin Coconut Oil. - Optimal Scalp Health & Hair Growth
VCO's antimicrobial properties help to combat scalp issues such as dryness, flakiness, and irritation by balancing the scalp's microbiome. This creates an optimal environment for healthy hair growth, ensuring hair starts strong from the roots.
While not a direct growth stimulant like some other ingredients, VCO's benefits (nourishment, reduced protein loss and supporting a healthy scalp environment) contribute to creating ideal conditions for hair growth. VCO supports the hair's natural growth cycle for fuller, thicker-looking hair over time. Its emollient properties are exceptional for soothing a dry, itchy scalp as it replenishes lost lipids, calms inflammation and restores the scalp's natural moisture barrier. - Tames Frizz and Flyaways
Frizz occurs when dry hair absorbs moisture from the humid air, causing the hair shaft to swell and the cuticle to lift. VCO’s ability to penetrate the hair shaft and fill in gaps in the cortex acts as a barrier, limiting the amount of water the hair can absorb. By sealing moisture inside the hair shaft and blocking external humidity, VCO effectively tames frizz and flyaways, promoting smoother, more defined hair. - Prevents Split Ends and Damage
The strengthening effect of VCO from within the hair shaft, combined with the smoothing of the cuticle, makes the hair tips less prone to fracturing and splitting. Regular application can help seal micro-splits temporarily and prevent new ones from forming by increasing the hair's overall resilience. - Supports Colour-Treated and Chemically Processed Hair
Chemical processes like colouring, perming and relaxing severely compromise the hair's structural integrity, making it porous, weak and dull. VCO's penetrating nourishment helps to repair and reinforce this damaged structure. By reducing protein loss and filling in the gaps in the cortex, it can help restore strength and shine to processed hair, prolonging the vibrancy of colour by sealing the cuticle and protecting it from rapid fading. - Calms and Soothes Irritated Skin
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Virgin Coconut Oil is excellent for soothing irritated or sensitive skin. It helps reduce redness, discomfort and supports the natural healing processes. - Protects Аgainst Environmental & Styling Damage
Exposure to sun, pollution and styling heat always takes a toll on hair. The antioxidants in VCO provide a protective barrier, shielding hair from environmental stressors and free radical damage. This shield helps to defend against UV-induced damage, which can degrade hair keratin and fade colour, as well as pollution particles that can cause oxidative stress. Using VCO as a pre-shampoo treatment can protect hair from the damage routine heat styling causes. - Skin Moisturiser & Emollient
VCO is a superb moisturiser for the skin. It forms a protective yet breathable barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss. In that sense, VCO helps strengthen the skin's barrier, which is critical for overall skin health, making it less susceptible to damage.
A Timeless Scientifically Validated Remedy Oil
Virgin Coconut Oil is an active ingredient with benefits that scientific research is increasingly corroborating.
YOGHHAIR®’s formulations harness its unique biochemical signature in its products to strengthen the hair shaft, boost hair elasticity and vitality and plump up its volume. The purpose is to support overall hair health in the long-term besides achieve noticeable cosmetic effects.
Whether used as a pre-wash treatment or an overnight intensive therapy, VCO proves that nature’s purest gifts, when understood and applied correctly, can provide tangible health and beauty benefits.
In YOGH®’s understanding, the two are inseparable.
