It is not wrong to say that the concept of champi, which is oiling the hair, has been given by India to the world. Oiling is something which we Indians experience from a very young age, and everyone has memories of oiling with nariyal ka tel. One can only understand coconut oil’s true magical potential by experiencing the benefits of applying it to the hair. Today, companies are loaded with a variety of coconut oils.
Terms such as virgin, extra virgin, cold-pressed, natural, and more confuse the customer. There's so much to look at before you can hunt on that one perfect bottle. To save you some time choosing, we've covered all those areas from price to properties with our 10 best recommendations. Also, this article has been medically reviewed by an expert, Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik, from the department of dermatology, so keep on scrolling to get authentic advice.
Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik pursued her Ph.D. in the field of dermatology and is currently working as a research associate in the dermatology lab at PGIMER.
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There are a plethora of coconut hair oils in the market, so it can be a bit challenging to choose the most suitable one. In this buying guide, we will give you some points which can help you to choose wisely.
When searching about coconut hair oil, you might have heard some of the names like virgin, cold-pressed, or extra virgin. These terms might sound familiar but there are a few differences that can change the look of the product. We will define these terms which will give you an idea about all of them.
Commonly there are two types, virgin which is also called unrefined, and refined coconut hair oil. Both of them are extracted differently. We've gathered some information which can be useful in deciding which oil you can buy.
Copra coconut oil is obtained from dried kernels, whereas virgin coconut oil from wet kernels containing both oil and coconut milk. Though both types of coconut oil have similar fatty acid content, virgin coconut oil has additional biological compounds such as vitamins and polyphenols. These added nutrients make them potential antioxidants, hence providing additional protection against hair damage.
Going back to the ingredients list which says cold-pressed, cold pressing is usually done with virgin or organic coconut hair oil so that it can be closest to its original form. It's a mechanical method of pressing the coconut skin to get the milk and no high temperatures are used in the process is not more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so that it can retain its nutrients which makes the oil light and easily absorbed by the skin.
In short, most of the virgin coconut hair oil is made using cold-pressed technology and you can choose them without any hesitation because they give the same benefits as any other virgin coconut hair oil.
One thing can be a little overwhelming, when we cross the streets, and that “extra” written on the virgin coconut hair oil immediately grabs our attention. Do not worry, there is no difference between virgin and extra virgin. Some companies write it off to show the authenticity of the product and the way they have derived it with 100% pure and natural ingredients.
Virgin coconut oil is a great source of vitamins like vitamin E and A, polyphenols (such as caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and ferulic acid), and flavonoids. These molecules have the potential to scavenge free radicals, which otherwise could damage hair.
Unlike refined coconut hair oil, virgin coconut oil has not been subjected to harsh treatments of distillation and deodorization, hence keeping the heat-labile nutrients intact.
Refined coconut hair oil goes through extensive extraction process. Older and dried coconut kernels which are called copra are used for the extraction. Methods like sun drying, smoke drying, or hybrid solar drying are used to make copra.
It is chemically refined, extracted, bleached, and deodorized to give a neutral taste and smell so it loses its natural form. If the refined oil is chemically processed, it can lose some of the anti-oxidants like polyphenols and can produce trans-fats which are unhealthy for applying on your hair or skin. People might want to check such ingredients before buying.
Coconut oil is subjected to few treatments to obtain refined coconut oil. Usually, these steps include removing gums to improve the texture and quality of oil followed by treatment with sodium hydroxide, which removes free fatty acids.
In the next step, which is called bleaching, the oil is passed through an activated clay filter, and subsequently, the oil is heat-deodorized to make it smell neutral. Hence, refined coconut oil is highly processed and is more heat tolerant compared to virgin coconut oil.
The process of separating certain fatty acids from the oil is referred to as fractionating the coconut oil. The extraction method is such that it loses some of its nutrients like lauric acid. It can also be used for cooking and skincare. The specialty of this oil is that it retains its liquid form even in winters.
People with dry and heat damaged hair can use this oil as it is loaded with antioxidants and it is quickly absorbed by the scalp which makes it hydrated and enriched. This oil can be an option for those looking for coconut oil but have thick or coarse individual hair as coconut oil with high lauric acid can exacerbate the stiffness in the hair.
After the long-chain fatty acids are removed from coconut oil through hydrolysis and distillation, medium-chain fatty acids (such as capric and caprylic acids) are the major components obtained. These, when mixed with glycerine, forms capric/caprylic triglycerides, which is the main component of fractionated coconut oil or ‘liquid coconut oil.’
It exhibits better emollient properties, is non-sticky, a better solvent and dispersing agent for biological molecules (helps in better absorption in the scalp), a rich source of antioxidants, exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, fractionated coconut oil could be a better option, especially for people with heat-damaged hair.
In this comfortable yet stressful environment, hair issues like hair fall, greying, hair damages, hair drying are common to see. So, proper hair oiling is essential, and with a plethora of products in the market, it's easy to lose track while buying them.
There are substances like, sodium hydroxide which is used to increase the life of the oil; trans-fats, which can cause cardiovascular disease; liquid paraffin or mineral oil which may be contaminated with cancer-causing hydrocarbons, artificial fragrances, and cosmetic colours are poison to your hair.
Before purchasing the oil, you must look into the ingredients of the oil. Any coconut oil must contain approximately 80-90% saturated fatty acids, out of which 50% should be medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid.
Besides, one must be cautious about the toxic molecules present. It should probably be devoid of sodium hydroxide (used for refining coconut oil), paraffin, bleaching agents (such as dioxin), mineral oil, artificial colours, and fragrances.
When choosing a product, you can always be double sure by checking the certification sign. As the certification sign indicates that they are made from reliable ingredients and are safe to use or consume.
There are a few certification marks like FSSAI, Agmark, ISI (Indian Standards Institution), India Organic, FPO (Fruit Products Order), and Ecomark. If you see these marks then you can buy the product without any hesitation. However, it doesn't always mean that if the product is not certified, it can't be purchased.
You must check for the certification for the authenticity of the product before purchasing any coconut oil. Look for certification marks such as FSSAI, Agmark, ISI, etc., before purchasing coconut oil so that you buy a genuine product and not adulterated ones.
This coconut oil from Patanjali is Ayurvedic and made from natural coconuts. The price is very nominal and it not only promotes healthy and long hair but can also be used to soften your hair cuticles. It can also be used for cooking.
Those who want to apply hair oil every day but don't like the old fashioned smell can surely buy this because it has a great aroma. Reviewers claim that it can help you with stretch marks and eczema.
Those who are just crazy about coconuts can buy this product because it has 99.99% pure coconut added. Reviewers of this product claim that it is non-sticky and gives a bouncy touch to the hair.
Talking about its versatile nature, this product can be used as an immunity booster, aids in weight loss and strengthens the metabolism of the skin, provides nutrition to the food, and also acts as a makeup remover.
If you want to get that substance which stops the loss of protein from your hair called lauric acid, then why not give a chance to this Max Care cold-pressed coconut hair oil. A cold pressing method has been used in this virgin oil to help retain its natural ingredients.
It contains a lot of antioxidants that help to fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This cold-pressed coconut oil can also be consumed in its raw form with salads and smoothies and can be a great substitute for ghee or butter.
Products from Kama Ayurved has gained traction in just a few years because of the quality of their organic products. This product is famous among the public because of its finest ingredients, starting from the coconut to their method of extraction everything has been done with the utmost attention.
Because of the cold-pressed method used with organic ingredients, the best attempt has been made to keep the ingredients intact, that's the reason oil is very light and absorbable by the skull or skin. Those who are particularly looking for natural ingredients with a tropical smell of coconut which is non-sticky can add to their buying list.
You might have seen organic virgin coconut oils and they can be a bit pricy, this organic oil from Indus Valley is organic yet economical which is a rare combination.
Those who apply oil daily to get that moisturized look can surely buy this product as this product has been produced with fresh coconut milk and has been cold-pressed to retain all the benefits that coconut has to offer. It also works as an excellent massager which is suitable for all skin types.
This company follows the Ayurvedic traditions that are thoroughly researched by vaids/scholars. They have mixed the modern concepts of biochemist with the traditional Indian medicinal properties.
They have provided the transparent rectangular bottle which is easy to carry. Reviewers claim that it has a very natural coconut-y smell and also they don't feel the need to apply conditioner. Those who are looking for a non-greasy look but still want that natural aroma of coconut can buy this product.
This product is extremely versatile as it can be used for hair, skin, cooking, and even massage. It fits right with the sayings of Ayurveda that anything which can be eaten can also be applied to the body. It has 63% medium-chain fatty acid which helps manage body weight.
It is vegan-free, preservative-free, and mineral oil-free. No heat or chemical process involved while the extraction. People who love the rich smell of coconut and want to add pure nutrients to their hair can have this product.
It seems that the users of this product are liking it a lot and it has a 4.7 rating. It is rightly said that this product is the king of antis. Because of its anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties, it has become a great massaging oil.
With the usage of electronic products like a hairdryer, curl-iron, or a straightener and the usage of shampoo filled with chemicals, the hair loses its moisture which can further lead to problems like premature greying or hair fall. This product retains that moisture and maintains the lustre of your hair.
Leading a stressful life can give you all the unwanted dangers to your hair. Whether it be dandruff or hair fall, this product claims that it can give you that treatment with a speedy recovery.
All that is required is that you take the oil and the heat produced by rubbing the hand will melt it, its best to apply it overnight and within months one can see that recovery. People suffering from hair problems can have this product for quick recovery. Some of the reviewers are of the view that the smell of coconut doesn't look enriching and pure.
This oil has been separated from some of its nutrients like lauric acid and a few vitamins. It has been heated in such a way that the smell of coconut has vanished. The specialty of this product is that even in winters it remains it its original form.
It is quickly absorbed by the scalp which makes it hydrated and enriched. Those who have thick hair can use this product freely but people with thin hair can avoid this because it has no lauric acid added. Also, those who do not like that coconut-y smell and wants a non-greasy hair after applying the oil, this product is suitable for them.
As rooted in the culture of India, many people do champi almost every week. Oiling is a very beneficial practice as it prevents hair from premature greying, strengthens the roots, and also massaging can get you stress-free.
Although there is no set technique for applying oil on hair, there are some points to be noted as doing it the right way is equally important. We've summed up some tips on hair yoga by hairstyling guru Jawed Habib:
Whether it be skin, hair, or cooking, oil can be used in many ways. So, we've gathered more information and recommendations for you in the links below.
Your hair has all the reasons to thrive and bloom, having a coconut oil for your hair care routine can do wonders and can help you maintain that fluffy healthy hair. We've laid down all the information which you need to know, so you can try and experience.
Author: Nikhil Deora
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