If you’re wondering if coconut oil is good for hair growth after chemo, this article might be helpful. Coconut oil has numerous uses, including cooking. However, it’s also sought after for its hair growth benefits.
Although no research has been done to prove this, coconut oil is a natural oil that can support hair regrowth. It promotes healthy hair growth and a nourished scalp. As a result, your hair may grow faster than if you don’t use oil. Therefore, coconut oil may regrow your hair if you have gone through chemo treatments.
This article will explore whether coconut oil is good for hair growth after chemo. You will understand its benefits and drawbacks for your hair and its uses. Let’s get started.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil contains a large amount of saturated fat. However, its fat structure differs from most animal products. It contains long-chain fatty acids.
People use coconut oil in almost everything, including food, shampoos, and even coffee. This makes it one of the most-used oils today. Some of the benefits people claim to derive from coconut oil include:
- Controlling blood sugar
- Reducing stress
- Healthy skin
- Shiny hair
- Increasing good cholesterol
- Reducing asthma symptoms
- Weight loss
There are different types of coconut oil. Their impact on your health varies depending on the type. The less processed a substance is, the more health benefits it has. This makes a less processed coconut oil good for hair growth after chemo treatments.
Why Coconut Oil Is Good for Your Hair
Although research doesn’t prove if coconut oil makes your hair grow faster, there are other proven benefits. Your hair and scalp get the following benefits.
Prevents Fungal Infections
Your hair grows from the root, so a healthy scalp allows it to grow well. However, you won’t have healthy hair growth if you have fungal infections on your scalp, like dandruff. Coconut oil helps fight fungal infections like dandruff.
It prevents dandruff from forming on your scalp. And if you already have it, the oil can heal the fungal infection.
Protects Your Hair from Heat Damage
Another reason coconut oil is considered beneficial for your hair is that it protects it from heat damage. This can occur when you dry your hair on your hair dryer’s highest heat setting after washing. Applying a small amount of coconut oil to your hair will prevent damage.
Treats Split Ends
If your hair has split ends, don’t run to the saloon to end the problem. All you need is a small amount of coconut oil to solve the issue. The oil smoothens the cuticles on your split ends. It can also absorb into your hair shaft more than other oils.
Besides, the oil may help to reduce protein loss in your hair. As a result, it will prevent the hair from drying, bristling, and breaking.
Calms Scalp Irritation
An itchy scalp can be uncomfortable. In such cases, coconut oil is your best friend. The oil helps calm down itching, irritation, and flacking on your scalp. With all that said, coconut oil has its drawbacks if it’s not used well.
Like any other oil you use in your hair, coconut oil adds a greasy layer when overused. Besides that, it can clog your skin and scalp’s pores, leading to acne or other skin-related issues. Therefore, avoid using too much coconut oil on your hair and skin. Also, when you use it as a deep conditioning hair mask after chemo, ensure you wash it out thoroughly.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Hair Growth After Chemo?
The American Cancer Society states that patients start to lose their hair within 1-3 weeks of chemo treatments. As a result, individuals who have gone through chemo may look for ways to help their hair grow faster. Coconut oil is one of the best products used to boost the condition of hair after chemo.
Even though no research proves that coconut oil is good for hair growth, it makes your hair shiny. It also reduces scalp irritation and fungal infections. As a result, you will have healthy hair.
And how do you use it? You can use coconut oil on its own or add it to natural ingredients such as aloe vera gel. Follow these steps when using coconut oil to facilitate your hair growth:
- Put a small amount of coconut oil in a bowl and heat in a microwave for 30 seconds. It should be soft but not completely liquid. Also, it should be warm and not hot.
- Massage the coconut oil on your scalp gently. Apply it from the roots to the tips.
- Tie your hair in a bun and cover it with a towel.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Wash out the coconut oil thoroughly using your preferred shampoo.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is good for hair growth after a chemo treatment, even though there isn’t research to back up its benefits. The oil improves the health of your hair and scalp. However, using too much of this oil can clog your skin pores, leading to skin problems. Therefore, use coconut oil sparingly.
