Using Coconut Oil Fragrance For Your Dreadlocks

Coconut oil is a popular choice for hair care, and it can be used on dreadlocks, too. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, coconut oil may not suit all hair types, especially those with low porosity, as it can lead to build-up and a dry, itchy scalp. Secondly, the climate plays a role in how coconut oil behaves in hair; in cooler temperatures, it can solidify and make dreadlocks stiff and prone to lint, while in warmer temperatures, it melts and leaves hair feeling soft and shiny. Lastly, the application method matters; applying coconut oil to damp, not dry, dreadlocks can improve absorption and effectiveness. While coconut oil can provide benefits such as shine, softness, and manageability to dreadlocks, it's important to be mindful of potential drawbacks and adjust usage accordingly.

Coconut oil can cause build-up in locs

Coconut oil is a great natural product to use on hair, and it can be beneficial for dreadlocks. However, it is important to note that coconut oil can cause build-up in locs, leading to some potential issues.

Firstly, coconut oil is a thick and heavy oil that can linger in the hair, even after washing. This can result in a clogged scalp and itchiness. The oil may also solidify in the hair, especially in cooler climates, causing locs to feel stiff and unmanageable. This is because coconut oil is a hydrophobic liquid, meaning it creates a protective shield around the hair. While this can be beneficial for sealing in moisture, it can also lead to a buildup of oil that is difficult to remove.

Additionally, coconut oil may not be suitable for all hair types. For low porosity hair, which already has a natural protective barrier, coconut oil can add another layer of protein, blocking hydration and moisture. This can result in extremely dry and brittle locs. On the other hand, high porosity hair, with lifted and open cuticles, can benefit from the protein barrier that coconut oil provides, helping to seal in moisture.

To avoid buildup, it is recommended to use coconut oil sparingly and focus on the scalp rather than the actual locs. Some alternatives to coconut oil include tea tree oil, argan oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil, which can provide moisture without the risk of buildup.

It is also important to note that everyone's hair is different, and while coconut oil may cause buildup for some, others may find it works well for their locs. It is always a good idea to monitor your hair's reaction to any new product and adjust your routine accordingly.

Coconut oil is a protein builder

Coconut oil is a great product to use on dreadlocks. It is a vegetable oil that can be used to moisturise dry and brittle hair. Coconut oil can penetrate the hair deeply, all the way to the cortex, and bind to the hair proteins to strengthen it.

However, coconut oil does not contain proteins. According to scientific consultant Yolanda Anderson, M.Ed., essential oils are created through distillation, which is a purification process that separates substances from one another via condensation or evaporation. This process breaks down the bonds in proteins, destroying them. Dr. David Stewart explains that the range of molecular weights that can pass through distillation is up to 500 amu, while the molecular weight of proteins and enzymes is well above 10,000 amu.

Even if coconut oil was contaminated with proteins, they would be too large to penetrate the hair cuticle, bond, and temporarily rebuild it. This means that coconut oil does not contain the hair-strengthening properties that are found in hydrolyzed proteins.

While coconut oil does not contain proteins, it does have penetrating capabilities that allow it to act as a typical oil. It can either help hair retain moisture or temporarily block moisture. Therefore, coconut oil can behave like a protein to the extent that it can penetrate the hair shaft, but it does not do the same kind of building work that is reserved for proteins.

So, if you are protein-sensitive, you can still use coconut oil without worrying about negative effects. In fact, coconut oil is recommended for moisture-deficient curls. It can be used as a pre-shampoo ritual, added to conditioner, or applied to wet hair before blow-drying. However, some people have reported that coconut oil dries out their hair, especially in colder weather.

Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal

Coconut oil is a popular cooking oil that has been praised for its health benefits. It is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat. MCTs have been found to provide a quick supply of energy and may also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Lauric acid, a fatty acid that makes up about 50% of the MCTs in coconut oil, is known for its antimicrobial effects. Research suggests that lauric acid may act as a bacteriostatic agent, preventing bacteria from multiplying without killing them. It may also act as a bacteriocidal agent, which destroys some bacteria. Additionally, lauric acid can react with saliva to form a substance that prevents cavities and helps reduce dental plaque buildup and gum inflammation.

Coconut oil has been found to have antifungal properties and is effective against Candida albicans, a common fungus responsible for infections. One study reported a significant reduction in C. albicans infections in mice fed coconut oil. Another study conducted in Nigeria found that coconut oil effectively fought off a range of fungal species in the lab.

The use of coconut oil as a natural antibiotic and immune modulator has been recognised in Ayurvedic medicine for almost 4000 years. Modern research has found that when coconut oil is applied topically or ingested, it releases Lauric Acid and Monolaurin, which are known antimicrobial agents. In vitro, animal, and human studies support the potential of coconut oil as an effective and safe immune-nutritive active.

Coconut oil can cause dry and brittle hair

Coconut oil is a popular beauty staple that can be used in many ways, including as a hair treatment. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, which nourish and hydrate the hair, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to heal a dry scalp. However, despite its popularity, coconut oil does not work for all hair types.

Coconut oil can cause dryness and brittleness in some hair types. This is because it penetrates the hair cuticle, taking up space within the hair strands. When hair with coconut oil applied to it is wetted, there is less space for water, so the hair doesn't get as saturated as it would without the coconut oil. This can lead to dryness, especially in hair with low porosity, which already struggles to absorb moisture.

In addition, coconut oil can cause a buildup of protein on the scalp, which can block follicles and prevent moisture from reaching the scalp. This can also lead to dry, brittle hair. Coconut oil can also worsen dandruff, as the type of yeast that causes it feeds off lauric acid, which is found in coconut oil. Some people also experience clogged pores and scalp breakouts when using coconut oil.

Therefore, while coconut oil can be beneficial for some hair types, it can also cause dryness and brittleness in others. It is important to use coconut oil sparingly and to build up use gradually, to see how your hair reacts to it. It is also important to thoroughly wash out coconut oil from the hair to avoid buildup.

Coconut oil can be used as a leave-in conditioner

Coconut oil is a hydrophobic liquid, which means it creates a protective shield around the dreadlocks. This process locks in moisture and keeps locs smooth and soft in texture. It is also antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and helps prevent dandruff.

However, it is important to note that coconut oil may not be suitable for all hair types. Coconut oil is a protein builder, providing hair with amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. While protein serves as a protective outer layer on hair strands, not everyone needs it. Many loc-wearers have low porosity hair, meaning their hair is already filled with protein and does not need more.

Additionally, coconut oil behaves differently in cooler climates. In low temperatures, it can solidify and make hair feel stiff and attract lint. Therefore, it is recommended to use fractionated coconut oil, which does not solidify at any temperature due to its processing.

To determine if your dreadlocks are sensitive to coconut oil, apply it to a small section of your hair and monitor the reaction. If your hair feels dry after application, it may be sensitive to coconut oil, and you can try alternative oils such as avocado oil or sunflower oil.

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