Best Oils for Dry Hair

The effect of having healthy, nourished hair in an overall great-looking appearance can often be overlooked by many people. Our personal care routines tend to be so focused on skincare and makeup that we forget how big of an impact hair has in changing a look or completing the vibe we are going for. 

Understandable, haircare can sometimes be expensive and time-consuming that you would rather hope regular shampoo and conditioner will one day magically do wonders and transform your hair. But Ms. Dara Plan, our Glam Guru and Resident Beauty Coach, has good news: haircare doesn’t always have to be expensive!

If you have dry, damaged, and frizzy hair, there are all sorts of oil products in the market that can remedy the problem, such as pili oil, olive oil, almond oil, and the best of all — coconut oil!

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil comes from the extracted fruits of the coconut palm. Being made up of about 90% saturated fats and 9% unsaturated fats, coconut oil is widely known to be fatty and nutty in flavor. Its medium-chain fatty acids include capric acid, caprylic acid, and lauric acid.

Most people use coconut oil as cooking oil for all sorts of recipes. However, coconut oil proves to have more uses and benefits that surpass the kitchen counter!

Benefits of Coconut Oil on Hair

According to an article supported by Dietitian Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD, the high concentration of lauric acid in coconut oil particularly makes it great for hair. Lauric acid provides moisture to help nourish hair and tame frizz. At the same time, it’s a kind of fat that is easily and quickly absorbed by the hair, making sure that it maintains a glossy sheen and healthy texture.

Aside from giving your hair a shiny and vibrant appearance, here are other benefits of coconut oil:

Coconut Oil for Split Ends

Before using coconut oil to treat dandruff, it’s important to understand the cause. According to healthcare company Ro, the yeast-like fungus called Malassezia is a common cause of dandruff. This fungus is attracted to the oil glands on your scalp, breaching the scalp’s skin barrier and leading to water loss that can cause the dryness and flakiness we associate with dandruff.

Thanks to coconut oil’s antimicrobial and antifungal properties, mild cases of dandruff can be treated with the right usage. Remember that although resulting in dryness and flakiness, oil remains to be the root factor, therefore, adding an excessive amount of oil not only defeats the purpose but may make it worse.

To treat dandruff with coconut oil, make sure to add it only to your roots, and rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.

Aside from plain coconut oil, you can also try mixing it with essential oils to act as a carrier. Some of these oils such as lemongrass oil and tea tree oil are also believed to help treat dandruff.

Coconut Oil for Frizz

Ms. Dara Plan’s advice for taming hair frizz and rejuvenating your hair’s glow and shine is to use it as a hair mask during a good night's sleep. Coconut oil has a thick consistency which makes it difficult to absorb and applying it in the morning can make it look and feel greasy instead. Make sure to apply a small amount, spread and massage thoroughly to the scalp, and shampoo in the morning — the most effective way to start the day with silky, healthy hair away from frizziness!

Best Coconut Shampoo

Even though the star of the show is coconut oil and its benefits for the hair, the best coconut shampoo in the market is one that provides nourishment using other healthy oils as boosters to give maximized benefits. One great example is Lauat shampoo made with lawat leaf extract, gugo or bark extract, virgin coconut oil, and pili pulp oil. With 4 different types of oil each with different specialties, applying it on your scalp is bound to come with great results.

For authentic lauat shampoo, visit Hypha! They offer rinse-off lauat conditioner and leave-on conditioner as well to fit your healthy hair needs.

Pili Oil for Hair

According to Lifestyle Inquirer, “Pili oil is a lot like coconut oil, rich in antioxidant properties, and incredibly hydrating.”

Pili oil can be a great alternative to coconut oil as it offers similar benefits while providing a unique blend of nutrients. It’s packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that deeply nourish and protect the hair.

One of the standout features of pili oil is its ability to seal in moisture without leaving a greasy residue, this makes it perfect for those with fine or oily hair but still need hydration. The high vitamin E content in pili oil helps to repair damaged hair, prevent breakage, and promote healthy hair growth just as coconut oil does. Its natural antioxidant properties protect hair from environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pollution, which can lead to further dryness and damage.

Using pili oil is simple: apply a small amount to damp hair, focus on the ends, and work your way up. You can also use it as a pre-shampoo treatment to allow it to penetrate the hair shaft for 30 minutes before rinsing.

For locally made pili oil directly sourced from the Philippines, visit Merle Paete’s shop!

Learn more about the benefits of using coconut oil in your hair: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-and-hair#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3