As someone with super dry, curly hair, I have to be careful about what I put on my hair. I have tried different products over the years. And I mean a lot. It was through this experience of trial and error that I realized for the first time which ingredients were not suitable for my hair type. Some of them made sense (like silicone drying), but others were a complete surprise. One such ingredient was coconut oil.
I’ve read so many great articles about the benefits coconut oil has for hair, so I’m always on the lookout for products that contain this ingredient. However, I have always noticed that using something makes my hair very dry and loses its definition over time. Naturally, this was extremely frustrating since I recently decided to opt for a silicone-free hair care routine. When my hair felt particularly dry, I often blamed silicone, but I also realized that something else was also to blame. Finally, I realized that my products have something in common. It is always with coconut oil added.
Don’t get me wrong. This oil is definitely still beneficial, but if you notice it has a similar effect on your hair, keep reading. We spoke to hairstylist and hair texture expert Brendnetta Ashley to find out more. Keep scrolling as she tells us a little more about what’s next.
Why does coconut oil dry curly hair?
First, let’s talk about some of the benefits that coconut oil has for hair. The proteins found in coconut oil are very similar to the proteins in our own hair, so coconut oil helps prevent hair protein loss. This will help repair the damage and prevent future damage from occurring. It is also effective against scalp conditions such as dandruff and is rich in healing fatty acids. It also has a unique ability to penetrate the hair shaft, reducing the amount of water absorbed into the hair.
Especially when it comes to curly hair, this is actually the problem. Most curl types require water to activate. If coconut oil prevents moisture from entering the hair shaft, it can cause your hair to become dry and brittle over time. Ashley explains this in detail. “Coconut oil can coat the hair shaft. When used alone, it can act as a barrier to water and other products that moisturize the hair, leaving it dry,” she explains. Masu.
“The level of porosity in your hair will determine whether coconut oil is best for you. Coconut oil is not suitable for hair with low porosity because it prevents moisture from moving out of the hair. That means water can’t get in and out, so your hair becomes dull and dry. On the contrary, highly porous hair lets moisture in and out easily, so using coconut oil won’t leave it dry or dull. ”
The key here seems to be knowing your hair’s porosity. This is especially important for curly hair, whose hair is already drier than other hair types. We’re also not saying you should immediately throw away products containing coconut oil. As mentioned above, this has a lot of great benefits, but I’m providing this PSA in case there are others out there struggling with the same issue and can’t pinpoint what it is. There was a need.
Foods to try instead
If your product contains coconut oil and it’s effective, there’s no need to throw it away. Personally, I’ve found that coconut oil doesn’t go well with my coarse, thick, curly hair, so I’ll avoid it in the future. Ashley also has some tips on what ingredients to try instead if coconut oil dries your hair. “When you want to moisturize your curls, look for products that contain camellia oil, argan oil, or shea butter. These ingredients nourish your hair, leaving it soft and moisturized.”
If you could use some coconut oil-free options for your curls, take a look at some of my favorites below.
Best hair products without coconut oil
bounce curl
ayurvedic deep conditioner
I’ve been using Bounce Curl’s Rich Deep Conditioning Treatment lately and I’m loving it. Thanks to Ayurvedic ingredients like amla, brinjal, and shikakai, my hair has become so soft and manageable.
schwarzkopf professional
Fiber Clinic Rich Cream to Oil
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“I love using the Fiber Clinic Bonding Rich Cream to Oil, which contains a five-oil complex: camellia oil, baobab oil, almond oil, Abyssinian oil, (and) argan oil. 5 oils give your curls everything they need.” — Ashley.
Maria Nila
Coil & Curl Finishing Hair Mask
This is also one of my favorite deep conditioning treatments. Contains ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba oil to nourish dry, thick hair.
doo
Be Girl Curl Enhancer
This distinctive custard pairs perfectly with other styling products. It also adds extra definition and moisture to dry curls.
bounce curl
definition of bhutta
This is another great product from Bounce Curl that leaves your hair moisturized and soft. Although it doesn’t give me as much definition as I would like, it works great with other definition creams and gels and leaves my hair feeling really nourished.
Prose is great because it creates a custom curl cream with the right ingredients for your hair.
Ouidad
Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner
This curl-erasing conditioner infuses curls with rich moisture to soften, strengthen, and encourage definition.
Ouidad
Moisture lock leave-in conditioner
As for the leave-in, this one gives thick curls plenty of extra moisture without weighing them down.
pattern
Jojoba hair & scalp oil blend
A blend of safflower, jojoba, and lavender, this simple oil nourishes your curls without making them feel sticky or heavy. This is another great option that I like for coarse hair.
shea moisture
Smooth from head to toe with 100% pure argan oil
When in doubt, a simple single-ingredient oil will suffice. This oil from SheaMoisture contains 100% pure argan oil. This is a moisturizing and smoothing oil that helps deep condition curls.
