The Science of Coconut Oil: Why Your Culinary Favorite Could Cause Hair Loss

Coconut oil has long been hailed as a miracle cure-all for a myriad of issues. From cooking to skincare, its applications seem endless. And when it comes to hair care, many swear by its seemingly magical properties. While the internet is flooded with testimonies singing praises for coconut oil, it's crucial to take a step back and examine this trend critically. After all, just because something is popular doesn't mean it's effective or safe for everyone. In this blog post, we'll delve into some lesser-known facts and scientific insights that might make you think twice before slathering coconut oil all over your precious locks and scalp.

Coconut Oil: How can it cause hair loss?

While coconut oil is often touted as a solution for all your hair woes, it's crucial to cautiously approach its use on the scalp. Culinary-grade coconut oil is high in long-chain fatty acids, which may not be easily absorbed by the hair shaft. This can lead to oil buildup on the scalp, creating an occlusive layer that can trap moisture and exacerbate conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. These scalp conditions create an environment that may contribute to hair loss. Moreover, the heaviness of culinary-grade coconut oil can weigh down the hair, leading to increased hair fall for those who already have thin or fine hair. The risk is especially concerning if the oil is improperly washed out, resulting in residual buildup that can clog hair follicles. In contrast, beauty-grade coconut oil is fractionated to remove long-chain fatty acids, making it lighter and less likely to contribute to these issues. But as a hair stylist, I love the results I see with argan and jojoba oil.

Coconut Oil: Kitchen vs. Beauty Products

Whether it's refined or virgin coconut oil you use in the kitchen, the properties that make it great for cooking differ vastly from what you'd want in a beauty product. Fractionated coconut oil, commonly found in cosmetics, is processed to be lightweight, nearly scentless, and non-greasy. The key here is the molecular weight of the fatty acids and the nutrient profile, both optimized differently depending on the intended use—culinary or cosmetic.

The Science of Making Beauty-Grade Coconut Oil

What sets beauty-grade coconut oil apart is the extensive process it goes through to ensure it's suitable for topical application. Here's a brief rundown:

• Fractionation: This process removes the long-chain fatty acids, leaving primarily medium-chain fatty acids that are easier to absorb by the skin and hair.

• Deodorization: Unlike kitchen-grade coconut oil, the strong coconut scent is often removed or reduced, making it more user-friendly for those sensitive to smells.

• Purification: It goes through an additional step to remove impurities, ensuring that what you're putting on your skin and hair is as pure as possible.

• Additives: Some beauty products may include additional beneficial elements like Vitamin E, other essential oils, or even sunblock, making it multi-functional.

Why Beauty-Grade Coconut Oil is Different

Comedogenic Properties

Culinary Coconut Oil

High in long-chain fatty acids, kitchen-grade coconut oil has a high comedogenic rating, meaning it's more likely to clog pores, which can lead to acne or other skin irritations.

Beauty-Grade Coconut Oil

Fractionation removes long-chain fatty acids, leaving medium-chain fatty acids with lower molecular weights. This makes beauty-grade coconut oil less comedogenic, making it a safer option for topical application.

Inefficient Moisturization

Culinary Coconut Oil

The large molecular weight of the fatty acids in culinary coconut oil prevents it from penetrating the skin or hair shaft effectively. This creates a barrier that can lock out moisture, leading to dryness over time.

Beauty-Grade Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil has a smaller molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin and hair more effectively, thus improving moisture retention.

Scalp Health

Culinary Coconut Oil

The weight and fatty acid composition of kitchen-grade coconut oil can disrupt the scalp's natural pH balance. This can lead to an unhealthy scalp environment, exacerbating dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

Beauty-Grade Coconut Oil

The fractionation process creates a lighter oil that is easier to wash off, reducing the risk of scalp issues. Its medium-chain fatty acids can also have natural antifungal properties, helping to maintain a balanced scalp environment.

Sensitivity and Allergies

Culinary Coconut Oil

Culinary coconut oil may contain impurities or additives that irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions.

Beauty-Grade Coconut Oil

This oil is purified and sometimes even hypoallergenic, reducing the likelihood of skin irritation or allergies, making it a more suitable choice for sensitive skin.

FAQ About Coconut Oil: Making the Right Choice for Beauty Applications

Q: Is it good for my skin and hair if I get Fractionated coconut oil?

A: Absolutely, fractionated coconut oil is designed to be more beneficial for skin and hair. It has a lower molecular weight because it has gone through a process to remove the long-chain fatty acids. This makes it easier for your skin and hair to absorb, ensuring effective moisturization. It's often a key ingredient in high-quality beauty products for this very reason. Unlike its culinary counterpart, it's less likely to clog your pores or disrupt your scalp's natural balance. However, several oils like Jojoba, Argon, and even grapeseed oil are better for your skin.

Q: Where can I find fractionated coconut oil?

A: You can find it at health food stores, online retailers, pharmacies, beauty supply stores, cosmetic brand websites, specialty shops, and even some high-end salons and spas. Always check the label to ensure you're getting a high-quality product.

Q: Can I cook with fractionated coconut oil?

A: While it's generally safe for consumption, it's not recommended for culinary use due to its altered nutritional profile, more neutral taste, higher cost, and engineered primarily for topical use.

Q: Is there a better oil than fractionated coconut oil for my skin and hair?

A: While fractionated coconut oil has many benefits, other oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, and grapeseed oil are also highly recommended for skin and hair care. Jojoba oil is excellent for moisturizing and closely mimics the skin's natural oils. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it a good choice for skin and hair. Grapeseed oil is lighter and less greasy, suitable for oily skin types. It's all about finding what works best for your specific needs.

Q: Can I use coconut oil as a makeup remover?

A: It's possible, but be cautious. While coconut oil can effectively remove makeup, its high comedogenic rating means it could clog pores, leading to breakouts. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, opt for an oil with a lower comedogenic rating, like argan or jojoba oil.

Q: Does coconut oil have an expiration date?

A: Yes, like all oils, coconut oil can go bad. Always check the expiration date and look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or change in texture. This is especially important if you're using it for beauty, as spoiled oil can irritate your skin or scalp.

Q: What is the comedogenic rating for various oils?

A: The comedogenic rating for oils ranges from 0 to 5, with 0 being the least likely to clog pores and 5 being the most likely. Here's a quick breakdown of the comedogenic ratings for the oils you've mentioned:

1. Cooking Coconut Oil: Typically has a comedogenic rating of 4, which means it is likely to clog pores. It's best to avoid using this on your face, especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.

2. Fractionated Coconut Oil: Usually has a comedogenic rating of 2-3. The fractionation removes some long-chain fatty acids, making it less comedogenic than regular coconut oil. However, it still poses a moderate risk of clogging pores.

3. Jojoba Oil: Generally has a comedogenic rating of 2, meaning it has a moderate risk of clogging pores. However, jojoba oil is unique because its chemical structure closely resembles the skin's natural oil (sebum), making it more compatible with the skin.

4. Argan Oil: Typically has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it an excellent choice for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

5. Grapeseed Oil: Usually has a comedogenic rating of 1, meaning it's low risk for clogging pores. Its light texture is often recommended for oily and sensitive skin types.

6. Vegetable Oil: This can vary depending on the source, but common vegetable oils like canola and soybean usually have a high comedogenic rating, around 3-4. These oils are generally not recommended for skin care.

Coconut oil is more than just a kitchen staple or a buzz worthy ingredient in the beauty world; it's a versatile product that has a variety of uses. However, it's important to make informed decisions when it comes to using coconut oil, especially for cosmetic purposes. Beauty-grade and kitchen-grade coconut oils serve different functions, and they are not interchangeable. The differences lie not just in their texture and aroma but also in their molecular structure, nutritional profile, and comedogenic properties. When used correctly, beauty-grade coconut oil can offer a plethora of benefits for your skin and hair, but it's crucial to know what you're getting into. Knowledge is power, so arm yourself with the facts, and make the right choice for your beauty needs.