Coconut oil is a versatile and natural product widely used for hair care due to its nourishing properties. Rich in fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, coconut oil is known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep conditioning and moisture. This helps to strengthen hair, reduce protein loss, and minimize damage caused by styling and environmental factors. Additionally, coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can aid in maintaining scalp health and combating issues like dandruff. Its use can lead to softer, shinier, and healthier hair, making it a popular choice in both traditional and modern hair care routines.
When someone sees coconut oil on the store shelf, they’ll usually note that there are 2 options. They’ll see refined coconut oil and unrefined coconut oil. The next thing they’ll notice is that the refined option is cheaper. The common question that follows, do I use refined or unrefined coconut oil for my hair? Which is best?
Refined Vs Unrefined, What Is The Difference?
Unrefined coconut oil is made from fresh coconut meat. It is generally extracted through methods such as cold pressing or wet milling without the use of high heat or chemicals. Unrefined coconut oil undergoes more minimal processing and retains more of the natural nutrients and flavor.
Refined coconut oil is generally made from dried coconut meat (copra). It undergoes refining, bleaching, and deodorizing (RBD) to remove impurities. The refining process may involve the use of more heat or chemicals but a good final product will be free of residual contaminants. While unrefined is a bit more cloudy with coconut particulate and retains more of a coconut odor, the refined form is clear and without coconut odor.
We are talking about external application to the hair, so in my opinion, organic or conventional is not such a serious issue to consider.
Cost wise, refined coconut oil always has a bit of a cheaper price tag than unrefined.
Proponents of unrefined coconut oil will claim that the coconut particulate in unrefined coconut oil provide beneficial antioxidants. There may be some truth to this but in reality, the amount of extra antioxidants in unrefined coconut oil is so minuscule it likely doesn’t matter and refined oil will likely provide the same results without all the coconut stink.
Pretty well all of coconut oils benefits come from the unique medium chain fatty acids contained within it, not from the coconut particulate. While I generally agree that unrefined is a healthier option, when you are using coconut oil for hair application, it is my humble opinion that you should not be paying extra dollars for unrefined coconut oil when refined is just as healthy and safe.
None the less, let us quickly summarize the pros and cons of each.
Unrefined Coconut Oil Pros And Cons
PROS
-More “naturally” processed, simple is often better
-If you like the smell of coconut, unrefined is where it’s at
-Contains small amounts of beneficial nutrients other than the coconut oil itself
CONS
-More expensive
-If you don’t like the smell of coconuts, it is smelly
Refined Coconut Oil Pros And Cons
PROS
-It is cheaper
-If you don’t want coconut smell, it doesn’t smell
-Makes your hair just as beautiful as unrefined coconut oil
-Refined oils are better for cooking with because an oil is more heat stable without the extra coconut particulate clouding it
CONS
-If you like the smell of coconuts, it lacks the scent
-Refining uses extra ingredients/steps, it is more processed
Conclusion
The fact that it is the pure fatty acids in coconut oil that lend to the beauty of your hair, leads me to recommend the refined coconut oil. This will save you a few bucks and it will also prevent you from being a weirdo that smells too strongly of coconuts when you go out. Though if you have been using unrefined and you like the smell and results, keep on it!
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