Coconut milk oil is beneficial for hair, providing hydration, reducing frizz, and promoting shine while nourishing the scalp and preventing damage.
Coconut milk oil has gained popularity as a natural hair treatment. This tropical ingredient combines the benefits of coconut milk and coconut oil to nourish, strengthen, and add shine to all hair types. But does it really work? Let’s examine the science behind coconut milk oil for hair care.
What Is Coconut Milk Oil?
Coconut milk oil is a blend that typically contains:
- Coconut oil (extracted from coconut flesh)
- Coconut milk (made from grated coconut flesh and water)
- Sometimes additional nourishing ingredients like egg proteins
How It Differs From Plain Coconut Oil
While coconut oil alone has benefits, coconut milk oil offers additional advantages. The milk contains proteins and nutrients not found in the oil alone. Many products like the OGX Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum combine both for maximum effect.
Top 5 Benefits of Coconut Milk Oil For Hair
1. Deep Moisturization
The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate hair shafts better than other oils. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found coconut oil reduced protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair.
2. Strengthens Hair
Coconut milk contains lauric acid that binds to hair proteins, protecting strands from breakage. The proteins in coconut milk also help reinforce hair structure.
3. Adds Shine
The natural oils smooth the hair cuticle, creating light-reflecting surfaces. This gives hair a healthy glow without weighing it down.
4. Soothes Scalp
Coconut milk’s anti-inflammatory properties can calm irritated scalps. The Creme of Nature Coconut Milk Treatment is specially formulated for this benefit.
5. Reduces Frizz
By filling gaps in the hair cuticle, coconut milk oil helps seal in moisture and prevent humidity-induced frizz.
How To Use Coconut Milk Oil For Hair
As a Pre-Shampoo Treatment
- Apply coconut milk oil to dry hair
- Cover with a shower cap
- Leave for 30 minutes to overnight
- Shampoo as usual
As a Leave-In Conditioner
After washing, apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on ends. This works especially well with high-quality blending tools to create homemade treatments.
For Scalp Massage
Warm the oil slightly and massage into scalp for 5-10 minutes before washing to stimulate circulation.
Coconut Milk Oil vs. Other Hair Oils
| Oil Type | Best For | Penetration |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Milk Oil | Dry, damaged hair | High |
| Argan Oil | Frizz control | Medium |
| Olive Oil | Deep conditioning | Low |
Potential Drawbacks
While generally safe, coconut milk oil may:
- Cause buildup on fine hair if overused
- Trigger allergies in those sensitive to coconut
- Have a strong tropical scent some find overpowering
DIY Coconut Milk Oil Hair Mask
For a natural alternative to store-bought products, try this recipe using a glass pitcher blender:
- Blend 1/2 cup fresh coconut meat with 1 cup warm water
- Strain through cheesecloth to extract milk
- Mix with 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Apply to hair for 20-30 minutes before rinsing
Research from the International Journal of Trichology supports coconut oil’s ability to reduce protein loss in hair. When combined with the nutrients in coconut milk, it creates a powerful hair treatment suitable for most hair types when used properly.
