Anjali Sayee
The unending tales of miraculous coconut oil are known all over the world. But did you know that coconut milk has umpteen benefits for your hair? Coconut milk is one of the best ingredients for healthy hair. It contains fats, proteins, sodium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium (1). It is loaded with nutrients like vitamin B 12 and zinc, which improve the blood circulation of your scalp. It also contains vitamin E and fats that fight free radical damage and deeply condition your hair (2). Coconut milk is a good vegan alternative for people who donot want to use dairy products
In this article, we have listed 9 coconut milk hair treatments that help in hair growth. Scroll down for more information.
Table Of Contents
How To Make Coconut Milk
While coconut milk is easily available in canned and powdered forms, studies have shown that volatiles in canned coconut milk change overtime (3). Hence, opt for homemade coconut milk.
Unlike coconut water, coconut milk is extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts. The extraction process is simple and can be done by following these simple steps.
- Grate a fresh coconut finely.
- Squeeze out all the milk using a cheesecloth or muslin.
- Preheat a pan and pour the milk into it. Let it cook for 5 minutes.Allow it to cool.
- Freeze it for a night.
You can use this coconut milk the next day in any of the hair care treatments listed later.
Benefits Of Coconut Milk For Hair
- Coconut milk is not milk; it is the liquid extracted from the meat of the coconut, which is rich in nutrients. It contains lauric acid, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, proteins, magnesium, vitamin C, phosphorus, and potassium(4). Studies have shown that a deficiency in micro nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, can lead to hair loss(2).
- A study showed that coconut and/or its extracts might help reduce split endsand hair damage and rejuvenate dried hair endings (5).
- Coconut and its extracts can also help reduce hair loss, baldness, and dandruff (5).
- Coconut oil, which is extracted from coconut milk,penetrates the hair shaft and replenishes the hair from within (6).
- The same study showed that coconut milk extracts could reduce protein loss and prevent hair damage from UV rays (6).
- It was also found to help enhance the color in natural hair pigments and can be used to condition the hair (5).
- It suits all hair types, ranging from pin straight to 4C curly kinky hair. It nourishes your hair and aids hair growth.
Now that you are aware of the benefits, let’s look at the different ways you can use coconut milk for hair growth.
Coconut Milk Treatments For Hair Growth
1. Coconut Milk For Hair Growth
This coconut milk hair treatment will penetrate through your scalp and cuticles to nourish and condition the follicles and hair shafts. The extra moisture and nourishment will boost the productivity of your follicles while improving hair texture and health.
You Will Need
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- A shower cap
Prep Time
2 minutes
Processing Time
1 hour
Process
- Heat ¼ cup of coconut milk in a bow luntil it is slightly warm.
- Massage the milk on to your scalp for 15 minutes.
- Once your scalp is covered, work it through your hair from the roots to the tips.
- Leave it on for an additional 45 minutes.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap to avoid a mess.
- Wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
- Repeat this once a week.
2. Coconut Milk And Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C. Nourishing your scalp with vitamin C may boost hair growth and decrease hair loss (2).
You Will Need
- 4 tablespoons coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- A shower cap
Prep Time
4 hours
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Mix the coconut milk and lemon juice in a bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours.
- During this time, the coconut milk will curdle a bit.Apply this curdled mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 45 minutes.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap to avoid a mess.
- Rinse out the mixture with your regular shampoo.
- Repeat this once a week.
3. Coconut Milk And Honey For Deep Conditioning
Honey has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.It is also an excellent emollient that helps seal in moisture and conditions your hair(7). Honey also has healing properties, which can heal scalp wounds and burns. When used in combination with coconut milk, it amplifies the milk’s positive effects on your hair by sealing in moisture and nutrients.
You Will Need
- 4 tablespoons coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons honey
- A shower cap
Prep Time
2 minutes
Processing Time
1-2 hours
Process
- Combine four tablespoons of coconut milk and two tablespoons of honey in a bowl to make a smooth mixture.
- Massage the mixture onto your scalp and work it through your hair from the roots to the tips.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for an hour or two.
- Wash your hair with a regular shampoo.
- Repeat this once a week.
4. Coconut Milk And Olive Oil
Thisdeep conditioning hair pack will make your hair super soft and manageable. The added heat from warming up the mixture will allow for maximum penetration of essential nutrients into the hair shafts and follicles(5). Olive oil contains oleuropein that was found to induce hair growth in mice studies (8). It also conditions your hair and makes it soft.
You Will Need
- 4 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- A shower cap
Prep Time
5 minutes
Processing Time
1 hour
Process
- Combine four tablespoons of coconut milk, one tablespoon of olive oil, and honey each.
- Heat the mixture for 2 minutes.
- Massage the slightly warm mixture onto your scalp and then work it through the entire length of your hair.
- Leave the mixture on for an hour and cover your hair with a shower cap to avoid a mess.
- Rinse out the mixture with your regular shampoo and finish with conditioner.
- Repeat this once a week.
5. Coconut Milk And Aloe Vera
Studies have shown that bothtulsi and aloe vera prevent hair loss and boost hair growth(9), (10). They also help maintain scalp health by dealing with issues like dandruff and irritation.
You Will Need
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- A bunch of tulsi (holy basil) leaves
- A shower cap
Prep Time
5 minutes
Processing Time
30 minutes
Process
- Blend three tablespoons of coconut milk, one tablespoon of aloe vera, and a handful of basil (tulsi) leaves to a thick, smooth paste.
- Massage this paste onto your scalp and work it through your hair from the roots to the tips.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap to avoid a mess.
- Rinse out the paste with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this once or twice a week.
6. Coconut Milk, Camphor And Yogurt For Hair Growth
Camphor can help reduce hair loss. When used with coconut extracts and massaged onto the hair, it can help treat dandruff, head lice, and an itchy scalp (11). Yogurt is rich in probiotics. An animal study showed that probiotic bacteria could help grow shinier hair (12).
You Will Need
- 5 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed camphor
- A shower cap
Prep Time
2 minutes
Processing Time
1-2 hours
Process
- Combine five tablespoons of coconut milk, one tablespoon of yogurt, ¼ teaspoon of crushed camphor to form a smooth mixture.
- Massage the mixture onto your scalp and work it through your hair from the roots to the tips.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for an hour or two.
- Wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
- Repeat this once a week.
7. Coconut Milk And Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a popular hair care ingredient. It is rich in protein and helps reduce hair thinning, balding, and hair fall. It also contains lecithin, which strengthens and moisturizes the hair (13). Animal studies show that fenugreek extracts can boost hair growth (14). It may also help reduce dandruff.
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons fenugreek seed powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
Prep Time
5 minutes
Processing Time
30 minutes
Process
- Combine two tablespoons each of coconut milk and fenugreek seed powder to get a smooth paste.
- Rub this mixture gently on your scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and finish with a conditioner.
- Repeat once or twice a week.
8. Coconut Milk And Gram Flour
Gram flour or besan is an excellent cleansing agent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that gram flour adds shine to the hair while keeping the scalp clean and fresh. It helps remove impurities from your scalp and hair, allowing unhindered hair growth.
You Will Need
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Juice from half a lemon
- 1/2 cup gram flour
Prep Time
5 minutes
Processing Time
15 minutes
Process
- Whisk half a cup of coconut milk, the juice from half a lemon, and half a cup of gram flour to get a smooth mixture. The mixture should have a thick consistency, but in case it is too thick, add more coconut milk.
- Rinse your hair and, while it is still damp, apply the paste through your hair from the roots to the tips.
- Massage your scalp and leave on the paste for 15 minutes.
- Rinse out the mixture from your hair with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this once a week.
9. Coconut Milk And Egg
Eggs are loaded with proteins that help nourish your scalp and hair to boost healthy hair growth (15). This egg white hair mask is effective,especially for oily and combination hair types.
You Will Need
- 1 egg white
- 5 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- A shower cap
Prep Time
5 minutes
Processing Time
20 minutes
Process
- Use an electric beater to whisk the white of one egg until it is fluffy.
- Add five tablespoons of coconut milk and whisk again.
- Add one teaspoon of vitamin E oil to the mixture.
- Apply this mask to your scalp and hair.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes.
- Wash off with your regular shampoo and cool water. Avoid warm water to prevent ‘cooking’ the egg.
- Repeat once a week.
Side Effects Of Coconut Milk
Not much research has been done on the risks of coconut milk’s topical application. However, too much consumption of coconut milk can lead to allergies, weight gain, and constipation.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use coconut milk on hair, what are you waiting for? Growing your hair is not difficult anymore,especially when you have coconut milk to assist you through the process. However, if your hair fall persists, consult a doctor to address the issue.
15 sources
- Nuts, coconut milk, raw (liquid expressed from grated meat and water), Food Data Central, USDA.
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170172/nutrients - Almohanna, Hind M et al. “The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review.†Dermatology and therapy vol. 9,1 (2019): 51-70.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/ - Tinchan P, Lorjaroenphon Y, Cadwallader KR, Chaiseri S. Changes in the profile of volatiles of canned coconut milk during storage. J Food Sci. 2015;80(1):C49-C54.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25533179 - Vanga, Sai Kranthi, and Vijaya Raghavan. “How well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cow’s milk?.†Journal of food science and technology vol. 55,1 (2018): 10-20.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756203/ - Zaid, Abdel Naser et al. “Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine.†BMC complementary and alternative medicine vol. 17,1 355. 5 Jul. 2017,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/ - Rele, Aarti S, and R B Mohile. “Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.†Journal of cosmetic science vol. 54,2 (2003): 175-92.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/ - Ediriweera ER, Premarathna NY. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review. Ayu. 2012;33(2):178-182.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/ - Tong T, Kim N, Park T. Topical Application of Oleuropein Induces Anagen Hair Growth in Telogen Mouse Skin. PLoS One. 2015;10(6):e0129578. Published 2015 Jun 10.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462586/ - Patel, Satish, et al. “Hair growth: focus on herbal therapeutic agent.†Current drug discovery technologies 12.1 (2015): 21-42.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nagendra_Chauhan/publication/278045537_Hair_Growth_Focus_on_Herbal_Therapeutic_Agent/links/55af72fd08ae6aa568b3a960/Hair-Growth-Focus-on-Herbal-Therapeutic-Agent.pdf - Kumar, KP Sampath, and Bhowmik Debjit. “Aloe vera: a potential herb and its medicinal importance.†Journal of chemical and Pharmaceutical Research 2.1 (2010): 21-29.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328630465_Aloe_vera_A_Potential_Herb_and_its_Medicinal_Importance - Garg, Nidhi, and Akhil Jain. “Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Karpura-A Review.†International Journal of Science and Research 6.4 (2017): 1174-81.
https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v6i4/10041710.pdf - Levkovich T, Poutahidis T, Smillie C, et al. Probiotic bacteria induce a ‘glow of health’. PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e53867.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3547054/ - Didarshetaban, Mohamad Bagher, and Hamid Reza Saeid Pour. “Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) as a valuable medicinal plant.†International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research (IJABBR) 1.8 (2013): 922-931.
http://www.ijabbr.com/article_7851_bbd8fa7701b237d7746306a9df24e736.pdf - Imtiaz, Fariha, et al. “Impact of Trigonella foenum-graecum Leaves Extract on Mice Hair Growth.†Pakistan Journal of Zoology 49.4 (2017).
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318655670_Impact_of_Trigonella_foenum-graecum_Leaves_Extract_on_Mice_Hair_Growth - Nakamura, Toshio et al. “Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production.†Journal of medicinal food vol. 21,7 (2018): 701-708.
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