Coconut oil

Coconut oil

Potential efficacity for hair loss : ⭐⭐⭐

My recommendation

Coconut oil may have potential benefits in reducing androgenetic alopecia due to its anti-androgenic properties and its ability to penetrate the scalp. It can also be helpful in addressing other types of hair loss caused by bacterial factors, particularly certain forms of scarring alopecia.

Additionally, the excellent penetration of coconut oil can be harnessed to strengthen hair proteins. You can use it as a carrier oil and combine its properties with those of a few essential oils.

Home 9 Vegetable oils 9 Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a vegetable oil extracted from coconuts. It originates from the Indo-Pacific region, where coconut trees thrive in rather challenging conditions, including exposure to saltwater, sandy environments, and abundant sunlight.

Coconuts have always enjoyed global popularity, and this popularity is on the rise as more and more cosmetic products incorporate coconut oil into their formulations. Beyond its delightful aroma and taste, coconut oil also boasts intriguing therapeutic properties.

Is it effective against hair loss?

Coconut oil is widely popular in the realms of alopecia and cosmetics. However, as of now, we have limited concrete information regarding its true relationship with hair loss.

In general, vegetable oils have very similar compositions, but coconut oil stands out due to its high content of lauric and myristic acids.

Here is its composition (values may slightly vary depending on the source):

Lauric acid: 50%
Myristic acid: 10%
Palmitic acid: 8%
Capric acid: 6%
Oleic acid: 6%
Caprylic acid: 5%
Stearic acid: 2%
Linoleic acid: 2%

Based on my research, coconut oil may potentially affect hair loss in the following way:

Anti-androgen properties

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a naturally occurring androgen hormone produced in our bodies from testosterone in various tissues. This conversion is facilitated by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase (5aR).

DHT is a key factor in androgenetic alopecia, as it contributes to the inflammatory process that takes place in the scalps of individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss. This process leads to the gradual thinning of hair, a phenomenon known as miniaturization. Thus, reducing the production of DHT is thought to be a way to combat hair loss.

In the case of coconut oil, it contains components that can inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, such as oleic acid, lauric acid, and myristic acid. Some of the other fatty acids found in coconut oil may also have anti-androgen properties, although they are present in smaller quantities.

In a study conducted in 1992 by T. Liang and colleagues, it was found that oleic acid, among other fatty acids, was highly effective in inhibiting 5aR and reducing DHT levels.

(source)

Another study, carried out in 2002 by Jean Pierre Raynaud and colleagues, revealed that lauric acid and myristic acid, which make up 60% of coconut oil, were also very effective in inhibiting both 5aR type 1 and type 2.

Based on the findings of these two studies, it can be concluded that topical application of coconut oil may prove to be a valuable solution for androgenetic alopecia.

Antibacterial properties

One of the exacerbating factors in hair loss is pollution. When the scalp comes into contact with foreign substances, it can trigger an immune response that results in inflammation.

Bacteria are just one form of pollution among many. When they make their way to our scalp, they feed on our sebum and the remnants of our skin to thrive. Subsequently, they release toxic waste that provokes an inflammatory response.

In a 2009 study conducted by T. Nakatsuji and colleagues, the main component of coconut oil, lauric acid, demonstrated potent antibacterial properties against a bacterium responsible for acne: P. Acnes (also known as C. Acnes).

In this study, bacteria were injected into a small area of the left ears of mice. The mice then received an injection of lauric acid or a control solution.

Here are the results after 24 hours:

A significant reduction in bacteria can be observed (figures b and c). Due to inflammation, the ears of the mice that did not receive lauric acid slightly swelled (figure a).

(source)

In the photos below, the condition of the tissues can also be observed. The left photo shows skin experiencing inflammation caused by P. acnes bacteria. The right photo is skin treated with lauric acid (with very few remaining bacteria). The white dots seen in the left photo are indicative of inflammation.

(source)

Coconut oil can easily penetrate the skin and hair

When a product lacks the ability to penetrate the skin, it remains on the surface of the epidermis and doesn’t reach the required depth.

Depending on the desired outcome, a product should be able to reach the pores, veins, or follicles. For instance, minoxidil needs to access the veins to dilate them and stimulate blood flow.

As for coconut oil, it appears to possess excellent penetration abilities, thanks to its rich content of lauric acid.

In fact, according to a 2013 study conducted by Toma Kezutyte and colleagues, certain fatty acids are more effective at permeating the skin than others, with lauric acid and oleic acid being notable examples.

In another study carried out in 2012 by V. Gode and colleagues, it was discovered that coconut oil was even absorbed by hair shafts. This absorption could help reduce protein loss during washing and minimize the damage that hair sustains.

This effect could be especially beneficial for individuals with very dry and brittle hair.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Even though we lack direct studies on alopecia, I believe that coconut oil could serve as a highly effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia. This belief is grounded in its anti-androgenic properties and the notable penetration capacity of lauric acid.

Additionally, for individuals dealing with issues of pollution and the presence of bacteria on their scalp, the antibacterial qualities of coconut oil could help mitigate the inflammation triggered by these bacteria.

My recommendation would be to use coconut oil as a carrier oil and bolster its effectiveness by incorporating essential oils.