Coconut oil is a must-have in the house. It’s known for its immense benefits, from cooking to skin and hair care and so forth.

 Healthline states that when applied to the hair before washing, coconut oil is said to reduce protein loss more than sunflower and mineral oils and reduces damage to the hair caused by day-to-day wash. Using coconut oil in your hair care routine could help it grow longer, and healthier.

Some research shows that coconut oil may reduce inflammation and pain. This may be helpful in cases of dandruff related to psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Additional research shows that coconut oil can be an effective conditioner for the skin. When this is maintained overtime, it may help prevent damage and infection. Coconut oil may help to moisturise the hair and scalp and tackle dryness caused by dandruff, though it doesn’t tackle the root cause of dandruff.

Coconut oil is packed with fatty acids that are known to help repair everyday damage, improve texture, and refurbish health and shine to the hair.

Annick Umutibagirana, a skincare and hair care expert at Caso Organic Store Kigali, says that coconut oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, thus creating a powerful calming capable of removing makeup particles. She urges using organic, unrefined, cold-pressed and virgin coconut oil on the face.

She says, while removing makeup, rub the coconut oil between your hands, then massage onto your face as a cleanser. Once the makeup is lifted from your skin, rinse a few times with warm water, then dry with a towel and finish with your usual moisturisers.

Taking good care of your lips is important in a daily beauty routine. Experts say that cold temperatures, sun exposure, dehydration, and many external influences can easily damage the lips.

However, Umutibagirana states that coconut oil can be a substitute for artificial lip balm, especially if you enjoy the natural look. This is proven beneficial, and antibacterial.

"Coconut oil could help get rid of lice, protect your hair from the sun and reduce dandruff, but more studies are needed,” states Healthline.

Umutibagirana notes that treating your hair with coconut oil stimulates hair growth, helps the scalp fight lice and dandruff, softens the hair and prevents hair breakage and split ends, leading to hair length.

She adds that coconut oil helps to protect the skin as it provides a defensive barrier, helping to protect the skin from environmental toxins, dirt, and other messy stuff.

"Coconut oil is filled with antioxidant and phytonutrient (plant compounds) components that can boost your nutrient issue and fight against environmental irritants that hasten ageing,” she says.

The skincare expert also notes that if you’re predisposed to irritations or sensitivity, coconut oil can help lessen any uneasiness and offer soothing relief. 

Coconut oil is believed to ease inflammation. According to a 2019 study, virgin coconut oil was found to suppress inflammatory indicators and protect the skin by enhancing skin barrier function. Extra virgin coconut oil was found to significantly reduce levels of trans epidermal water loss and increase skin surface lipid levels.

Umutibagirana further explains that coconut oil can also heal wounds. If there is a cut or wound on the skin, applying organic coconut oil to the skin, can protect you from microbial infections and due to its vitamin E content, organic coconut oil helps to prevent the skin from cracking.