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Unrefined Vs Refined Coconut Oil: Which is Best for Hair? (2024)

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unrefined vs refined coconut oil for hairIt’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to unrefined vs refined coconut oil for hair. Refined coconut oil may be milder in taste, but its higher temperature cooking point might not make it best suited for your tresses.

Unrefined, however, is minimally processed and retains natural enzymes usually lost through processing – making it a better option overall.

Key Takeaways

  • Unrefined coconut oil retains natural enzymes and is minimally processed, making it better for hair.
  • Refined coconut oil has a higher temperature cooking point and is ideal for high-heat cooking.
  • Unrefined coconut oil repairs cuticles, moisturizes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and treats dandruff and lice.
  • Refined coconut oil has a longer shelf life and a higher smoke point, making it more suitable for cooking purposes.

Unrefined Vs Refined Coconut Oil for Hair

When it comes to unrefined vs refined coconut oil for hair, there are several products available on the market. Biolage Coconut Infusion Treatment is a vegan leave-on conditioner that can be used on wet or dry hair and helps reduce dryness while enhancing shine.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Vitamin E Spray strengthens roots and promotes growth. Organic Coconut Oil Cooking is expeller-pressed, solvent-free, flavorless, and odorless with a high smoke point of 350°F/177°C.

These three products are just some of the beneficial ways to incorporate coconut oil into your hair care routine.

Biolage Coconut Infusion Treatment

Biolage All-In-One Coconut Infusion |View On Amazon
Experience the power of coconut oil with Biolage Coconut Infusion Treatment, a nourishing leave-on conditioner that helps tame frizz and flyaways while leaving your hair feeling soft and manageable. This vegan formula is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and has no artificial colorants or heavy waxes.

Ideal for use on wet or dry hair as a leave-on conditioner, it can also be rinsed for light conditioning, making it suitable for all types of hair textures. The unique floral heritage scent combines mandarin, rose, and sandalwood to provide an aromatherapy experience along with the benefits from this product’s ingredients, including coconut oil.

Coconut oil adds moisture to even porous hair, reducing dryness while enhancing shine without weighing down strands.

Many users have reported softer, more manageable locks after using this product. However, some mentioned needing quite a lot to achieve desired results in thick, curly/frizzy-haired individuals.

Pros
  • Sulfate-free & Paraben-free
  • No Artificial Colorants & Heavy Waxes
  • Suitable For All Hair Types And Textures
  • Enhances Shine And Reduces Dryness
  • Floral Heritage Aromatherapy Scent
Cons
  • Some Users Need More Product For Thick Hair
  • Can Weigh Down Strands If Too Much Is Used

Palmers Coconut Oil Vitamin E Spray

PalmerView On Amazon
Feel the tingle of Palmer’s Coconut Oil Vitamin E Spray as it strengthens your roots and promotes hair growth. This vegan formula contains coconut oil and vitamin E to soften hair, reduce dryness, fight frizziness, detangle strands, boost shine levels, and protect locks from heat damage.

It’s suitable for weak hair or dandruff-prone scalps but not recommended for those with an oily scalp as it can weigh down the locks.

Pros
  • Strengthens roots and promotes hair growth
  • Softens and reduces dryness in all types of strands
  • Fights frizziness while adding moisture without being greasy or messy
  • Suitable for color-treated, curly, and frizzy hair – free from chemicals/toxins
  • Made with high-quality organic ingredients such as Coconut Oil and Vitamin E
Cons
  • Not recommended for those who have an oily scalp
  • May not have immediate visible improvement
  • Some users may prefer a stronger coconut smell

Organic Coconut Oil Cooking

Simply as-is | Organic RefinedView On Amazon
Treat your hair to the nourishing benefits of Organic Coconut Oil Cooking for a softer, shinier look! Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil is a USDA-certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified product that is expeller-pressed from fresh coconuts.

It’s naturally rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) including lauric acid, making it ideal for use as an oil puller or deep conditioner. Its high smoke point of 350°F makes it suitable for sautéing, baking, frying, and also as a dairy-free topping.

Plus, this all-natural cooking oil is a perfect addition to any lifestyle – keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets! Best yet? This versatile coconut oil comes in either a 29 fluid ounces size with package dimensions of 5.

Pros
  • USDA certified organic & non-GMO
  • High smoke point – great for cooking & baking
  • Naturally rich in MCTs including lauric acid
  • Suitable for multiple lifestyles (keto/paleo/gluten-free)
  • Moisturizing benefits on both skin & hair
  • Versatile use – from food preparation to body care
Cons
  • Solid form needs melting before usage
  • Price may be higher than other unrefined oils

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair
You can benefit from the protective, moisturizing, and nourishing properties of coconut oil for hair. Coconut oil offers protection against sun damage, encourages hair growth and thickness, treats dandruff and lice infestations, as well as reduces hair loss.

Coconut Oil Offers Protection

You can protect your hair from the sun and other environmental damage with coconut oil – according to a study, its UV-blocking abilities are comparable to those of commercial sunscreen products. Coconut oil is a rich source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) like lauric acid that make it an effective moisturizer for scalp health and hair growth.

Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help keep dandruff away while promoting healthy follicles. Both unrefined and refined coconut oils offer protection against free radicals due to their antioxidants content which helps strengthen strands by reducing protein loss in the hair shafts during heat styling or coloring processes.

With regular use, you could also see considerable improvement in texture as well as less breakage!

Encourages Hair Growth

Revive your locks and nourish them with the power of coconut oil to support healthy hair growth. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can help promote natural hair growth when used as part of a regular hair care routine.

It helps protect against breakage and split ends while providing nutrients to keep strands strong.

The lauric acid found in both refined and unrefined coconut oils has been shown to reduce protein loss from the scalp, which can lead to premature baldness or thinning.

Dandruff Treatment

Combat dandruff with a deep conditioning hair mask of coconut oil to nourish and restore your scalp. Coconut oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal natural remedy for treating dryness and flakiness associated with dandruff.

Its high lauric acid content assists in regulating the production of sebum on the scalp, which can help reduce excessive buildup leading to irritated skin.

Whether you choose unrefined or refined coconut oil, both contain essential fatty acids that are beneficial for healthy hair growth as well as keeping your strands hydrated from root to tip. With regular use, it helps prevent further damage caused by this pesky problem while promoting a healthier environment on the scalp.

Lice Treatment

Treat lice naturally with the power of coconut oil, which provides sun protection and nourishes your hair to reduce protein loss. Incorporate natural remedies like essential oils or preventive measures such as home remedies to help get rid of lice without using chemical treatments.

Coconut oil is a great way to treat head lice safely, as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help kill the parasites quickly. Use it instead of chemical-laden products for an effective yet gentle solution for all types of hair textures.

Reduces Hair Loss

Prevent hair loss with the nourishing power of coconut oil, helping to keep your locks looking and feeling their best. Refined or unrefined, this natural remedy is rich in nutrients that can promote healthy hair growth while reducing breakage.

Not only does it reduce protein loss from the cuticles and cortex of your strands, but its antifungal properties help fight dandruff too! Regular use as part of a hair care routine will ensure you reap all its nutritional benefits for beautiful results every time.

Whether used alone or in combination with other oils like avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil, one thing’s certain: Coconut Oil should be an essential part of any successful hair maintenance regimen!

What is the Difference Between Unrefined Vs Refined Coconut Oil?

What is the Difference Between Unrefined Vs Refined Coconut Oil
Discovering the difference between unrefined and refined coconut oil can be like opening a treasure chest of knowledge for your hair care routine.

Unrefined coconut oil is minimally processed, retains natural enzymes, has a strong coconut flavor, and solidifies at room temperature. It has a lower smoke point than refined oil, which makes it suitable for cooking at lower temperatures.

Additionally, unrefined coconut oil is more nutritionally dense and offers better benefits when used on hair.

On the other hand, refined coconut oil is milder in flavor and has a higher smoke point, making it ideal for high heat cooking. However, due to additional processing steps, some nutrients are lost, making it less beneficial when applied to hair.

Despite this, many people prefer refined coconut oil because it lacks a strong smell and is gentler on the skin and scalp compared to unrefined counterparts.

Knowing the pros and cons of each type of coconut oil will help you choose the one that best meets your needs.

Facts About Unrefined Coconut Oil

Facts About Unrefined Coconut Oil
Experience the naturally moisturizing and nourishing benefits of unrefined coconut oil for a winning hair care regimen! Unrefined coconut oil is full of beneficial vitamins and minerals that can help nourish your scalp, promote healthy hair growth, and protect from environmental damage.

It contains lauric acid, which has natural antibacterial properties to keep your scalp clean while providing intense hydration.

In addition, it is easy to use as a pre-poo treatment or conditioner before shampooing, as well as in hot oil treatments or styling products for added shine.

  1. Naturally Moisturizes – Unrefined coconut oil contains high levels of fatty acids that penetrate deep into the cuticles, creating an ultra-hydrating barrier around each strand without leaving residue behind.
  2. Nutritional Value – It’s packed with vitamin E, which helps strengthen strands against breakage while increasing elasticity. Plus, it provides essential nutrients like potassium, important for healthy-looking locks.
  3. Promotes Hair Growth – The antifungal properties found in this type of versatile product make it great at promoting strong follicle health by decreasing inflammation on the scalp, resulting in improved circulation leading to healthier tresses over time!

With its numerous benefits, there’s no doubt incorporating unrefined coconut oil into any regular hair care regime will give you beautiful results!

Facts About Refined Coconut Oil

Facts About Refined Coconut Oil
Refined coconut oil is a type of cooking oil that has undergone several processes to remove impurities and enhance its properties. To produce it, the copra (or dried coconut meat) is first cold-pressed to extract the crude edible vegetable oil.

Then, degumming removes waxes and gums from the raw material. Neutralizing uses acid or caustic soda solution for further refining. Bleaching utilizes activated earth or carbon mixed with clay for decolorization.

Finally, deodorizing heats up steam through vacuum distillation until all odors are eliminated.

1.Copra is Pressed

Copra, the raw material used to make coconut oil, is pressed using either traditional methods or modern industrial machinery. The method of pressing affects the flavor and quality of coconut oil produced. Cold-pressed copra yields an organic, refined coconut oil that retains more fatty acids and antioxidants compared to processed coconut oils.

Refining processes are also used to remove impurities from extracted oils for better shelf life and higher smoke points suited for high heat cooking. Therefore, careful consideration is required when choosing between unrefined and refined coconut oil products, as it can significantly affect their nutritional value, naturalness, and cost-effectiveness.

2.Degumming

After copra is pressed, it undergoes degumming to remove impurities and give the oil a more pleasant flavor. Degumming involves chemical treatments that strip away proteins, carbohydrates, phospholipids, and other compounds that can negatively affect the taste or texture of refined coconut oil.

Refined coconut oil has many benefits for hair care, such as reducing dryness and enhancing shine, while unrefined coconut oils might be better suited for nutrient-dense hair masks. When choosing the right type of coconut oil for your needs, keep in mind what you are using it for – high heat cooking vs general applications like salad dressings or skin/hair care products – to get maximum benefit from its properties.

For best results when using either refined or unrefined versions in any application, select one with an organic certification to ensure quality standards have been met during the production process.

3.Neutralizing

Once the degumming process is complete, neutralizing follows to remove any free fatty acids and unwanted odors from refined coconut oil, creating a product that can provide all of the benefits you seek in your hair care routine.

The neutralizing process eliminates chemicals that could otherwise compromise its smoke point and flavor. This step helps create an end result that differs significantly from unrefined varieties. It has little smell or taste, making it ideal for those seeking minimal scent in their hair care products.

Neutralizing also enhances its beneficial properties for use on skin and hair, such as natural moisturization, while reducing protein loss during styling treatments.

Benefits of Neutralizing:

  • Enhances smoke point and flavor
  • Removes unwanted odors and chemicals
  • Makes an ideal unscented base
  • Increases beneficial effects on skin and hair
  • Reduces protein loss during styling

4.Bleaching

When it comes to bleaching, coconut oil can help protect your hair from damage and keep it strong. Use unrefined coconut oil as a pre-treatment for at least two hours before bleaching to minimize dryness and breakage.

Afterward, apply an aftercare product with coconut oil or other natural ingredients like shea butter to repair the cuticle layer of your strands.

If you’re not comfortable using chemicals on your hair, there are alternatives such as henna or vegetable dyes.

Coconut oil is also beneficial in regular conditioning treatments. It helps strengthen hair against further damage and provides the moisture balance needed during styling processes.

5.Deodorizing

Try using deodorizing coconut oil to keep your hair smelling fresh and clean! Coconut oil is a natural deodorizer that can be used as part of a DIY remedy or in combination with the best products on the market.

For those looking for an all-natural route, coconut oil has been known to remove odors without any harsh chemicals. It’s also beneficial for reducing dandruff, fighting hair loss, and providing additional moisture while working as an odor removal product.

You can use it before washing your hair for added protection or create customized treatments tailored to your needs by combining other oils like tea tree essential oils or lavender extract.

So don’t forget about this miracle ingredient when you’re looking into natural deodorizing techniques – try out coconut oil today!

5 Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Hair

5 Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
In order to get the most out of your hair care routine, whether you’re coloring, bleaching, or straightening it, consider using coconut oil. Refined or unrefined coconut oil can be used before any of these treatments for better results.

As a pre-poo treatment and sealant, it helps reduce breakage and repairs damaged cuticles while also moisturizing the scalp to keep your hair strong and healthy.

Before Bleaching Hair

Before bleaching your locks, consider giving them a pre-poo treatment with coconut oil to help protect and nourish them from all the damage.

Unrefined or refined coconut oil can be used as part of a hair lightening process. Using either type will provide moisture. Unrefined helps retain natural enzymes while providing more nutritional value than refined.

On the other hand, refined coconut oil is ideal for high heat cooking and doesn’t have any strong odor or flavor.

Preparing your hair before beginning the bleaching process also includes avoiding scalp burns by testing strand integrity first. Additionally, make sure to use protective gloves when applying the bleach mix and time the application correctly, not exceeding 45 minutes.

Finally, remember to wash out the bleach thoroughly afterwards with clarifying shampoo.

Before Coloring Hair

Transform your locks with the magical power of coconut oil before coloring to protect and nourish them for a vibrant, healthier look. Refined coconut oil is ideal as it has no odor or flavor, while unrefined retains natural enzymes that are beneficial for hair care.

Both can be used in pre-poo treatments prior to bleaching or coloring hair, providing protection from harsh chemicals by forming a barrier on the scalp and strands. Coconut oil also helps preserve protein levels, reducing breakage during chemical processes such as color treatment.

It keeps cuticles smooth so they don’t absorb too much dye, resulting in better long-term color vibrancy retention.

Incorporate this wonder ingredient into your regular styling routine for maximum benefits when using any type of hair dye!

As a Pre-Poo Treatment

Indulge in a pre-poo pampering session with coconut oil to restore your hair’s luster and shine! A pre-poo treatment is an important step for healthy, beautiful hair. Coconut oil can benefit your mane when used before shampooing as it helps reduce damage from heat styling, strengthens follicles, and protects against split ends.

Both unrefined and refined coconut oils are suitable for this treatment. If you’re looking for natural ingredients, unrefined coconut oil is better suited. On the other hand, refined coconut oil has fewer impurities, making it ideal as a sealant or moisturizing spray.

To prepoo, apply melted coconut oil from root to tip of dry hair. Then, cover your hair with plastic wrap overnight or at least 1 hour prior to shampooing. Using warm water during wash off will help dissolve any residue left behind by the product.

Pre-poo treatments provide nourishment that may improve the overall health of your strands.

Before Straightening Hair

Gently treat your hair with coconut oil before straightening to reduce breakage and add an extra layer of protection. Unrefined or refined, the natural oils present in coconut oil will help protect strands from heat damage while maintaining moisture.

Coconut oil can also serve as a sealant, locking in essential proteins lost during the heating process so that you don’t end up with dry and brittle hair after styling.

As a Sealant

Smoothly seal your strands with coconut oil for lasting locks. Whether you choose refined or unrefined, both offer the same benefits: aiding detangling, reducing hair breakage, and preserving protein levels.

Refined is usually odorless and suitable for baking, while unrefined has a stronger flavor and retains natural enzymes.

Application is simple. Add coconut oil to masks, use it as a pre-poo treatment before bleaching or coloring your hair, or create moisturizing sprays with coconut oil as the main ingredient. You can also compare the effects of using coconut oil in hot oil treatments versus regular conditioning routines.

Look out for softer cuticles that are better protected from damage due to improved moisture retention abilities.

When using either type of coconut oil, keep these tips in mind: heat helps penetration into the scalp and strands, so massage the oil onto damp hair and then cover it with a shower cap or towel.

Moisturizing Sprays Containing Coconut

Moisturizing Sprays Containing Coconut
Treat your hair to the nourishing benefits of coconut with moisturizing sprays containing this natural ingredient. Coconut oil is known for its multiple uses, such as being a natural moisturizer and conditioner that helps repair the cuticle and cortex of hair while reducing protein loss.

It can also reduce dandruff, lice infestations, and help promote healthy hair growth.

Whether you choose unrefined or refined coconut oil depends on what you’re looking for. Unrefined retains more nutrients but has a stronger scent, whereas refined may be better if odor is an issue.

Here are three ways to use it in your daily routine:

  1. Add it to homemade masks or hot-oil treatments.
  2. Use it as a clarifying shampoo alternative.
  3. Incorporate it into regular conditioning and styling routines.

With its multiple benefits, using coconut oil in combination with other natural ingredients results in healthier strands from root to tip!

Why Unrefined Coconut Oil is Better

Why Unrefined Coconut Oil is Better
Discover why unrefined coconut oil is the superior choice for nourishing your hair and protecting it from damage. Unrefined coconut oil has a number of benefits over refined, including higher nutritional value due to its minimal processing.

It also contains natural enzymes that are beneficial for hair growth, hydration, and repair of damaged cuticles while reducing protein loss.

What’s more, it can help treat dandruff and lice, as well as providing sun protection when used on the scalp or applied to damp locks before styling with heat tools like curling irons or flatirons.

For all these reasons, plus its affordability compared with other high-quality products, many people prefer using this versatile oil when creating DIY masks at home or adding it into existing shampoo/conditioner formulas for enhanced results without breaking the bank!

Conclusion

You’ve done your research and learned about the differences between unrefined and refined coconut oil for hair.

Unrefined coconut oil offers natural protection and encourages hair growth, while refined coconut oil is perfect for cooking and creating moisturizing sprays. Both oils are rich in lauric acid and contain many beneficial nutrients to help nourish and protect your hair.

Unrefined coconut oil is usually the preferred oil for hair care as it is more natural and retains many of its beneficial enzymes. So, the next time you’re looking for a hair care product, consider opting for unrefined coconut oil for maximum results.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.