The common hair oil that could actually be doing our locks more harm than good

One common positive of the coronavirus lockdown has been that we’ve all become a bit more aware of the health of our hair.

While a nearly four-month break from hair colouring appointments and everyday heat styling has improved most of our hair health, the long closure of hair salons has meant that we’ve all had to find ways to keep our split ends at bay without that handy trim.

Of course masks and serums have come to the rescue, but many hair enthusiasts have taken to using more natural means of conditioning.

Coconut oil has become a favourite among beauty fans looking to try something additive-free.

But it turns out that the common cooking ingredient, which can be found in many of our favourite hair oils, might actually not be as good for our hair as we thought...

Is coconut oil good for your hair?

"People often use hair oils to moisten their hair, but I often say that when hair needs moisture, it is thirsty and needs a drink,” hair expert Ross Charles told Glamour.

“In fact, oil and water don't mix. Oil actually repels water and either pushes it out of the hair or stops it from getting into the hair."

"If your hair has been damaged from over-processing from colour, or is weak and fragile, you need to get amino acids into the hair shaft, so definitely don't want to coat your hair in oil,” he explained

Why coconut oil is bad for your hair:

"Hair oils - and especially coconut oil - tend to seep into every tiny hole in your hair shaft and disguise the real problem to act as a quick-fix; this won't help your hair in the long-run and is one of the main reasons I advise against using oils in your hair."

Ross advises to stick to low pH products to fight frizz instead of opting for oils as this will “keep the cuticle flatter, meaning less tangles” and therefore less frizz.

“Use moisturising masks on a regular basis as an alternative to oils to really penetrate dry, damaged hair,” he added, “and begin a long-term treatment process to healthy, strong hair."

Looking for an alternative to nourish your locks? Check out some of our favourite hair masks…

Nourishing hair masks

£20, Look Fantastic

£33, Look Fantastic

£25.45, Look Fantastic

£29.10, Look Fantastic

£57, Net-A-Porter

£15, Boots

£34.90, Cult Beauty

£26, Look Fantastic

£23, Feel Unique

£30, Space NK