TLDR Plant oils like coconut, camellia, and safflower can penetrate hair, making it stronger and softer.
The study aimed to understand how triglyceride plant oils, such as coconut oil, Camellia oleifera oil, and safflower seed oil, deliver strength and softness benefits to hair through their penetration. Using LC–MS and NanoSIMS, the researchers confirmed that triglycerides of varying chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation can penetrate the lipid-rich cell membrane complex (CMC) of hair. Shorter chain lengths and unsaturated fatty acids showed higher penetration efficacy. The oils were found to improve fatigue strength by preventing the formation and propagation of flaws in the CMC network, leading to reduced hair breakage.
30 citations,
September 2018 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Bleaching hair causes severe structural and chemical damage, including protein loss and oxidation.
7 citations,
April 2018 in “Cosmetics” Lipids in Japanese hair help maintain glossiness and structure.
8 citations,
January 2012 in “International journal of polymer analysis and characterization/IJPAC. International journal of polymer analysis and characterization/IJPAC. International journal of analysis and characterization” Hydrogenated palm oil repairs and conditions damaged hair by preventing swelling.
11 citations,
January 2006 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Some oils can penetrate hair and reduce the stickiness between fibers, but mineral oil cannot.
11 citations,
June 2001 in “PubMed” Coconut oil can penetrate hair better than mineral oil, potentially protecting against damage.
57 citations,
October 2021 in “Journal of ethnopharmacology” Indian herbal medicine shows promise for treating skin diseases but needs more research to prove effectiveness.
434 citations,
October 2003 in “PTR. Phytotherapy research/Phytotherapy research” Natural products in cosmetics are beneficial for skin and hair care with low toxicity.
January 1997 in “Elsevier eBooks” The document explains how shampoos clean, rinses condition, one-step shampoos offer convenience, and hair growth promoters aim to prevent hair loss, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence for their effectiveness.
May 2023 in “Jurnal farmasi sains dan praktis” The hair tonic with cinnamon oil and coconut oil was stable and caused very mild irritation.
New treatments for hair loss should target eight main causes and use specific plant compounds and peptides for better results.
