Coconut oil has long been celebrated for its myriad health and beauty benefits. From its use in cooking to skincare and haircare, coconut oil seems to have endless possibilities. Among its many applications, one area of interest that has gained significant attention is the potential for coconut oil to enhance Eyebrow growth. But does coconut oil really work for eyebrow growth? In this blog, we will dive deep into the science behind coconut oil's effect on eyebrows, particularly focusing on fractionated coconut oil, and explore whether it can live up to the hype.
What is Coconut Oil?
Before delving into the specific use of coconut oil for eyebrow growth, it's important to understand what coconut oil is and why it has become such a popular ingredient in skincare and beauty routines. Coconut oil is derived from the meat of mature coconuts and is known for its high content of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. These compounds make it an incredibly versatile and beneficial product for both internal and external use.
There are two main types of coconut oil:
- Unrefined (Virgin) Coconut Oil: This type of coconut oil is extracted using a cold-press method, ensuring that it retains most of its natural compounds, including essential fatty acids like lauric acid, which is known for its antimicrobial properties. Virgin coconut oil also has a distinct aroma and flavor, making it suitable for cooking and skincare.
- Refined Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil is processed through various methods to remove impurities, resulting in a neutral scent and flavor. While it has a higher smoke point, which makes it more suitable for cooking at higher temperatures, it may lose some of the beneficial properties found in virgin coconut oil during the refining process.
When it comes to eyebrow care, fractionated coconut oil is often recommended. This version of coconut oil has gone through a specific process where it is heated to separate the long-chain fatty acids from the liquid oil, leaving behind medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as caprylic and capric acids. This results in a clear, odorless oil that remains liquid at room temperature. Unlike regular coconut oil, which can solidify in cooler temperatures, fractionated coconut oil is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, making it an ideal choice for topical use.
What is Fractionated Coconut Oil?
Fractionated coconut oil is made by heating regular coconut oil to a high temperature to separate its fatty acids into two distinct layers: solid and liquid. The solid portion, which is composed of long-chain fatty acids, is removed, leaving the liquid portion that is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These MCTs are known for their ability to penetrate the skin and hair more effectively than long-chain fatty acids, which is why fractionated coconut oil is highly effective in skincare and haircare products.
Fractionated coconut oil is clear, odorless, and non-greasy, which makes it a popular choice in beauty products. Unlike virgin coconut oil, which can have a strong coconut scent, fractionated coconut oil has a neutral scent, making it suitable for people who prefer products without any fragrance. It also has a much longer shelf life than unrefined coconut oil due to its processing, making it a more stable option for long-term use.
Because of its ability to hydrate, nourish, and improve the health of the skin and hair, fractionated coconut oil is commonly used as a carrier oil in essential oil blends. When mixed with essential oils, it helps to dilute and carry the essential oils onto the skin more effectively. As we will see later in this article, fractionated coconut oil can also provide significant benefits when used alone for eyebrow growth.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Eyebrow Growth
There are several properties of coconut oil, especially fractionated coconut oil, that may contribute to healthier eyebrows and potentially promote growth. Let's explore some of these benefits in detail.
1. Moisturization and Hydration
One of the primary reasons fractionated coconut oil may benefit eyebrow growth is its ability to deeply moisturize and hydrate both the skin and the hair. Eyebrow hairs, like any other hair on the body, can become dry and brittle over time, leading to breakage. When eyebrow hairs break, it can create the appearance of sparse or thinning eyebrows, even if the follicles are still healthy.
Fractionated coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer due to its high concentration of medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids help retain moisture in the skin and hair, keeping the eyebrow area hydrated. Well-moisturized eyebrows are less likely to suffer from breakage, which means they can grow longer and appear fuller over time.
2. Nourishing Hair Follicles
Fractionated coconut oil contains essential nutrients such as vitamins E and K and iron, which nourish the hair follicles. These nutrients can create an optimal environment for hair growth. By providing the hair follicles with the right nutrients, coconut oil may encourage healthier eyebrow growth, promoting the appearance of thicker, stronger, and more vibrant brows.
Additionally, coconut oil contains antioxidants, which help to protect hair follicles from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm healthy cells, including those in hair follicles. The antioxidant properties of fractionated coconut oil help neutralize these free radicals, potentially contributing to healthier hair growth.
3. Improved Blood Circulation
Another important benefit of coconut oil is its ability to stimulate blood circulation. When massaged into the skin, coconut oil can help increase blood flow to the hair follicles. Increased circulation can help deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to the hair follicles, which are necessary for healthy hair growth. By improving circulation to the eyebrow area, fractionated coconut oil may support the growth of fuller and thicker eyebrows.
4. Antimicrobial Properties
Fractionated coconut oil contains antimicrobial compounds, particularly lauric acid. Lauric acid is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which can help maintain a clean environment for hair follicles. Healthy follicles are less likely to become clogged with dirt, bacteria, or oil, which can impede hair growth. By keeping the follicle area clean and free from harmful bacteria, coconut oil may create a healthier environment for eyebrow hair to grow.
5. Strengthening Eyebrow Hairs
Beyond encouraging growth, coconut oil can also help to strengthen eyebrow hairs. Weak or brittle eyebrow hairs are more prone to breaking, which can hinder growth. The nourishing and moisturizing properties of coconut oil can help fortify eyebrow hairs, making them less likely to snap and more resilient to daily wear and tear. Stronger eyebrow hairs may also appear thicker and fuller, improving the overall appearance of your brows.
The Science Behind Coconut Oil for Eyebrow Growth
While the benefits of coconut oil for hair health are well-documented, there is limited scientific research specifically targeting eyebrow growth. However, research on hair growth in general provides valuable insights into how coconut oil might help enhance eyebrow growth.
1. Penetration into Hair Follicles
One of the key reasons coconut oil is effective for hair care is its ability to penetrate the hair shaft. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that coconut oil is capable of penetrating the hair shaft and reducing protein loss. Protein is a vital component of hair, and maintaining the integrity of hair protein is essential for keeping it strong and healthy. By reducing protein loss, coconut oil may help prevent eyebrow hair from becoming weak and fragile.
2. Hair Growth Stimulation
Another study published in the Journal of Dermatology explored the role of coconut oil in promoting hair growth. The research found that coconut oil's moisturizing properties, combined with its ability to nourish hair follicles, can stimulate hair growth. While the study did not specifically focus on eyebrows, the same principles can likely apply to eyebrow hair.
While more research is needed to definitively prove that coconut oil directly promotes eyebrow growth, these studies suggest that coconut oil could have a positive impact on the overall health of hair follicles, which may lead to stronger, thicker, and healthier eyebrows over time.
How to Use Fractionated Coconut Oil for Eyebrow Growth
If you're interested in trying fractionated coconut oil for eyebrow growth, here's a simple and effective way to incorporate it into your beauty routine.
1. Perform a Patch Test
Before applying coconut oil to your eyebrows, it's always a good idea to perform a patch test to ensure you don't have any allergic reactions. Simply apply a small amount of fractionated coconut oil to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear. Wait 24 hours to see if any redness, itching, or irritation occurs.
2. Apply the Oil
Using a clean cotton swab or spoolie brush, apply a small amount of fractionated coconut oil to your eyebrows. Ensure that the oil covers the entire brow area, from the skin to the tips of the hairs.
3. Massage the Oil
After applying the oil, gently massage your eyebrows with your fingertips for a few minutes. This massage will help increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, which can further promote healthy growth.
4. Leave Overnight
For best results, leave the fractionated coconut oil on your eyebrows overnight to allow it to deeply penetrate the skin and hair follicles. If you prefer, you can also leave it on for a few hours during the day, but overnight application ensures maximum absorption.
5. Rinse in the Morning
In the morning, wash your face with your usual cleanser to remove any residual coconut oil. If desired, repeat this process every night to achieve the best results.
Considerations and Precautions
While fractionated coconut oil is generally safe for use on the skin, there are a few considerations and precautions to keep in mind.
1. Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to coconut oil. If you notice any redness, irritation, or itching after using the oil, discontinue use immediately.
2. Consistency
Natural remedies like coconut oil require consistent use over time to yield noticeable results. If you expect dramatic changes overnight, you may be disappointed. Give the coconut oil a few weeks to show results and be patient.
3. Consultation with a Dermatologist
If you experience significant eyebrow hair loss or other skin conditions, it's a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before starting any new treatments. While coconut oil may help promote healthy eyebrow growth, it's important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be affecting your hair.
Conclusion
While the scientific evidence specifically supporting coconut oil for eyebrow growth is limited, fractionated coconut oil offers several benefits that can improve the health and appearance of your eyebrows. Its moisturizing, nourishing, and antimicrobial properties make it an ideal choice for eyebrow care, and it can help create a healthy environment for hair follicles. While results may vary, incorporating fractionated coconut oil into your beauty routine could lead to stronger, healthier eyebrows over time. If you're looking for a natural, gentle way to promote eyebrow growth, fractionated coconut oil may be worth a try.
