Many people know about coconut oil and it has been in use for generations to strengthen our hair, but do you know, there is another thing we get from coconut that is even more beneficial for our hair? It’s coconut milk. Coconut milk for hair can be found in a packaged can at any store or we can make it in the home also. It is loaded with nutrients that can benefit your hair.
Coconut milk is rich in protein, healthy fats and contains a lot of B vitamins. It also contains a high amount of lauric acid, iron and calcium which add nourishment to your hair and help fight dry and itchy scalp.
How to make homemade coconut milk for hair growth
It is better to use your own homemade coconut milk than packaged ones for hair mask. The process of preparing coconut milk is relatively simple. Scoop out fresh coconut from its shell and grate them. Place the grated coconut in a blender with some water and blend it smooth. Now take a cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Press the freshly blended coconut to squeeze out first extract of thick milk. You can directly use this milk for your hair mask recipes. If you want a thinner consistency then simply add the strained coconut shreds back to the blender with some water and run it till for a few seconds. Strain this through the cheesecloth and this will give you the second extract of thin coconut milk.
Below are some easy and effective ways to use coconut milk for hair.
1.Coconut milk, Amla(Indian Gooseberry) And Yogurt
Yogurt is considered a natural moisturizer. It hydrates the hair strands and makes them shiny and luscious. Amla powder is a rich source of vitamin c that fights free radical damage and improves your hair’s texture. It acts as a natural conditioner for your hair and prevents them from greying.
Preparation
Mix 1/4th cup of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon yogurt, 2-3 tbsp of amla powder. Mix well and apply all over your hair. Keep this mask for 45 minutes then wash it off.
2.Coconut Milk And Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise contains egg, vinegar, and canola oil, which helps in hair growth and reverses the damage from your hair from heating and colouring. This mask can be used as a protein treatment for your hair.
Preparation
Take 3 tablespoons of coconut milk, add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to it. Mix all these ingredients and apply them on. Wash it away after 30 minutes.
3.Coconut Milk, Hibiscus Flower And Rosemary Oil
Hibiscus flowers are rich in nutrients that help prevent premature greying. They also arrest hairfall and help control dandruff. Rosemary oil stimulates hair growth and promotes regrowth by improving circulation.
Preparation
Take 10-12 petals of hibiscus flower, 1 tbsp of fresh aloe vera pulp and grind them along with coconut milk. It should form a thick consistency paste. Add 3-4 drops of rosemary oil and mix well. Apply this paste on your hair and leave it for 45 minutes, then shampoo as usual.
4.Coconut Milk And Honey
Honey contains natural anti-bacterial nutrients which moisturize your hair and makes them look silkier and glossy.
Preparation-
Take 1/4th cup of coconut milk and add 2 tablespoons of organic honey to it. Apply this mask all over your scalp and hair and leave it for 1 hour before washing it off.
5.Coconut Milk And Avocado
Avocado provides long-lasting and deep hydration to your hair. It moisturizes your scalp and hair, as it contains vitamins A, B6, D, and E and minerals like iron and copper.
Preparation-
Take 1 ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon of argan or olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and coconut milk depending on your hair length. You can also add essential oil to it. Mix all of it and apply it to your scalp and hair. Keep it for 30 minutes then shampoo as usual.
6.Coconut Milk And Banana
Banana is a source of potassium and vitamins. It promotes hair growth and prevents your hair strands from dryness.
Preparation-
Take 1 ripe banana, add 1 tablespoon of coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Grind this mixture to make a smooth paste. Apply this mask and leave for 30 minutes before washing it off.
7.Coconut Milk And Curry Leaves
Curry leaves (Kadi Patta) are extremely high natural antioxidants and help fight premature greying. They help in reducing hair fall by providing strength to the hair follicles. It’s the easiest mask made of coconut milk for hair.
Preparation-
Grind some coconut chunks and 10-15 curry leaves (add some coconut water or normal water into it). Wrap the mixture in a muslin cloth and squeeze the liquid out. Apply this liquid mask on your scalp and hair strands. Keep it for 30 minutes then wash it away.
8.Coconut Milk And Aloe Vera
Aloe vera helps with irritated scalp and hydrates it as well as your hair strands. It also balances the moisture level in the hair.
Preparation-
Blend 1/4th cup of coconut milk and add some aloe vera chunks, 1 tablespoon of and a teaspoon of vitamin E. Apply it over your scalp and leave it for 15-30 minutes.
9.Coconut Milk And Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of different vitamins and minerals that help conditioning dry hairs. It also gives bounce and luster to your hair.
Preparation-
Take clean fenugreek seeds (methi seeds) in a bowl and soak them in water. Set it aside for 7-8 hours. Strain the extra water from this and blend the fenugreek seeds to make a fine paste. Take ½ cup of this paste and add ½ cup of coconut milk to it.
10.Coconut Milk And Camphor
Camphor stimulates the scalp thus promoting hair growth. It also helps control dandruff and itchy scalp.
Preparation-
Take 1 cup of coconut milk and add 2 tablets of camphor. Crush and mix the camphor tablets with thick coconut milk. Dip a cotton and apply the mixture all over your scalp and hair. Wait for 45 minutes then wash it away.
11.Coconut Milk And Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil nourishes your hair and makes them shinier and smooth. They also help control oxidative stress on your scalp which in turn reduces hairfall.
Preparation-
Take 2 vitamin E capsules and break them open. Add them in a bowl of coconut milk and mix well. Now take cotton ball and dip it this mixture. Part your hair and start applying throughout your scalp. Rub some of the mixture over the lengths of your hair. Let it sit for 45 minutes then shampoo your hair.
12.Coconut Milk And Egg
Eggs are rich in protein and using them on your hair makes your hair strong and prevents hair loss. It also cleanses your scalp and reduces dandruff.
Preparation-
Take 3 tablespoons of coconut milk, add 1 egg white, and 2 tablespoon of fenugreek seed powder. Blend the mixture until it forms a thick paste. Apply it all over your head. Let it stay for 30 minutes then wash it away.
You may also like to read: Top 10 Homemade Hair Packs for Hairfall: Natural & Effective
You can use coconut milk for hair by making these masks at home. Give them a try before deciding to spend a ton of money on expensive hair products.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-coconut-milk-coconut-cream#1
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1750-3841.14223
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-e-for-hair#benefits