The Scalp Microbiome and Coconut Oil: A Match Made in Hair Heaven

Have you ever wondered about the tiny organisms living on your scalp? Believe it or not, there's a whole microbiome living and thriving on our scalps, made up of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. And, just like our gut microbiome, the balance of these microorganisms can have a big impact on the health of our scalp and hair.

Recently, a longitudinal study on the scalp microbiome found that using coconut oil on the scalp can help to enrich the population of healthy commensals (beneficial microorganisms). Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a natural hair treatment, and this new research suggests that its benefits go beyond just nourishing and moisturizing the hair shaft.

Coconut oil has been found to have antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help to kill off harmful bacteria and fungi on the scalp. But, it also has a unique composition of medium-chain fatty acids, which has been shown to nourish and support the growth of healthy commensals. This helps to create a balanced microbiome, which is crucial for a healthy scalp and hair.

Using coconut oil on the scalp is easy, simply massage a small amount into your scalp and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before washing it out. For best results, use high-quality, cold-pressed, and organic coconut oil. You can also use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, or add it to your regular shampoo or conditioner.

In conclusion, this study adds to the growing body of evidence that the health of our scalps and hair is closely tied to the balance of microorganisms living on our scalps. By using coconut oil, we can help to enrich the population of healthy commensals (ecology) and promote a healthy scalp and hair. So, next time you're looking for a natural hair treatment, reach for a jar of coconut oil and give your scalp microbiome some love!