is coconut oil good for hair growth after chemo

Is Coconut Oil Good For Hair Growth After Chemo?

After undergoing chemotherapy, more than 60 percent of cancer patients experience hair loss because of certain medicines used in chemotherapy.

Some patients also face hair loss from different parts of their bodies. If you are one of them wondering what helps hair growth after chemo, this article will surely help you. 

Everyone knows that oils can help you in various ways as they are considered natural remedies, but is there any oil that can stimulate hair growth after chemo? 

Well, coconut oil does this job. It is a fatty oil that is made from dried or raw coconuts. It becomes solid and melts when it is heated. Is coconut oil good for hair growth after chemo? 

This article discusses and we will answer this question from every aspect.

Table of Contents

How Does Coconut Oil Stimulate Hair Growth After Chemo? 

essential oils, coconut oils, promote hair growth

The exceptional anti inflammatory properties of this essential oil make it an excellent choice for people to use to promote hair growth.

Coconut oil has lauric acid, a saturated fat beneficial for healthy hair growth. Lauric acid can protect your hair from protein loss during cancer treatment. 

Moreover, it may also protect your hair from toxins. Lauric acid can penetrate your hair shaft while nourishing it with minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. To get the best results from coconut oil, you can include it in your daily diet. 

You can use it on your meals or even try to cook your meals with it. This way, you are not only using it for your hair but also for your whole body, as it can improve your overall health. 

Furthermore, coconut oil can keep your hair moisturized and healthy if applied to dry hair. Some people prefer to use it on alternative days while others only apply it once a week. 

READ NEXT: How long does it take your hair to grow back? 

How Is Coconut Oil Beneficial For Cancer Patients For Hair Regrowth?

chemotherapy induced hair loss, people undergoing chemotherapy, cancer survivors, breast cancer

Before knowing whether coconut oil is advantageous for cancer patients or not, it is crucial to understand the stages of hair growth after chemotherapy treatment.

After 3 to 4 weeks of chemotherapy, the soft fuzz will grow on your scalp. After a month to 6 weeks, your hair will begin to grow. 

Your hair will grow about an inch after 2 to 3 months, and after 3 to 6 months, it will grow around 2 to 3 inches.

After a year, your hair will grow about 4 to 6 inches. 

As far as coconut oil is concerned, it is one of the best oil for hair growth after chemo because it is natural and does not contain harmful chemicals. 

It can help you to improve your overall hair health after chemotherapy and may also prevent any side effects related to cancer.

If you know someone who suffered from breast cancer, you should recommend this oil to them as it can improve their overall health.

Besides promoting hair growth after chemo, coconut oil makes your scalp healthy. When your scalp is healthy, your hair will be stronger and shinier. Moreover, it can also help you to get rid of dandruff and fungus on your head. 

Nonetheless, you should always consult your doctor before adding something new to your routine. 

Is Coconut Oil Enough For Hair Regrowth After Chemo?

Although coconut oil is known to promote hair growth after chemo, you should not only rely on it. 

It can not work like a miracle on its own. Therefore, you must take the required medicines and supplements prescribed by your doctor. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Apply coconut oil directly on your scalp. Leave it overnight or wash it with shampoo after two hours of application. The lauric acid in coconut oil helps your hair to become healthier & stronger while preventing hair from shedding.

It has an affinity to human hair proteins that can also prevent your hair from over absorption of water. Thus, coconut oil plays a crucial role in hair regrowth.

Natural products & oils such as coconut oil are known for having positive effects on your whole body, including hair and skin. Nonetheless, the benefits of these oils vary from person to person as they might not be suitable for everyone. 

Thus, it is recommended to apply this oil as a sample for a few hours to know whether you are allergic to this oil or not.

Apart from natural oils, it is also mandatory to take care of your health after chemo to promote overall well-being. 

What Kind Of Diet Should One Take For Faster Hair Growth After Chemo?

healthy diet, dark leafy greens, anti inflammatory

After chemotherapy, you should take care of your diet and watch what you eat. For faster hair growth after chemo, you need to take healthy foods rich in omega fatty acids, protein, and vitamins that increase hair growth. 

You can take healthy fats, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado. If you are not taking enough nutrients, it will result in slower hair growth after chemo.

You also have to take various fruits and vegetables, but before taking any, you should always ask your doctor about it.

Furthermore, do not forget to drink plenty of water as it is essential for every cell of your body. You should drink at least 2 liters of water a day which will help your hair to grow faster and stronger. 

Which Other Oils or Supplements Promote Hair Growth?

vitamin c, healthy diet, support hair growth, hair healthy

Studies have found that essential oils could promote hair growth. You can go for aromatherapy in which these essential oils are used.

They can stimulate the hair follicles on your scalp to grow faster. You can also use them by yourself at your home. You should be looking for a shampoo that contains sunscreen to prevent sun damage on your scalp. 

Apart from this, you can also research hair growth products after chemo. Many doctors recommend minoxidil (Rogaine) for hair regrowth after chemo.

You should also pay attention to the shampoo that you use. Your shampoo should have amino acids as it will also help stimulate hair growth.

You should also take vitamins to help hair growth after chemo, such as:

  • Vitamin B complex formula

  • Vitamin C

  • Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Conclusion

Hair loss after chemo can be depressing for some cancer patients, but hair loss is rarely permanent. You can use natural oils such as coconut oil to stimulate hair growth and have strong hair.

Moreover, having a healthy diet is beneficial for your overall health as it can also affect hair growth.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

1 of 3