Shraddha Kapoor happens to be one of the most open proponents of natural beauty in Bollywood, and according to reports, the secret behind her radiant skin is coconut oil. Does science back up the claims? Well, Shraddha Kapoor hair care tips serve as an ideal basis for understanding how Ayurvedic concepts blend with modern dermatology.
While Shraddha Kapoor may seem to have perfect skin, there is a complex set of procedures that happen during her skincare regime which needs to be deciphered by experts.
What Shraddha Kapoor Has Said About Coconut Oil in Her Beauty Routine
In all her discussions on skincare, Shraddha Kapoor has had a “less is more” attitude towards her skincare routine, with great focus on plant purity. In different interviews, it has been observed that Shraddha Kapoor maintains that her skin care routine consists of nourishing herself using natural oils.
During an interview with NDTV Swirlster, she emphasized the need to massage her scalp once every fortnight to compensate for extra lipids without causing any unnecessary build-up. Alongside applying coconut oil to her hair, Kapoor’s application of coconut oil is done by employing the practice known as “oil pulling,” which is beneficial in maintaining her oral hygiene and providing her with more physical energy. She treats her sensitive skin with a besan mask blended with coconut, jojoba, or rosehip oils.
What Coconut Oil Actually Does for Hair The Research
Different scientific experiments have been done by different scientists to support the claim that coconut oil works effectively. However, the most important experiment took place in the year 2003 at the Journal of Cosmetic Science, which proved that coconut oil works effectively in minimizing protein loss in hair.
Such a characteristic is owed to lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid whose composition in the oil amounts to half of its total composition. The molecular structure of lauric acid enables it to penetrate deep inside the hair shaft and reach the hair cortex. Unlike mineral oil, which merely coats the surface, coconut oil for body binds to internal proteins. However, research does not support the claim that it can directly stimulate new hair follicles or cure genetic balding; its role is strictly protective and structural.
What Coconut Oil Does for Skin Benefits and Limitations
It has been documented that virgin coconut oil is very efficient as an emollient. Studies have shown that high-quality virgin coconut oil is useful in improving skin barrier function and treating atopic dermatitis owing to low trans-epidermal water loss.
There is yet another factor through which the antibacterial characteristics of lauric acid help limit the growth of S. aureus on the skin; lauric acid can prevent follicles. The antibacterial property of lauric acid, however, is undermined by the fact that lauric acid has very high comedogenicity. The comedogenicity rating of coconut oil is 4 out of 5, meaning that it has very high comedogenicity. While it is excellent for treating dry and aged skin lacking lipids, it is highly harmful to oily skin.
Who Should Use Coconut Oil and Who Shouldn't
Physiologically speaking, compatibility refers to hair porosity and skin type. Compatibility can be observed in individuals with porous hair, which refers to individuals who have lifted cuticles and are quick at losing moisture. In this case, the oil will aid in controlling the frizzed hair of such individuals.
At the same time, people with low porosity hair can experience grease when using coconut oil as well as the feeling that their hair is “straw-like.” What’s more, coconut oil should not be used by individuals who have “protein sensitivity” because the accumulation of proteins found in coconut oil can make the hair stiff and brittle. In addition, coconut oil is useful for the treatment of xerosis (extremely dry skin) and cracks in cuticles, but should be avoided in the facial area owing to the T-zone grease.
How to Use Coconut Oil the Right Way for Skin and Hair
To achieve results similar to the Shraddha Kapoor hair care routine without lipid overload, professional application is key. For hair, the most effective method is a pre-shampoo "oil bath." To ensure that the lauric acid penetrates into the hair before the water, add some oil to your hair when it is still dry; you can leave either one or two spoons of oil on your hair for half an hour or even during the night.
For your skin care regimen, it should be applied on the moistened skin after bathing or showering. As a facial cleanser, it can be applied on the face to cleanse away makeup, and then it is washed off with another cleanser. Only the Virgin and Cold Pressed versions of the oil should be used.
