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Tribune News Service

When it comes to coconut oil, most people think of cooking. But it might just be the next hot hair treatment.
Some say it is a silver bullet for dandruff, psoriasis – a condition in which the skin develops an itchy rash – and other scalp conditions.
In recent years, beauty blogs and TikTokkers alike have been touting coconut oil as a treatment for dry skin.
It is not that surprising when you think about it; the popular shea butter, for example, is also made from a nut oil.

Recently, though, talk has turned to the hair and scalp, and coconut oil is being praised for fixing damaged hair and combating scalp disorders.
Dry, damaged hair
Keratin – the protein that hair is made of – gets damaged by the wear and tear of life.
Add in chemical treatments like bleaches, dyes, perms and straighteners and you can end up with dry, brittle hair. Coconut oil can help with split ends and heat damage.
A 2015 study found that coconut oil is absorbed more easily by hair, making it especially good for moisturising. And American website and provider of health information Healthline reported that the oil can reduce protein loss in hair, which may lead to thicker, healthier looking hair.

Soothing the scalp
Coconut oil is not just good for your hair. It can also help with dandruff and other scalp conditions.
“Coconut oil has moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it beneficial to hair,” Joyce Park, a doctor at virtual dermatology practice Skin Refinery, explained.
Its anti-fungal properties make coconut oil especially useful for treating mild cases of dandruff and, while there has not been any research yet, WebMD notes that many psoriasis sufferers have found relief with coconut oil, saying “there are reasons to think it might be another tool for your toolkit”.

Not for everyone
Coconut oil is not right for everyone. For some hair textures, coconut oil is just too oily – it can clog the scalp if you already have oily skin.
And, of course, if you have a more severe scalp condition, you should still seek out treatment from a medical professional. They are likely to prescribe a medicated shampoo.
“Coconut oil as a shampoo treatment has limitations since it has no active ingredients,” noted WebMD.
If you are planning on using coconut oil, experts recommend getting “virgin” oil from either the cooking aisle or the beauty section.


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Style according to … Han Chong: fashion brand Self-Portrait’s founder shares his favourite luxury resorts, London haunts – and stand-out piece from the label’s current collection

Beauty

Can coconut oil fix dandruff or damaged hair? The pros and cons of using it on your scalp, and what a doctor thinks

Coconut oil is being praised for fixing damaged hair and combating scalp disorders. Photo: Shutterstock

Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking and as a treatment for dry skin. Now it is also being praised for fixing damaged hair and combating scalp disorders. Photo: Shutterstock

The anti-fungal properties of coconut oil make it especially useful for treating mild cases of dandruff. Photo: Shutterstock

A 2015 study found that coconut oil is absorbed more easily by hair, making it especially good for moisturising. Photo: Shutterstock

Jellyfish stings: symptoms, treatment dos and don’ts, and when to seek medical attention – experts and swimmers explain

Open water swimmer Edie Hu says her worst stings in Hong Kong came from sea lice, the microscopic larvae of jellyfish. “I had red welts on my stomach for a week.”  Photo: Edie Hu

A ghost jellyfish in Hong Kong in July. Swimming in the ocean carries the risk of being stung by jellyfish. Swimmers share their painful experiences, and expert advice outlines how to treat stings, and symptoms to beware of. Photo: Edie Hu


Mak says her lips swelled up like sausages after she was stung by a jellyfish in the waters off Hong Kong Island. Photo: Joanna Mak 

Nelson after being stung by a jellyfish in Hong Kong. Photo: Peter Nelson 

Open water swimmer Edie Hu says her worst stings in Hong Kong came from sea lice, the microscopic larvae of jellyfish. Photo: Edie Hu

A free diver gets close to a large jellyfish, in Hong Kong. Photo: Antony Dickson

Jellyfish stings can be painful, and experts advise to soak the stung area in hot water to relieve the pain. Photo: May Tse

John Terenzini, founder of Hong Kong Jellyfish Project. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Why sunscreen is still the best protection against skin cancer, which types to use and how, and the importance of SPF

A new study looking at melanin’s ability to stop UV light attacking our DNA, could see the pigment becoming the base for future sunscreens. Photo: Shutterstock

Skin cancers are mostly preventable with the right precautions, including the use of sunscreen. A study of how melanin in our bodies stops UV light attacking our DNA could see the pigment becoming the base for future sunscreens. Photo: Shutterstock 

Melanin could be instrumental in future sunscreens, says Jean-Philip Lumb, associate professor in chemistry at McGill University in Canada. Photo: Jean-Philip Lumb

Many skin cancers can be avoided if people remember to apply and reapply sunscreen. Photo: Shutterstock

Extended life expectancies mean people are exposed to UV light for a longer time, says Dr Wong Shiao-yi, a specialist in dermatology at Dermacare Central in Hong Kong. Photo: Dr Wong Shiao-yi

The best available sunscreens have zinc oxide as their base. Photo: Shutterstock

Why fermented foods are good for your brain, not just your gut, and which are best – experts explain

A jar of the fermented drink kombucha. Photo: Shutterstock

Kimchi is good for our gut health, but researchers say that it could also be good for our mental health, along with other fermented foods and drinks like sauerkraut, kombucha and miso. Photo: Shutterstock

As well as being good for gut health, fermented foods are also a source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that plays a role in the production of serotonin. Photo: Shutterstock 

Cyrus Luk, a dietitian and executive committee member of the Hong Kong Dietitians’ Association.

According to experts, the health of the microorganisms in our gut can influence our mental health. Photo: Shutterstock

Taking muesli with yogurt – a fermented food – may be a good way to promote mental health. Photo: Shutterstock

7 skincare myths debunked, from oils and retinol to exfoliating and double cleansing

What skincare rules really work to get flawless, glowing skin? Skincare experts debunk seven of the top myths. Photo: Shutterstock

A common skincare myth is that oils clog the pores, leading to acne and other forms of inflammation. Photo: Shutterstock

Alkaitis says that Ayurveda teaches that “oil cuts oil”. Photo: Shutterstock

After a certain age, you do not necessarily have to use active formulas including retinol, vitamin C and acid exfoliation. Photo: Shutterstock

Exfoliating is an essential step in skin maintenance – but use gentle products. Photo Shutterstock

Properly cleansing the skin is an everyday necessity. Photo: Shutterstock

Double cleansing process is both a gentle and thorough way to wash the day off. Photo: Shutterstock

The pros and cons of personalised shampoos and conditioners – the future of hair care, or just an expensive fad?

A model with shiny, healthy hair. Personalised shampoos and conditioners promise to bring out the very best in a person’s hair. Is this the future of hair care, or is it just a passing trend? Photo: Shutterstock

Used plastic packaging for cosmetics. Every year, millions of tonnes of unused or unwanted beauty products get thrown away. Photo: Shutterstock

A woman washing her hair. Those who wish to take care of their hair better should look beyond their shampoos and conditioners – one of the worst aggressors for hair is hard water. Photo: Shutterstock

A woman conditioning her hair. There are many elements that affect what a person needs to keep their hair strong and healthy. Photo: Shutterstock

Hair care products on a table. For those who enjoy the experience, personalised hair care is a fun way to create a unique product. Photo: Shutterstock

Lifestyle

Fashion & Beauty

Some say coconut oil is a silver bullet for fixing damaged hair, as well as for treating dandruff, psoriasis and other scalp conditions
One doctor agrees, saying that it has “moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties” – but it is not right for everyone


Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking and as a treatment for dry skin. Now it is fast becoming a popular fix for dandruff and dry hair damage too.


Wellness

Skincare

Can coconut oil fix dandruff or damaged hair? The pros and cons of using it on your scalp, and what a doctor thinks

Some say coconut oil is a silver bullet for fixing damaged hair, as well as for treating dandruff, psoriasis and other scalp conditions One doctor agrees, saying that it has “moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties” – but it is not right for everyone

Dry, damaged hair

Some say coconut oil is a silver bullet for fixing damaged hair, as well as for treating dandruff, psoriasis and other scalp conditions

One doctor agrees, saying that it has “moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties” – but it is not right for everyone