LouAna brand coconut oil, sold at many major retail grocery stores such as WalMart, is intended for cooking, but like many culinary oils, it can also be pressed into use for hair-care purposes. The LouAna product is 100 percent coconut oil, with no additives. Its primary attraction is price--LouAna coconut oil is refined, which yields more oil per coconut but removes the distinctive coconut flavor and aroma. Coconut and other oils are used as a conditioning treatment to provide extra moisture to dry hair. Coconut oil in particular is solid at room temperature and thus easier to handle. It also lasts a long time without going rancid.

On the Other: Alternatives to LouAna Coconut Oil

Other coconut oil products may be more desirable to some people, for example if they desire an unrefined, organic or free-trade product. These options are more expensive but provide greater long-term benefit to the environment and the economies of coconut-producing countries. Some also prefer their coconut oil to be "virgin," that is, extracted from the coconut without application of heat. This alters the chemical structure of the oil less than heat-based methods. If you like the scent of coconut oil, you will want to use virgin oil. Some people are allergic to coconut, or simply prefer an alternative product. Popular choices include almond oil, olive oil and jojoba oil. For almond oil and olive oil, any 100 percent pure, food-grade product will do.

Bottom Line

LouAna brand coconut oil is an excellent choice for hair-care needs if you are on a budget. Virgin coconut oil is preferred by some, and others prefer organic sources, but both are more expensive. If you love the smell of coconut, choose an unrefined coconut oil instead. Other natural oil alternatives include almond oil, olive oil and jojoba oil.

Source:

Planet Green: Condition Your Hair with Coconut Oil