coconut oil and protein?

[Obsidian]

Why do I read all over the forum that coconut oil contains protein? Its doesn't, not even a little bit. ts true that it can cause brittle hair in some people but its not due to protein, wonder where that myth came from and why its perpetuated so much?

[Arctic]

It prevents protein loss from hair strands, so on long term use, it can "sort of act like a protein would", thus the misconception. Many people with protein sensitive hair can't use it for that reason. True it, or other oils do not contain protein.

There are some scientific research to show the coconut oil preventing of protein loss, maybe someone can post a link.

Sorry fragmented post, am only flying by.

[meteor]

You are right, Obsidian. :agree: Uncontaminated coconut oil (and any other pure oil) is 100% oil and contains no proteins.

The claim that coconut oil can "proteinize" hair could have possibly come from misinterpreting a finding from this study? :hmm:
Effect of Mineral Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Coconut Oil on Prevention of Hair Damage: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094

Among three oils, coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product.
Coconut oil can reduce protein (keratin) loss of hair itself, but it doesn't deposit any proteins on hair.

It could cause some temporary stiffening effect though, if the coconut oil is used in significant amounts and allowed to solidify in hair: virgin, unrefined coconut oil solidifies at temperatures below 24 C (76 F).