Mineral oil is a common and cheaply acquired petroleum. It is refined crude oil, yup, the same stuff you use to make your car run. This product, which is in 95% of beauty products on the market, can actually damage the nervous system because it blocks pores, trapping vitamins and minerals that should be absorbing, and not allowing toxins to escape.

Coconut oil, on the other hand, actually absorbs into your hair follicles, nourishing your hair. Coconut oils has been utilized by natives of tropical and coastal countries for thousands of years for hair and skin. It not only protects your hair from the rays of the sun, it gets deep into your hair follicles, promoting growth by providing nourishment. It fights lice and dandruff and locks in moisture when you apply it to wet hair. It also prevents split ends and breakage. Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. Mineral oil does none of those things.

Mineral oil may give your hair the look that you want via some of your favorite products, but when it comes to mineral oil versus coconut oil, coconut oil is hands down the winner for the health and vitality of your hair in the long term.