Organic Coconut Hair Oil: Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on organic coconut hair oil and its study.

Organic coconut hair oil

Oil derived from the cold pressing of mature coconut meat, free from synthetic chemicals; contains lauric acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants; penetrates the hair shaft for hydration, protection, and repair.

Cold pressing

An oil extraction method using mechanical pressure at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and avoid synthetic additives.

Lauric acid

A low-molecular-weight fatty acid abundant in coconut oil; enables deep penetration into the hair shaft, reduces protein loss, provides moisture, and has antimicrobial properties.

Cocos nucifera L.

Scientific name for the coconut palm; source of coconut meat and oil.

Natural hair oil

Oil made from natural ingredients (e.g., coconut) used to smooth, moisturize, and add shine to hair without synthetic additives.

Protein loss

Loss of hair proteins during washing or processing; coconut oil helps reduce protein loss by penetrating the hair shaft.

Antimicrobial properties

Coconut oil’s lauric acid content helps fight scalp infections and dandruff.

Dandruff

Flaky scalp condition that can be reduced by coconut oil’s antimicrobial action.

Frizz

Unruly or rough hair texture; coconut oil moisturizes and smooths to reduce frizz.

Sun drying

Drying coconut milk under sunlight to separate oil.

Extraction

The process of obtaining oil from coconut, often by pressing or other methods.

Natural Product Chemistry theory

Theory focusing on chemical compounds produced by living organisms; guides extraction, isolation, characterization, and synthesis of natural substances for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Holistic Health Theory

Theory emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and environment; supports using natural ingredients for overall well-being.

Enzymatic extraction

Oil extraction method that uses enzymes to aid recovery of oil.

Microemulsion

Stable oil-in-water emulsion used to improve delivery and stability of coconut oil’s bioactive components.

Tween 20

Non-ionic surfactant used in microemulsions to stabilize oil droplets.

Tween 40

Non-ionic surfactant used in microemulsions to stabilize oil droplets.

Tween 80

Non-ionic surfactant used in microemulsions to stabilize oil droplets.

Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)

The amount of water that passes through the epidermis; coconut oil can help reduce TEWL by maintaining moisture.

Zero-waste beauty practices

Sustainable beauty approach aiming to minimize packaging waste and environmental impact.

Significance of the study

Highlights health-conscious and eco-friendly benefits of organic coconut hair oil for various groups (swimmers, curly/wavy/straight hair) and for those seeking natural options.

Scope and delimitation

Section outlining study limits: focuses on wavy, curly, and straight hair; excludes other textures and other ingredients; limits generalizability.