Before I became a hairdresser, I already enjoyed using coconut oil on my hair. In beauty school, I was excited to learn about its many science-backed benefits.
For almost 4,000 years, people have used coconut oil for many beauty and health purposes. (source) Today, online shopping makes it easy for anyone to buy this amazing product.
“Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats and can deeply nourish your hair. But before using it, consider your hair’s thickness and texture,” says Erin Black, salon owner and hairstylist at Lucky Lu’s in Denver, CO.
“Nature often provides the best solutions. Many natural products and plants offer strong nutrients that help your hair,” she says.
Before buying a new product, it’s smart to learn more about it. From what I’ve seen, coconut oil can help everyone’s hair in some way. So, I created this full guide to help all hair types use it.
In this article, you’ll learn:
What coconut oil is. Coconut oil is made by pressing either dried or fresh coconut meat. I’ll teach you the differences and uses for each.
Why to use coconut oil. Coconut oil has many benefits, like fighting dandruff and preventing hair loss.
How, when, and where to use coconut oil. Use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment, styling product, hair mask, and more! You’ll find step-by-step instructions for every method.
Who can use coconut oil. Anybody seeking a natural product can use coconut oil to boost their hair and scalp health.
Coconut oil is made by pressing either fresh or dried coconut meat. The method used and the type of coconut affect how the oil is used.
Over 4,000 years ago, Ayurvedic medicine praised coconut oil for its many benefits, even comparing it to mother’s milk. Today, science supports this idea. Both coconut oil and mother’s milk are rich in healthy fats. They work as natural antibiotics and contain lots of vitamin E and important fatty acids. (source)
Coconut oil is popular for cooking and beauty. The main difference between them is how the oil is made. When shopping for coconut oil for hair, you will notice many labels. Here is what each term means:
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil- Extracted from fresh or dry coconut meat using a cold-press method. Because no heat is used, the oil maintains its beneficial properties. (source)
Virgin Coconut Oil- Another name for extra virgin coconut oil. There’s no official difference between virgin and extra virgin coconut oil. (source)
Unrefined Coconut Oil- Another name for virgin, extra virgin, and pure coconut oil.
Pure Coconut Oil- Another name for virgin, extra virgin, and unrefined coconut oil. The FDA considers these 4 terms to mean the same thing in terms of coconut oil labels. (source)
Fractionated Coconut Oil- Heated during processing to remove lauric and long-chain fatty acids. Offers fewer benefits for the hair and skin, but also feels less greasy. (source)
Refined Coconut Oil- This oil goes through processing to improve its use in cooking. It is made by heating dry coconut meat to extract the oil, then it is bleached and deodorized. It has little effect on hair and skin and has no smell. It is a good choice if you want the benefits of coconut oil without the scent. (source)
Keep in mind, when I mention the benefits and uses of coconut oil, I am referring to pure coconut oil. The less processed it is, the more advantages it offers. Later, we will quickly discuss how and why to use other types based on your hair type.
These are the top advantages of applying pure coconut oil to your hair:
Conditions and hydrates hair from the inside out. Coconut oil feeds and protects every part of your hair. (source) Its nutrients and moisture reach deep into all layers. Because of its tiny molecules, coconut oil acts like a spa treatment for each hair strand!
Reduces frizzfor all hair types. Coconut oil helps control frizzy hair because it contains healthy fatty acids. It smooths hair without making it feel heavy or oily. (source) No matter if your hair is thick or thin, coconut oil can be a great way to fight frizz.
Boosts hair growth. While no research has shown that coconut oil speeds up hair growth, many studies do show it helps hair grow longer and thicker. (source) It is one of the few natural methods proven to support healthy hair growth. (source)
Shields hair from harsh weather like smoke, sun, and wind. Different weather conditions can harm your hair. (source) Sunlight, smoke, and strong winds may lead to breakage, split ends, color fading, and frizz. Research shows that the fatty acids in coconut oil form a strong barrier that helps protect hair from these elements. (source)
Shields hair from physical damage. Everyday styling can harm your hair, not just from heat tools. Simple actions like brushing, washing, or braiding cause tiny breaks in your hair strands. (source) To help, apply coconut oil before you wash or style your hair. Later, I will show you an easy, step-by-step way to use coconut oil to protect your hair from this damage.
Repairs and rebuilds damaged hair. If your hair is already damaged, coconut oil can still help. It goes deep into the hair shaft and fills in gaps caused by split ends and frizz. (source)
Adds major softness and smoothness. If your hair feels dry or rough, it likely needs some extra care. Coconut oil is packed with moisture, protein, and nutrients that your hair craves. Even using coconut oil one time can noticeably improve softness, smoothness, and shine.
Helps prevent tangles and knots. Hair gets tangled when split ends, frizz, and rough spots catch on each other. They stick together like Velcro, causing knots. (source) Coconut oil fills in these gaps and shields the outer layer of your hair. This makes each strand smooth, so your hair is much less likely to tangle or form knots.
Helps stop and soothe dandruff and eczema. Coconut oil works well on your scalp. Its fatty acids and anti-inflammatory effects help treat dandruff, especially if eczema causes it. (source)
Works great with volumizing products. After over 10 years of owning a salon, I noticed many oils in volumizing products actually reduce volume. I prefer mousses and hairsprays that include coconut oil. It is light and does not weigh hair down. Volumizing products with coconut oil help you get volume without losing softness.
Everyone who visits my salon can gain something from using coconut oil on their hair. However, the results will not be the same for everyone. If you use coconut oil the wrong way, it can lead to a lot of frustration.
Use the right amount of coconut oil based on your hair type and how you plan to apply it. Remember, with coconut oil, a little goes a long way.
Applying too much coconut oil on your scalp can make it itchy or irritated. It may also lead to bacteria growing. Using excess oil on your hair can leave it looking greasy, dull, and uncomfortable.
Begin by using a little bit of oil. Rub it between your hands to warm it up. This helps the oil spread easily and evenly through your hair.
It’s easier to add more oil later if needed. But if you use too much at first, washing out the extra takes a lot of time. Trust me, begin with a little oil and slowly add more. This way, you avoid wasting time and feeling frustrated.
How to Use Coconut Oil on Your Hair
Coconut oil has been used in natural medicine for hundreds of years. Scientific research also shows it has many benefits. That’s why people use coconut oil in many different ways!
When: Use twice a month for curly, thick, or very treated hair. For fine hair, apply once a month.
Where: Apply to the middle and ends of your hair. If your roots are badly damaged from heavy bleaching, perming, or relaxing, include them too. Otherwise, skip the roots.
How:
Start with dry hair. Section your hair in whatever way is convenient for you; I part my hair down the center, splitting it into two sections. I like to do this on my day off or overnight so I can let it sit for hours.
Warm up the coconut oil. You can warm the oil by rubbing it between your hands, but I prefer a small saucepan on the stove. You’ll need a max of 2 tablespoons for short or fine hair, and a max of 4 for extremely long, thick, or processed hair. The oil shouldn’t be hot! Just warm it up enough to melt it into a liquid.
Apply the oil. Use whatever technique is convenient for you; I’ve found the easiest way is to get some oil on your hands, rub your hands together, and apply to your hair, starting at the ends. Work your way up to the mid-shafts. Stop here unless you have thick, curly, or heavily processed hair.
Comb or brush through to ensure even distribution.
Let the oil sit for 7 to 8 hours. You’ll see even better results if you wrap your hair in a shower cap, towel, or bag.
Wash your hair thoroughly. You may want to spend longer shampooing or even shampoo a second time. You will immediately notice more softness and shine.
Where: Apply mainly to your roots and the middle parts of your hair. These are the spots where you usually use shampoo. Covering these areas helps protect your hair from damage while you wash.
How:
Start with dry hair before you shower. Split your hair into sections. I like to separate the nape of my neck from the rest so I have two sections.
Warm the coconut oil however you like. You can use a warmer made for this purpose, your hands, or even a pot on the stove at low heat. You don’t want it hot! Just warm enough to be liquid. I find 2-3 tablespoons is more than enough.
Using your fingers, apply the oil to your roots. I find that pretending I’m washing my hair in the shower ensures I cover all the right areas.
Wash and condition your hair as you normally would. The oil protects your hair from damage caused by scrubbing and hot water!
When: If your hair is fine, use conditioner once every 3 to 4 washes. For curly, thick, damaged, or color-treated hair, apply it every wash or every other wash.
Where: Put the mixture on the middle and ends of your hair. You don’t need to apply it to your scalp or roots because conditioner is not meant for those areas.
How:
After shampooing your hair, rub a dime-sized amount of coconut oil between your palms. Warm it up until it spreads evenly across your hands.
Add your usual conditioner to your palms. I suggest using just a smidge less because coconut oil is so powerful.
Apply like you normally do with conditioner. Allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly. There’s no need to use ice-cold water. You aren’t trying to keep any of the coconut oil in your hair in this application, so there’s no need to mess with the water temperature.
When: Brush your hair whenever it feels rough or tangled after washing and drying it with a towel.
Where: Start by applying oil to the ends of your hair and then move up slowly. The ends are the oldest part and usually the most damaged. You only need a small amount on the roots and middle sections, unless your hair is very curly, thick, or has been treated a lot.
How:
Wash and condition your hair as you normally would. Towel dry your hair slightly. You want damp hair, not soaking wet.
Section your hair however works best for you. I like to part my hair down the center and split it into two sections for this application.
Warm up the coconut oil however you like. Same as the other applications, you want the oil to liquefy. You don’t need as much for this option—I’d say 1-2 tablespoons at most.
Apply the oil to your ends if you have fine, medium, or color treated hair. For thicker or heavily processed hair, work up into your mid-shafts as well.
Use a brush or comb to go over the areas you applied. If you didn’t put any oil on your mid-shafts, no need to brush there. The goal is even distribution.
Style your hair however you’d like. You should notice a faster dry time, fewer tangles, and shinier locks.
When: Perfect for days when your hair is styled but you want extra shine or to tame some frizz.
Where: Use as a spot treatment after your hair is dry and styled. Apply it to your crown, bangs, ends, or any area you want!
How:
It’s crucial to warm the oil up in your hands for this application. Warming the oil up prevents you from accidentally using too much, which makes your hair look greasy. Thoroughly emulsify a very small amount in your hands. Picture the top of a Q-tip; that’s about how much you should need.
Using your fingertips or palm, touch only the spots in your hair that need more shine/control.
Depending on the style, use a brush or comb to smooth the section. Coconut oil is a great natural replacement for certain gels and hairsprays.
Optional step: Sleep overnight without washing out the coconut oil. This step ensures shine and hold, but can be messy. The oil can smear onto your pillowcases, forcing you to do laundry the next day.
You can use coconut oil on your scalp, but I strongly suggest following the method shared by Tabitha Fredrichs, a Certified Trichologist.
First, Fredricks explains that coconut oil is a saturated fat and it can clog pores. When pores get blocked, it often causes scalp acne, also called folliculitis. Leftover oil on the scalp can attract bacteria, which leads to swelling and irritation.
Use Fredrick’s recipe and follow the steps carefully to get the best results for your scalp and hair.
What to Use: Choose fractionated coconut oil. It is a liquid form of regular coconut oil. Combine it with a water-soluble oil such as jojoba oil. Jojoba oil helps break down sebum and keeps your scalp moisturized.
Recipe:
To ensure no toxins will leach into the oil, use a dark glass container.
Add 4 oz of cold-pressed 100% pure Jojoba oil.
Add 1 oz of 100% pure fractionated Coconut oil.
When:
At night before you shampoo
At least 10 minutes before you shampoo
Before a workout to keep your scalp warm or prior to a warm bath
How Often:
If you have scalp symptoms, use 1-2 times per week.
If using for hair growth, use 2-4 times per month.
Shampoo your hair twice to make sure you get rid of all the oil completely.
When: Whenever you or your kids have gum, slime, tree sap, or any sticky mess tangled in your hair.
Where: Wherever the sticky mess is stuck or caught in the hair.
How:
Your hair can be either dry or wet. If it is already dry, there is no need to add water.
Try to separate the sticky mess as much as possible. Avoid pulling out any hairs that are caught. Trim any hair that isn’t touching the sticky area to keep it out of the way.
Put a small amount of coconut oil on your fingers. You don’t need to heat it up. Use about a dime to nickel-sized amount, based on how much buildup is in the hair.
Put the oil right on the sticky mess and any hair caught in it. Use your fingers to gently rub the oil into the sticky area. Do not use a comb or brush. The oil helps loosen the stickiness, making it easier to pull the hair free from the gunk.
If it still feels sticky, put a small amount of coconut oil, about the size of a dime, on that spot and rub it in well.
If the buildup isn’t too stubborn, you can gently brush or use a wide-tooth comb to help loosen it. Never pull or force it. Your goal is to clear away the gunk without damaging or breaking your hair.
This method might take as long as 20 minutes, depending on how bad the problem is. But it’s worth it because it saves you from cutting out a messy, tangled section of hair. You can use this technique on any hair type.
Hair Type Considerations
Coconut oil works well for all hair types. But each type has its own needs. To get the best results, use coconut oil in ways that suit your specific hair type.
Thick, coarse, processed, and curly hair includes many different types. But they all have one thing in common. These hair types often lack key nutrients that help keep hair soft, shiny, and healthy. (source)
Pure virgin coconut oil is especially helpful for these hair types. It helps treat dandruff and dry scalp, which often affect thick, curly, or processed hair.
Coconut oil is great for your hair and scalp. If you do not have dandruff or a dry scalp, just use it on your hair.
If your hair is fine or oily, use only a small amount of product. Since fine hair has fewer strands than thick hair, you don’t need as much.
Your hair might not actually need the benefits of coconut oil. If your hair isn’t dry, adding extra moisture can make it look oily and greasy.
Use coconut oil before washing your hair to protect it from damage. You can also apply it as a conditioner or leave-in to add shine and make your hair soft. It works well as a scalp treatment too.
If you have fine hair, you may get an oily scalp and dandruff more easily. To help, try using a scalp treatment once every 2 to 3 weeks.
Medium density hair that is colored covers many hair types. Maybe your hair is medium density and you add highlights sometimes. Or you might have fine hair that you dye every month.
If this sounds like you, you’re in the right group. You can try many ways to use coconut oil. I enjoy doing a coconut oil hair mask once a month, treating my scalp when the seasons change, and sometimes adding a little to my conditioner.
You can begin with this routine or make one that fits you best. The easiest way to find what works is to start with a little and slowly increase. If coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner isn’t giving you results, try a monthly hair mask or add it to your usual conditioner—choose what fits your schedule.
Don’t worry about updating your routine. As the seasons change, your body changes, too. So, your hair care may need to adjust from time to time.
Best Oils to Mix with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is good for all hair types. It also works well as a carrier oil, making it even more useful.
Most essential oils are very strong and should not be used directly on your hair or skin. You need to mix them with a carrier oil. Carrier oils have a mild scent and do not affect the smell of the essential oil.
Coconut oil is a great carrier oil because it helps your hair and skin stay healthy. It blends well with essential oils that you should not use alone. Here are some of my favorite custom mixes:
Argan Oil: Mix equal amounts of argan oil and pure coconut oil to get the best shine and smooth hair. Argan oil goes a little deeper into your hair, while coconut oil has more healthy fats.
Enjoy the benefits of both by using a 50/50 blend as a mask or a leave-in conditioner.
Rosemary Oil: Recent studies show that some aromatherapy methods may help treat alopecia areata. (source) Rosemary oil appears to work especially well.
Mix 8-10 drops of rosemary oil with 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply this blend to your scalp. It can calm an itchy scalp and boost your hair follicles. This may help your hair grow longer and thicker. (source)
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is famous for fighting fungus and helping balance pH levels. (source) You should mix it with coconut oil before use because it can cause skin irritation if used alone.
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 8-10 drops of tea tree oil. Stir well. Apply this blend to your scalp if you have dandruff or an oily scalp. Use the same amount of time and rinse it off just like you would with pure coconut oil treatment.
You can find pure coconut oil at many stores. But don’t rush to buy the first one you see. Some products are expired, watered down, or fake. To get the best coconut oil for your hair, check these 6 key things before you buy:
Color: Natural virgin coconut oil often looks creamy white or light yellow. The exact shade depends on the coconuts used. If your oil is very white or clear, it is likely refined or has been bleached.
Scent: Natural coconut oil has a light, tropical coconut smell. It should not be very strong. If you notice a strong sunscreen scent or a nutty smell when you open it, the oil has likely been processed.
Purpose/Extraction Method: Choose cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil. It keeps more healthy fats and nutrients that help your hair and scalp. Heat-pressed and refined coconut oils lose some of these good parts. If your hair is fine or you dislike the smell of unrefined coconut oil, refined or “cooking” coconut oil can still offer some benefits.
Texture: Cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil is solid when kept at room temperature. You need to rub it between your hands to melt it before use. If coconut oil is already liquid at room temperature, it has been heavily refined, which means most of its nutrients are gone.
Price: What I like most about this natural product is how budget-friendly it is. Virgin organic unrefined coconut oil usually costs between $0.50 and $0.75 per ounce. If the price is higher, the product is probably refined. You can choose refined or fractionated coconut oil if you want one without a scent, but expect to pay a bit more.
Sourcing: Today, sustainability matters more than ever. From what I’ve seen, brands that ignore it often sell lower quality products. Check the label for organic and cruelty-free certifications. Brands that care about these values usually make the best products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does coconut oil make your hair grow?
Currently, there is no research that shows coconut oil helps your hair grow. (source)
However, because coconut oil has many proven benefits for hair, you may still see a difference. It helps improve scalp health, deeply nourishes your hair, and protects each strand.
Coconut oil helps reduce split ends and breakage, making your hair look like it is growing faster and healthier.
Can I apply coconut oil to my hair every day?
Yes, you can use coconut oil on your hair daily. But think about your hair type first. If your hair is fine, avoid putting oil on your scalp every day. Instead, apply a tiny bit only to the ends.
Applying too much oil on fine hair can make your scalp oily. This can slow down hair growth and make your hair look dull. (source) You can use oil every day, but begin with a small amount.
If you have medium to thick hair or color-treated hair, you can use a little more product. Start with a small amount, then add more if needed. You can also apply it to your roots and mid-lengths if they feel dry.
It may take a few weeks to find the perfect amount for your hair, but you can safely use coconut oil every day.
Do you put coconut oil on wet or dry hair?
Apply coconut oil to damp hair for a deep conditioning treatment, or use it on dry hair to reduce frizz.
Keep in mind, you will need much less coconut oil on dry hair. Dry hair does not soak up the oil deeply. This happens because the hair’s outer layer, called the cuticle, stays flat when hair is dry. (source)
When your hair is damp, the cuticle lifts a little. This helps coconut oil go deeper into your hair, nourishing it from the inside. (source)
In summary, choosing to apply coconut oil on wet or dry hair depends on the results you want.
Does coconut oil for hair expire?
Yes, coconut oil can go bad. Virgin or extra virgin coconut oil usually lasts up to 5 years. Refined or fractionated coconut oil stays good for about 18 months. (source)
These timelines are longer than the typical “Best By” dates on coconut oil. Those labels are usually cautious to make sure the oil stays good before the date printed on the package.
If your coconut oil smells very sour or bitter, or you see tiny dark spots, it has spoiled.
Is it OK to use expired coconut oil on your hair?
You can sometimes use coconut oil on your hair even if it is past the “Best By” date. If the oil still looks good and smells normal, it is usually safe to use.
In this case, it is likely safe to apply the product to your hair. The FDA makes sure cosmetic companies create safe products. However, there are no rules about how long items like coconut oil stay good. (source)
Trust your instincts. If there are no signs that it’s expired, it’s likely okay. But if anything looks or smells strange, it’s safer to throw it away.
How do you wash your hair after using coconut oil?
Once you use coconut oil, wash your hair well. If you leave too much oil, your hair may appear flat and greasy.
The main thing is to be gentle when washing. Use warm water and wash slowly. Do not scrub too hard. First, rub the shampoo between your hands to make it foam faster.
Deciding to use conditioner after depends on your hair type. For curly, thick, or color-treated hair, conditioner helps seal in the benefits of coconut oil. But if your hair is fine or thin, adding conditioner may be too much.
Can I leave coconut oil in my hair without washing it out?
You can leave coconut oil in your hair without rinsing it out. If your hair feels very dry, try using the oil as a leave-in conditioner or styling product. This way, your hair will absorb moisture and nutrients throughout the day.
Do you use coconut oil before shampooing, as a hair conditioner, or to treat your scalp?
You should wash out the coconut oil after using it because you need to apply a lot. Leaving too much oil in your hair all day may make your scalp itchy and uncomfortable. It can also block your skin from breathing properly. (source)
