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How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair: 9 Game-Changing Ways
Coconut oil is a miracle cure also known as an all-natural wonder ingredient! Not only is it a versatile staple in the kitchen, often used as a substitute for butter or cooking oil, but it also works wonders in beauty and self-care routines, on your skin as a body lotion or for your curls as a nourishing product.
One of the reasons coconut oil is so effective is because it’s a natural emollient, meaning it helps lock in moisture and soften hair without added chemicals. This makes it 100% Curly Girl-approved, perfect for those looking for a gentle, effective way to care for their hair.
In this article, we share nine wonderful ways to use coconut oil for hair.
Also read: 6 DIY CG-proof hair products with kitchen ingredients
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What is coconut oil?
Where does coconut oil come from?
Coconut oil comes from—you guessed it—coconuts that grow on the coconut palm. The oil is extracted by removing the white flesh and pressing it to release all that nourishing goodness. There are two main ways to do this: cold-pressing fresh coconut meat, which gives us virgin coconut oil, or unrefined coconut oil. Instead of drying the coconut first and then pressing it, which produces refined coconut oil.
When it comes to hair care, we prefer virgin coconut oil. Since it’s cold-pressed, it keeps more of its natural antioxidants, vitamin E, and polyphenols, all of which help nourish your scalp and strengthen your curls.
Why is coconut oil good for your hair?
We know you’re wondering, “Is coconut oil good for curly hair?” The answer is a big YES! Unlike most oils that sit on the surface, coconut oil deeply penetrates the hair shaft, nourishing your curls from within.
Applying coconut oil to textured or fine hair helps repair protein loss, lock in moisture, and strengthen damaged curly hair. This makes a huge difference compared to other oils, which often just coat the strands instead of truly hydrating them.
Also read: What does Protein mean for a Curly girl?
What makes Coconut oil so special?
The stuff is packed with natural fatty acids, making it an ultra-nourishing and deeply moisturizing ingredient for your hair. Since it penetrates the hair shaft, it helps restore hydration, strengthen strands, and leave your curls smooth and shiny.
There’s a common misconception that any ingredient containing lauric acid, lauryl, or laureth can cause coconut sensitivity. However, these are actually different chemicals with unique properties. Don’t worry, using coconut oil for hair is completely safe and healhty!
How do you use coconut oil for hair? The basics
As a curly head you often suffer from dry hair or fluffy hair. You can buy a special hair oil for this, which promises to tame frizz hair less and shine more.
But often not natural oils contain ingredients that are harmful to your healthy hair and are therefore not approved according to the curly girl method.
Alternative: pure oils that are simply for sale in the supermarket or organic shops, such as argan oil or almond oil.
In general, what works for one does not have to work for the other. One may find it a miracle cure and achieves a healthy scalp, but the other will make the hair wispy and stiff what leads to hair breakage.
Check your curl and hair type
Before diving into a routine, it’s important to understand your curl and hair type. Does your curly hair need more shine or less frizz? Knowing what your hair craves will help you get the best results!
A little oil goes a long way. Just a few drops are enough to hydrate and protect your strands. If you have coarse hair, using too much could weigh your curls down or even lead to hair loss over time.
If you have wavy hair, you might want to dilute your coconut oil or choose a lighter oil to avoid weighing your hair down or making it fall flat.
you might be wondering, “Does coconut oil make hair greasy?” If your hair feels oily, you’ve probably applied too much! A tablespoon is more than enough, trust us. Also, you might find coconut oil in a solid form (sometimes labeled as coconut fat). Simply warm it up to turn it into a smooth oil that’s easier to work through your curls.
How to apply the coconut oil on your hair
Take a small amount of fat from the pot and warm it between your hands until it turns into liquid coconut oil.
For the best results, steam your hair before applying the oil. You can do this by standing under a warm shower or wrapping your hair in a warm towel. The heat helps open up the hair cuticles, allowing your curls to absorb the oil more effectively. Plus, this step prevents buildup and flakes on your hair shaft and scalp.
How to wash out coconut oil
Used too much coconut oil or just need to remove it from your hair? The best way to wash out coconut oil is with a shampoo containing sulfates.
Sulfates create that foamy lather needed to break down excess oil and ensure your curls don’t feel greasy or weighed down. If you prefer a gentler cleanse, try a clarifying shampoo that removes buildup without stripping moisture from your hair.
Also read: 6x How to wash your hair CG proof
So now that you know the benefits. We will now fill you in on how to use coconut oil for hair.
#1 Get Rid of Tangles with Coconut Oil
The daily battle against tangles is real, but coconut oil makes detangling effortless! It smooths your strands, making it easier to run your fingers through without breakage.
How to use it?
- Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil until it melts.
- Apply a small amount to your fingertips and massage it into your curls from roots to tips.
- Gently untangle your hair using your fingers.
Pro Tip: Apply overnight before washing your hair for an even easier detangling session in the morning. Cover your hair to prevent the product from spreading.
#2 Coconut oil as a deep conditioner
If you are suffering from damaged or dry hair, coconut oil works as an incredible deep conditioner. It penetrates the hair shaft, nourishing your strands and strengthening the protein structure.
You can also think of it as a power-up. Try adding some coconut oil to your deep conditioning treatment to restore dry and damaged hair.
How to use it?
You always apply a deep conditioner to wet hair after your co-wash.
- Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to your deep conditioner for extra hydration.
- Apply it to wet hair after your co-wash.
- Use circular motions to massage the conditioner from root to tip.
- Wrap your curls in an old T-shirt and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Want to go all-natural? Use pure coconut oil as a deep conditioner! Apply it to clean, wet hair, cover with a shower cap, and let it absorb for 30 minutes before rinsing.
#3 Say Goodbye to Dandruff
Dandruff is a common issue for curly hair. It is often caused by a dry scalp, product buildup, or fungus. Luckily coconut oil is a natural solution thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps maintain a healthy scalp, reducing flakiness and irritation.
How to use it?
- Apply 2-3 drops of coconut oil directly to your scalp.
- Massage the oil into the areas where you see dandruff.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it out before your co-wash.
#4 Tame Frizz with Coconut Oil
Curly hair is prone to frizz due to its porous structure, which allows moisture to escape. Frizz can be frustrating, but coconut oil helps by creating a lightweight barrier that seals in moisture. It’s the perfect balance between a moisturizing oil (which penetrates the hair) and a sealing oil (which locks in hydration). A great way to quench that dry hair.
Also read: Oil for your curls: do they moisturize or seal your hair?
How to use it?
- Warm a few drops of coconut oil in your hands.
- Smooth it over your curls, focusing on dry or frizzy areas.
#5 Coconut oil as a leave-in
You can also use coconut oil as a leave-in for long-lasting hydration. Then you can use coconut oil in different ways:
As an overnight pre-poo treatment
- The night before you wash your hair. Massage some virgin coconut oil into your hair, wrap your hair in an old t-shirt and finally put the blow dryer on your head.
- Add heat so the heat will open your scales and allow the oil to absorb better. Sleep well, and the next day you wash your hair in the normal way. Make sure you rinse the oil well, otherwise you will get build up.
- If you have thin hair, you better avoid the scalp. We really dig this pre-poo treatment.
As an addition to your styling products!
- Add a small amount of coconut oil to your favorite gel or curl cream for all-day moisture.
Pro Tip: If you have fine hair, avoid applying coconut oil directly to your scalp—it may weigh your hair down!
#6 Coconut oils as a natural shine enhancer
If you want a natural shine on your curly hair, then coconut oil is the perfect tool. But also for thick or coily hair. For best results, cocktail the coconut oil with your favorite leave-in or moisturizer.
Keep in mind that your curly hair is clean and product-free before applying the coconut oil to your curly hair.
#7 Coconut oil as a light-hold styler
Coconut oil is the perfect addition to any styling product. You can mix the coconut oil with your favorite gel or curl cream. In this way your hair can receive moisture throughout the whole day.
How to use it?
Before you adapt the coconut oil combined with a styling product to your hair, make sure your curls are a bit wet. This makes the curls more supple and your curly hair will keep in place. Because when your curly hair dries up it will stay put the whole day.
Pro Tip: If you have fine or wavy hair, mix coconut oil with a lighter oil (like argan or jojoba oil) to prevent it from weighing your hair down.
#8 Coconut oil as a seal in moisture
You can protect your curls with coconut oil as a sealant. Sealing ensures that the moisture you put into your curly hair stays there. That is what curl specialist Evelyn Ngugi says. She added that moisture is lost when the cuticle is raised and water leaves the hair.
So if we follow up the advice of Evelyn, you’ll want to seal those strands!
How to use it?
- Section your curls and apply 2-3 drops of coconut oil.
- Gently finger comb the oil through your hair.
Using your fingers instead of a brush ensures that each curl is properly sealed.
#9 Coconut oil as a light moisturizer
Instead of adding the coconut oil into your moisturizer is it also possible to use the coconut oil on its own. In this way you can add moisture to every curl.
Remember to steam curly hair before applying the coconut oil to avoid build up or hardened strands!
A hair mask with coconut oil replaces moisture loss through chemical treatments.
As we said, what works for one doesn’t have to work for the other. If you find that coconut oil is not working for you, you can replace it with another natural oil, such as avocado oil or sunflower oil.
Ready bring out your natural curls? Read our blog on: How to Get Curly Hair: Tips and Tricks for Every Hair Type
What are your experiences with using coconut oil for hair? And do you have any questions about coconut oil? Feel free to ask them via Instagram!
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