Is Coconut Oil Right For Your Hair?

Coconut oil has been a staple in kitchens and beauty routines for thousands of years. It’s a versatile ingredient with a ton of uses, from cooking to skin care and more.

You may have heard coconut oil praised as a miracle product for hair, too. But does it really live up to the hype? We’ve done our research—here’s everything to know about what coconut oil can and can’t do for your hair, plus how to properly use it.

What is coconut oil, exactly?

Coconut oil is a natural oil that comes from the meat of coconuts. It’s extracted in two main ways: either by cold-pressing fresh coconut meat (which produces virgin coconut oil) or by drying the coconut and then pressing it (which results in refined coconut oil).

Coconut oil’s main claim to fame is that it’s loaded with fatty acids—especially lauric acid, which is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a good source of vitamin E, which is great for skin health.

Is coconut oil good for hair?

Depending on your hair type and goals, it can be! Here are the potential perks:

Moisturizes + conditions

Thanks to all its fatty acids, coconut oil does a good job of adding and locking in moisture. As such, it tends to work well for dry, brittle hair and coarse, textured strands that need deeper conditioning.

Strengthens hair + prevents damage

Unlike a lot of other oils, coconut oil can penetrate deep into the hair shaft, helping to prevent protein loss and strengthen strands from the inside out.

Reduces frizz

Prone to frizzy hair? Coconut oil can help smooth things out by sealing the hair cuticle.

Adds shine

Because it smooths the hair cuticle, coconut oil can give your hair a natural, healthy-looking shine. It’s perfect for a glossy finish when used in moderation (a little goes a long way!).

Supports scalp health

Research shows that coconut oil can help with scalp issues like dryness, flakiness and dandruff. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties may help reduce scalp inflammation and soothe irritation, leading to a healthier scalp overall.

Can coconut oil damage hair?

Coconut oil is generally considered safe for most hair types, but like anything, it has its cons when used incorrectly or excessively.

For one, coconut oil has a rich consistency that might be too heavy for certain hair types. If you have fine hair or an oily scalp, you may want to use coconut oil sparingly or skip it altogether. Look into lightweight oil options that are just as nourishing, like the ones in our award-winning Hair Oil.

Another thing to watch out for is how much coconut oil you use. Going heavy-handed can result in greasy, limp hair and buildup if not washed out properly.

Although coconut oil is known for its ability to help retain protein in the hair, overuse on already damaged or over-processed hair might lead to a protein overload. Too much protein in the hair could cause brittleness and breakage.

Bottom line? It’s all about finding what works best for your hair type. Use small amounts and wash your hair thoroughly to avoid throwing things off balance. (It’s also a good idea to do a patch test before trying out coconut oil or any new hair product, particularly if you have sensitive skin.)

How to use coconut oil for hair

Here are some ways to work coconut oil into your hair routine:

• Pre-shampoo treatment: If you have dry, fragile hair, you can try a pre-shampoo coconut oil mask to prevent moisture loss. Apply a small amount of the oil to your hair (focusing on mid-lengths to ends) and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before shampooing.
• Leave-in treatment: Use a small amount on damp hair to lock in moisture and smooth things out. But be mindful of using heat tools if you take this approach, as curling or flat ironing oil into the hair can cause damage.
• Scalp massage: Before bed, massage a bit of coconut oil into your scalp for a few minutes, focusing on areas that might be dry, flaky or irritated. Rinse it out in the morning.
  
  

Alternatively, you can look for haircare products that contain coconut oil (among other ingredients) for more complete benefits. Take our Moisture Repair Conditioner: it’s a mega-nourishing formula for dry, damaged strands made with coconut oil, hydrolyzed rice protein and other hair-healing ingredients.

Other tips to improve hair health

If coconut oil isn’t for you, know that it’s just one of many ingredients that support moisture, shine, strength and overall hair health.

To pick the right products for your strands, it’s important to understand your hair type and goals. Take our quiz to get started!