Do you put coconut oil on wet or dry hair? If you plan on just using a little (and only enough to smooth out flyaways), you can apply coconut oil to dry hair. Otherwise, if you want to use it as a conditioning treatment, apply it to damp hair, so it can better absorb the oil.
Use coconut oil in wet hair
We recommend that you use the hair oil in wet hair as a finishing, nourishing treatment after washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner. By applying the coconut oil to wet hair, the hair gets an extra moisture boost and is left soft and shiny all day.
Moisturizing dry hair and scalp
Most oils sit on the surface of the hair, but research shows that coconut oil penetrates more deeply into the hair shaft, which may lead the hair to feel softer and smoother. The oil helps fill the hair shaft, making dry and damaged hair look healthier.
Applying the hair oil while the hair is damp will nourish and protect the fiber it from unwanted frizz as it dries into a subtle, shiny version of its natural texture. Once the hair is dry, you can use another pump of hair oil into your palms and warm it between your fingertips.
For a quick deep-conditioning hair treatment, apply your coconut oil before shampooing and conditioning your hair like you normally would. Simply leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash your hair like normal. Or, for an extra-hydrating hair mask, leave your coconut oil hair treatment on overnight.
Smooth coconut oil onto hair and comb it through dry hair. Leave it on for at 15 to 30 minutes to let it absorb. Thoroughly wash hair with a great shampoo (you may need to shampoo twice to remove all of the oil) and conditioning as usual.
You can leave coconut oil in your hair for up to 30 minutes. If you have thin or highly porous hair, 15 minutes is likely enough time. If you want to use coconut oil as a hair mask or a scale treatment, and your hair type allows, leaving it in overnight occasionally shouldn't cause problems.
Oil repels water. If you apply oil to wet hair, water will repel it and won't allow for deep penetration. This will make it ineffective. Water forms a layer on your hair and scalp that does not allow the oil to pass through it.
You should also apply moisturizer on wet hair only — this allows your strands to properly absorb the product. While you can use some leave-in and daily conditioners each day, stick to using deeper ones once per week.
Danger #2 – Using Coconut Oil Can Cause Hair Breakage
The same goes for your hair when it is lathered coconut oil. Though the oil may keep certain sections “moist” it won't be properly hydrated, and the hair can then become frizzy and brittle which will eventually lead to breakage!
You can use coconut oil as an intensive overnight hair treatment like I did, or as an everyday hair oil, using just about ¼ teaspoon. I recommend using extra virgin organic coconut oil (which you can find at your local market) as a great chemical-free hair conditioning treatment replacement.
For best results, some haircare experts suggest using coconut oil about two to three times a week.
Always apply oil before washing your hair
“We all know that oil is a great moisturizer and if you want to keep your mane hydrated and frizz-free then you must apply oil before washing your hair,” explains Dr Kapoor. She also adds that hair oil protects the scalp from harsh chemicals.
Use a cotton ball to gently drop lukewarm oil onto your scalp and use the tips of your fingers to apply it in circular motions. Take a small amount of oil when oiling your hair at home. The more you apply, the more time it'll take to wash it off which it'll ultimately cause overdrying your hair. Remember, less is more.
Is it bad to leave coconut oil in your hair overnight? No, putting coconut oil in your hair is not bad. Coconut oil stays in your hair and penetrates into the scalp and the shafts, making it stronger and luscious. Hence, it is always good to leave it overnight and then wash it off the next day.
You should never comb your hair immediately after applying oil. You see, hair is more fragile after oiling and your scalp is a lot more relaxed. Combing your hair roughly can cause hair breakage and loss. If you do want to comb your locks, start from the tips and gently make your way to the top.
These nutrients help hydrate and strengthen hair, especially damaged and dry hair. The oil is also rich in minerals and vitamins, including vitamin E. It helps to keep oxidative stress and free-radical damage at bay. By leaving coconut oil in your hair overnight, you allow your hair to soak up all the good nutrients.
You can leave coconut oil on your hair for a minimum of 30 minutes. For maximum benefits, you may leave it overnight. Washing it off too early may not let the hair and scalp soak its benefits, and keeping it on for days may attract dirt and cause buildup and hair fall.
To get rid of the excess oil, try dry-hair solutions such as dry shampoo, cornstarch, or baby powder. You can also use leave-in treatments such as an egg wash, lemon juice, or baking soda. When you rinse them out, these solutions should take the coconut oil with them, leaving your hair clean and hydrated.
Coconut oil is a natural way to help your hair grow longer, thicker, and faster. The vitamins and essential fatty acids naturally found in coconut oil nourish the scalp and help to remove sebum build-up from hair follicles.
"The reason some people experience dryness with coconut oil — especially when using it alone as a treatment — is that it can penetrate the hair cuticle, taking up space within the strands," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson.
Simply applying the oil allows hair that has already detached from your scalp to fall away. Using too much coconut oil can make your hair greasy. It usually doesn't cause hair loss, but it can cause previously detached hair to fall away from your scalp more easily.