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.
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.
For a hair mask, you'll want to apply coconut oil to your hair before washing, being sure to shampoo, condition and thoroughly rinse out all oil after masking. (And yes, it will likely take an extra shampoo to get it all out!)
It depends on the result you are seeking. Applying oil on wet hair means less shine, but there are other benefits, such as detangling and heat protection before blowdrying. On dry hair, the shine factor is higher and you will get better frizz, UV and pollution protection.
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.
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizing product for your hair. It can be used both before and after you wash your hair to help prevent damage and keep your hair looking shiny and healthy.
Coconut Oil Can Cause Hair Breakage
The more you use it, the drier and brittle your hair becomes, leading to more breakage. Coconut oil should never be used on dry, coarse, or brittle hair because these hair types are particularly vulnerable to breakage from coconut oil use.
Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, explains that, when you leave unrefined oil on the roots and scalp for too long and it's absorbed into the scalp, it can cause hair growth to slow down. In addition, coconut oil can make your hair greasy and dull if it builds up on your scalp.
"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.
The moment your hair is left to soak in oil for more than 12 hours, your scalp collects dirt and mixes with your scalp's natural oil. Leaving oil on your hair overnight can make it greasy and sticky, and it will also attract dust from your pillow and bed. As a result, it can lead to hair loss and other hair problems.
Coconut Oil Isn't for Every Hair Type
Typically, those with fine to medium shiny hair will see good results from coconut oil and notice stronger, shinier hair with more volume. Those with coarse or dry hair may not struggle with low protein at all and coconut oil may lead to more brittle hair and hair loss.
For best results, some haircare experts suggest using coconut oil about two to three times a week.
The oil is occlusive, so it will trap the the conditioner's hydrating ingredients within your hair, allowing them to penetrate the shaft longer and more effectively. Wait at least 15 minutes or up to an hour before rinsing — the longer you wait, the softer your hair will be.
Just as you can use a hair oil before blow-drying your hair, you can also use one after you're done styling.
To make sure that your hair gets cleaned but still remains nourished and frizz-free, apply oil every time before you wash your hair. Even if it is difficult to keep up with it every time, try to oil your hair at least twice a week. However, if you have an oily scalp, you can reduce the frequency of oiling your hair.
Macadamia Oil
Macadamia oil is extracted from macadamia nuts and is enriched with fatty acids. These fatty acids make it one of the best hair oils for dry and frizzy hair. If you frequently style your hair with heat tools, using hair masks with macadamia oil can deeply nourish your hair.
“Saturated fats, often found in meat and dairy products as well as coconut oil, can increase LDL levels in your blood,” says Dr. Russell. “This in turn increases your risk of heart disease, peripheral artery disease and stroke.” Eating foods that contain coconut oil can increase your risk for heart problems.
"If you have oily skin and are acne-prone, coconut oil shouldn't be applied to acne-prone areas." Steer clear of applying coconut oil to your face, chest, upper back and shoulders, as these areas of skin have the most oil glands, and do test patches on other areas of your body before going all in.
Hair breakage can be reduced, therefore meaning the hair can grow longer without breaking. If your hair is thinning or if your hair has become fine, coconut oil has helped people to reduce the speed of hair loss; it has been known to affect the hair shaft to have a positive effect on the loss of protein.
Try combing before oiling. You are encouraged to comb your hair while having your hair conditioner on. Using too much oil when oiling can make hair washes even more hectic. Residual oil in hair can clog pores and make your scalp dehydrated and oily.
“You can oil when your hair is damp or dry, but your hair and scalp have to be clean, or the oil won't have a chance to be absorbed,” says Dr Gupta. For heavier oils like coconut oil, applying it on dry hair is best, as the larger molecules may not penetrate the shaft of wet hair as well it can dry hair.