Coconut oil is one of the most versatile hair care oils around. It can work wonders for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair of all types.
Don't: Apply Oil on Dirty or Wet Hair
Before you oil your hair, make sure it is clean and dry. Applying oil on dirty hair can trap dirt and bacteria on your scalp, leading to infections and dandruff.
Damp is better. The oil spreads easily and more evenly and it will absorb the oil better than on dry hair especially if its after a hot shower/face wash.
- Coconut Oil: Moisturizes dry hair and adds shine and softness. - Jojoba Oil: Repairs damage and moisturizes. - Sunflower Seed Oil: Strengthens and moisturizes hair.
“Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which hydrate without leaving a greasy residue,” says Garshick. “Use a lightweight conditioner and avoid heavy oils or creams. A leave-in conditioner spray or a volumizing conditioner can also help add moisture without making hair flat.”
Use only a tiny amount to avoid greasiness, focus on the ends, and leave in for 1 hour. For scalp issues: If you're using coconut oil to address scalp issues like dandruff or itchiness, you can apply it to your scalp and leave it on for 15-30 minutes before shampooing out.
Dry hair: If you have dry and brittle hair, oiling your hair 2-3 times a week is recommended. Dry hair tends to lack natural oils, and regular oiling can help restore moisture and prevent breakage.
First, let's set the record straight—what does damp hair mean? This is when your hair isn't dripping water everywhere but still feels moist to the touch. If you're a numbers person, we like to say damp hair should be about 65% wet. It's clearly not dry, but your hair isn't leaking water either.
Coconut oil can weigh hair down: It can make fine hair appear limp, flat, and greasy. Overuse can make coarse hair stiff: It's essential to avoid buildup and rotate use with other oils. Clogged pores: Do a skin test before use to see how your skin will react.
Some claim coconut oil offers benefits like healthier gums, plaque removal, and even whiter teeth. But before you make oil pulling part of your morning routine, it's important to ask, “Does coconut oil really whiten teeth?” It turns out that oil probably won't offer you significant oral benefits.
While leaving oil on your hair may seem beneficial, prolonged exposure can have adverse effects. If hair growth oil is left on for extended periods, it can attract dirt, clog pores, and lead to dandruff and itching. Over-saturation may also weaken hair strands, making them prone to breakage.
Coconut oil works as a moisturizer for your body, especially if you have dry skin. But that may not be the case for your face. Dr. Wu notes that it's generally not recommended to use coconut oil on your face because it's highly comedogenic (in other words, it's a pore clogger).
Still, she cites research that shows that at the very least coconut oil strengthens brittle hair and makes it healthier, longer, and thicker. Beyond such benefits, additional research shows that coconut oil may also slow down hair loss because it is deeply absorbed.
Hair oil can be applied to both damp and dry hair. They both achieve slightly different goals, and the results will vary by hair owner. Generally, oiling damp hair can be done as a more deeply penetrative treatment, while oiling dry hair focuses on polishing frizzy ends and finishing styles.
Don't go overboard: If you use too much oil, your hair will feel greasy or weighed down. Use a few drops and apply evenly throughout the lengths of your hair for the best results -- we promise it's enough!
Adds moisture and shine to hair
Another study from 2021 found that coconut oil strengthens hair fibers. Especially for hair that's been affected by intense styling and heat damage, hair oiling can fill in some gaps to keep it moisturized and, in turn, silky smooth.
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.
“It often causes fine hair to become brittle and break.” These undesirable results occur when coconut oil is unable to penetrate the hair, whether due to natural texture or too much of a good thing. “Be careful not to use it in excess,” cautions Fitzsimons.
A buildup of coconut oil can lead to greasy hair, which can weigh down thinner hair types.
Drinking enough water allows the body to perform its necessary functions. Therefore, by staying hydrated, you allow the body and your hair to function to the best of their abilities. That means your hair will grow instead of becoming dry and brittle.
Ingredients like honey, which is a natural humectant, can attract water to thirsty hair while natural moisturizers like botanical oils and butters provide essential hydration and nutrients to nourish the hair. A good hair moisturizer not only boosts hydration but also locks it into the hair shaft.
How To Use Coconut Oil for Hair. Pre-wash: Before shampooing, apply a light layer of coconut oil directly to the hair and scalp of straight or wavy hair textures. Focus on massaging the oil onto the mid-lengths and ends of your hair for at least five minutes or overnight before shampooing and rinsing with water.