Coconut oil has become a very popular hair care product due to the many nutrients, healthy fatty acids and antioxidants found in coconut oil. Coconut oil has a multitude of uses, it can be used on both the hair and the body. In this blog post, we take you through how to best use coconut oil for your hair and how to achieve the best effect. Read along here and let loose in our good advice.
Before you buy all the coconut oil in your local supermarket, it is important to know how to use coconut oil in your hair correctly. Then you are sure to take part in all the good benefits of the oil. Coconut oil is one of the so-called multi-tasking oils on the market, which means that it is both nourishing for the hair while providing moisture for the skin and body. You can even use it to remove your makeup. This is one of the reasons why coconut oil is so widely used in professional hair care products.
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Coconut oil for the hair: How to use coconut oil best for your hair
by Lotte Lindgren on Sep 06, 2022
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Read through by Dorthe Kristensen
Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on August 12, 2024.
Table of contents
Benefits of using coconut oil in hair
1. Coconut oil for hair is moisturizing
Coconut oil is one of the oils that has the easiest time penetrating the hair fibers. This gives a unique effect which means that the coconut oil helps to provide moisture and nourishment inside the hair itself. This means that the oil is very moisturizing and nourishing in depth.
2. Coconut oil prevents protein loss in the hair
The reason coconut oil is so popular in professional hair care products is the coconut oil's unique composition. The oil has an incredibly high content of lauric acid, which helps prevent protein loss.
3. Coconut oil in the hair gives quick results
Due to the composition of the coconut oil, it has an incredibly fast-acting effect on the hair. You will therefore experience the positive results from the oil quickly after use.
Which coconut oil for hair should you use?
Our best advice when you want to use coconut oil in your hair is:
1. Use a pure organic coconut oil - This way you avoid using refined and/or processed coconut oils which do not have the same effect on your hair.
2. Do not use raw coconut oil - This type of coconut oil is suitable for cooking but not for your hair. If you use raw coconut oil you will have to take care that your hair does not get greasy, as the raw coconut oil can tend to weigh the hair down.
3. Remember that it is a cumbersome product - therefore start with a small amount (less is more)
How to use coconut oil for hair
That's it, now you have bought the absolutely perfect coconut oil and are ready to pamper your hair! Coconut oil for the hair has many methods of use, so it may be a good idea to test yourself a little and find the method that works best for you and your hair. However, we can recommend this procedure when you need to use coconut oil for your hair.
IMPORTANT! Start with a small amount
As previously described, coconut oil is a very difficult product and therefore it is very important to start with a small amount. It is important to find out how your hair reacts to the coconut oil to know how much is needed. Some hair types just need more moisture than others. Start by working the coconut oil into your hair and make sure to focus on your ends. You will be able to feel after some time if your hair has absorbed some of the oil.
Take care of your scalp
It can be beneficial to use pure coconut oil for dry scalp or to fight dandruff, as it helps to maintain natural oils in the scalp. However, you should be aware that the oil can tend to weigh down the hair, clog pores and/or cause irritation for certain skin types. Therefore, you must take care of your scalp when using coconut oil, as it can be very individual how we react to it in our scalp.
Wet hair and coconut oil
You can use coconut oil in both dry and wet hair. If you use it on wet hair, you can advantageously use it after shampooing. Here, as previously described, the hair receives a lot of nourishment and moisture. After which you must use your conditioner to close the strands afterwards, so that the moisture and care remain in the strand. The hair will subsequently be soft and shiny for longer than usual.
Good benefits of coconut oil in the hair
Now we have talked a lot about which coconut oil you should use, how you should use coconut oil in your hair, but what are the benefits of coconut oil in your hair? We give you all the benefits right here.
Instant shine-giving effect
If you suffer from dry and damaged hair, coconut oil can be your salvation! In a very short time, the oil can transform your dry hair into glossy and shiny. It's perfect for the quick morning routine where you want to do a little extra with your hair. In addition, the coconut oil also protects the hair from drying out until you wash it with shampoo.
Course of action: Distribute the coconut oil in dry hair with a brush or comb. Avoid getting the coconut oil on the scalp.
Say goodbye to frizzy hair
If you have frizzy hair, you know how much of a task it can be to tame the locks. You've probably spent a fortune on fancy products that have had no real effect. This is where coconut oil can be your savior! Because coconut oil consists of medium-chain fatty acids, it penetrates deeper and faster into the hair shaft and hair fibers than other hair oils. For example, if you have problems with a lot of small 'flying hairs', you can easily tame these with a few drops of coconut oil
Procedure: Use a small amount of coconut oil in the hair and spread it through the hair. Then use your hairbrush and comb the hair through well. Allow the hair to air dry afterwards.
Detangle your tangled hair more easily
If you often find that you have filtered hair, coconut oil can be fantastic for saving the hair more easily. At the same time, the hair also gets a lot of moisture and care.
Procedure: Use a small amount of coconut oil and spread into the ends of the hair. Use a wide-toothed comb, a gentle hairbrush or your fingers to detangle the ends. You can then slowly work your way up through the hair.
Coconut oil as a night routine
If you don't yet have a night routine for your hair, you could consider using coconut oil for your hair. It works super well as a night treatment for the hair. Coconut oil has a high content of vitamins and essential fatty acids, which penetrate deeply and quickly into the hair. You can especially pay attention to using it in your ends, as it helps to prevent split ends or if the hair strand breaks. Thereby, the hair will have much better conditions to grow long.
Procedure: Use this method shortly before going to bed. Wet your hair with lukewarm water and then dry your hair with a towel. Then add a small amount of raw coconut oil and comb the hair out. Then put the hair up in a gentle hair towel, so that you protect the pillow from oil and wet hair. The morning after, you rinse the coconut oil out of your hair and then wash with shampoo and conditioner. You can do this routine 2 to 3 times a month.
Use coconut oil to protect your hair from the sun
In the summer, the hair is extra exposed, because the sun helps to dry out the hair. Hair is just as affected by the sun as your skin is. Coconut oil is naturally UV protective. One layer protects the equivalent of a factor 5. Therefore, always remember the coconut oil when you are on holiday, so that you can prevent sun-damaged hair. However, be aware that coconut oil does not provide 100% protection. It is therefore a good idea to bring a hat or scarf so that you can be protected against sun-damaged hair.
Use coconut oil to relieve dry scalp
Are you one of those who suffer from a sensitive or dry scalp? We often wash our hair and this can help to remove some of the natural oils from the scalp, which are important in relation to having a balanced scalp.
Procedure: Use a small amount of coconut oil, which you warm up well between your hands. Then you distribute the coconut oil on the scalp, here it is important that you massage the oil into the scalp. If you have long or thick hair, it can be advantageous to divide the hair into sections.
Coconut oil for dandruff
Coconut oil is an effective natural solution for fighting dandruff and maintaining a healthy scalp. Its antimicrobial properties help reduce dandruff caused by fungal infections, while its moisturising properties soothe dry and irritated scalp. Massage coconut oil into the scalp and leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing for best results. Regular use of coconut oil can reduce dandruff and leave the scalp hydrated and healthy.
How coconut oil helps different hair types
Coconut oil is a versatile and nourishing oil that can benefit all hair types in different ways. Whether you have dry, damaged, curly or coloured hair, coconut oil can be an effective solution to improve the health and appearance of your hair. Here's how coconut oil can help different hair types:
Dry and Damaged Hair
Coconut oil is known for its deep moisturising properties. It penetrates the hair strands and prevents moisture loss, which is especially important for dry and damaged hair. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that binds to hair proteins and strengthens hair from within. With regular use, coconut oil can help rebuild damaged areas, reduce split ends and give hair a healthy shine.
Curly hair
Curly hair tends to be dry and requires extra moisture to keep curls defined and frizz-free. Coconut oil is ideal for curly hair as it helps retain moisture in the curls and reduce frizz. Use coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner or as a deep conditioning hair mask to keep your curls soft, defined and conditioned. Coconut oil also creates a protective barrier that prevents damage from environmental factors.
Coloured hair
Coloured hair requires special care to maintain colour intensity and prevent drying out. Coconut oil is gentle and effective in protecting coloured hair. It helps seal the hair strands and prevents the colour from fading quickly. In addition, coconut oil nourishes and moisturises the hair, which is essential for keeping coloured hair healthy and vibrant. Use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment to protect hair from the drying effects of shampoo and styling products.
Normal hair
While normal hair may not require as much care as other hair types, it can still benefit from the nourishing properties of coconut oil. Coconut oil can be used as a light daily moisturiser to keep hair soft and shiny. It can also help prevent future damage and keep hair healthy in the long term. Use a small amount of coconut oil at the ends of the hair to prevent split ends and keep hair well-groomed.
Frequently asked questions about coconut oil for hair
What is the best coconut oil for hair?
The best coconut oil for hair is an organic coconut oil, you can often find it in your local supermarket.
How often should I use coconut oil in my hair?
There is no real answer to this question as it depends a lot on your hair type. Therefore, we recommend you try it out and see which amount and frequency works best for you and your hair.
Can I use any coconut oil?
No, you should avoid raw coconut oil as it can have a greater tendency to weigh the hair down. Stick to an organic coconut oil.
How do I wash coconut oil out of my hair?
The best way to wash coconut oil out of your hair is to start by wetting your hair with warm water. Then, apply a mild shampoo to your scalp and massage it in before rinsing the shampoo out with lukewarm water. Next, use a conditioner designed for oily hair and work it through the hair strands from root to tip. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Finally, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle your hair, starting at the ends and working your way towards the roots. To ensure that all traces of coconut oil are removed, you can repeat the shampoo and conditioner step one more time. It's also important to note that too hot water can cause scalp irritation, so stick to lukewarm or cool temperatures when washing out the oil.
How long should the coconut oil stay in the hair?
Coconut oil can be left in the hair for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours, depending on the desired effect and the thickness of the hair. For people with thick and coarse hair, a longer period may be necessary; however, it is important not to leave coconut oil in the hair for too long, as this can cause product build-up. In general, the best results will come from leaving coconut oil in the hair for approx. an hour or two before rinsing it out. Coconut oil is also an excellent pre-shampoo treatment – simply apply before shampooing and leave on for at least 30 minutes. Additionally, you can use a hot towel after application to help open the follicles and allow the oil to penetrate deeper into the scalp and hair shafts.
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