Coconut Oil is the All-Natural Secret to Shiny, Nourished Hair and a Healthy Scalp

You’ve probably heard about the impressive things coconut oil can do when it comes to our beauty woes and health. From skincare to gum health and weight loss benefits, its uses are plentiful—and we can’t forget about its hair care hero properties. Case in point: Dana Ionato, a colorist at Sally Hershberger NoMad Salon in New York City who’s worked with Jennifer Lopez and Scarlett Johansson, calls coconut oil a “miracle product” for hair. And to put the cherry on top, the natural oil is very inexpensive and accessible, making it great for your hair and your wallet. Here, we get into all the hair-loving benefits of coconut oil, from whether or not it can promote hair growth, how it helps hair shine, how to use coconut oil for hair and more.

Beauty

Amla Oil for Hair: How to Use It to Grow and Strengthen Strands

There’s no shortage of new ingredients and products that are touted to beautify our hair. From masks to leave-ins to oils, the options seem endless. And while many of these newer products are great for our hair, it’s always comforting to turn to ol’ reliable, and ingredients that have been proven to work for decades […]

Is coconut oil good for your hair?

In short: yes. Stephanie Angelone, a hairstylist at RPZL Salon in New York City, says coconut oil is one of the most beneficial ingredients for your hair (and your skin, too). “It has natural fatty acids in it and proteins, which make it a versatile product that I recommend to every client.” Ionato agrees, saying, “not only does it make your hair healthier, it prevents protein loss and penetrates deep into your hair cortex [the middle layer of the hair shaft].”

This is beneficial for hair that has become thinner and weaker with age, especially for those dealing with thinning. While hair loss can be caused by a number of reasons, a decline in protein is a factor. So adding protein back to hair in the form of coconut oil strengthens hair from the inside out to limit fallout. However, coconut oil probably won’t contribute to the actual regrowth of hair follicles; rather, it will just make your strands healthier and stronger, and less prone to breakage.

Beauty

How Rice Water Promotes Hair Growth, According to a Hair Loss Doctor

The recipe to thicker, fuller shinier hair for pennies? Two cups of water and a cup of rice!

Benefits of coconut oil for hair

Coconut oil repairs dry, damaged hair

The fatty acid lauric acid makes coconut oil a great remedy for treating severely dry and damaged hair, according to Ionato. That’s because this acid deeply hydrates parched strands to lock in moisture long-term. It also mends damage at the cellular level of hair, which is common after frequently using hot tools and chemical hair treatments.

Coconut oil improves scalp health

Just about any hair specialist will tell you that a healthy scalp equals healthy hair, and coconut oil helps create a healthy scalp. If you have a drier scalp, the oil hydrates scalp skin to ward off inflammation and flakes. And if your scalp is oily, applying the oil thwarts excess oil production that can clog hair follicles and cause shedding.

Coconut oil can treat dandruff

Coconut oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which are great for scalp health. A 2021 study found that these properties in coconut oil can help treat dandruff.

Coconut oil tames frizz and flyaways

If you struggle with frizz, it can feel so frustrating trying to find something that actually works, especially in the summer when humidity starts cranking up. Enter: coconut oil, which reduces frizz and flyaways by lightly coating the hair shaft and smoothing out the hair’s cuticle.

Coconut oil makes hair shine

The added moisture provided by coconut oil’s lauric acid gives hair a healthy sheen, making strands glow from the inside out.

How to use coconut oil for hair

One of the best parts about coconut oil is its low cost and accessibility. And the fact that you can make easy, DIY coconut oil hair treatments right at home.

DIY ways to use coconut oil for hair

Here, two ways Angelone and Ionato recommend using the oil on hair at home. But first, you’ll want to pick up some coconut oil. When picking a coconut oil from the grocery store, Ionato says to be aware that there are different versions: extra-virgin, virgin, refined or unrefined coconut oil.

“The main differences are really for cooking, but I recommend getting unrefined coconut oil,” she says. The reason why? It has the most fat in it, which deeply moisturizes hair. This is especially beneficial for those with straight, fine hair as strands are often too weak to accept protein from your conditioner, she says. “You need to get things to penetrate and coconut oil’s lauric acid has that capability without breaking your hair or causing further damage.” One she recommends: Spectrum Essentials Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.

1. Use coconut oil as a hair mask

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

For a deeply nourishing and moisturizing treatment, simply slather coconut oil (preferably in solid form) right on your hair. “Scoop it and massage it into your hair, or heat it up until it’s an oil [melted] and comb it through,” says Angelone. Tip: Ionato advises starting at the ends and working up to the roots since the ends are drier. Let sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with shampoo. Repeat once a week to maintain results.

2. Use coconut oil as a leave-in spray

For a lighter treatment, add 1 Tbs. of coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl and warm in the microwave until melted. Then pour into a spray bottle filled with ¼ cup water; shake to combine. Lightly mist onto hair and let it absorb.

Ready-to-use coconut oil for hair

While Ionato doesn’t recommend going the product route, as many contain synthetic coconut oil, there are a few on the market we like if you want to skip the DIY route. Try Hairitage Strength Training Leave-in Conditioner Pudding or Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment, both available at the drugstore for less than $10.